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VERITAS, CARITAS, ET RISUS

Years ago, I recall going to my in-laws’ house for our first birthday celebration together. They spent an interesting amount of effort trying to keep the existence of the cake secret, given that everyone knew it was the primary reason for the gathering. The lights dimmed, the blazing confection arriving in the semidarkness. We properly butchered “Happy Birthday” and sat around the table, having cake and coffee. The birthday boy or girl would then open the cards, followed by any accompanying gifts. These birthday messages were then passed around the table, with each person reading each card and praising it or laughing as appropriate.

I was surprised by the cards—not by their messages but by their existence. My family was not big on cards. We had parties and bought gifts, but cards were often an afterthought (unless there was money inside). My in-laws took time to select their cards; the messages might be funny or gushy, but they always reflected something about the relationship in question. There were often tears, for the family has a deep sentimental streak, an observation I make without any negative connotation. The sharing of these cards, whether silly or heartfelt, represented their family dynamic. It was lovely.

I have grown to love cards and little notes. I buy holiday cards for my children and mail them ahead of time, even if I know I will see the children on the holiday in question. It is enjoyable to get mail that is not a bill or yet another solicitation. I love to hear from people in this slow and supposedly antiquated format, because it by definition took a little time, a little care, to create this small gift of communication. Electronic messages are so ephemeral, lost to the ether like ripples on water. Looking back on a text message is nothing compared with finding an old note from someone who cared enough to send it. That is perhaps my own sentimental streak.

I would encourage us all to take a moment to put pen to paper. A kind word through the mail can be the most loving of gestures and can serve as a needed lift after a long day. I have a pecking order for notes: e-mail is for efficient information delivery, typed letters for formal communication (or the ever-rarer critique), and handwritten notes for good humor and good wishes. When someone sees my grade school loops and whirls, it should be out of love.

God bless, Mark

OUR SCRIPTURES FOR THIS SEASON

May 2: Acts 11:1–18; Revelation 21:1–6; John 13:31–35; Psalm 148.

May 9: Acts 16:9–15; Revelation 21:10 and 21:22–22:5; John 14:23–29; Psalm 67.

May 16: Acts 16:16–34; Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20–21; John 17:20–26; Psalm 97.

May 23: Genesis 11:1–9; Acts 2:1–21; John 14:8–17; Psalm 104.

May 30: Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31; Romans 5:1–5; John 16:12–15; Psalm 8.

BIBLE STUDY

Bible study meets in the parish hall at 10:00 a.m. each Thursday. We are continuing our study of the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians.

COFFEE HOUR AFTER THE SUNDAY SERVICE

After the morning service each Sunday there is a coffee hour with light refreshments. All are welcome, and setup and cleanup volunteers are warmly invited.

ALTAR FLOWERS FOR MAY 2010

May 2: The flowers are given in loving memory of Lewis F. Perry and Alice de V. Perry by their family.

May 9: The flowers are given in loving memory of John G. Cornish, Alice S. Cornish, and Charles S. Cornish by their family.

May 16: The flowers are given in loving memory of Arthur T. and Gertrude L. Nelson and of Arthur T. Nelson Jr. by the Waldron family.

May 23: The flowers are given in loving memory of Louisa T. Baker by her family.

May 30: The flowers for Memorial Day are given by the congregation in memory of those lost in our country’s wars.

FAMILY CHOIR TO SING MAY 9

The Family Choir will provide special music on Mothers’ Day, Sunday, May 9. Sam Adams will conduct the second after-church rehearsal on May 2 and a full rehearsal with quartet at 9:00 a.m. on May 9. It is wonderful to work with our growing and enthusiastic Family Choir! If you have questions, please call Sam at 617-474-1651.

BOOK GROUP NEWS

The book group is reading The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. We will meet to discuss the book at Bets Weitzel’s house (45 Devon Road) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19. Everyone is cordially invited to join us.

MAY 1 JUMBLE SALE

Many thanks to all who donated items to the sale and volunteered to work. We look forward to brisk business between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.! At the Alliance Annual Meeting on May 26, we will vote to allocate the proceeds of the sale to one of our community outreach partners.

ALLIANCE ANNUAL MEETING AND TEA, MAY 26, 3:30 P.M.

The agenda for the meeting will include committee reports, voting the budget, and a presentation on the ongoing Church Archives Project—process, organization, and discoveries. Following the meeting, we will enjoy tea, sweets, and conversation in the parish hall.

CCUUA CONVOCATION MAY 16

On Sunday, May 16, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the 2010 Convocation of the Council of Christian Churches in the UUA will take place at the First Parish Church, 349 Boston Post Road, Weston. This year’s theme is “SOS (Save Our Schools): Building Christian Religious Education.”

The keynote address by Gail Forsyth-Vail will describe “Vibrant Religious Education Programs for Today’s Families.” Gail is director of adult educational programs at the UUA (and was the longtime DRE at Rev. Caggiano’s former church in North Andover).

The convocation will continue with two workshops, “Changing the Culture of Youth Religious Education” and “Changing the Culture of Adult Religious Education.” Rev. Caggiano will moderate the youth workshop and will lead a lunch discussion on ministerial searches. Members of the Search Committee of the First Church are invited to share their experiences. The suggested donation for lunch is $10; $5 for seniors and students.

GREAT IDEAS FROM GREAT BOOKS

A few people have mentioned to me their experiences pursuing a “Great Books” course. I looked over the book list and thought it would be a marvelous program for the church and perhaps even the wider community. Therefore, I plan on leading a Great Books course next church year, assuming there is interest. I am announcing this far in advance not only to gear us up for some deep reading but to suggest a few times for meeting. I specifically want this to be an evening activity to afford working congregants time to attend. I am looking into different curricula and book lists, with one lead candidate so far. For scheduling, I propose having our meetings on either Wednesday or Thursday night, probably once per month during the year. Please let me know over the month of May your thoughts, suggestions, and preferences on meeting times; your “must have” items; and of course your interest in the course. Mark

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Though it’s hard to believe, we are entering the last full month of Sunday school for this academic year. It has been a busy year, and we have covered a lot of material, starting with the Old Testament and exploring the Gospels until the season of Easter; we are now learning about some of the Epistles.

We have made some small changes in our format, the biggest being incorporating the Early Church service within Sunday school. We begin at 10:30, concurrent with the sanctuary worship service, and once a month are in the sanctuary for a portion of the service. When not in the sanctuary, we are in our worship space in the Sunday school wing, singing a hymn or two, reading a psalm, praying, and, as always, reading the day’s lectionary from which our lesson is taught.

We have one fifth grader who will be receiving a Bible this year. It will be great fun to see Alyssa Rose receive her Bible from her father on the last Sunday of the month—Pentecost!

Peace in the Season of Easter, Elizabeth A. Moran, DRE If you If

USHERS

May 2: David Brooks May 23: David Brooks

May 9: Susan Farist Butler May 30: Dorothy Baldini

May 16: John H. Welch

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Music for MAY 2010

May 2 (Fifth Sunday of Easter)

Preludes: “Folk Tune” ― Whitlock[j1]

“Air” from Suite in D Major ― Bach

Anthem: “Christ our Passover” ― Willan

Response: “God be in my head” ― Rutter

Anthem: “Beloved, let us love one another” ― V. D. Thompson

Choral Amen: “Twofold” ― Persichetti

Postlude: “Trumpet Tune in C Major” ― Johnson

May 9 (Sixth Sunday of Easter—[j2] Family Choir)

Preludes: “Prelude on [j3] St. Columba” ― C. V. Stanford

“Benedictus” ― Rowley

Anthem: “Ye choirs of new Jerusalem” ― C. V. Stanford

Response: “O taste and see” ― Vaughan Williams

Duet: “The Song of the Leaves of Life and the Waters of Life”― Vaughan Williams

Choral Amen: “A Gaelic Blessing” ― Rutter

Postlude: “Fanfare” from [j4] Water Music ― Handel

May 16 (Seventh Sunday of Easter)

Preludes: “Adagio in A Minor” ― Bach

“Echo Fantasia” ― Sweelinck

Anthem: ”Easter Anthem” ― Billings

Response: “God be in my head” ― Davies

Anthem: “Hear my prayer” ― Billings

Choral Amen: “Fourfold” ― Barrow

Postlude: “Toccata in A Minor” ― Sweelinck

May 23 (Pentecost—[j5] Communion)

Preludes: “Adoro te devote” ― Titcomb

“Antiphons III and V” ― Dupre

Anthem: “The eyes of all” ― Berger

Response: “O Thou by whom we come to God” ― Scottish Psalter

Anthem: “If ye love me” ― Tallis

Choral Amen: “Sevenfold” ― Stainer

Postlude: ”Magnificat 6—[j6] Gloria” ― Dupre

May 30 (First Sunday after Pentecost)

Preludes: “Two Miniatures” ― Peeters

“Aria” ― Peeters

Anthem: “Awake my heart and render” ― Marshall

Response: “Lord of life” ― Marshall

Anthem: “Draw us in the Spirit’s tether” ― Friedel

Choral Amen: “Threefold” ― Persichetti

Postlude: “Andante con moto e maestoso” ― Peeters

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