The E­BulletinContinuously Updated News From First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington, MA

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Annual Shinn Service: Marla MarcumSunday, October 23, at 10:00 am

Marla Marcum is the Director of the Climate Disobedience Center and a UnitedMethodist committed to supporting people of all faiths and no particular faith toact boldly for justice. An experienced campaigner, trainer, pastor and lay leader,she brings two decades of social justice organizing experience with faith­based,youth, and grassroots groups. Marla is a graduate of Sewanee and the BostonUniversity School of Theology. She supported the launch of Climate Summer,serving as its Director for five years, and is a Co­Founder of both Better FutureProject and 350 Massachusetts. Marla has supported, organized, andparticipated in many direct action and civil disobedience efforts, including theLobster Boat Blockade. For the past year, she has been a core organizer of thesustained nonviolent resistance to Spectra Energy's West Roxbury Lateralpipeline project with Resist The Pipeline. Marla is passionate about leadershipdevelopment and building supportive communities of resistance among unlikelyallies. In her free time, Marla is a volunteer volleyball coach at Mystic ValleyRegional Charter School. Marla, her spouse, Jake, and their two cats call bothArlington, Mass., and the Missouri Ozarks “home.”

Getting Answers to Your QuestionsHow do I get the address of someone at First Parish?

What if I only remember their first name?

How do I check how much I contributed to mypledge this year?

How do I make a payment?

What’s a “Realm” account and how do I get one?

How do I get a loved one’s name added to the monthly spoken memorials?

How do I donate flowers for Sunday worship?

Drop in for hands­on, personalized help on these or any other First Parish officequestions.

Monday afternoon, November 7, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Tuesday evening, November 8, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Looking for a Way to Get Involved with The Harvest MoonFair?There’s a great opportunity coming up on Saturday, November 19, to spendsome time enjoying working with others and to help create a fun event. Theannual Harvest Moon Fair needs people to staff the many different boothsselling books, toys, jewelry, art, crafts, and more, to run the quilt raffle, as wellas to cook and serve food in our café, which will have live music featuring someof First Parish’s premier musicians.

Volunteering for the Fair is an easy, time­limited way to get involved. You can…

Work for a 2­hour shift at any of the booths

Cook, serve, or clean up for the café

Help run the quilt raffle (back by popular demand!)

Help set up for the fair that day or before

Help put things away when the fair is over

Want more info? Come by the Fair sign­up table at coffee hour, or click heretosign up to volunteer.

Are You Crafty? Donate Your Creationsto the Artisan Table!The Artisan Table is looking for donations of newart/craft and specialty creations for the Harvest MoonFair. , which takes place this year on Saturday,November 19. Please contact Erica Licea­Kane if youhave questions, suggestions or would like to make a

donation, at erica.licea.kane @ verizon.net or 617­901­5948 Thank you!

Musicians Alert! An Opportunity toContribute to the Harvest Moon FairEach year at our annual fair on the Saturday beforeThanksgiving (November 19), our vestry istransformed into a lively cafe with great food and livemusic. Our pianists and small ensembles positionednear the cafe entrance add a great deal to the fun of

the day. It's a special kind of music­making: we need to provide music that isheard but that does not overwhelm conversation, that enhances "ambience"without dominating. Music can be of many types: classical chamber music, jazz, folk and ethnic, show and popular tunes. Pianists and small combos all workvery well in the busy friendly setting. Each person or group plays for about 30minutes, exact timing varying slightly depending on the number of musiciansoffering to play. If you are interested in contributing or would like furtherinformation, contact fairmusic @ firstparish.info. Thanks!

~ Robin Baker and Cheri Minton for Music Committee

If you have a smartphone, tablet, and/or laptop bring it with you. I’ll havecoffee, tea, and cookies, too!

Joan Dyer, Office Manager: officemanager @ firstparish.info or 781­648­3799x201

Songs for Syria ConcertSunday, November 13 ♦ 3:00 pm ­ 5:00 pm at OldSouth Church in Copley Square

This interfaith benefit concert for the SyrianAmerican Medical Society (SAMS) will support life­saving medical aid to victims of the war in Syria, both

inside Syria itself and in neighboring countries. Concert admission is free, buttax deductible donations will be solicited to help SAMS send medicines andmedical supplies, support local staff and medical volunteers, and re­build afunctioning medical system.

Ilene Stahl and Klezperanto will play fun, upbeat music with klezmer andMediterranean roots, while the Layaali Arabic Music Ensemble will share someof the rich musical legacy of the Arab world.

Register in advance to ensure a seat: www.songsforsyria.eventbrite.com

Or donate directly to SAMS at www.sams­usa.net

First Parish is a co­sponsor of this concert, and the New England Coordinator ofSAMS, Ala’a El­Shaar, recently spoke in our Parlor about SAMS's work and herexperiences working as a SAMS volunteer in an orphanage in Turkey.Questions? Email refugeeconcerns @ firstparish.info

All Church Dinner (Near Day of theDead!)Friday, October 28 ♦ 7:00 pm ­ 9:30 pm in theVestry

Honoring folks newish to our fellowship (2 years orless) and also those who were ever new (2 years or more!). Free if you arenewish. 2 years or more suggested donation $5. Feeling flush? Make it $10.

Come break bread together. Family dinner with child care on the side. Mayberice and beans, and pollo, tamale, guacamole, Sopaipillas or sweet applytamales for dessert. Soft drinks and wine. There could be a song or two.

Email Kay to attend at kaysnowden1 @ gmail.com, Scott to volunteer and helpcook at scojoe25 @ gmail.com

Scott Jones and his comrades are cooking up near­authentic Mexican food ­­think Mexico city bistro food not Taco bell!

We are glad you are here and want to celebrate together. Please come!

Face painting for kids!

Arlington Police Department OpenHouseSaturday, October 29 ♦ 10:00 am ­ 1:00 pm

The Arlington Police Department (APD) is inviting thepublic to come tour their newly renovated building.The Parish Committee encourages you to go,introduce yourself as a First Parish member, thank

the officers for their work, and ask any questions you may have. Lightrefreshments will be served and trick­or­treaters are welcome to come incostume for a treat.

We are very lucky to have a forward­looking police department in Arlington. TheAPD started an innovative healing­oriented outreach program to people withaddictions and their families, uses restorative justice when appropriate, and hasa social work clinician on staff who works closely with officers. It regularly trainsits officers in de­escalation techniques, unconscious bias, procedural justice,having a guardian (rather than warrior) mindset, and appropriate use of force.

The APD is celebrating the completion of a multi­year building renovationprocess — something we can identify with. Please go and celebrate with them!

What’s a Covenant Group? Is it for Me?Sunday, November 6 ♦ 12:00 pm ­ 1:00 pm in the Parlor

Covenant groups are gatherings of up to ten people who meet once a monthfor two hours. In a covenant group, we speak from the heart and we listen

Religious Education AnnouncementsClassroom Photographs will take place this Sunday, October 23, during ourreligious education programming time.

The next Neighboring Faiths (grade 7) Field Trip will be heldonSaturday, November 5, to the Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland(10:00 am ­ noon). Please rsvp to tina @ firstparish.info if your child isparticipating so we can arrange rides and adult chaperones.

Children's Choir rehearsals have begun! Music Director JonathanBrennand leads our young choristers in singing and drumming. Rehearsals willbe held in the Choir Room, beginning at 11:30 am (immediately after REclasses) and ending at noon. Send questions to musicdirector @ firstparish.info .

Day of the Dead Altar Creation and Workshop on Saturday, October29, 9:00 am ­ noon ­­ All are warmly invited to participate in a Day of theDead worship service on Sunday October 30. A tradition in Mexico and othercountries in Latin America, this Aztec celebration has fused with that of ourancient European ancestors to become a moving and healing holiday in honorof our beloved dead.

Is your family interested in learning more about the holiday andhelping us to create some decorations for the "Ofreda" (altar) andSanctuary? If so, children and families are welcome to join Reverend LiliaCuervo and Tina Schultz on Saturday, October 29 from 9:00 am ­noon.Registration via email to tina @ firstparish.info by Tuesday, October24, is strongly encouraged, so we can arrange for supplies and materials.

Talking with Kids about Tough Subjects on Thursday, October 27, 7:00pm ­ 8:30 pm in the Grady Room. Please join Tina Schultz (Director ofReligious Education) and Sarah Trilling (Member of the RE and Lay MinistryCommittees) for an upcoming parenting forum: how to talk with our kids aboutdifficult subjects, while emphasizing our UU values. We hope this will be thefirst of a few gatherings for parent conversations and building connections inour community. This first meeting will focus on how to remain kind in theclimate of negativity and antagonism in this pre­election season.

Here's a sample of the content that we'll be discussing:

Glennon Doyle Melton: Love Warrior

Being with Krista Tippett

Teaching Kids Not to Hate

Please RSVP by Sunday, October 23, to tina @ firstparish.info if you would like tojoin us.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR:

Sunday, October 23: Regular morning and evening programs.

Thursday, October 27: Talking with Kids About Tough Topics, 7:00 pm ­ 8:30pm.

Saturday, October 29: Day of the Dead family workshops 9:00 am ­ noon.

Sunday, October 30: Regular morning and evening programs.

Youth Group AnnouncementsDear Youth Community! Last weekend, thirty of us traveled to Cedar Hill Camp,and participated in our annual Fall Retreat. From delicious food and a square­dancing workshop, to late­night worship and a "talentless" show — it was awonderful bonding experience! Many thanks to Katja, Elliot, Jason, Nicole, Will,and Tina for all their work in organizing this retreat! And thank you to theadvisors who volunteered their time to be with us that day.

deeply to others as they speak. Each group follows astructured process that includes a check­in, readingsabout a particular theme, and sharing around thetheme. Together in covenant groups, we reflect onour own lives, enrich each other’s lives, formfriendships, and strengthen the fabric of thiscongregation. About 75 people at First Parish are in acovenant group right now.

In January, new members will be welcomed into existing groups and one ormore new groups may be formed, depending on interest. Groups meet 10times—from January through December, excluding the summer months. Sign­ups are starting now.

How can you learn more?

1. Come to the Parlor on Sunday, November 6, from 12:00 pm ­ 1:00 pm,where Marta will lead us in a covenant group experience.

2. Visit our table at coffee hour.

3. Visit our Covenant Group web page

4. Email covenantgroups @ firstparish.info

Winter Clothing Drive for SyrianRefugees: Help Now!Winter is coming in Syria and people displaced by warneed warm clothing and bedding. First Parish iscollecting children’s and adults’ clothing and footwear(new or lightly used), winter coats, hats, gloves, andscarves, and warm blankets and sleeping bags.

Please add your donations to the bin in the main entrance, near the yellowbanner, by Sunday, November 13. A container is leaving for Syria onNovember 19, and we hope you will help fill it!

Co­sponsored by Refugee Concerns, Social Justice Committee, DiversityInclusion Group and the Racial Justice Coordinating Committee

Questions? Contact refugeeconcerns @ firstparish.info .

Race, Gender, Social Class in thePresidential Election: What HappensNext? Where Do We Go from Here?Sunday, November 13 ♦ 12:00 pm at First Parish

The ongoing election campaign has evoked anger,sadness, polarized discussions, and enormousfrustration among many of us at First Parish. Let’sshare thoughts and ideas, and consider the issuesand actions that we as individuals and First Parish asa congregation may wish to prioritize, going forward.

We will begin with a brief panel that raises questions about race, social classand gender in light of the elections, followed by a congregation­wide discussion.Panel will include Betsy Leondar­Wright, Bill Gardiner and Esther Kingston­Mann. Rev. Marta Flanagan has graciously agreed to moderate our discussion.

Questions? Please contact esther.kingston­mann @ umb.edu The event issponsored by the Diversity/Inclusion Group (DIG)

Cash & Dylan: Classics of AmericanaFriday, October 21, at 6:30 pm

Mark your calendars now for a First Parish Sing onOctober 21. We'll gather for a light "finger foods" potluck supper at 6:30 pm and start singing at about

7:00 pm. Our family­friendly sing will be in the vestry, set up "coffee house"

Coming off our retreat, we have lots of exciting things to look forward to. We'lldelve into our Social Action theme for the year, Climate Change andSustainable Practices. We'll celebrate el Dia de los Muertos with Rev. LiliaCuervo. And we'll have our first service day, on Saturday, October 29.

Here are some important dates coming up:

Sunday, October 23, 6:45 pm ­ 8:45 pm ­­ Youth Group EveningProgram

Saturday, October 29, morning ­­ Youth Service Opportunity: Membersof the youth group will have the opportunity to work in the morning for theArlington Food Pantry. Please sign up at Youth Group or let Steve know if you'dlike to participate.

Sunday, October 30, 6:45 pm ­ 8:45 pm ­­ Youth Group EveningProgram: Join us for our special Dia de los Muertos worship, led by our worshipcoordinators and Rev. Lilia Cuervo! Please bring a picture or momento ofsomeone you've lost.

As always, if you have any questions about youth group, don't hesitate tocontact, Steve Carmody, Youth Programs Coordinator, at youthadvisor @firstparish.info or 781­648­3799 x204. Steve's office hours for Fall 2016 areSunday afternoon, Wednesday morning, and the late afternoon/early eveningof Wednesday and Friday.

Visit the Islamic Center of Boston inWaylandSaturday, November 5, 10:00 am ­ noon at the IslamicCenter of Boston (ICB), 126 Boston Post Road inWayland♦ RSVP by November 1

Members of the Islamic Center of Boston will talk abouttheir lives as Muslim Americans, give us a tour of their building, answer questions, andtalk one­on­one over refreshments. Anyone of any age who comes with an open mindand open heart is welcome — adults, youth, and children.

Positive RSVPs are REQUIRED so we know how many people to prepare for.Emailmosque‑visit @ firstparish.info and tell us how many people are in your group,preferably with the ages of children if you are bringing children. The deadline isNovember 1, but RSVPs before that are very much appreciated.

This visit is sponsored by the STAR adult education program, and our 7th gradeNeighboring Faiths class will be going as part of their study of Islam.

Sacred Circle Dance3rd Mondays September ­ December ♦ 7:15 pm ­8:45 pm in Bailey

Simple steps are set to folk music, classical andcontemporary music. All steps are taught – no

experience or partner needed. Wear soft shoes or none. Come to connect withyourself, each other and have fun!

A STAR adult education program, Sacred Circle Dance has a meditative focus.Some dances are celebratory and some playful. They are simple, and all dancesare taught before the music plays and the dance begins. Inez has been part ofthe liturgical dance company "CREDO" since 1980. She discovered folk dancingin the early 90s, and quite by chance encountered Sacred Circle Dance in 2013at a retreat. It was love at first dance. Within a few months she traveled toScotland to attend a teacher training at Findhorn, where Sacred Circle Dancewas started by German Dance Master Bernhard Wosien in 1976. For moreinformation contact Inez Folsom at 978­758­3791 or ifolsom22 @ gmail.com

Dates: Monday's September 19, October 17, November 21, December 19

Aging Well Within Our Community

style. Bring your voices and, if you like, your instruments. Our First ParishSings are being led by Melina Vanderpile and Allison Tilly Carswell. Pullinginspiration from Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, we'll enjoy the first in a series ofthree 3rd Fridays ­­ reserve January 20 and March 17 as well, and watch fornews as the series evolves. Questions? Want to offer help or to get a look atthe music ahead? Contact Melina and Allison via fpsings @ firstparish.info.

Talking with Kids about Tough SubjectsThursday, October 27 ♦ 7:00 pm ­ 8:30 pm in Grady♦ RSVP deadline Sunday, October 23

Please join Tina Schultz, Director of ReligiousEducation, and Sarah Trilling, Member of the RE andLay Ministry Committees, for an upcoming parenting

forum: how to talk with our kids about difficult subjects, while emphasizing ourUU values.

We hope this will be the first of a few gatherings for parent conversations andbuilding connections in our community. This first meeting will focus on how toremain kind in the climate of negativity and antagonism in this pre­electionseason.

Here's a sample of the content that we'll be discussing:

Glennon Doyle Melton: Love Warrior

Being with Krista Tippett

Teaching Kids Not to Hate

Please RSVP by Sunday, October 23, to tina @ firstparish.info if you would like tojoin us.

Day of the Dead Altar Creation andWorkshopSaturday, October 29 ♦ 9:00 am ­ noon ♦ RSVP byOctober 24

Is your family interested in learning more about theholiday and helping us to create some decorations forthe "Ofreda" (altar) and Sanctuary? Join us for thisworkshop in advance of First Parish's Day of the Dead

worship service on Sunday, October 30. A tradition in Mexico and othercountries in Latin America, this Aztec celebration has fused with that of ourancient European ancestors to become a moving and healing holiday in honorof our beloved dead. Workshop registration via email to tina @ firstparish.info byTuesday, October 24, is strong encouraged, so we can arrange for supplies andmaterials.

Day of the Dead Service with Rev. LiliaCuervo: Facing Death ­­ How ShouldWe Live?Sunday, October 30 ♦ 10:00 am

Sooner or later, we all have to exit this life. How we preparefor our departure will determine in great part whether we

live in fear or in peace and love. You are warmly invited to participate in our first Day ofthe Dead/Dia de los Muertos service with Rev. Lilia Curevo. This ancient Azteccelebration has fused with that of our ancient European ancestors to become a movingand healing celebration in honor of our beloved dead. Please bring a photo or othermemento to place on the "ofrenda" (altar) to remember those you want to honor.

About Lilia Cuervo

A member of Frist Parish in Arlington, Lilia Cuervo is a native of Colombia. She was thefirst Latin American woman ordained a Unitarian Universalist. She pioneered full timeministry in Spanish in San Jose, CA, where she was ordained in 1999 and where sheserved for six and a half years. At First Parish in Cambridge was the first woman (and aLatina at that!) to be installed as a Parish Minister. She is a co­founder of the Latino/aUU Networking Association (LUUNA). She has a long career working onmulticulturalism and anti­racism and has been a frequent leader of workshops on thosesubjects at General Assembly and District gatherings.

Before entering seminary, she had a career as a Demographer working in Colombia,Brazil and United States. In 1964 she was invited by the University of California atBerkeley to be an exchange Visiting Assistant Professor of Demography at its School ofPublic Health. Later she worked as the Evaluation & Research Associate at theInternational Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in New York City.

Her degrees include a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry, aMaster of Demography from Georgetown University, and a B.A. in Math & Physics fromWomen Teachers College, Bogota, Colombia.

Thursday, October 27 ♦ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in theParlor

Aging Well in Our Community is an open women'sgroup for women over 50 that meets monthly onThursday mornings from 10:00 am ­ noon. If youwould like more information or will be attendingAging Well for the first time, please contact Kit Hayesat 781­648­0373 orkithayes5 @ gmail.com. Please

also visit our web page, where you'll find a sampling of past programs that willgive you a sense of the group.

Meeting dates for 2016­2017: 10/27, 11/17, 12/15, 1/26, 2/23, 3/23, 4/27,5/25, and 6/22

Lectio DivinaTuesdays ♦ 7:00 am ­ 8:00 am in the Parlorand Thursdays ♦ 8:00 am ­ 9:00 am in the Parlor

Lectio Divina is a method of reading and listening,lingering with, and sharing personal responses to

selected biblical or other texts. Diverse responses to the text provide newinsights and help us grow in our spiritual lives and set intentions for our dailylives. Drop­ins are always welcome!

Click here to visit the STAR page of the web site.

Contemplating PoetryThird Monday of Each MonthMonday, November 21 ♦ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm inDamon

"People turn to poems for some kind of illumination,for revelations that help them to survive, to survivein spirit not only in body."

~ Denise Levertov

This gathering uses a "listening to, responding to, and resting with" practice ofexperiencing poetry. The focus will be our own internal responses so don'tworry about "getting poetry" (or not) ­­ just come and listen for whatresonates…maybe illuminates. Open to all. Questions? Email Lynne at lbjacoby@ gmail.com

Giving First Recipients for October:Victim Rights Law CenterThe Victim Rights Law Center's (VRLC), based inBoston, provides legal representation to victims ofrape and sexual assault to help rebuild their lives andto promote a national movement committed toseeking justice for every rape and sexual assault

victim. VRLC provides free comprehensive legal services to over 600 rape andsexual assault victims – ½ of them are under the age of 24 – every year.

An act of sexual violence can devastate and derail an individual’s life. Sexualassault survivors often find that after an assault, their basic needs are suddenlyin jeopardy. They could be trapped in an unsafe environment (housing, work,school), find their privacy and safety at risk, and in some cases find theircitizenship threatened.

VRLC attorneys help sexual assault survivors stabilize and rebuild their livesafter a sexual assault. VRLC provides free legal services in the areas ofprivacy, safety, education (K­12 and college), housing, immigration and financialstability.

The majority of survivors who seek out the help of VRLC attorneys havemultiple legal issues with safety at the forefront, followed by education,

She has three grown children and one grandchild. She is married to Sam Berliner.

How Music Affects Alzheimer's Patients:A Therapist's ViewThursday, November 3 ♦ potluck at 6:30 pm,program at 7:00 pm in the Parlor

Dianne Wegiel, a professional music therapist whohas worked with Alzheimer's patients, will talk about

her experience. Please bring something to share for a light potluck at 6:30 pm.Ms. Wegiel will speak and answer questions from 7:00 pm ­ 8:00 pm. Thisforum is sponsored by the Music Committee in preparation for the November13 service featuring Robert Cohen's Alzheimer's Stories.

Dianne Wegiel is a board­certified music therapist who served as Director ofMusic Therapy at the Sherrill House for 19 years. She received her Bachelor ofMusic and Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Music Therapy fromWartburg College in Waverly, IA. She then completed an extensive six­monthinternship at Colmery­O’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka, KS. She is certified inNeurologic Music Therapy by the Center for Biomedical Research at ColoradoState University and currently is completing her certification in Hospice andPalliative Care Music Therapy. She has published an article in Long TermCaremagazine and has presented her work at various national and regionalconferences. During her years at the Sherrill House, she supervised numerousinterns and practicum students from Berklee College of Music andLesley University. She continues to be a frequent guest lecturer at Berkleewhere she shares herexpertise in music therapy with the elderly.

Children's Choir rehearsals beginSunday, October 16Music Director Jonathan Brennand will lead ouryoung choristers in singing and drumming. We listthe dates below. Rehearsals will be held in the MusicRoom just off the Sanctuary, beginning at 11:30immediately after RE classes and ending at noon.Send questions to musicdirector @ firstparish.info

Rehearsals at 11:30 am to noon: October 16, 23, 30, and November 6

Warmup Rehearsal at 9:00 am: November 20 prior to singing at 10:00 amserviceSong: Simple GiftsDrum Song: Simple Rhythm and Big Funky Drum

Rehearsals 11:30 am to noon: December 4 and 11

Warmup Rehearsal 9:00 am: December 18 prior to singing at 10:00 am serviceSongs: Here in My House & Nutcracker Jingle

Game Night at First ParishFriday, November 11 ♦ 7:00 pm ­ 9:00 pm in theVestry

At Ferry Beach, many of us enjoyed sitting aroundthe table, chatting while playing games. Join us onNovember 11 to play games such as Boggle, SET,Splendor, Clue, Fluxx, as well as more advancedgames such as Scrabble. No previous experience with

these games is required because we're happy to teach any newcomers. Pleasefeel free to bring any games you'd like to play and/or snacks to share. If youare interested, please email Sarah Trilling at sarah.trilling @ gmail.com orLorraine Cooley at lorrainecooley99 @ gmail.com. RSVP's welcome, but certainlynot required.

Alliance Meeting: Living in Art andCraft with Mimi Kirchner, Arlington Artistand Internet Micro­celebrityFriday, November 4 ♦ potluck at 6:30 pm, program at7:30 pm in the Parlor

All are Welcome! Fiber artist Mimi Kirchner has beenmaking original cloth dolls since 2000. Working athome in Arlington, she creates designs and patternsfor her dolls. Her materials include fabrics from hermother’s fashion sewing, natural fibers, recycledcashmere, mohair, angora and linen plus new,

vintage and antique trims. Mimi makes extensive use of internet resources –

immigration, and employment. Without the generosity of public donations andthe fierce dedication of our lawyers, the VRLC would not the capacity to meetthe ever­increasing demand for legal services by survivors.

Please visit www.victimrights.org for more information.

UU Urban Ministry Volunteer PositionsThe UU Urban Ministry is looking to fill a number ofvolunteer positions. Could one be a match for you?

Tutor English as a Learning Language (ELL)When: Monday or Wednesday mornings (10:00 am ­12:00 pm) at the UU Urban Ministry.What: Join our team of teachers who lead English

and citizenship classes for Renewal House residents and others affected bydomestic violence.

English as a Learning Language (ELL) Childcare ProvidersWhen: Monday or Wednesday mornings (10:00 am ­ 12:00 pm) at the UUUrban Ministry.What: Take care of a small group of children while their parents participate inEnglish classes.

Tutor with the Roxbury Youth ProgramWhen: One day a week (M, T, W, or TH from 4:00 pm ­6:00 pm) at the UUUrban Ministry. What: Help high school students with homework and MCAS or SAT prep.

Bethany HouseWhen: Days and Times are flexible at Bethany House on Newbury Street. What: Volunteers are needed to support the day­to­day operations of thisaffordable housing unit for young women (including gardening and office/doorcoverage).

Jericho Road RoxburyWhen: As needed.What: Provide professional consulting expertise to a Roxbury non­profit.

Cooks (Individuals or Groups)When: Occasional Wednesday evenings (4:30 pm ­ 7:00 pm) at the UU UrbanMinistry.What: Cook a healthy meal for ~40 students, parents and volunteers. Stay forgame night!

For more information on these or other volunteer opportunities, pleasevisitwww.uuum.org/getinvolved or contact The Rev. Rebecca Hinds, Director ofCongregational Outreach and Volunteers, at rhinds @ uuum.org or 617­318­6010 x214.

Arlington Food PantryCollection baskets are located at the front and officedoors.

Monetary donations can be sent to:

The Arlington Food PantryHealth and Human Services27 Maple StreetArlington, MA 02476

The Food Pantry can always use juice, jelly, cereal, things from bakedgoods aisle like cake mixes, etc., and personal items.

To learn more and donate online please visit arlingtonma.gov/foodpantry orContact Jean Nagle for questions.

Living Our Faith: OrganizationsSupported by First Parish Members

In January 2013, the Social Justice Committee helda service entitled "Living Our Faith." A list oforganizations that congregants meaningfully supportwas started that morning as people who attendedthe service were invited to fill out a form telling usabout the organizations where they volunteer orwork, or to which they donate money. We continue

to collect names and contact information for social justice work important tomembers of our community. Please follow this link to see the list oforganizations.

As we compiled the list, the amount and diversity of our collective involvementimpressed us. The next step in this work, after we pause to recognize the deep

Instagram, twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Etsy. Click here to check out her video, andjoin us for an evening with her that promises to be fascinating.

Murder, Policing, and Race: ADiscussion of Two PerspectivesMonday, November 21 ♦ 7:00 pm ­ 9:00 pm in theParlor

Order your copy of Jill Leovy’s Ghettoside from thelibrary now!

Ta­Nehisi Coates believes O.J. Simpson killed Nicole Brown, yet he also believesthat the jury made the right decision when it acquited him. Jill Leovy startswith the observation that our criminal justice system “hauls masses of blackmen through its machinery yet fails to protect them from bodily injury anddeath. It is at once oppressive and inadequate.” Why?

Please join a discussion of Leovy’s and Coates’ perspectives on the connectionsbetween race, policing, and murder. Both writers focus on Los Angeles, tenyears apart, and the stories they tell are recognizably similar yet provocativelydifferent.

To prepare for the conversation, please read Coates’ article in theOctober Atlantic and Part One (Chapters 1­9) plus Chapter 14 (“TheAssignment”) of Jill Leovy’s Ghettoside (about 120 pages total in a well­writtenbook).

This discussion is co­sponsored by First Parish’s Diversity and Inclusion Groupand Mass Incarceration Working Group and Arlington’s Diversity TaskGroup. Questions? Email diversity­inclusiongroup @ firstparish.info or end­mass­incarceration @ firstparish.info

Small Group Singing Opportunity withthe Grace NotesWednesday, October 26 ♦ 7:30 pm

The Grace Notes singers started at First Parish abouta year ago, and we are looking for new members. Wework with Lay Ministry and offer our gift of song to

parishioners who can no longer attend services regularly. We sing a capella inmembers' homes and in retirement or assisted living communities, singing"Golden Oldies" that the audience can join in on, as well as songs of comfortand peace. Grace Notes singers need to be able to read music and to becomfortable singing alone on a part. We rehearse once a month, 4thWednesdays from 7:30 pm ­ 8:30 pm, in the Hedge Room at First Parish. Ournext rehearsal is October 26; please join us! Questions? Speak with LorraineCooley or Holly Loring, or email us atgracenotes @ firstparish.info .

Volunteers Needed for SanctuaryCaptain Team!Natalie Tyler, veteran room captain, has kindlystepped forward to captain our sanctuary andcoordinate herself and two volunteers to prepare thesanctuary for Sunday service. Twice a month acaptain will adjust seats and hymnal holders, tosupport our Ushers, Worship Associates and MinisterMarta and help make our sanctuary ready and

welcoming each Sunday morning to all members and new visitors! Questions?Email roomcaptain @ firstparish.info

Women's Book Group Thursday, November 3, 7:15 pm in Pierce

"H is for Hawk" by Helen Macdonald

Email Jean Nagle at jsn0708 @ gmail.com withquestions.

Ushers Needed!

social justice commitment displayed here, will be to foster connections withinour community among those seeking to engage with organizations on this list.

If you see an organization or topic on this list that you would like to get moreinformation about please contact the Social Justice Committee at socialjustice­at­firstparish.info

Green Sanctuary PracticesThe Green Sanctuary Group recognizes that we all have a responsibility to bemindful of the environmental consequences of our choices for the sake of thehuman community now on earth, future generations, and endangered species.

All are welcome to join us in working for a sustainable future. Contact gogreen@ firstparish.info or check the church calendar for events.

click here to visit the Green Sanctuary page of the web site.

Diversity/Inclusion GroupAll interested First Parish folks are invited to meetings of the Diversity/InclusionGroup (D/IG). Our mission: to work together to make First Parish as welcomeand inclusive as we can be and to assist outside efforts with a similar goal. Wedefine diversity to include race, social class, gender, age, disability/special needs,and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender).

If you are interested in participating in decisions over upcoming plans, or if youare able to make a short­ or long­term commitment to work on a particularissue, please join us. For more information, contact diversity @ firstparish.info.

click here to visit the Diversity/Inclusion Group page of the web site.

The First Parish Meditation GroupWelcomes YouPlease join us! We hold drop­in meditations onMondays (gather at 6:00 pm and start at 6:15 pm atFirst Parish in the Damon Room) and on Sundaymornings (gather at 9:00 am, start at 9:10 am atthe West Medford Community Center, 111 Arlington

Street map:http://tinyurl.com/WMCC­directions) We sit for 35 minutes in thestyle of Vipassana (Insight) Buddhist meditation, and beginners are welcome.By focusing on mind/body sensations in meditation, it is possible to becomemore mindful in daily life. ALSO, four ongoing groups for those who alreadyhave a regular mindfulness practice meet one Sunday night each month forBuddhist­themed support and discussion. There is a waiting list to join one ofthese groups. For more information, contact Lynn Rosenbaum at 781­646­0313meditation @ firstparish.info

Click here to visit the Meditation Group page of the web site.

First Parish Music ProgramsClick here for more information on First Parish music programs for youth andadults.

Concerts by First Parish Musicians

The Musical Connections page on the First Parish website provides informationon concerts and events with First Parish musicians participating. Click theabove link to check out what First Parish Musicians are up to in the weeksahead ­­ concerts abound!

If we've missed your group or concert announcement, send a note viaourmusical connections form.

click here to visit the Music pages of the web site.

Are you looking for a way to participate more in thelife of First Parish – without a daunting timecommitment? Have you considered being an usher?

Ushers are scheduled to work quarterly, monthly orweekly – each person chooses how often.

Ushers provide a warm welcome to people enteringon Sunday mornings and help the service flow in asmooth, safe and orderly fashion. It’s a wonderful

opportunity to put names and faces together.

There are roles for introverts and extroverts! Every week, the head usherorganizes and guides the team.

Questions? Want to sign up?Contact Kate Tranquada at ushercoordinator @firstparish.info

Highlights From Our UU GeneralAssemblyFirst Parish’s 7 delegates share personal stories & news ­­click here to read their stories from GA!

Stones Placed for Our Concerns andCelebrationsWorship services at First Parish customarily include atime during which worshippers are invited to share —through ritual or (if desired) spoken word—a personalmatter of concern or celebration. For nearly a yearon the first Sunday of each month, participants lit

one or more candles; on the remaining Sundays, they placed one or morestones on the Chancel table.

Since we have moved to using stones instead of candles for most of ourservices, the Worship Associates have received feedback about the improved airquality in our Sanctuary as well as comments in favor of accessibility and theinclusion of those with asthma and chemical sensitivities. Therefore over thenext four months we will use stones as signs marking our joys and concernsevery Sunday. The only candles in the Sanctuary will be the two candles on thechancel and, the chalice. Over the course of this four­month trial period, weinvite members of the congregation to share with us their views on thischange, and as always any part of our worship service.

Your Worship Associates,Woody KayMary­Beth LandyCindy Tavilla

Listen to Recordings of Sunday Serviceson Your DeviceRecordings of our Sunday services are postedonlineand available for you to listen to on yourdevice.

Looking for Note TakersDo you enjoy paying special attention to people'swords during our times of Celebrations & Concerns?If so, we hope that you’ll consider helping out the layministers. We are looking for someone to take noteswhile people speak about their joys and sorrows eachSunday, then email them to the lay minsters andParish Committee members. In this way, members of

both committees are provided with this important information about the eventsin the lives of our parishioners. The job is as simple as it sounds: notes takenduring the service should be detailed and clear, and emailed to both committeemembers within 2 ­ 3 days. We’re looking for a core group of people who couldeach take notes for one month. If you have any questions or are interested inbeing a note taker, please contact layministry @ firstparish.info . Thank you!

Volunteers Needed for 3rd Annual UU Mass Action StorySlamSaturday, November 5 ♦ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at First Parish

Stitch and SewThursdays ♦ 10:30 am in Pierce

Come help us get ready for fair with knitting, sewing,embroidery, new ideas...

We create items for the Harvest Moon Fair Stich andSew Table (the Fair is in November). Bring a lunch

and we provide the coffee and tea. Drop­ins are welcome. We need all handsand ideas. If you can't come, please let us know if you will be contributingthings you make at home. We usually make potholders, aprons, small quilts,etc. We have fabric and yarn to help you.

Please contact Jean Nagle at 781­646­5352 or jsn0708 @ gmail.com withquestions.

Prayer Shawl MinistryDo you like to knit or crochet? Would you like toprovide support to members of the congregation?Our supply of prayer shawls is running low and wecould use your help. Participants in the First ParishPrayer Shawl Ministry knit or crochet prayer shawlsfor Marta or the Lay Ministers to give to people whocould use a “hug with blessings.” If you are

interested please contact Barbara Tosti at abtosti@rcn.com. I would be happy totalk with you and/or provide simple prayer shawl patterns.

Join the Climate Change/ClimateAction Vigil After Coffee Hour!Sundays, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Please come join us for the weekly Climate ActionVigil on Sunday after coffee hour! And please stop byour table at coffee hour for information, sharingideas, and discussion! If you'd like to join us anotherweek, please schedule yourself on our sign­up sheet.

Speak to Patricia Hawkins, or see us at our table at coffee hour.

First Parish Men's GroupNext up: Sunday, October 16 ♦ 7:00 pm ­ 8:30 pm

The First Parish Men's group provides a forum inwhich we help each other with spiritual, emotional,and personal questions and concerns. Discussionthemes often interweave questions of security,identity, authenticity, and purpose. We provide aplace where men can share their lived experience

and hear others in a small­group community.

Our structure involves a check­in followed by discussion of issues that emerge.There are no attendance requirements although continuity benefits everyone.

We meet every other week on Sundays from 7:00 pm ­ 8:30 pm. For moreinformation, meeting date, and location please send an email to mensgroup @firstparish.info.

Jacob's MotherFirst and Third Sundays ♦ 7:00 pm ­ 8:30 pm at FirstParish

Are you having more challenges with your child'sbehavior than most parents? Do you feel like your

family and friends do not get what you go through? Join us for a change to getsupport from other parents and caregivers struggling with similar issues. Formore information contact Mary­Beth Landy at jacobsmother @ firstparish.info

First Parish is hosting this year's UU Mass ActionStory Slam, which will feature an all millennial line­up of story tellers who will be sharing their personalstories about being a millennial and a UU. Volunteersget free admission. If you can help with any of thetasks below, contact Office Manager Joan Dyerat officemanager @ firstparish.info

Food

Set­up and clean­up

Shopper: (we have a budget or $200 ­ that's usually enough ­ we'll reimbursethe shopper)

Food is just like coffee hour ­ small bites (cheese & crackers, fruit, sweets,humus, veggies, etc). Since it's at night, we usually skip coffee and offer colddrinks ­ cider, water.

Table set­up and tear down

Sometimes there's a volunteer team that is willing to help with set­up, teardown or a sexton. We are willing to pay the sexton.

Sound

It would be really helpful if someone who is familiar with the system can helpus set up the mic

We're really grateful for the space! If volunteers willing to help are notpossible, please let us know and we'll take care of everything.

This is going to be a great show! The storytellers this year will all be millennials!Sam Teitel, last year's winner, will be our emcee!

Art Show: Fabric Art by Nancy CrascoLongtime First Parish member and internationallyknown fabric artist Nancy Crasco(www.nancycrasco.com) is exhibiting her just­created stitched monoprints in the Parlor. Nancycombines printmaking, quilting and embroidery tocreate beautiful works of art. This exhibit illustratesher most recent innovation: a synthesis of gelatinplate monoprint techniques and hand quilting and

embroidery.

Opening Our Hearts and MindsWe are displaying both a Black Lives Matter bannerand a statement of appreciation and support for theArlington Police Department and its commitment tojustice and compassion.

Can they sit side by side without contradiction?

We ponder and pray about many issues from the safety of our sanctuary –inequality, poverty, mental health challenges, addiction, violence,homelessness, racism, the effects of incarceration and over­incarceration, andmany other forms of injustice.

The police confront these thorny issues directly. Daily. On our behalf. In asociety where inequality is growing and many people need help that isunavailable, except perhaps by calling the police. It’s tough work and hard todo well, impossible to do perfectly. The police alone cannot solve our society’sproblems.

The Arlington Police Department regularly trains its officers in de­escalationtechniques, unconscious bias, procedural justice, having a guardian (ratherthan warrior) mindset, and appropriate use of force. It started an innovativehealing­oriented outreach program to people with addictions and their families,uses restorative justice when appropriate, and has a social work clinician onstaff who works closely with officers.

Does this mean that the APD is immune to racial bias, or exempt from criticismand calls for reform? Of course not.

However ­­ We are grateful for the APD’s commitment to improving policing.

We look forward to a day when all police departments are equally committed togood policies and practices.

And we will continue to work and pray for justice and compassion, everywhere.

May we all – all Americans, all people – learn to open our hearts and minds topeople who feel different from us.

Our Black Lives Matter statement:

We have displayed a“Black Lives Matter”banner for roughlyhalf of the last 18months. Duringthat time we havereceived a coupledozen criticalmessages frompeople who seem tointerpret “BlackLives Matter” as“only black people’slives matter” or“black deathsmatter” or “police

are bad.” We therefore added an explanation to our banner:

“Of course all lives matter . . . we believe that every individual is important andevery person deserves to be treated with justice and compassion. We live,however, in a society that often suggests otherwise. Because of the continuinginjustice and violence disproportionately faced by people of color, we affirm thatBlack Lives Matter.”

One more thing:

“You can truly grieve for every officer who’s been lost in the line of duty in thiscountry, and still be troubled by cases of police overreach. Those two ideas arenot mutually exclusive. You can have great regard for law enforcement andstill want them to be held to high standards.” ~ Jon Stewart

Join Our Handbell Choir!Thursdays, 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Come ring chimes with us! Our bell choir rehearsesin the Sanctuary on Thursdays at 7:00 pm for justunder an hour before choir starts at 8:00 pm. Youare welcome to join us! We have plenty of chimes (3octaves) but we could use a few more people to ringthem. Reading music is useful, but not required. All

ages who can follow instruction and maintain focus for the length of therehearsal are welcome. There is no requirement to be a member of the choir orany other First Parish musical group. We perform at various servicesthroughout the year. September is a great time to start!

Contact ringers @ firstparish.info for more details.

Participate in Music at First ParishThe Music Committee and Music Director welcomesanyone interested in participating in music this year.There are a multitude of opportunities including theAdult Choir, Children’s Choir, Bell Choir, as well asinstrumental groups such as the C­Winds and otherad hoc groups. For more information, visit the musicpages of our web site, or email music @ firstparish.info

Construction on Our CornerMassDOT's Arlington Center Safe Travel Project isexpected to start the first week of April. TheArlington Center Safe Travel Project will provide asafe connection for the Minuteman Bikeway throughArlington Center, improve roadway safety andmobility for all users, plus upgrade infrastructure(roads, signals, and curb ramps) in the project area,

which is centered around the intersection of Mass. Ave., Pleasant Street andMystic Street. Estimated project completion is one construction season.

Stay in the Loop ­­ The Town understands that this will impact residents,businesses, and travelers in the area. The contractor will provide periodicproject updates (three­week look aheads) that will be posted on the Town’swebsite and distributed via email. If you would like to receive these emailnotifications, please subscribe to the "Arlington Center Safe Travel Project"email list online at: arlingtonma.gov/emailsubscriptions

What to Expect During Construction

Mass. Ave. and all side streets will remain open to traffic at all times duringconstruction.

Reasonable access will be maintained for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehiclesthrough the project area and to abutting properties.

The Contractor will provide written notice to all abutters one week inadvance of any sidewalk reconstruction work and provide safe access toabutting properties during construction.

Throughout the construction process, MassDOT will have a ResidentEngineer on site to oversee construction.

The Town will work with the MassDOT Resident Engineer and thecontractor to set up a process for distributing information to residents andbusinesses, and addressing concerns.

Project Boundaries: Arlington Center

Massachusetts Avenue: Water St. to Medford St.

Pleasant Street at Massachusetts Avenue intersection

For more information on the project including history and technicalspecifications please visit “Arlington Center Safe Travel Project” page.

Sign Up to Bring Sunday Flowers! Follow this link to use our online flowers signupform

The flowers that grace our Sanctuary on Sundaymornings are donated by parishioners, often with aspecial dedication that is printed in the order ofservice. The Flower Coordinator can assist in orderingan arrangement from our florist, or you may provide

one. You can find more information and sign up for a specific Sundayatwww.firstparish.info/flowers, and you can email flowers @ firstparish.info tocontact the Flower Coordinator. If a date is not listed on the sign­up form it hasalready been reserved. Please note that we will have special sign­upannouncements for Christmas and Easter.

Get Connected/Stay Connected withFirst ParishWe invite newcomers to First Parish to fill out aConnection Card to receive our weekly email bulletin,give us your contact information, and (if you wish)indicate your interest in various aspects of life in our

community. You can find the Connection Cards every Sunday at the visitorstables ­­ in the lobby before the service and under the Welcome sign at coffeehour. For those who are not newcomers: You can use Connection Cards to letthe church office know about your new address or contact information.

How to Request a SpokenAnnouncement or Submit a News Item Send requests for Sunday morning spokenannouncements to announce @firstparish.info.Requests will be forwarded to theWorship Associates every Friday. Please note thatSpoken Announcements must be relevant to thewhole congregation, and will likely be edited to fitinto the welcoming script.

Send news items for the E­Bulletin or Sunday Bulletin to weekly @firstparish.info by 12:00 pm Wednesday for inclusion in that week's bulletins.

Enjoy this video about First Parish and our efforts to live up to our mission with ourMeetinghouse Campaign. Many thanks to Joel Olicker of Powderhouse for creating this!