Inclinations -1

Views from the Pulpit

The monthly newsletter of UUFES, the Unitarian Universalist

Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes

Inclinations

October 2020 Volume 25, Issue 10

WORSHIP: Every Sunday at 10:00 am

October 4

“Widening the

Space for Compassion” With Guest Speaker Donna San Antonio

In a time of profound loss and grief, when we are reckoning with being part of systems that have perpetuated structural violence and when there is deep suspicion and fear as we grapple with what democracy means, how can we sustain a sense of curiosity? How can we lean into openness? How can we explore ways our interpretations might precede and derail understanding and compassion? Our life experience is limited. So, therefore, is our understanding. In this service, I will draw from the guidance of Thich Nat Hahn and from my own work with teens and young adults to speak about making the invisible visible and living forward.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” - Kierkegaard

UUFES welcomes community organizer, counselor, and educator, Donna San Antonio, back to our pulpit. Donna’s work focuses on understanding and ameliorating the complex factors that impact outcomes for young people. She was the founding director of the Appalachian Mountain Teen Project for 27 years and is now Associate Professor of Counseling and Psychology at Lesley University. Her community work continues as a consultant to school and community programs in rural New Hampshire.

The call of the outdoors won out this week, louder than the call to sit at the desk or do chores or think about dinner. Louder even than the Internet’s call reporting the latest outrage in the news. With a Zoom meeting in an hour, I gathered up clippers, gloves, and a lawn bag and set out to weed the edge of the creeping juniper along the driveway. A quick satisfying task. (continued next page)

“Hilariously” today at 5:30 p.m.

LAUGHTER!

After the silliest jokes about old age last

week, folks agreed that it felt especially good,

in these tense times, to laugh.

2 – Inclinations

Why There

Will Always

Be Thistle by Maxine Kumin

Sheep will not eat it nor horses nor cattle unless they are starving. Unchecked, it will sprawl over pasture and meadow choking the sweet grass defeating the clover until you are driven to take arms against it but if unthinking you grasp it barehanded you will need tweezers to pick out the stickers.

Outlawed in most Northern states of the Union still it jumps borders. Its taproot runs deeper than underground rivers and once it’s been severed by breadknife or shovel —two popular methods employed by the desperate— the bits that remain will spring up like dragons’ teeth a field full of soldiers their spines at the ready.

Bright little bursts of chrome yellow explode from the thistle in autumn when goldfinches gorge on the seeds of its flower. The ones left uneaten dry up and pop open and parachutes carry their procreant power to disparate venues in each hemisphere which is why there will always

be thistle next year.

Or so I recalled. How long had it been? Years, it turns out. The juniper had run wild. What looked like prickly new weeds in the lawn were tips of branches! Gently pulling, then yanking at them revealed several dozen long, thick, gnarly branches that had been invisibly creeping underground into the yard while my attention had turned to going back to school and jumping into a new profession. (Yes, that long.) The annual hour of happy weeding had become a weeklong battle for control. A back and shoulder workout, too.

This project leaves me with a deep sense of humility. While many UUFESians are models of “getting it done,” I trust that some folks know what it’s like when an outdoor task gets away from us. No matter what human endeavors claim our attention, Mother Nature powers on. “Meanwhile,” writes Mary Oliver, “the world goes on.” Meanwhile, she reminds us, the sun and rain come and go. The geese fly overhead. The juniper’s life force flourishes.

Tempting as it is to see the world out the window as separate from our own, nothing could be farther from the truth. We are of Nature, juniper and human. We know this in our bones when we crouch or sit or lie on the ground, when we dig into the soil and discover life in myriad forms. We feel the oneness of all when soil works its way into our skin and under our fingernails. The 7th UU principle proclaims, “We affirm and promote the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”

Even as the impulse may arise to bow to Nature in all its power, let us instead delight in taking her hand and joining the dance.

~ Wishing you gladness, Rev. Betsy

Our thanks to

KimHamel,

Sandra Carr,

Peggy Polo and

Margaret Rieser

for many of the

photos in this

month’s

Inclinations.

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From the Governing Board To the UUFES Community,

It seems impossible on this last day of September that our peak color has come and gone. It is another indication of how out of sync our world is right now. However, it is finally raining, and that is a blessing.

Your Governing Board is continuing to work to make UUFES as relevant to our members and to the community as is possible given the pandemic. This last month, we adopted the following goals:

1. Be as inclusive of our UUFES community as possible. While using Zoom for worship and midweek activities, we wish to find creative ways to stay connected with those who do not or cannot zoom and with those in need of pastoral care, especially due to the pandemic. For our return to in-person services, we wish to acquire technology to help us continue to meet the needs of our expanded Sunday congregation.

2. Explore multiple ways to engage in Anti-Racism:

Educate ourselves and others about the complex issues involved in white privilege and antiracism work

Join local and national actions that assist in redressing the centuries of discrimination against both indigenous peoples and against black and brown peoples.

3. Continue to support members in the social action work begun in prior years on such issues as climate change, food insecurity, domestic violence, and other critical issues.

We have already begun work on these goals. In the last month, we held two outside in-

person services that were also carried over Zoom. The first one was held during a windstorm as well as during motorcycle weekend. Despite that, those present were grateful. The second was our Water Communion service held by the Swift River in back of the library. All agreed that it was lovely. As it becomes more possible to think of holding services in our building, we will be convening a small group to consider both the rules for meeting in-person and also how to continue to involve the many people who have joined us via Zoom from all over the country. If you would like to serve, get in touch with Rev. Betsy.

A group has also been working at designing a Black Lives Matter sign to be displayed outside the Meetinghouse. The Board endorsed the project and also the idea of having a dedication ceremony and a Community Evening on the need for Anti-Racism work. Another group is working on planting a tree in honor of Indigenous peoples whose land we now occupy.

Yet another group is working with the UU the Vote campaign. If you haven’t been contacted as yet, you will be in the next few weeks. We want to be one of the congregations that have 100% of their members registered to vote. Members doing the calling also have information on how to obtain an absentee ballot in our many towns.

Two impromptu vigils took place the Sunday after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsberg died – one after services and a community vigil that evening. We joined the nation in mourning her death.

Already it’s been a busy fall. UUsed is open every Saturday and Zoom services on Sunday involve many members. Special Collections have begun again, and Building and Grounds projects abound. All are invited to get involved. Betsy Loughran President Governing Board

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UUFES Annual CROPWalk Special Collection

As UUFES has done annually for many years, we will once again join other local faith communities and take part in the Church World Service - sponsored program “Ending Hunger One Step at a Time” to raise funds with an organized walk. The walk travels 5 miles along lovely country roads,( a shorter 1.5 mile route also available). Due to COVID concerns this year you can also choose to walk/hike a 5 mile route of your choice near your own home in isolation. We just ask that you make your donation beforehand either online through UUFES (noting it is for CROP

Walk) or directly on their website at www.crophungerwalk.org. 25% of funds raised benefit our local communities by supporting food banks, pantries, community gardens and other hunger-fighting initiatives.

In many developing countries people walk as many as 6 miles a day to get food and water. In walking as they walk, our steps take on meaning -“....to be in solidarity with their struggle” (CROP Walk pamphlet). Please consider walking as they walk to fight hunger and joining our team. Just go to the above website, search UUFES under Find a Team, and register as a walker. You may also donate online during our Sunday Zoom service on Oct 18th. All online donations that day will be sent directly to CWS (unless you otherwise note), on behalf of UUFES.

Walkers will meet in the parking lot of the Baptist Meetinghouse in Center Sandwich at 1p.m. Please wear a mask until you begin the walk and maintain social distance during the walk. Thank you all for your generosity.

Update on NH Legal Assistance from Sarah Palermo

NHLegalAid.org is the first best place to go for people who need legal assistance on anything from eviction, to foreclosure, to senior financial exploitation, to help for a kid with special education needs, and to parental custody concerns.

This site has self-help guides to a number of issues and an online application for services, including advice or a referral to an appropriate program.

For people who wish to make online gifts, our website is NH-CLS.org.

UUSED On a Roll

This past Saturday was UUsed’s top sale day of the whole season, beating out the week before by $4. A very busy hot streak for the Thrift Shop for a two-week total of $1204!

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Building & Grounds Update

Huge thanks and kudos to the Building & Grounds Committee for their work at UUFES this spring and summer. It sparkles! This modest group of 8 made a whole lot happen at the Meetinghouse, including but by no means limited to these projects:

Tino and Ted repaired/remade a pillar base by the front door, sending out to have a curve remade exactly, then cutting the angles and installing.

B&G oversaw the painting of the exterior trim and decking.

Carol procured a new rainbow flag. Betty cleaned/re-organized the upstairs kitchen and

cleaned out both fridges. Betty and Ele painted the big restroom, and Betty and

Tino scrubbed both restroom floors ‘til they shined. Tino repaired a loose wire in the bathroom sconce. Bobbi hung three new art works, sold the old pulpit by elevator, and replaced it with a

good-looking tall cupboard for paper supplies. Ted and Tino cleaned the oil spill in the driveway. Carol prepped both the 1st and 2nd floors for professional carpet cleaning. Ted and Tino sanded and applied teak oil to the meeting table and will polyurethane it

shortly. Bobbi has kept up the Welcome Garden. Ellen W has tended the East garden. Betty has

weeded under the big sign on the corner. Eleanor J has freshened the urns each season. Ted oversaw the repair of our driveway/ drainage going to the lower parking lot. New B&G member Kevin has pruned trees and scrub and is testing some plants for the berm.

He has sprayed the Mike Pratt steps with a mildew retardant and will seal them so we’ll get a few more years of use out of them.

Ted is researching security/alarm system needs, and a plan is in the works using Fortress Security.

Carol has the winter plowing/shoveling contracts and the inspection schedule underway.

Tino installed a new air filter in our bathroom/ air exchange system, not as simple as that may sound.

Bobbi and Ted have completed the Engraved Brick project.

Looking forward, John Border is retiring this month and already has two things on his list. Come November, we’ll have a fall clean-up day – all helpers welcome!

B&G Committee: Ele & John Border, Kevin Connerton, Betty & Tino Fernandes, Bobbi and Ted Hoyt, Carol Smith

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Qualified Charitable Distributions and Taxes

• Do you make charitable contributions to UUFES?

• Do you have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a 401K or 403B?

• Must you take a Required Minimum Distribution every year?

If so, consider authorizing a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) to UUFES next year (calendar year 2021). To do this, you have to set it up by 12/31/20 with the financial institution that administers your Required Minimum Distribution.

A qualified charitable contribution (QCD) to the charity of your choice – from your IRA’s required minimum distribution – is made by the financial institution that stewards your IRA. Such a distribution meets your required minimum distribution obligation from any IRA on any year. If you do not have an IRA but, say, have a 403(B) account, you can convert part of that account to an IRA and authorize QCD gifts from it.

Tax advantages to the donor:

• None of your qualified charitable distribution is taxable. That sum does not enter your “adjusted gross income” or your “taxable income.” You enjoy the full standard deduction and the qualified charitable distribution adjustments, significantly lowering your tax.

• Alternatively, you may itemize your deductions while also making qualified charitable distributions (without including them in itemized deductions).

• Because of your reduced adjusted gross income thanks to qualified charitable distributions:

o a smaller portion of your Social Security benefit may be taxable, and

o upon 2 years of starting qualified charitable distributions, Medicare B&D premiums may be lower.

For more information, contact Jorge Dominguez, Finance Committee Chair. (Contact info is in the directory or call the office.)

Monday Book Group

Monday 10 am BOOK GROUP LINK: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/104432872

To allow enough time for Monday Book Group participants to read the current selection, and looking ahead, the group decided upon the following discussion dates:

The Shadow of the Wind - Oct. 26

Reader's choice of a Malcolm Gladwell book - Nov. 23

Look to the Mountain - Dec. 21

The Book Group meets every Monday at 10 a.m. via Zoom for other topics of discussion. You may direct any questions to Barbara Lubin. All are welcome to attend via Zoom any Monday at 10 a.m. when many topics of current interest are shared.

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A Return to End 68 Hours of Hunger! As many of you know, UFFES has had a team for two school years packing food for the area End 68 Hours of Hunger outreach. This is a national program, initially started in our area by Mandy McDonald, the Conway school social worker. The goal of the program is to provide food assistance to help bridge the gap for students between receiving school lunch on

Friday and breakfast on Monday. This program is a 501C and is funded through grants and local donations. Typically we have packed the second Thursday of the month and then delivered the Brett School bags to Tamworth. However, due to restructuring and grant funding, Tamworth will be managing their own food program at the current time.

I am looking forward to our continued participation and have spoken to team members about the safety protocols. The food currently is still collected in the former Conway Junior High. There are no outside windows in the room and the ventilation is limited. All packing members will be required to wear masks and gloves. Also we are reducing the team to five, one person to ready bags and the other four to package and restock to give us a little more room. We are starting Thursday October 8th and have an enthusiastic returning team. Joining me will be John Banderob, Barbara Lubin, Kathy Bird and Bruce Larson. If people are interested in future packing please contact me.

The food is currently packed in clean, doubled plastic bags like the ones used at most grocery stores. If you have a supply of these bags and would like to donate them, please contact me and someone in your area can pick them up. Again they need to be clean and doubled. Thanks to the many UUFES members who have participated in the past with packing, donations, and providing plastic bags. We will report back to you on the success of this new phase of packing.

Susan Blake

Pastoral Care Corner

After a week and a half at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Warren Lindsey expects to be home this afternoon. Cards and well wishes can be send to 371 Pleasant Valley Road, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. You can call him at 603-268-2865. Margaret's niece, Amelia Rieser, who is residing in Montana having taken a semester off from UNH, recently tested positive for COVID. She has mild symptoms and is frustrated by losing her sense of smell and taste. She has appreciated knowing that folks back east are thinking of her. Her address is Amelia Rieser, 3410 W. Babcock St. #2, Bozeman, MT 59718.

8 – Inclinations

Calling All Musicians And Singers!

Our UUFES Music Ministry invites you to join in the joy of making music for our virtual and also occasional outdoor Sunday services! Do you have a song that you’d like to sing, or a piece of music that you’d like to play, as part of a service? All music styles welcome! Instrumental only for outdoor services. We also invite you to sing and/or play in our virtual choir and ensemble. All ages! Music can be played in person during the service, or recorded in advance. You don’t need expensive mics or recording equipment, recording to a smartphone or tablet works well. Because of copyright rules, music needs to be in the public domain, generally from 1925 or earlier. Shana can help guide you through the process of how to share music virtually, and to make sure that we’re allowed to use the music in our streaming. Email Shana to be part of our growing Virtual Music Ministry!

Children & Youth Program The Fall here in Tamworth this year is startling. The sun touches the yellow and paints it a glistening gold; it brushes vermillion into the reds. As I pass through avenues of grand color it makes me think of our journeys, paths, and roads ahead. Our hike, since early this year, has been a long one and, instead of reaching the summit with grand views of ‘back to normal,’ we realise we must keep on trekking.

My Inclination for this October is to suggest we illustrate our paths through this Fall and Winter. Perhaps it would speak to you to draw a path, and on it place intentions, hopes, ideas for reaching out to others, poems to re-read, paintings to re-visit, passages of books to re-wonder about, walks you might take, moments to spend rejoicing in a detail of the natural world…. And so much more to give strength and spiritual nourishment to yourself and others.

At right is a photograph I took in Cornwall, England, last October of a gateway to a path that led to the sea, skirted the seashore, and continued through gate after gate, each opening onto new vistas and possibilities.

How about drawing in gateways for each idea on your path...

Marion Posner

Inclinations -9

An important message from the Governing Board:

The late, great John Lewis said this about voting, “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.”

As UUs we often assume that our fellow congregants are just as concerned about elections as we are...we certainly hope that is true here at UUFES, but we cannot assume that all of us are registered to vote.

We are committed to becoming a 100% voting congregation so over the next several weeks all UUFES members will receive a phone call asking simply if you are, indeed, registered to vote. Voter registration information will be provided as needed, as well as help with obtaining an absentee ballot in your community or even setting up a ride to polls in November. We look forward to speaking to each one of you on this very important issue.

Let’s UU the Vote Together!

10 – Inclinations

BLACK LIVES MATTER BANNER UPDATE

The banner is at the printer! We’re working on how to make the rainbow heart look just right.

Following approval from the Governing Board and approval of the placement by our Building and Grounds Committee, we are in the home stretch of creating a banner to place on our grounds stating our support of the Black Lives Matter movement. This process has long been under discussion at UUFES and began in earnest in May 2020, as our anger and sense of urgency mounted following the murder of George Floyd. Following a number of open discussions, the move to put up a banner honoring black lives was initiated. Here is our ad hoc group’s banner proposal to the Governing Board, approved in September:

Statement of Purpose and Resolution

WHEREAS, the Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013 with its slogan derived from this quote by activist Alicia Garza following George Zimmerman’s acquittal of murder in Trayvon Martin’s death: “I continue to be surprised at how little Black lives matter … Our lives matter”; and

WHEREAS, the UUA took up this cause at its 2015 General Assembly with an Action of Immediate Witness in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, urging UU congregations to follow suit. Many houses of worship and the homes of individuals display BLM banners, flags and signs; and

WHEREAS, UUFES has long engaged in worship services and community actions* that address racial injustice, explicit and implicit attitudes and biases, and white supremacy. This year, anti-racism has garnered growing interest and passion among many UUFESians, including during Sunday Coffee Hours, Monday Book Group readings, Thursday “Seriously” discussions, and Women’s Group lunches; and

WHEREAS, many UUFES members and friends strongly believe that it is time UUFES took a public stance on this issue because we know silence speaks louder than words and our actions need to reflect our beliefs about Black lives and our UUA Principles.

THEREFORE, Be It Resolved that, when we say “Black Lives Matter” we are making a statement of inclusion not exclusion. “Black Lives Matter” does not mean that only Black lives matter. Proclaiming the value of African American lives does not negate the inherent worth of all lives. Bearing witness to systemic devaluing of people of color does not mean we disregard or overlook other forms of oppression. The Black Lives Matter movement does, however, ask us to specifically address racial inequality.

AND, Be It Further Resolved that UUFES supports displaying a Black Lives Matter banner on our property to express our support for the Black Lives Movement and the activist campaign to end violence and systemic racism, and as an act of cultural resistance, of public witness and a spiritual practice of siding with love.

Proposed by Kim Hamel, Barbara Lubin, Margaret Rieser on September 4, 2020. Approved by the UUFES Governing Board 9/8/20. * A list of thirteen Sunday services and six community actions is available on request.

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Last Month’s Services Online

UUFES service excerpts available to read at http://uufes.com/sermon-archive/

9/6/20 “Embodying Radical Love for a Just World” With Guest Speaker Grace Kindeke https://uuma.zoom.us/rec/share/dr-

aIOMHPBfCif7imJGe2lF1INaxPeFV8_YQSz4BR09DpTfCl_Hk2aRJLq-

D_qcD.mO5xSaTRmQ2Ub2PJ?startTime=1599400877000

Access Passcode: t8mVSj8$

9/13/20 “To Pay Attention” https://uuma.zoom.us/rec/share/OeEmdu18EZTx78l3VFjob8ZRc4TMLftsEmZbzmRI

v-Aii4me9HtdwQbgBXIkmQbR.Df0QcvjWnuU4lCFS

Access Password: Pn1t$@GQ

9/20/20 “Down by the River”

9/27/20 “The Surprise of Grace” https://uuma.zoom.us/rec/share/el6UEhC2ABToiRv5aYcvL5YAY0QYxtezAbecZbn6mg84OAkeqHrybxEAHPF8oHmc.ALorJCegEvGfXHDr Access Password: a0+*3#32

Mark Potok

Free Zoom

Discussion

Wednesday,

October 7

7 p.m

12 – Inclinations

Chat from September 27 Service

JOYS AND CONCERNS 10:22:23 From Kevin C: Rumors of rain driving out rumors of war... 10:22:49 From Ann & David W : Contentment: being on/in the water surrounded by the glorious colors of a NH autumn 10:23:15 From Peggy P : justice for Breonna Taylor 10:23:15 From Margaret R : My beloved niece/daughter Amelia has Covid. She's far away in Montana. She's feeling okay right now. My heart hurts. 10:23:16 From Barbara B : Watching chickadees and nuthatches share drinks at the same birdbath 10:23:32 From peaco t : Oh yes, rain! A reminder that the earth is more resilient than perhaps we understand, and that we are too. 10:23:35 From Kim H : today is the 15th Anniversary of my oldest son and his wonderful wife. They have had some struggles along the way....I am wishing them love and a hopeful future together 10:23:38 From Ann & David W : Always thankful for all care-givers everyplace we go 10:23:42 From Moria M (San Jose, California) : weighing on my heart: my friend whose husband has been missing (over 2 weeks now) — new information that he drove into Mexico early in the time he’s been gone — I wonder if he is out-of-contact on purpose 10:23:51 From Betsy L : Peak color has come again and is as spectacular as always. But it is a concern that it is a week early. The drought and fire danger are real as is the change in the climate.

10:24:00 From Phil M: Prayers for my younger sister who is going in for surgery this week to remove a cancerous tumor 10:24:09 From Kevin C : Black bear not giving me a second thought...wish i could say the same... 10:24:26 From Moria M : lightening my load: I took a class in trauma release yesterday (my 3rd time for this same class) and felt ease and enjoyment of the process 10:24:29 From Kim H: oh no Margaret....all good wishes for Amelia 10:24:29 From Karen P : I had to drive my son to a rock climbing event this morning. The foliage gave me a happy heart on the way home, and the impending rain is going to make me very happy! 10:24:37 From Ellen W : I am so worried for this country, it sometimes overwhelms me. So I have to focus closer to home, to my flowers, birds at the feeder, friends and my beloved dogs to bring some relief and solace.

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10:25:00 From Sam P : quietude 10:25:03 From Moria M : worry for the country, the election, the state of political division 10:25:05 From Hope H : Much is weighing on my heart but my intention is to focus on what brings me contentment and peace - friends and family, days of cycling in Vermont and New Hampshire, lake temp of 69 - still warm enough for swimming, Zoom and FaceTime connections with those I can not see in person. 10:25:33 From Cindy E : Thinking of my granddaughter and her husband, whose best friend committed suicide on Wednesday. Such a tragedy - he was only 25. My brother-in law is back in remission from leukemia! Such a back and forth of emotion! 10:25:33 From Kevin : Swamp maple "reds hidden under summer green? Hard to believe. 10:25:37 From Moria M : my new garden is making SO MUCH FOOD — tons of baby greens to eat 10:26:01 From Barbara B : Grateful that my cat Catcher is still alive on 2 meds 10:26:11 From Ellen W : Beautiful Eve!

WHAT DO SURPRISES – OF ALL KINDS – FEEL LIKE IN YOUR BODY? NAME ONE. 10:47:43 From Ann & David W : That warm feeling around my heart when I see a friend here at this service…. 10:48:00 From Moria M : shock, dismay, deep disappointment 10:48:29 From peacotodd : a happy jolt in my heart 10:48:33 From Ellen W : Awe when each morning the leaves have turned even more into such gorgeous colors. 10:48:47 From Melanie H : The incredible, indescribable happiness I felt when I found out I was

pregnant with my Daniel (surprise!) 10:48:48 From Lynn H : Heart shattering 10:48:48 From Kim H : I did literally gasp when I learned of Elandria’s passing....deep sadness 10:48:52 From Marsha C : Prickly feeling on the back of my neck 10:49:39 From Hope H : A warm tightening behind my eyes and a quick smile. 10:49:49 From Cindy E : Surprised the country is going down this road - I could never imagined it a year ago. 10:50:14 From Barbara B : Shoulders drooped in resignation 10:50:30 From Kevin : Person turning down deal of the century at UUsed... 10:50:38 From Margaret R : "I have seen it once or twice through a human face" - Judith Wright poem, “Grace” 10:50:40 From Kevin C: Shaking head

14 – Inclinations

Weekly ZOOM Service and Meeting Links

Sunday 10 am Worship: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/95323544495 Meeting ID: 953 2354 4495#

Young People’s Zoom Room, 9:30-9:50

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77272170647?pwd=K1o4bUdNLy9ENk

5OaWEyNWhSbWtwUT09

Meeting ID: 772 7217 0647# Password: swim

Monday 10 am Book Group https://uuma.zoom.us/j/104432872 Meeting ID: 104 432 872#

Midweek at UUFES: 4 pm Tuesday - Poetry 5 pm Wednesday - ON HOLD FOR NOW 5:30 pm Thursday - "Seriously" – “Hilariously” today https://uuma.zoom.us/j/5022081578 Meeting ID: 502 208 1578#

If connecting by phone, call 646-876-9923. At prompt, enter Meeting ID.

10:51:15 From Ann & David W : Heavy feet, heavy lower body, difficulty moving forward when hearing bad news…. 10:51:52 From Lynn H : The bear peeking over the hedge on a the drive in the blue ridge :) 10:51:56 From Phil M : the amount of joy from a simple meal shared with loved ones 10:52:30 From Kevin C : Fingers hitting remote mute button when Guess Who comes on the screen 10:53:11 From Melanie H : Me (when Daniel was 5 years old): You’ll always be my baby, even when you’re 50! Daniel: But Mommy, when I’m 50 I’ll be in college, and you can’t bring your Mommy to college! 10:53:22 From Margaret R : Kim's voice. So soothing and love-filled. 10:54:05 From Kevin C : First crop of hazelnuts, squirrels haven't gotten word yet 10:54:07 From Shana A: 1st awarenesses of transition, profound joy, relief 10:54:57 From Peggy P : watching the deer that hit the side of my car suddenly get up and run into the woods. so relieved! 10:54:59 From Donna San A : The juvenile bald eagle at the outlet of the Bearcamp River into Lake Ossipee 10:55:30 From Kevin C : Crickets at night patching up the people's chaos. 10:55:41 From Sam P : this morning’s cold dip into the Bay at high tide

COFFEE HOUR REFERENCES 11:27:36 From Moria M : https://www.nh.gov/nhnursery/ordering/index.htm https://www.nh.gov/nhnursery/online-tours/seed-to-seedling.htm https://www.nh.gov/nhnursery/seedlings/index.htm 11:43:12 From Kim : all this reminds me of a favorite book, The Giving Tree.... 11:44:28 From Cindy Edmondson : Yes Kim!

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UUFES Governing Board Betsy Loughran, President Pamela Ambrose, Vice President Barbara Lubin, Secretary Kathy Burnell, Treasurer Kim Hamel, Member at Large David Wilkins, Member at Large

UUFES Meetings and Events — October Book Group: Mondays at 10:00 am

Building & Grounds: No Meeting Scheduled

CYP Committee: No Meeting Scheduled

Committee on Ministry: TBD

Finance Committee: No Meeting Scheduled

Governing Board: Tuesday, October 13, 9:00 am

Membership Committee: No Meeting Scheduled

Men’s Group: No Meeting Scheduled Pastoral Care Team: No Meeting Scheduled

Sunday Services Committee: No Meeting Scheduled

Women’s Group: Wednesday, October 14, 12:30 pm

Committee Contacts: Buildings and Grounds: Chair Open Children & Youth Program: Ingrid Albee Committee on Ministry: Bobbi Hoyt, Eleanor Jenkins,

Margaret Rieser Finance: Jorge Dominguez Hospitality: Melanie Hodge Leadership Development: Andrea Walsh, Doug Burnell,

Ann Wilkins Membership: Peaco Todd Pastoral Care: Chair Open Special Collections: Kim Hamel Sunday Services: Chair Open Ways & Means: Betty Fernandes

Small Groups: Men’s Group: Bill Lotz and Dick Byrd Monday Book Group: Barbara Lubin Women’s Group: Blythe Sterling