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First Unitarian has many wonderful and exciting activities throughout the year that serve to nurture our spirits and our sense of community. We offer many opportunities for fellowship and service through these events and it is through everyone's participation in them that we share our gifts and deepen our unity. The following have become annual events at the First Unitarian Church of Worcester but they do not fully encompass the rich and diverse happenings at our church. For a complete listing of our many activities be sure to review our weekly newsletter, the Unitarian. Mt. Wachusett Climb This intergenerational activity is usually held after the service on Columbus Day weekend in October, weather permitting. While offering an opportunity to experience the challenge of hiking to the top, the event is still open to those who choose to enjoy a scenic Sunday drive up the mountain. Everyone gathers at a designated location at the summit to enjoy the view, share their stories of adventure and fortify themselves with cookies and apple cider before their descent. Interfaith Hospitality Network The First Unitarian Church of Worcester has joined many other churches throughout the area in hosting homeless families for a week. Around the second or third week in October and again in April, the Church opens its doors, and the hearts of all who volunteer to help, to the homeless. There are many opportunities to serve those in need by hosting a dinner during the week, chaperoning one overnight of their stay or contributing financially to help make their visit with us as comfortable as possible. This is one event that truly puts our Mission and Values Statement into practice and our guests deeply and sincerely appreciate whatever assistance we can offer them during these weeks. UNICEF Carnival On the Sunday before Hallowe'en, the YRU2 youth group in our religious education program hosts an exciting and fun-filled carnival to benefit UNICEF. Held upstairs in Unity Hall, this event has something for everyone. Volunteers from the Religious Education Committee sell beautiful UNICEF cards and gifts from around the world while engaging games of skill and chance are there to challenge the young and the young at heart. All proceeds go directly to UNICEF, a charity that serves our global community. Join the fun while we support this worthy endeavor. Children's Christmas Pageant The traditional story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth is brought to life by our youth in celebration of this holiday. Our Children's Choir add their angelic voices to this dramatization, acted out in vivid detail by our 5th and 6th graders, with accompanying readings by our junior high students. This is one reenactment you won't want to miss. The performance is usually held on the second Sunday in December. First Night The First Unitarian Church of Worcester opens its doors to Worcester as we join our community neighbors in welcoming in the New Year. We have many talented artists in our congregation and on this occasion we exhibit their works of art to the delight of the New Year's Eve revelers. Volunteers are always needed to serve as greeters for an hour and, in return for their service to the church and to the organizing committee, they receive a First Night button to enjoy the other festivities held throughout the city on New Year's Eve. New Member's Welcome and Dinner While we recognize our new members throughout the year, around the third weekend in April coinciding with Palm Sunday, we traditionally welcome our new members to the Church. Beginning Friday evening, a welcome reception and dinner is held at the Church. All new members are encouraged to attend this dinner to meet informally with some of the elected representatives of the Church as well as the staff and administrative personnel of the Church. At the Sunday service following the dinner, the new members are formally recognized and welcomed by the congregation. Music Sundays The First Unitarian Church of Worcester has a well-deserved reputation for having one of the most outstanding musical programs in the area, if not all of Massachusetts and New England. Throughout the year, anyone visiting or attending our Sunday service will be treated to a rich and eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary music, which take our services to even greater heights. Around the first Sunday in May, we dedicate our service almost exclusively to music, drawing from the many talents of artists within and outside of our church. This inspiring celebration of sound and soul should not be missed. An early arrival to secure a seat is advised. Three other Music Sundays are held on all Soul's Day, Christmas Music Sunday, and in the late Winter. Outdoor Picnic We gather for fun and fellowship in the sun after the service on the second Sunday of June. Food donations are appreciated. Circle Suppers (throughout the year) First U's Circle Suppers are an opportunity to meet and get to know other First Unitarians by attending dinners at various times during the Church year at each other's homes. Everyone is invited to sign up in September to be on the Circle Supper list. Those agreeing will try and attend about six dinners on specific Saturday evenings and to host at least one dinner. There are about eight people at each supper, giving all of us a chance to spend some quality time getting to know each other better. The guests are asked to bring a desert, hors d'oeuvres, salad, or wine, and the host supplies the setting and main course. These dinners have provided some of the best food and conversation to be found in the Worcester area. There is also an Alternates List if you cannot commit to the full course of dinners. Contact Kathleen Walker 508 248 9791 for more information. AOL email: Maithe1 Small
Group Ministries The church sponsors Covenant Groups,
which are facilitated small groups on various topics, but the overriding
purpose of allowing participants to know each other better, and to be
known. A new series of groups will start in the fall of 2003. See also the list of special services throughtout the church year. First
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