A new season of Circle Suppers will begin in October with the traditional dinners for adults and a new, second “circle” of suppers for families with children. Circle Suppers are a great way to socialize and meet new members and friends outside of church. Participants gather in small groups and share a meal together in one another’s homes. They are held once a month from October through May, except for December. Newcomers are always welcome!

A “host” for the supper is designated for each date and provides the main course. “Guests” bring appetizers, desserts, salads, beverages, etc. Hosts coordinate with their guests at least one week prior to the supper date. Traditional adult-centered suppers usually begin at 7 p.m. Family Circle Suppers have a suggested start time of 5 p.m. On average, participants host twice over the course of the season.

Our new Family Circle Suppers may wish to modify the pot-luck format. Hosts may wish to provide the adult meal while a guest brings a child-friendly meal. The meal may be served in two sittings: one for children, one for adults (after which the children can play while the adults eat) – or the meal may be served for all ages simultaneously.

The dates for the upcoming season are October 8, November 12, January 14, February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12. Sign up for as many or as few suppers as your schedule permits. If you are unsure of your schedule, you may also sign up as an alternate and be called by hosts on short notice.

If you would like to participate, there is a form that collects the details needed for scheduling. The key information needed is how many guests can you host in your home, how many people in your party when acting as a guest, and the dates you are available. The form can be obtained at church, on the website, or via email from Allison Jones at 781–793-9085.
Circle Supper Sign-Up Sheet

Frequently asked questions:

Q: How many dinners do I have to host per year?

A: On average, there are 4 groups meeting per dinner, and one of them is host. So you will end up hosting about every fourth dinner, in some cases only 3 dinners apart. Note that this applies whether you are actually signed up as available for the intervening dinners or not. There are seven dinners per year.

Q: If I can’t make a dinner, what should I do?

A: Call the host and apologize as soon as you know. This gives them a chance to get an alternate.

Q: If I am a host, and I can’t do the dinner on the scheduled date, what should I do?

A: Call the guests as soon as you know, and try to move the date to a following Saturday. There is no reason that the dinner has to occur on the scheduled date, but advance notice is necessary for everyone to reschedule.

Q: This is my first time hosting, what should I do?

A: A week or two before the dinner, call each guest and remind them they are expected and discuss what they should bring, special diets, etc.

Q: This is my first time being a guest, what should I do?

A: If your host doesn’t call you by a week before, call them and discuss what you should bring.

Q: Why am I hosting fewer guests than I signed up for?

A: This happens when the guest capacity and the number of available guests doesn’t match. We strive to ensure no dinner has less than 6 people, and that each dinner is within 2 of its capacity. But this is impossible to guarantee while maintaining the other goals. Please feel free to call the alternates if you want more people!

Q: Why am I hosting more guests than I signed up for?

A: Either you wrote down more than you thought, or we made an error entering it. Please call and let us know.

Q: How long before I go to a particular host’s house?

A: This is a function of the number of participants. It is a secondary priority of the scheduler to place guests into dinners where they have been least recently. With the current number of participants, the average time between visits to the same host should be more than 3 years.

Q: Why does it seem like I see the same people often?

A: It probably just seems that way. It does happen, but it shouldn’t be often. The top priority of the scheduler is to fairly distribute hosting. Then, getting people to houses where they have least recently visited, and finally, bringing people together who haven’t met recently (at least at a scheduled dinner). Sometimes when a bunch of never-met matches are present, some “didn’t I see you last time?” matches are also present. This tends to happen to new people. It is impossible to meet all of the goals simultaneously, and keeping you away from those you recently met just isn’t a high priority!

Special Considerations for Family Circle Suppers:

For the host:

• How many people (adults and children) can your home accommodate? Being realistic about this number will help make the evening more enjoyable.
• Do you need to set time parameters for the dinner in advance? For example, should the Family Circle Supper in your home run from 5 to 7 p.m.?
• Do you want to have children and adults eat together or in two shifts? If the children eat first, and then go to play, what supervision would be needed?
• Is your house baby and child proof? What rooms are you comfortable with children playing in? What house rules of behavior do you want to set for children in your home?

For the guest:

• Does your family need baby proof and toddler proof space? Let your host know this. If so, what baby proof space (play pen etc.) can you bring with you?
• These Family Circle Suppers are a great opportunity to teach our children proper behavior in the homes of other people. Remember, you are responsible for how your children act in the “hosts” home.

We’ll open our doors for our second annual UU Sharon Open House on Tuesday evening, August 23, 5–7:30 PM. Please come, and bring along a friend or two—all ages are welcome. We also need your help to make this a welcoming, fun event.

Can you bring refreshments—baked treats, cheese and crackers, veggies or chips and ‘store-bought’ dips, watermelon or other fruit, S’Mores fixings, lemonade, juice? (No home-cooked foods except baked goods because of Health Dept. rules. If you’re not around on the 23d, you can drop refreshment items off in advance at church or at Beth’s house, 52 Upland Road)

Can you serve as a greeter/tour guide? Help get the building ready and set up? Help with kids’ activities? Put up posters at your usual haunts?

This is also a chance for committees and groups to explain their activities and recruit members—we can provide table space in the vestry if you let us know.

If you can help in any way, please let co-chairs Alison Reid (781 784‑4472) and Beth McGregor (781 784‑6555) know. To help us plan, we’d also appreciate an RSVP if you’re pretty sure you’re coming, or if you know you’re not coming (for instance if you’ll be out of town.)

Thanks!
Alison and Beth

Drop off is on Dec. 12 only at the church before 12pm or at the VFW on Robbins Road in Walpole on December 14 and at Our Lady of Sorrows in Sharon on December 16 between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. Check out the Gifts for Kids website. Cash donations will be gratefully accepted. All donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made out to Gifts for Kids and given to Alison or sent to: Gifts for Kids, Inc, PO Box 464, Sharon, MA, 02067. Please spread the word about the Gifts for Kids Program to your family, friends and colleagues. There is no better feeling than giving when the return you get is knowing that you have brought a smile to someone else’s face.

Forrest Church Discussion Group

The late Rev. Forrest Church was one of the most influential Unitarian Universalist ministers of our time. Senior minister at All Souls Church in New York City and son of Senator Frank Church, Forrest Church’s prolific writings covered many topics ranging from the social and political to the deeply personal and spiritual. His works, such as The Cathedral of the World and Love and Death, are very accessible, and offers numerous opportunities for small group discussion. This January, the Unitarian Church of Sharon will be forming a Forrest Church discussion group that will meet to review and have conversations about selections from his work. Readings will be provided ahead of time and no previous familiarity with Church’s writings is required. The group will meet once in January (date to be determined) and will then agree on how many more times it would like to meet afterwards. If you are interested please contact Susan Edinger or Tom D’Avanzo in person or by e-mail.

January 2, 3:30–6:30 p.m.

Second Annual Memory Meal

During the hectic holidays there’s little time to devote to the feelings we may have of missing a loved one, though the loss can be particularly painful this time of year. The Memory Meal is a sit-down gathering designed to give voice to those emotions and the memories they evoke. This will be a private time for the group and the sharing confidential. Bring a food or beverage, an appetizer or dessert that you associate with your loved one to share at this family-style meal. If nothing comes to mind, bring anything you’d like that reminds you of that person, or, if their spirit suffices, bring just yourself. We will gather around 3:30 in the vestry on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011. Bring your own beverage of choice. We’ll sit down with Jim at 4:30 for a hearty meal. Last year, one person talked about the significance of fish to them and spurred the conversation — one memory stirring another and so on. The stories that flowed were heartfelt and moving. If you think you would like to participate this year, please try to contact Lucy Bailey, committee chairperson, by Dec. 15, so we can have a head count.

January 9, 12:00 p.m.

Sanctuary Orientation Open Meeting

On Sunday, January 9, 2011, the Sanctuary Orientation Task Force invites members and friends to an Open Meeting at 12:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary after Coffee Hour. The purpose of the one hour meeting is to solicit input from attendees in an open forum. The areas we would like to discuss involve sanctuary orientation, accessibility generally in the sanctuary, substitution of pews with chairs, priorities and how our decisions may impact on worship. We are, of course, open to other sanctuary related items that may arise through the discussion. Chris Raskin and Wilbur Edwards will moderate the meeting and make a presentation of the comments to the Board of Trustees for further action. As of this writing, babysitting has not yet been arranged so watch for more updates and reminders in the Order of Service. If you can not make the Open Meeting, please contact either Wilbur or Chris with comments before January 9th.

January 9, 12:30–3:00 p.m.

OWL 5–6 Parent-Child Orientation

Our Whole Lives is all about enhancing communication between 5th and 6th graders and their parents – so it’s no surprise that we’ll be kicking off this program with a mandatory parent-child orientation. At least one parent must attend this meeting along with their child in order for the child to participate in the 8 sessions of Our Whole Lives. We’ll review the curriculum and materials and launch the class. Parents and children from the Foxboro, Canton, and Sharon churches will have the opportunity to meet one another and get to know our OWL teachers: David Biggers, Kitty McGregor, Jon Slavin, and Virginia Sanders. RSVP to Louise Marcoux if you will need childcare for siblings.

January 23, 12:00–2:30 p.m.

OWL 1–2 Parent-Child Orientation

Our Whole Lives is all about encouraging conversation about birth, bodies, and babies between 1st and 2nd graders and their parents. So, we’ll be starting the program with a mandatory parent-child orientation. At least one parent must attend this meeting along with their 1st or 2nd grader in order for their child to participate in the 8 sessions of Our Whole Lives. Parents will have the opportunity to review the curriculum in detail and make decisions about how some sensitive topics are handled in the class. Children will get to know their OWL teachers: Karen Zelevinsky and Bob “Schnig” Schleinig. Childcare and lunch will be provided.

January 30, 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Dinners at MainSpring House

On Sunday, January 30th, our church will provide dinner for the homeless clients of MainSpring house in Brockton. We will need volunteers to staff a small crew from 4–6 PM to set up and serve the meal and then do cleanup. We will also need a volunteer shopper, and bakers to contribute home-baked desserts. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mia Joiner-Moore. Additional dates in March and May for others to volunteer.

February 11, 7:30–9:30 p.m.

Vespers with Verses

Vespers with Verses, Friday, February 11, 7:30–8:00 p.m., Sanctuary; followed by 8:00–9:30 p.m. in the Vestry where we’ll party on with poetry and readings and dessert refreshments. Start thinking about your favorite poem to share upstairs or down at this great-way-to-end-a-winter-week evening with the other women of the church. Coming straight from work?—bring a salad or sandwich.

“Novels and Cultures” Book Group

The “Novels and Cultures” book group will discuss Thrity Umrigar’s novel “The Space Between Us” on Wednesday evening, December 1st, 7:30pm.

December 3, 5:30–8:00 p.m.

First Friday Pot Luck

The “First Friday Pot Luck” will be held on Friday evening, December 3rd, 5:30 – 8:00pm in the vestry. Informal, relaxing, and fun – all welcome!

December 5, 10:15–11:30 a.m.

Small Group Ministry for Youth

We will meet on the first Sunday of each month from 10:15 to 11:30 in the Minster’s Study. This is an opportunity for youth to gather together with a focus on deep listening and greater sharing, as they worship together and reflect on their spiritual lives. Small Group Ministry is open to all high school age youth, regardless of their involvement in Youth Group or other church activities. Youth teaching in the RE classes can be scheduled so that they are free to join SGM if they wish. Questions or Ideas? Contact Sue Bollens at 401– 295‑7549.

December 5, 12:00 p.m.

Care Giver’s Support Group

The next meetings of the Care Giver’s Support group are Sunday, December 5 and Sunday, December 19 at 12:00 (after church) in the Library. Please let us know if you plan to attend and please also pass the word to anyone you know who may want to attend. For more information please contact Susan Edinger or Pat McDougal.

December 5, 12:00 p.m.

“Interesting and Inspiring” Book Group

The “Interesting and Inspiring” book group will discuss Emma Donaghue’s novel “Room” on Sunday, December 5th, 12pm in the minister’s study.

December 7, 7:30 p.m.

Buddhist Bodhi Evening

Buddhist Bodhi Evening: Tuesday evening, December 7th, 7:30pm, at the church (program rooms A and B). Once a year Buddhists celebrate the time when Siddhartha became Enlightened (“woke up”) and became the Buddha. This evening we will retell that story, meditate in a manner which the Buddha taught, and discuss the ideas he gave in his first public lecture following his Enlightenment.

December 10, 7:30 p.m.

Perspective: Movie Night at the Unitarian Church of Sharon

We will meet on Friday, December 10th, at 7:30pm at the church to view “Defending Your Life” – a film which balances comedy and seriousness. Directed and acted by Albert Brooks and also starring Meryl Streep, it is about a man who must examine his life and its meaning after arriving in the after life following a car accident. It should engender a great discussion following the viewing!

December 11, 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Annual Holiday Open House Pot Luck Supper

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! The Membership Committee of The Unitarian Church of Sharon wishes to extend an invitation to one and all to attend the Annual Holiday Open House Pot Luck Supper. Saturday, December 11th, from 5pm to 7pm at the Church vestry. There will be no sign-up sheets for food; bring what strikes your fancy and it will be consumed without a doubt! Assistance is needed for set up at 4pm as well as for clean up at the end. There will be age-appropriate movies running in Program Space B with child “over-sight” provided. This is a nice opportunity to spend some time with your fellow UCS friends in a relaxed atmosphere before the hustle and bustle of the season sets in. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL!!

December 17, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Junior Youth Fellowship

Junior Youth Fellowship, Friday, Dec. 17, 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Fun, games and hot chocolate in the vestry! Please RSVP to Sue Bollens.

December 19, 11:30 a.m.

MainSpring House Lunchmaking

Please help us make lunches for MainSpring House, a homeless shelter in Brockton.

December 19, 12:00 p.m.

Care Giver’s Support Group

The next meetings of the Care Giver’s Support group are Sunday, December 5 and Sunday, December 19 at 12:00 (after church) in the Library. Please let us know if you plan to attend and please also pass the word to anyone you know who may want to attend. For more information please contact Susan Edinger or Pat McDougal.

December 19, 5:00–6:30 p.m.

Spiritual Sharing and Prayer Group

In December we will meet on Sunday, Dec. 19, 5pm — 6:30pm, in the minister’s study. (We will end in time to attend the Solstice evening service). In this monthly group participants share their spiritual journeys, with special reference to their relationship with their Higher Power (the God of their understanding) and there is a time of shared prayer together. If you would like this group to pray for someone you are concerned about please give Jim Robinson the appropriate information.

An Easter World
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

Lessons from the Interim Time
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

The Reaches of Accessibility
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

Exploring Forgiveness
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

A Gift Beyond Compare: A Sermon on Friendship
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

Growing in Gratitude
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

Association Sunday
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

What Is the Story of This Church?
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

Questions for the Interim Minister
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

To Come Together
Sermon by Rev. Tricia Brennan

Giving Thanks

I am grateful to serve a congregation that creates space for children’s voices to be heard, that welcomes children’s sorrows as well as their joys.

I am grateful to work with children who take time to breathe, who are willing to share what they are wondering about, who care about each other, who feel at home at church.

I am grateful to be engaged in an ongoing conversation with children and youth and adults – with curious, energetic, thoughtful people who take time to listen to one another and to the still small voice within.

Blessed be.

Louise

New Nursery Care Provider

Please welcome our new nursery care provider: Nancy Lee Mauger. Nancy Lee is an experienced mom, nanny, and elder care provider who has agreed to lovingly care for our infants and toddlers in our nursery Sundays. Nancy Lee has a masters degree in music — she plays the French horn — and is also a talented artist and children’s art teacher. We feel fortunate to have found her. Thank you too to all who volunteered to fill the breach as we searched for a new nursery care provider.

RE Events in December and January

Revels rehearsals — Sunday, December 5 11:30 am –12:20pm; Sunday, December 12, 9 am –10 am.

Revels is our annual celebration of the return of the light – a worship service led by our children and youth . Please help your children feel comfortable as worship leaders by bringing them to two rehearsals. On Sunday, December 5, children and youth will rehearse in the sanctuary from 11:30 am (immediately following the end of worship) until 12:30 pm. On Revels Sunday, December 12, children and youth should arrive at church at 9 am for one final runthrough. Parents are asked to be available in the vestry to supervise their children when they are not actively rehearsing.

Intergenerational worship — Sunday December 19.

Everyone worships together in the sanctuary during an intergenerational worship service. There are no religious education classes. A hands-on activity will be available for those in the sanctuary who hear better when their hands are busy. Childcare will be available in our large and comfortable nursery – for infants and toddlers (the young) AND for preschoolers and elementary aged children who become restless with too much sitting still (the restless).

OWL 5–6 parent-child orientation – Sunday, January 9, 12:30– 3 pm.

Our Whole Lives is all about enhancing communication between 5th and 6th graders and their parents – so it’s no surprise that we’ll be kicking off this program with a mandatory parent-child orientation. At least one parent must attend this meeting along with their child in order for the child to participate in the 8 sessions of Our Whole Lives. We’ll review the curriculum and materials and launch the class. Parents and children from the Foxboro, Canton, and Sharon churches will have the opportunity to meet one another and get to know our OWL teachers: David Biggers, Kitty McGregor, Jon Slavin, and Virginia Sanders. RSVP to Louise Marcoux if you will need childcare for siblings.

OWL 1–2 parent-child orientation – Sunday, January 23, noon – 2:30pm

Our Whole Lives is all about encouraging conversation about birth, bodies, and babies between 1st and 2nd graders and their parents. So, we’ll be starting the program with a mandatory parent-child orientation. At least one parent must attend this meeting along with their 1st or 2nd grader in order for their child to participate in the 8 sessions of Our Whole Lives. Parents will have the opportunity to review the curriculum in detail and make decisions about how some sensitive topics are handled in the class. Children will get to know their OWL teachers: Karen Zelevinsky and Bob “Schnig” Schleinig. Childcare and lunch will be provided.

The Adult Religious Education Committee welcomes your ideas and suggestions for future adult education opportunities at the church. E-mail the Adult Education chair and let them know what you’re thinking.

The “Novels and Cultures” book group will discuss Thrity Umrigar’s novel “The Space Between Us” on Wednesday evening, December 1st, 7:30pm.

The “Interesting and Inspiring” book group will discuss Emma Donaghue’s novel “Room” on Sunday, December 5th, 12pm in the minister’s study.

The “First Friday Pot Luck” will be held on Friday evening, December 3rd, 5:30 – 8:00pm in the vestry. Informal, relaxing, and fun – all welcome!

“Perspective: Movie Night at the Unitarian Church of Sharon” - We will meet on Friday, December 10th, at 7:30pm at the church to view “Defending Your Life” – a film which balances comedy and seriousness. Directed and acted by Albert Brooks and also starring Meryl Streep, it is about a man who must examine his life and its meaning after arriving in the after life following a car accident. It should engender a great discussion following the viewing!

Men’s Group at the Unitarian Church of Sharon: We have a wonderful group of men who have been meeting now for some years. The group meets twice a month to share their journeys, socialize, explore, and learn together. The group has decided to open up to new men. If you would like to join the men’s group please contact Jim Robinson or 781–784-3652. The current group has space for several new men. If more than several express interest we will start a new men’s group.

Spiritual sharing and Prayer group - In December we will meet on Sunday, Dec. 19, 5pm — 6:30pm, in the minister’s study. (We will end in time to attend the Solstice evening service). In this monthly group participants share their spiritual journeys, with special reference to their relationship with their Higher Power (the God of their understanding) and there is a time of shared prayer together. If you would like this group to pray for someone you are concerned about please give Jim Robinson the appropriate information.

Forrest Church Discussion Group - The late Rev. Forrest Church was one of the most influential Unitarian Universalist ministers of our time. Senior minister at All Souls Church in New York City and son of Senator Frank Church, Forrest Church’s prolific writings covered many topics ranging from the social and political to the deeply personal and spiritual. His works, such as The Cathedral of the World and Love and Death , are very accessible, and offers numerous opportunities for small group discussion. This January, the Unitarian Church of Sharon will be forming a Forrest Church discussion group that will meet to review and have conversations about selections from his work. Readings will be provided ahead of time and no previous familiarity with Church’s writings is required. The group will meet once in January (date to be determined) and will then agree on how many more times it would like to meet afterwards. If you are interested please contact Susan Edinger or Tom D’Avanzo in person or by e-mail.

Save the date: Vespers with Verses, Friday, February 11, 7:30–8:00 p.m., Sanctuary; followed by 8:00–9:30 p.m. in the Vestry where we’ll party on with poetry and readings and dessert refreshments. Start thinking about your favorite poem to share upstairs or down at this great-way-to-end-a-winter-week evening with the other women of the church. Coming straight from work?—bring a salad or sandwich.

Senior Youth Group (Grades 9 – 12)

Through weekly meetings, overnights, retreats, youth worship, social action projects and congregational events, our senior youth create strong bonds with their peers and adults. Youth Group meets Sunday evenings from 5 to 7, and is open to all high school age youth. These meetings are anchored in mutual respect, youth empowerment, leadership development, spiritual exploration and lots of fun!

The Youth Coordinator and a team of advisors work with the youth to create their programming and choose their activities. Your thoughts, questions, comments and ideas are always welcome!

Junior Youth Fellowship (Grades 6 –

Junior Youth Fellowship meets once a month for a variety of activities that include conversations, games, questions, caring, and lots of laughter.

Coming of Age Program

Coming of Age is a year-long program for 8th and 9th graders designed to acknowledge and celebrate the transition from childhood to adulthood. See also RE Special Events.

Our Whole Lives

We offer the 28-session Our Whole Lives (OWL) comprehensive sexuality education program for 7th and 8th graders. See also RE Special Events.