On Thursday, September 17 at 7pm the church will be presenting a special program on immigration issues,
one of the major concerns in our country today. This program will be in conjunction with the Bridgewater
State University (BSU) English department and other departments. Ben Carson, chair of the English Dept.,
has invited Margaret Regan, author of two important books on immigration to come to BSU to speak with
students involved in a special multi-discipline program on campus. The students will be using her book Detained
and Deported in their course. She will participate in programs and classes at BSU on Friday, September
18.
Since another of Ms. Regan’s books, The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories form the Arizona-Mexico
Border, was the UUA Common Read for 2011 - 2012, she has been invited, and has agreed, to do a presentation
at First Parish. This will be for the general public and area U U churches. The Social Justice Committee
(SJC) will be coordinating arrangements for the program on September 17th. Please share this information.
Find out more information on our facebook page!
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Migration Reflections
Today's lay-led service was a discussion of migration by geographer and First Parish member James Hayes-Bohanan. Drawing on his work as a geographer and his time spent in Mexico, Central America, and the US-Mexico Borderlands, it was an attempt to bring the UU First Principle to a topic that all-too-often does disservice to the worth and dignity of individuals.
We let the music of Tish Hinojosa open the discussion, with two songs from her Homeland album. "Joaquin" is a contemporary story -- perhaps fictitious but based on thousands of realities -- of what motivates a migrant and what he leaves behind. "West Side of Town" is about the artist's own family in San Antonio, Texas. It mentions migration as the initial spark of her family's history, but thereafter is more like the Loretta Lynn classic "Coalminer's Daughter" -- in other words, the story of an ordinary family loving each other and building a life. See University of Tish, Passim Campus for more about the wisdom and beauty of this music.
James continued with readings of two posts about migration from his "main" blog, Environmental Geography. He wrote the first of these, The Human Sieve, in 2010, and it remains the most complete statement of his concerns about migration. The service did not include the 2014 update Sieve Details, which adds some economic arguments and invites the reader to consider a more radical proposal to open borders entirely.
The second reading is a year older, and was chosen because it has a direct UU connection. The church that James and Pamela attended in Tucson has become deeply involved in a humanitarian effort to save the lives of migrants being smuggled across the few deadly zones between wall segments. One of those parishioners has famously been arrested and charged with littering -- for leaving plastic water bottles in the desert -- which of course put James in mind of that most famous Massachusetts litterbug, Arlo Guthrie.
After the service, Tom St. Thomas mentioned an important song about migration -- Woody Guthrie's "Plane Wreck at Los Gatos," better known as Deportee. Many artists have covered this powerful song about the true story of a planeload of bracero program workers whose death was little-recognized. A couple of versions stand out.
First, Johnny Cash and Johnny Rodriguez on Nashville Now:
Much more recently, the duo The Last Internationale produced a music video that includes both the song and their research of the original story. Their goal was to restore something of the dignity that was taken from them by officials who considered them something less than human.
For more thoughts on migration and related subjects, search the terms migration, sieve, or Mexico on James' blog.
We let the music of Tish Hinojosa open the discussion, with two songs from her Homeland album. "Joaquin" is a contemporary story -- perhaps fictitious but based on thousands of realities -- of what motivates a migrant and what he leaves behind. "West Side of Town" is about the artist's own family in San Antonio, Texas. It mentions migration as the initial spark of her family's history, but thereafter is more like the Loretta Lynn classic "Coalminer's Daughter" -- in other words, the story of an ordinary family loving each other and building a life. See University of Tish, Passim Campus for more about the wisdom and beauty of this music.
James continued with readings of two posts about migration from his "main" blog, Environmental Geography. He wrote the first of these, The Human Sieve, in 2010, and it remains the most complete statement of his concerns about migration. The service did not include the 2014 update Sieve Details, which adds some economic arguments and invites the reader to consider a more radical proposal to open borders entirely.
 |
| Many calling for a wall do not realize that there already IS a wall. Nor do they realize that they are subject to random search by ICE within one hundred miles of all US borders and coastlines, including most of New England and all the major cities of the East Coast. |
After the service, Tom St. Thomas mentioned an important song about migration -- Woody Guthrie's "Plane Wreck at Los Gatos," better known as Deportee. Many artists have covered this powerful song about the true story of a planeload of bracero program workers whose death was little-recognized. A couple of versions stand out.
First, Johnny Cash and Johnny Rodriguez on Nashville Now:
Much more recently, the duo The Last Internationale produced a music video that includes both the song and their research of the original story. Their goal was to restore something of the dignity that was taken from them by officials who considered them something less than human.
For more thoughts on migration and related subjects, search the terms migration, sieve, or Mexico on James' blog.
Monday, July 6, 2015
GREEN SANCTUARY COMMITTEE’s Green Tip of the Month
ECO-FRIENDLY AIR FRESHENER
Check out the new eco-friendly air freshener making its debut this month in the Unisex bathroom. The
freshener contains lavender essential oil, baking soda, and water. The GSC is seeking small pump spray bottles (5-6 oz.) for the freshener. Please contact Debbie (catsmeow908@verizon.net) if you can help with
smaller bottles (perhaps recycled from hair products, etc.)!! For the present time, the spray bottle will be a larger size.
BOYCOTT BOTTLED WATER THIS SUMMER! ~Boycotting bottled water means you support the idea that public access to clean, safe water is a basic human right. We don't need to pay a corporation for it. Perhaps the most important feat of engineering ever devised by humans, access to clean water, comes right out of your faucet every day, and for that we are fortunate. Drink it!
- The commodification of water also means that the planet is being polluted by those obnoxious plastic bottles. Use (and re-use) a refillable water bottle instead. Make it a habit to bring a bottle filled with ice water with you each day as you leave your home.
~Have a happy and hydrated summer!
BOYCOTT BOTTLED WATER THIS SUMMER! ~Boycotting bottled water means you support the idea that public access to clean, safe water is a basic human right. We don't need to pay a corporation for it. Perhaps the most important feat of engineering ever devised by humans, access to clean water, comes right out of your faucet every day, and for that we are fortunate. Drink it!
- The commodification of water also means that the planet is being polluted by those obnoxious plastic bottles. Use (and re-use) a refillable water bottle instead. Make it a habit to bring a bottle filled with ice water with you each day as you leave your home.
~Have a happy and hydrated summer!
Friday, May 8, 2015
UU TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES TO STAR ISLAND and FERRY BEACH!
To be Auctioned May 16, 2015 at First Parish, Bridgewater First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Bridgewater is holding its Annual Goods and Services Auction the evening of Saturday May 16, 2015. There are two travel items up for auction that we think will be of interest to members of other UU churches.
We will take sealed bids for these items by e-mail. If a sealed bid is higher than the final live bid at the auction, the sealed bid wins. Please send an email message with your bid to fpuuauction@gmail.com no later than midnight, Friday May 15th, 2015. Emailed bids must be received by midnight, May 15th to be included in the bidding. (Please clearly indicate which item you are bidding on.)
3 Nights on Star Island for 2 people.
What’s Included: This certificate is valid for any three nights during the summer of 2015 (June 20 - September 20, 2015) pending availability. Meals and ferry transportation from Portsmouth NH are included. Note that availability may be limited during July/August and on September weekends. The most available time is likely to be August 29 – September 5. The winner must contact the Star Island to arrange the nights. Fair Market Value $840.
About Star Island: Star is located 6 miles of the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. A visit to Star is a step back in time. Star Island was founded on the traditions of Unitarian Universalism and the United Church of Christ. Star Island’s setting is both rich in history and access to nature. There are
many opportunities to learn, explore and relax. Visit the Vaughn Cottage Museum to learn about the history of the surrounding Isles of Shoals. Investigate the Gulf of Maine ecosystem at the Rutledge Marine Lab. Relax in a rocking chair on the Oceanic Hotel porch. Kayaks and rowboats are available to rent, and sports equipment for lawn games or a tennis match is available. To learn more: www.starisland.org.
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2 Nights at Ferry Beach for 2 - Friday & Saturday nights, September 4 & 5, 2015.
What’s Included: Two night standard room (dormitory stay), Friday and Saturday nights, September 4th and 5th, at Ferry Beach, Saco, Maine for 2 people. Includes Saturday breakfast, lunch, an all you can eat bbq dinner, and music from 4-8pm on Saturday. (Bring linens or they are available for a $25 charge.) This is a $110 per night per person value with 2 full meal plans for Saturday, a $96 value. Total fair market value is $316. The winner must contact Ferry Beach to arrange the dates.
About Ferry Beach: Ferry Beach is a UU retreat and conference center located on a 32-acre oceanfront campus in Saco, on the coast of southern Maine. Founded in 1901 in the traditions of Universalism, it now continues those traditions whole espousing the principles of Unitarianism. It is a place to experience nature, community and spiritual growth. For more information: www.ferrybeach.org
We will take sealed bids for these items by e-mail. If a sealed bid is higher than the final live bid at the auction, the sealed bid wins. Please send an email message with your bid to fpuuauction@gmail.com no later than midnight, Friday May 15th, 2015. Emailed bids must be received by midnight, May 15th to be included in the bidding. (Please clearly indicate which item you are bidding on.)
3 Nights on Star Island for 2 people.
What’s Included: This certificate is valid for any three nights during the summer of 2015 (June 20 - September 20, 2015) pending availability. Meals and ferry transportation from Portsmouth NH are included. Note that availability may be limited during July/August and on September weekends. The most available time is likely to be August 29 – September 5. The winner must contact the Star Island to arrange the nights. Fair Market Value $840.
About Star Island: Star is located 6 miles of the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. A visit to Star is a step back in time. Star Island was founded on the traditions of Unitarian Universalism and the United Church of Christ. Star Island’s setting is both rich in history and access to nature. There are
many opportunities to learn, explore and relax. Visit the Vaughn Cottage Museum to learn about the history of the surrounding Isles of Shoals. Investigate the Gulf of Maine ecosystem at the Rutledge Marine Lab. Relax in a rocking chair on the Oceanic Hotel porch. Kayaks and rowboats are available to rent, and sports equipment for lawn games or a tennis match is available. To learn more: www.starisland.org.
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2 Nights at Ferry Beach for 2 - Friday & Saturday nights, September 4 & 5, 2015.
What’s Included: Two night standard room (dormitory stay), Friday and Saturday nights, September 4th and 5th, at Ferry Beach, Saco, Maine for 2 people. Includes Saturday breakfast, lunch, an all you can eat bbq dinner, and music from 4-8pm on Saturday. (Bring linens or they are available for a $25 charge.) This is a $110 per night per person value with 2 full meal plans for Saturday, a $96 value. Total fair market value is $316. The winner must contact Ferry Beach to arrange the dates.
About Ferry Beach: Ferry Beach is a UU retreat and conference center located on a 32-acre oceanfront campus in Saco, on the coast of southern Maine. Founded in 1901 in the traditions of Universalism, it now continues those traditions whole espousing the principles of Unitarianism. It is a place to experience nature, community and spiritual growth. For more information: www.ferrybeach.org
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Opening of The Hive!
Quentin Jarvis performing the ribbon cutting honors with our DRE Sara Williams and RE Committee Chair, Laurie Lessner.
The view inside.
From today -
Welcome to the grand opening of The Hive! The RE Committee is very excited to finally reveal this much awaited addition. Of course we wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for Frank Yeatman. Frank made this happen with his research, organization, enthusiasm, crossed T’s, and much more. He didn’t give up our dream to expand our capacity for education. We're very lucky to have so many people wanting our extra space to succeed, from increasing pledges to giving monetary and material donations, to performing the physical labor to meet codes and turn a big box into a habitable building. And of course our DRE Sara, who’s working to turn the inside into comfortable, attractive classrooms.
The extra space we get with The Hive is one of the steps we need to grow First Parish. The Hive will help attract new families and encourage them to come into our lovely community. Their helping hands will help us carry out the important work we all do here at First Parish and new people will continue to keep our atmosphere vibrant and help take it into the future.
I don’t think we’ll make that mistake, and luckily we have people here who agree and will continue to work on improving our wonderful beginnings.
We’re happy to have Quentin Jarvis, the builder of this deck and representative of the facilities committee, do the honor of cutting the ribbon and officially opening The Hive!
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Works by Mark Young " Past, Present and future". Fifty years in art.
Works by Mark Young " Past, Present and future". Fifty years in art.
This is the kickoff of the " Studio and Art Center, Inc" . A new non-profit
organization to teach art, metal sculpture, painting and the other disciplines in art, Bridgewater Ma.
Library show:
There are 25 paintings and sculptures of several phases of my career, with my all newest works belonging to the The Studio & Art Center, Inc.
This show kicks off an offering of these works for sale to fund the new school. Corporate sponsors as welcome and Interior Designers, ASID and Architects etc. Commercial and residential commissions available for large projects.
Some of these works are from 1963 forward, are from the Collection of Meghan R. Young and Samuel J, Young ( In trust). There will be other shows and I will post the dates and locations.
Classes:
Classes: I taught at the Fuller Museum here in Brockton, Ma. when I first came here in 2000. I will be rejoining them and others here, to set up a school to teach art. I will teaching metal sculpture, painting and the School will also feature other Instructors. I am in the process of negotiating on one of two buildings and will have this set up for spring 2015,
Contact through: goodartstuff@aol.com
Please come and visit on January 17th at the Library, 10 am to 2pm. I will be there for the day.
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