First Parish in Concord

Sunday News for May 11, 2008

Listings with asterisks are classes offered through the Wright Tavern Center for Spiritual Renewal.

Parish Notes

Sign Up to Bring Coffee Hour Food

Do you ever daydream about the doughnut holes and coffee cake that await you in the Parish Hall after the sermon? Each Sunday we need people to bring food to share for that table. There is a sign-up sheet on the table; and if everybody took one week of the year and chipped in, it would be so easy. The coffee is already made. All you have to do is bring the food, put it out, and clean up at the end of coffee hour. Just fill in your name and phone number on the sign-up sheet on the food table. Someone will call to remind you the week before your date. Thanks so much.

Offering Envelopes

Offering envelopes for the new pledge year are in, and can be picked up downstairs today. They will also be available for the next two Sundays. If you use envelopes, please pick yours up as soon as possible.

Carolyn Altshuler Currie in Concert

The late Sue Altshuler of First Parish was an outstanding artist, and her children have also distinguished themselves in their own chosen professions. Carolyn Altshuler Currie, daughter of Sue and Tom Altshuler, has delighted audiences throughout the United States with her captivating, poetic music of poignant life stories. Her concerts have garnered multiple awards and praise for her soulful, Celtic-influenced, original folk music. The Women's Parish Association is happy to sponsor her performance at First Parish on Friday, May 16, at 8:00 p.m. Some of Sue's artwork will be on display throughout the evening, as well as some of the sculpture of her very talented son, Daniel. Tickets will be available at the door for a price of five dollars. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are not necessary.

Music Events Committee Spring Recital

Plan to attend the First Parish Spring Recital on Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. Eric Huenneke, organ and piano; Nancy Ackerman, clarinet; and Elizabeth Norton, soprano, will be performing works by American and European composers, including Arthur Foote, Richard Purvis, Charles Callahan, William Grant Still, Francis Poulenc, Franz Schubert and others. The suggested donation is $15 at the First Parish office, or at the door. For more information, call 978-369-9602 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tracing the Transcendentalists in Italy

If you missed our informational meeting about the First Parish trip to Italy in March of 2009 but might be interested in going, please pick up the packet of information that is available on the table outside the church office.

Summer Services

First Parish will worship at Kerem Shalom, Elm Street at Route 2, beginning June 15, at 10:00 a.m.

Miscellaneous News

Exhibit of Collages and Paintings

Siri Smedvig has an exhibit of collages and paintings in Gallery B at Depot Square Gallery in Lexington Center. The show will run until May 25. And next Sunday, May 18, Siri will be playing a concert at the gallery with friends at 4 p.m. All are invited.

“File of Life” Folders

Convenient health history and medical condition forms for Concord seniors are available from the Concord Council on Aging on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Concord Scout House, 74 Walden Street; or from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Harvey Wheeler Center, 1276 Main Street in West Concord. These forms can help give emergency responders the best information to help you in an emergency. Refreshments will be served, and there will be an opportunity to sign up with the Concord Fire Department for a smoke detector check. This folder distribution is an Eagle Scout project by Troop 132 in Concord.

Children's and Youth News

Today, May 11-Surprise Visitor (Storyteller)

  8:50 & 10:50 a.m. - Regular Classes, Babies-Preschool
   9:00 & 11:00 a.m. - Services
      K-1 Begin in the Sanctuary, Dismissed to Classrooms
     Grades 2-6 Begin in the Sanctuary, Dismissed to Chapel
     7th Grade Neighboring Faiths - Presentation on Cults

Sunday, May 18-Social Action Sunday

  8:50 & 10:50 a.m. - Regular Classes, Babies-Preschool
   9:00 & 11:00 a.m. - Services
      K-6 Begin in the Sanctuary, Dismissed to Smith Room
     No 7th or 8th Grade Classes

If you have not yet registered for RE for next year, please contact Jane Barnes in the RE office as soon as possible. Thank you.

Social Action Community

Second Collection Today for Cyclone Relief

Join together to support the UUSC-UUA Relief efforts for Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. Donate today or mail a donation to UUSC-UUA Cyclone Nargis Relief Fund, P.O. Box 845259, Boston, MA 02284; or online at www.uusc.org/info/support_cyclonenargis.html.

El Salvador Service Trip Meeting-Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m.

All interested students, parents and possible chaperones, please join us at 7 p.m. next Thursday, May 15, for an El Salvador Service Trip meeting. The trip is planned for April vacation 2009 for then 8th and 9th graders. This is a critical meeting, with information on the itinerary, dates and application process. Please contact Faith Bade, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Jim Reynolds, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , if you are unable to attend.

P-FLAG Meeting at the Trinity Episcopal Church

The Minute Man Chapter of P-FLAG-Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays-will meet on Sunday, May 18, and the third Sunday of every month, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the library of the Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street (River Street side). The meetings begin with a sharing of stories. For information, call 866-427-3524 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The website is gbpflag.org.