An note concerning the passing of Bill Griswold and Rev. Al's health  

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Our dear friend and devoted member and former President "Bill" Griswold passed away early last Sunday morning after a massive stroke. Bill's keen insights of the world never let up even as he approached 96 in June. His strong heartfelt hugs and wonderful sense of humor will be so missed. Bill was always the first to arrive Sunday mornings, and had welcoming greeting for all. Sitting in the middle of the first row, he was always there with a quick response to the sermon of the day. You could not get anything past Bill's keen observation and analysis. He had traveled the world and experienced war as a WWII pilot in the Pacific. He worried about his own children in the military and tenderly shared those concerns as well as concerns about friends when they were ill and the world in general. He was a devoted member serving many years on the Parish Committee and as President. Bill was a wonderful steward of the church and the beautiful land he preserved for all to enjoy on Lampblack Rd. On line guest book link for sending remembrances of Bill is www.vet-trans.com/memorial    

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Sunday Mornings- Coffee at 11:00, Service at 11:30

Sunday May 12 Rev. Al is home from the hospital and resting comfortably with Jane's devoted attention. She has sent us the sermon that Al had prepared to deliver in person and we will do a group reading and discussion around that sermon this Sunday. We hope you can come and share both our warm memories of Bill and Al's words of wisdom for us. We will meet at the usual time - coffee starts at 11, service at 11:30.

Sunday May 19 Rev. Steve Wilson: A Faithless Faith: Humanism and Religious Life
Is faith in God/a Goddess, Jesus or something similar, ...something bigger,... essential for an effective, practical, valuable, contemporary religious/spiritual life.  Is belief in something bigger,... essential to religion. Honestly, seriously, is some leap of faith required? And what does it look like when you don’t feel like you can?

May 26: is already Memorial day weekend! As is our custom we will take this weekend off. Enjoy (no service)

June 2 : Regular time: coffee hour 11am, service 11:30am
Ted Thornton returns to share his with our congregation his latest insights on Middle Eastern affairs and other recent world travel. Always engaging and enlightening.

WOMEN'S GROUP.....
It's time for a Women's Group gathering. Any ideas for a focus or anyone willing to host? Call Annette at 413-330-0807

Jiminy Cricket~ "Don't forget to participate asap in the current National dialogues that will shape our immediate future:Filibuster reform: Elizabeth Warren website and Gun safety reforms at Obama or Whitehouse websites. Whatever you believe, participation in our democracy and feedback to our representatives and leaders is essential!"

Call 648-9574 for information or if you need to carpool to come to church or events.

Rev. Al and Jane Ciarcia's address for sending cards and messages of love and support is
119 Angel Drive, Apt. D, Waterbury, CT 06708-125

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Contact Rev. Steve Wilson if you have a pastoral need or would like a visit.- 617-852-2292

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Recent Events!

 

No Pipeline through New England!
Climate Rally - 10:30 on the Meetinghouse steps.
Sunday February 17th in solidarity with the DC Rally and 350.org

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Thanks for a good laugh and sweet treats on Valentines day

The Valentines Cabaret was sooooo great!

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Wednesdays Free and Open Art Workshop meets weekly from 9:30-12:00. Come work in your own medium and get kind critiques and pointers from your peers.  (Followed by optional lunch special at the 4-Leaf, or Antonio's!)In case of inclement weather, call 648-9574 to confirm.

DVAA & our Meetinghouse Artists getting a special tour with Sen. Stan Rosenberg

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Experience Unitarian Warmth
There's always something happening at
the Bernardston Unitarian Church

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Past Events!

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Happy time on the church steps watching the parade!
"Sense of Place" Celebration. Sept. 22, Story telling, meetinghouse tours, parade float and artist reception

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Thanks to every one who helped with the Cabaret to benefit Franklin County flood victims and the Guinoppe Honduras Project!!! It was a great success!!!
Thanks to the Great Local Business Sponsors for our Cabaret Raffle!
Click here to find out who they are!

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This is Louise with Caryl after an amazing presentation. Boy can she make history come alive! The paintings describe the only successful Native American rebellion.
Link to Louise's Website

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The "SHELTER: Dreams of Home Event" included a panel of professionals speaking about housing, getting a home, keeping a home and related issues.
The Art Exhibition accompanying a free community event held May 14, 2011 from 11am-8pm. The subject of the exhibition was "HOME" and all that the word evokes in our hearts, minds, and senses.
The Opening Reception to celebrate the artists held from 3-5 pm on the 14th followed by The Walter Mittys Band from 5- 8pm.

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GREAT SPRING WATER EVENT!

thanks to all who participated!

Click Here Spring Water Event 2009 for the photo page.

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Keynote speaker Daniel Esty author of "Green to Gold"
Yale Professor and advisor to Pres. Obama

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Al and Jane

Photos of Al's 15 years with the Bernardston Unitarians celebration!

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Eric Wasileski and Steve Wilson
Australian Send-off for Rev. Steve Wilson
Party Pictures

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Thanks to David Korten
progressive visionary author
Speaking about creating a positive future
David Korten's blog
The Great Turning website
Thanks to the sponsors and contributors for their generous support!

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Dr Robert Sidorsky Ultimate Peace
Saturday April 10, 2009
Robert and Linda Sidorsky have been doing their part to bring peace to the Middle East by facilitating Ultimate Frisbee games between Palestinian and Israeli youth. Dr. Robert Sidorsky spoke about this exciting venture as part of the Great Decisions discussion. Pictures & More Info

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Peace Mantra:
"To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance." -Buddha

Stay tuned for special events.

Calendar
PhotoPage
Links
Find Us - Directions
Poetry by Nick Fleck
A history of the church from the 1600's
Minister's page
Honoring our Elders Over Eighty 
E-mail

Bernardston Unitarian Declaration of Fellowship:
We unite to affirm
that love is the spirit of this church
and service it's mission.
This is our great covenant:
To dwell together in peace,
To seek knowledge in freedom,
To give service to humanity.