Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, one and all!  I am very grateful for so many things, certainly including the wonderful Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover.

This year, as in many years in the past, I have "adopted" (sponsored) a turkey at the Farm Sanctuary.  It's part of my own Thanksgiving tradition.  I myself am a vegetarian, but you can adopt a turkey whether you're a vegetarian or not!

I adopted Antoinette this year: "Let them eat squash!"

Announcing new book by the minister emeritus

Announcement:  UUCiA minister emeritus, Peter Richardson, has issued a new book, Journey Beyond God: Religious Philosophy for Our Time. Many of the themes will be familiar to UUCiA members and friends from 1992-2002, when he was minister of the congregation. In four chapters, "Alone", "Together", "Between", "Among", the author explores the contrast of theologically based vs. humanist naturalist religion. Themes include nature and spirituality, spiritual practice, congregation, ethics, pluralism and world religion, ministry, worship, freedom and democracy, education, religious authority, mysticism, consciousness, reason, purpose and life goals. It is a quality paperback, 192 pp, 39 illustrations, 5 figures, study guide, bibliography, notes and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-9741152-8-3. Cost is 24.95 + 3.50 p&h via. www.redbarnrockland.com using either PayPal or the contact feature where you can be billed with the invoice.

"Help the most vulnerable in our society"

This Sunday during announcements, I mentioned that there would be a vigil at Senator Kerry's office.  Here is more information, from UUMassAction: "Help the most vulnerable in our society! Massachusetts Senator John Kerry has an important spot on the 'Super Committee' that will be coming up with legislation to address the United States debt. Many voices in the public debate are targeting those who are most vulnerable in our society to take the brunt of these budget cuts. UU Mass Action, Promise the Children and UU Urban Ministry are calling on Unitarian Universalist across Massachusetts to tell Sen. Kerry to stand with us in love; stand strong: Demand shared responsibility. Protect Medicaid and Medicare; don't shift costs to states and the seniors, people living with disabilities and children who rely on these programs."

Join us at Sen. Kerry's office on Wednesday, October 26th at 5 p.m. One Bowdoin Square, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA 02114.

Whether or not you can come on Wednesday, please consider singing this petition.

"OccUUpy" Boston

Unitarian Universalists, for the past two Sundays, have had UU Vesper services at Occupy Boston.  I didn't make the first one, but I was there (along with three UUCiA members) this Sunday, October 16.  There was a wonderful homily by Rev. Parisa Parsa and great music by Matt Meyer.  Rev. Jason Lydon also led prayer.  All in all, a very moving service.  There will be another UU Vespers this coming Sunday, October 23, at 5:30 p.m. in Dewey Square (across from South Station).  Join us!