Recently, the children and some adult mentors created a Stone Soap using the vegetables from our garden, and vegetables that church members and friends brought from their gardens. The church community enjoyed  the soup during coffee hour.

Announcements – May 20, 2012

What’s Happening this Sunday

• Youth Credo:  our 9th and 10th graders will present their personal credo statements during the “Coming of Age” service at 10:30 in the Sanctuary.

• Annual Plant Swap, Seed Swap and Sale – outside (weather permitting)!  Now is the time to divide those perennials and bring them to church so that others can either swap or adopt.  Bring your extra starter seedlings.

• Picnic Lunch – Cook-out (hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers) by the Men’s Fellowship, salads and desserts by Women’s Alliance at noon – all are welcome!!  The cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.  Outside seating if weather permits; or in the Parish House.

~Current Events~

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

This morning, the children will be given church school registration forms for next year’s religious education program. Please take a few moments to fill it out and give it to the RE Committee member at the RE table at Hospitality Hour.

ENERGY AUDIT – $10.00 TO THE CHURCH!

Next Step Living offers a free home energy audit through the South Coast Energy Challenge. Completed audits that are linked to the UU Church of Fairhaven generate a ten dollar rebate to the church. With the audit you receive free light bulbs, programmable thermostats and many discount offers. Join us at coffee hour today. A representative from the Challenge will sign you up.

PLEDGES, PLEDGES, PLEDGES!

This is not a pledge drive for NPR; it is a pledge drive for your church. Our Finance Committee is poised ready to create a budget in time for our annual meeting on June 3^rd. You do not have to be an official member to pledge; you just have to want our church to thrive and pay its bills!

There are pledge cards at the back of the church, on the Information table in the hallway, and on the Welcome Table in the Parish House. Please let us know what you are able to generously pledge to our church in the 2012-2013 church year by writing it on a pledge card. Put your pledge card in the plastic sleeve on the door of the Church Office. Blessings multiply for every $ you pledge!

CAN YOU FLIP A BURGER? WE NEED YOU!

Cook-out by the Men’s Fellowship, Desserts by Women’s Alliance
Sunday, May 20, 12 noon
Modest charge for lunch.

Outside seating, if weather permits, or in the Parish House. Two of our major burger flippers will be out-of-town this day. Please let Rev. Ann Fox know if you are able to help with the barbeque. Let’s have another fun event together before the end of the church year!

ANNUAL PLANT SWAP, SEED SWAP AND SALE

Sunday, May 20, 2012 – Outside (weather permitting) or in Parish House

Now is the time to clean up those perennials; save them and bring them to church so that others can either swap or adopt. If you are starting seeds and have too many baby plants, bring them too. If you have any questions, please contact Mary-Jane Richard.

CONNECTING FOR CHANGE FILM SERIES - “JOURNEY OF THE UNIVERSE”

Thursday, May 24, 2012, 7:00 PM, Parish House Auditorium

“Journey of the Universe” is the final film in the Connecting for Change Film Series. Narrated and co-written by author and evolutionary philosopher, Brian Swimme, this firm takes us from the Big Bang theory to the epic impact humans have on our planet today. In a period of growing environmental and social crisis, this film is designed to inspire a new and closer relationship with the Earth. Through Mr. Swimme’s engaging and thoughtful observations, audiences will discover the profound roll we humans can play in the intricate web of life.

SHEPHERD’S PANTRY NEWS

Please help out if you can! Just a reminder that we need volunteers on Saturday, May 19th at the Shepherds Pantry, from 8:45 – 11AM (note the new hours!!). The Pantry is at Long Plain Methodist Church in Acushnet;  their address is 1215 Main Street, Acushnet, MA. Please contact Dave and/or Kym Welty to let them know you are coming. Thank you!

THE BOOK SALE IS COMING!!

WE NEED BOOKS!

Bring your unwanted books (also CD’s, DVD’s, books on tape) for our Annual Book Sale fundraiser to the church auditorium and put them on the stage now through June.

Book Sale dates: June 22 (dealers preview–$5 charge), June 23, 24 and 30 (free).

~Ongoing Groups you can join~ 

Spiritual Explorers. 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays, 7 PM in Harrop Center. The Explorers are currently studying “Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall Rosenberg. If you wish to join, please write to minister@uufairhaven.org or call the church office, 508-992-7081.

Small Group Ministry. 1^st and 3^rd Mondays, 7 PM; Harrop Center 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays at 10 AM. These groups have various topics that they ponder and discuss. They practice deep listening in their interactions. There is always an “empty chair” ready for a newcomer. If you wish to join, please contact the minister at minister@uufairhaven.org or call 508-992-7081.

Drumming Circle. Meets in the Parish House, 7 PM, second Sundays.

Knitting Circle. 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays, 6:30 PM in Harrop Center – All are welcome!

Gentle Yoga Monthly Tune-Up. 4^th Wednesday of the month, 6:00 to 7:30 PM in Harrop Center. All are welcome. Facilitated by Louise Barteau.

Men’s Fellowship. This group invites all men to join. They have some family recreational activities as well as providing help to the church. Write to Lenny Cook if you wish to join: lennycook@verizon.net.

Women’s Alliance. This group is more than 100 years old. It seeks to benefit the lives of women and children and provide help to the church as well as having FUN! All women are welcome.

NOTE: For more information on any of these programs,
please contact Rev. Ann Fox (minister@uufairhaven.org),
contact the church office (office@uufairhaven.org) or call 508-992-7081.

Next Newsletter Deadline: Monday May 21 at 10 AM