What's New?

Updated: January 31, 2012.

SEMI-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Following the Sunday morning service of January 22, 2012, the President of the Board of Trustees conducted the semi-annual meeting of the congregation. He had carefully prepared the agenda that included information of the committee members. He gave appreciation to the Board Members, the Administrator, Treasurer, R.E. Leaders and others who readily volunteer to carry responsibilities in various maintenance and leadership positions. A report was given about the Search Committee's diligence. Soon a visit will be made from the UUA CMwD's Consulting Ministry Settlement Representative.

An agenda item of the church finances was shared with church members and a printed Income/Expenditures report was available. "Ours is not a rich church," the President said, "but our financial situation is healthy. We have no outstanding debts." The annual meeting of the congregation, with election of three new Board Members, is scheduled for May.

Farewell to Rob

Our church members are wondering how they can say farewell to the minister who has been our guide and comfort for the past fourteen years. His is a record of service never before achieved by a Quincy Unitarian minister during the 172 years of the Unitarian Church's presence in Quincy.

Robert J. S. Manning first had connections with our church as a guest speaker in September, 1993. He had then recently become an associate professor of philosophy and religious studies at Quincy University, having joined the University's faculty in 1990. Mr. Manning had not only graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of Wooster but had also been elected to Phi Beta Kappa and he had completed his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Chicago. On November 17, 1996, ordination and installation services were held in the church establishing him as a part-time minister, the 36th person to serve as minister in our Unitarian Church. Interestingly, he stated his desire dating back to his youth to be a minister. While expanding his professional duties, he could work with a Unitarian congregation on specific Sunday mornings; on Sundays during which he would not be able to give talks in church, excellent speakers could be found to take his place. Liberal in his beliefs and kind, intelligent and humorous, he was able not only to please the congregation but also to increase the church's membership.

In November, 2004, there was a celebration of 165 years of Unitarian influence in Quincy. Dr.Manning spent considerable energy on plans for this celebration. Two years later, having been awarded an important Fulbright Scholarship and a leave-of-absence from the church, he spent an academic year in Timisoara, Romania.

The church honored Dr. Manning in May, 2007, upon his reaching his tenth year as its minister. In the same year, fortunate circumstances led to the construction of an addition to the church which would provide not only extra space but also much-needed handicapped accessibility. Dr. Manning led a ground-breaking ceremony on Easter Sunday. The handsome addition was efficiently completed and a ceremonial procession and dedication occurred on September 23, 2007.

Robert Manning and Romanian literature professor Dana Craciun were married in Romania during one of Dr. Manning's visits to the country. Their son, Sebastian, was born after they returned to Quincy. Our members extend all best wishes to the young couple as they now make a return trip for a year or so to Dana's home country.

DEVOTION AND CO-OPERATION

A congregation brings together people of all ages, with various backgrounds and with independent viewpoints. They bring their enthusiasm and knowledge and skills. Always, but especially now, there is no hesitation in offering leadership, time and effort. Some have applied mechanical skills; others have construction ability, culinary expertise, language proficiency and willingness to be part of a team. An attitude of caring is infectious and all benefit from the enthusiasm and generosity of others.

CHURCH HISTORY

A condensed history of the past ten years of the Unitarian Church has been compiled and made available to interested members. This is a continuation of previous writings and brings information of 2000 - 2009. It is called "The Second Sequel to Beyond the Centennial Year."

The highlights of these years include the recognition and celebration of the minister's tenth anniversary and his extended service to this congregation. There is the story of the accomplishment, finally, of making the church handicapped acccessible by building the addition to the main church structure in 2007, the successes of the annual Plant Sales in the spring, becoming a concert setting with grand piano, and the social life of the church balanced with social action cooperation in Quincy.

MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE

Among reports given at the Annual Congregational Meeting in May 2010 there was a notice from the Ministerial Relations Committee, indicating that the minister, Rev. Dr. Robert Manning, had informed the committee that he would be in Quincy and willing to continue as minister during the church year 2010-2011. After that, however, he would be spending considerable time in Romania. Even though he might return to Quincy at some point, he would not be available as minister after May/June 2011. The committee recommended the formation of a Ministerial Search Committee. By July 2010 a committee of five representative members of the congregation had begun their task of "searching for our next minister."

Dr. Manning, professor of religious studies and philosophy at Quincy University, had been an occasional guest speaker at the church for several years before arrangements were made to ordain and install Dr. Manning as the part-time minister in 1996. His ministry is the longest in the 170-year history of the church. Strong friendships and a respectful admiration of the congregation toward the minister have developed. Dr. Manning, while entering his final year of this ministry, reflected: "I especially remain deeply appreciative of all that our congregation means to the life of our community and to the life of our own small family."

DECORATING COMMITTEE REPORT

The Decorating Committee has made notable progress on planning and implementing attractive furnishings in the addition. The members met the challenge of decorating a multi-purpose space and overcoming acoustic concerns. Many elements were used to help absorb sound and still have a room that is both pleasing to the eye and easy to rearrange for different events. Roman shades were installed at the windows. There is a comfy nook with a sofa, two chairs and an area rug. Wall hangings include a family heirloom quilt and various art pieces of appropriate "connections" to the church and its membership. Four three-panel screens with fabric serve as dividers and as room decor. The foyer of the new entrance has a newly refinished library table and two welcoming chairs. The devoted efforts of the Decorating Committee, with help from additional members, have produced an admired and enjoyable appearance.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

FIRST FRIDAY - An enhancement to the social life of the church people was initiated in 1999 as a casual monthly gathering, hosted by various members. These "First Friday" evenings provide a time for friendly companionship and an opportunity for welcoming newcomers.

WOMEN'S ALLIANCE - This group gives support to church projects while providing a friendly atmosphere at a Saturday luncheon held in members' homes - October through May. The executive committee arranges for a guest speaker for most meetings. The topics reflect local and national issues, historical or literary studies.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Consideration for others is part of the outlook of the congregation. Projects deemed worthy are supported by donations of goods, time, and funds. The problems of racial equality, local poverty, organic food supply and national peace are given attention.

SOCIAL ACTION - The Social Action committee gives leadership to continuing support of food programs for people by donating items to Quanada, a shelter for women and children; and for animals, through donations to Paw Pals, Inc. Canned and dry foods are collected at the First Friday parties each month. Recipients appreciate this generosity. We had a Service Sunday this fall, a bright afternoon of yard work for a person in need.

Our church is one of more than a dozen that participate in the Quincy Area Partnership for Unmet Needs, which meets biweekly to provide assistance confidentially to people in need, identified by case workers of many local agencies. We also will sponsor a family through the local Good News program of holiday giving.

The Social Action committee works to keep the congregation informed of local social justice matters. Our committee is currently studying the Welcoming Congregation program of the UUA.

OUR MEMBERS ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

Several of our members have a personal presence on the internet. You may follow these links to get to know us better: