Channels
a weekly newsletter

Volunteers needed! Help with food prep, serving, or  cleaning with your First Universalist friends. There are open slots on Friday and Saturday and it's fun to welcome the  community into our church to enjoy local Maine food. 
Email Cindy Guernsey (cindyguernsey@icloud.com) 
or Sarah Witte (sarahcoffinwitte@gmail.com) to sign up.
STOCK IN FIRST U HITS RECORD HIGH
Looking to invest in something that offers an outstanding rate of return? Click to read our insider information. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
This Sunday! February 5
Children's Tea & Games
Children of all ages are invited! Join Rev. Jennifer after the worship service for snacks, games, and a chance to check-in. Bring your grown-ups, too, as there will be a fun gathering for them in the Common Room from 11:45am-12:30pm. 
Learn More
Next Saturday! February 11
Maine Farm Suppers
This highly anticipated culinary event attracts foodies, local farm supporters, carnivores, vegans, and those who eat gluten-free. Food, wine, and beer are all locally sourced.
Sunday, February 19
First Covenant Workshop
Discuss what a covenant IS and IS NOT and make a list of ways we will engage with each other in church life. There will be more workshops to come between mid-February and mid-March for those who cannot make this one. 12pm-1:30pm. childcare and a light lunch will be available.

Sunday, March 12
Pi(e) Sunday
Picture a Venn Diagram; on one side is number-lovers, pie-appreciators on the other, and then the happy overlap on March 14 (3.14). We'll celebrate early, but 'tis the season!
RSVP
Learn More
WORSHIP 
We begin our new worship theme, Flames of Thought, this Sunday with Rev. Jennifer. The theme will inspire the weaving together of the Annual Campaign and covenant. 
NEW SMALL GROUP
There are one or two spots still open if you'd like to join our newest Small Group Ministry this month! Please email Rev. Jennifer at revjemryq@gmail.com to register.  Small group ministries provide a place in which to discuss our faith and our church life together. The more intimate setting creates lasting friendships, and we highly recommend this spiritual practice for newcomers and long-time members alike!
seeking our truths. 
nurturing our spirits. standing of the side of love. creating peace. welcoming all.
THIS SUNDAY'S SCHEDULE
Program
Time
Location
Adult Conversation Circles
This week Jane Makela is co-facilitating with Rev. Jennifer Emrich as they guide a discussion on areas of deep political conflict, including the Middle East. 
 9:30am
Gathering Room
Worship & Children's Chapel
Our new worship theme, Flames of Thought, begins this Sunday. 		 10:30am
 Sanctuary
Junior Youth Group
The story stones of our lives.		 10:30am Common Room
Coffee Hour
Meet new friends and old. Drink coffee/tea. 		 11:30am Gathering Room
Children's Tea & Games
Children are invited to join Rev. Jennifer for snacks, games, and a chance to check-in.		 11:45am Rev. Jennifer's Office
Answering the Big Questions
With the return of AtBQ, we'll enjoy refreshments and share parenting triumphs and fails.		 11:45am Common Room
Parent Meeting for Senior Youth Mission
Details and logistics of mission and fundraisers.
3:30pm Gathering Room
Senior Youth Group
Fundraiser planning. Welcoming Congregation renewal. Games. 
4:00pm
Gathering Room

2017 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES THIS SUNDAY
Watch your in-box and mailbox for your invitation to make this important commitment to First U for the church year  beginning July 1.
A CONGREGATIONAL COVENANT
As we explore our way into covenant...Oh, what is covenant? Well, let's start there. (And then join us on February 19 for the first workshop.)
DISTILLED MISSION STATEMENT
Last Sunday, the members of First Unviersalist voted to adopt this visual version of our distilled mission statement (pictured right) to capture the essence of our existing mission statement. 
CHILDREN'S DEDICATION
Families, is it time for you and yours to participate in a Naming & Dedication ceremony? We invite you to be part of this great UU tradition on Sunday, May 7th.

Naming & Dedication of babies and children is our way to celebrate new and growing life, honor our families, and make formal our commitment to each and every unique child who is part of our congregation. If you are interested in having your baby or young child (up to 10 years) be part of this service, please email Rev. Jennifer directly at revjemryq@gmail.com for more information. All queries and questions are welcome.
VALENTINES FOR SALE - LOVE BEYOND BELIEF
Packs of First Universalist Valentine's Day cards will be on sale during coffee hour. For only $5, get 8 adorable valentine cards with envelopes and stickers to send to your neighbors, friends, relatives, and loves. Single cards also available for $1!
A DECLARATION OF CONSCIENCE
The UUA and UUSC are asking individuals and congregations to affirm the core values of Unitarian Universalism and declare a willingness to put them into action as a response to the looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. The UUA and UUSC welcome and invite all to join in the commitment for justice by signing the Declaration of Conscience. 
The First Universalist Church of Yarmouth is a  Welcoming Congregation .

WEATHER CANCELLATION INFORMATION
First Universalist services and event cancellations are announced by 7am on our website  and on WCSH Channel 6 (television station). 

PASTORAL EMERGENCIES
If you are experiencing a crisis, including needing a hospital visit, you may call Rev. Jennifer on her cellphone: 207.356.1467 any time. Please note that Friday and Saturdays are typically her days off - Rev. Jennifer does not check email on these days, but will answer any crisis or emergency calls.

ADD YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT TO CHANNELS
To have your church or community event included in this newsletter, please email the information to Gwen Matthews at gwenatfirstu@gmail.com by Wednesday at 12pm to have it included in that Friday's edition.