Channels
a weekly newsletter
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY
THIS SUNDAY'S SCHEDULE 
Program
Time
Location
Adult Conversation Circles
9:30 am
Gathering Room
Worship
 10:30 am  Sanctuary
Children's Chapel
10:30 am
Begin in Sanctuary
Coffee Hour 
 11:30 am Gathering Room
Our Spiritual Journeys
12:00 pm
Common Room
COULD IT HAPPEN TO YOU (AT FIRST U)?
This click-worthy monthly news publication has proved popular among congregants at First Universalist. If you aren't reading, you could be missing out on vital information. More after this sentence.
A DISCUSSION ON RACISM AND PLURALISM
This Sunday, May 7, Adult Conversation Circles, facilitated by Rev. Jennifer, will be a discussion on racism, white supremacy, and the challenges we face as we try to move toward greater pluralism. This discussion will also address the resignation of Rev. Peter Morales from the UUA.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, May 20 at 2 pm
LoveFest
ALL are invited to celebrate love in all of its forms with opportunities to participate in faux-weddings, and/or genuinely  renew your vows. Dress up in your fancy clothes, help us take pictures to promote our space, and enjoy some wedding cake.

Sunday, May 21 at 11:30 am
Annual Meeting
Get your 5th UU Principle on! Members can vote on next year's church budget and for new leaders on the Board of Trustees. All are invited to learn about the state of church financials and  programs and upcoming plans for the 2017/2018 year. A light lunch and childcare will be provided.  

Sunday, May 21 at 10:30 am 
Flower Communion & Member Recognition Sunday
Flower Communion is a beloved Unitarian Universalist tradition. We invite all to bring flowers - from your garden or field, from the forest or a florist - and come together to share in community our bounty of Spring and to show our willingness to walk together in our search for our own  truths.  

Member Recognition Sunday is the day when we honor some of our dedicated volunteers and leaders in our congregation,  introduce and celebrate our  newest members, and give thanks to our entire community of members, seekers, and friends. Please join us for this special service. 
LOVE TO SING?
Great! Join our Choir. We are open to amateurs and the musically trained alike and would love new members. Rehearsals are every Thursday from 6:30 - 8 pm. No auditions required! Join us. 
Questions? Contact our Music Director, Jonathan Corey at jonathan.martin.corey@gmail.com.
CALL TO ACTION: ASYLUM-SEEKERS ARE WELCOME HERE
Would you (or you and your whole family!) like to mentor and befriend an individual or family who is new to the U.S.? The next phase of our New Mainer Faith In Action initiative is to match our congregants closely with New Mainers who need an American friend - someone to reach out to with questions, concerns and celebrations!
TURNING POINT - PARTICIPANT RESPONSES WANTED
If you were able to participate in the Turning Point discussions on Sunday mornings this year, please consider giving your feedback regarding the group. All responses will be anonymous and the survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Thank you!
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Saturday, May 6 at 3 pm at 143 State Street in Portland, Phoenix Chorale, a community based social justice choir, will perform and accept donations for In Her Presence, a nonprofit that works to empower immigrant women in Maine. 
Romania kids
The UUPCC is offering two pilgrimages to Transylvania in 2017: August 16-29 and September 16-28. Both are intended to be more budget friendly than previous Transylvanian trips. 
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.