Sunday, November 29, 2020

Or watch the livestream service on our Facebook page.

Upcoming Online Worship Services

We are sending this eNewsletter out a day early in order to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and include the Thanksgiving prayer linked below. The prayer was written by Rev. Christina, and shared during the Forgiveness, Gratitude & Blessings Sunday service last weekend. If you missed the service, you can find it HERE, along with all other recorded First Parish worship services.

a very happy and safe holiday.

Sunday Plate donations are currently less than half of pre-pandemic levels. Weekly donations are an important revenue source keeping our church on sound financial footing. Even though we can’t gather in person, there are still ways to contribute during or after Sunday worship. Click here to learn all the Ways to Give to First Parish.

Grades 1-7: Zoom Meetings most Sundays 9-9:45am

Grades 8/9: Coming of Age Program Tuesdays 6:30-7:45pm

Grades 10-12: Youth Group Sundays 6-7:15pm

Kids from both First Parish and the UU Church of Brunswick will combine for a special Children's Chapel featuring Rev. Justine from UUCB and Rev. Christina from First Parish along with teachers from both UUCB and FP! Please mark the date down in your calendar! It's going to be a lot of fun!

We can always use storytellers to tell stories or read books for our messages to younger kids and for the Time for All Ages part of our online worship services. Email Toben at dre@fisrtparishportland.org for more information. 

If you would like more information about our programming for children and youth please contact Toben at dre@fisrtparishportland.org.

Our building will be closed starting 11/27, the day following Thanksgiving, until Monday, 12/14, at which time we will reassess the COVID-19 metrics from the CDC and decide if it is safe to reopen. This two-week pause will give us time to keep an eye on the data following the Thanksgiving holiday, as it is expected there could be a significant increase in the case rate, which should be seen 1-2 weeks following the holiday. We see this “pause” as a compromise between closing the building for the longer term and keeping it open and risking active infection among staff and increasing community spread. FMI: office@firstparishportland.org.

Peaceful Harbor Sangha meets weekly for shared Buddhist practice. Meetings include sitting meditation, walking meditation, dharma reading and discussion. Come experience the calm in the storm! Meetings are now held on Zoom, and all are welcome; donations are gratefully accepted but not required. To receive the Zoom link contact Susannah Ristine at ristinesusannah@gmail.com.  

Pop in to share about a book you are reading or have read and to hear about books others are reading! This group meets on the first Thursday of every month. Members free; $5 non-members. To register and receive the Zoom link, contact Betsy Garnett: ekgarnett@yahoo.com. Sponsored by the Membership Team.

Church for EveryBody Project Update

Underneath the plastic wind barrier, the appearance of the building addition is beginning to reveal itself, as the masons have begun to lay red brick to match the Parish Hall exterior. Heat has been restored to the second floor office space and roof work has begun.  Learn more about the project here.

Chalice Groups are a great place to get to know other people and to get to know yourself. Groups of approximately 10 people meet monthly to reflect upon and discuss significant life topics. The conversations are respectful and caring. Currently we are going strong and making connections using Zoom. FMI, please contact: Barbara DeSerres, Chalice Group Coordinator, at chalice@firstparishportland.org.

The Committee on Ministry (COM) assists the minister and the congregation in promoting the well-being of the congregation’s ministry. Should a member have an inquiry or feedback pertaining to The Reverend’s ministry at First Parish, please contact a member of the COM team: Andrew Bloom (ABLOOM@maine.rr.com), Jen Caswell (hfcjdc@gmail.com), Bruce Carver (brucedcarver@gmail.com), and/or Tom Rogers (trogers1@me.com). 

Reverend Christina will be holding Pastoral Care calls and Office Hours for meetings by phone or Zoom every Monday & Tuesday for members and leaders of First Parish. Please email Sheila to schedule a call.

Some of us have begun to write poems. All are welcome. Free to members. $10.00 per class for non-members. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/250298315

With the combined challenges of COVID and the CFE construction project, business is anything but normal at First Parish! It may take a few days to return phone messages; email is the best way to reach all First Parish staff. Please keep in mind that Scott, Toben and Laurie work part-time, and will return messages when they are able. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Ayele Win Niyonizigiye was born on October 24th to First Parish Member, Anna Ndayishimiye and her husband, Paul Niyonizigiye. Ayele is a healthy boy, measuring 8 lbs. 15 oz. and 22 inches at birth. Anna reports that he is a sweet & easy-going boy! Heartfelt congratulations to Anna & Paul from the First Parish community! Please email Sheila in the Office if you would like Anna's address to send her a card.

Please be aware of an emails you receive from Rev. Christina asking for help, money, or a return email, as there have been many recent phishing emails that claim to be her. "I would never ask Members or Friends of First Parish for money, gift cards, or help in any way, other than regular FP business," says Rev. Christina.

These scams are an unfortunate reality for many churches these days. The UUA published an article on this issue titled, "Phishing: Don't Take the Bait!"

UUA.org: Braver/Wiser, Fortification, Practices of Self-Care & Resilience