WORSHIP
"We Give Thanks"
Sunday, November 22, 2020, 10:30 am
Rev. Hillary Collins-Gilpatrick, Minister
Gwen Matthews, Director of Education & Communications
Sam Chandler, Music Director

Watch the service live on YouTube.
MINISTER'S MESSAGE
(read the longer passage here

Dear First Universalist Friends,

As we approach Thanksgiving and what’s sure to be a different kind of a holiday season, I have been struck by your resilience. In recent correspondence, I’ve noticed that often, without prompting, many of you tell me about a moment of beauty or joy in your life. Despite the exhaustion, the uncertainty, the distance, and the all-around wallop of a year, miraculously it seems that we are finding so much more to be grateful for this Thanksgiving than the “normal” Thanksgivings of years passed. 

Those present at Wednesday Vespers a few weeks ago offered prayers for my father after I lit a candle of concern for him. He’s been very ill this month, and I’ve so appreciated those of you who have kept him in your thoughts. As folks have asked how he’s doing, I feel it’s important to share that on Election Day we received the sad and unexpected news that my father has pancreatic cancer. This grim diagnosis has been a major blow to my small family. Next week, I will be taking some time off to be with my parents, figure out the road ahead for them, and settle my heart and mind a bit after this wild month. 

Despite the sorrow I feel, it is not lost upon me how lucky I am to live near my family right now. I have been offering daily prayers of comfort and warmth to the many of you who are distant from your families as the holidays approach. You are very present in my heart and mind. 

As this is 2020 and uncertainty rules the day, I cannot be sure what lies ahead for my family in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, please know that I am reaching out to local ministers who could fill in temporarily should I need to take time off to be with my parents. And please also know that my ministry at First U is a source of energy for me, it’s restorative: a call to make meaning and share the wonder of life with you. So don’t hesitate to bring your joys, sorrows, and administrative needs to me still - and don’t hesitate to poke me if you think something has slipped my mind! I am here for you and I am here with you. 

I know there are many caring folks in our congregation who may feel a need to call or send food. Thank you for your kindness and generous thinking, but no need to do so at this time. What would matter most to me is if you kept my father and my family in your prayers and meditations. (And if you enjoy writing cards, I’ll happily accept mail and pass your caring words along to my parents.) 

First U, with each passing week I feel our shared ministry grow stronger as we assist one another in the work that keeps our congregation up and running, and also in our continual invitations to one another to see the good, the hope, and the golden November light shining through our days. Thank you for your brilliance and for your resilience. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for you. 

Yours on the wild ride that is 2020 (after this year, all the others will be a cinch, right??), 
Rev. Hillary 
FINANCIAL TIMES OF FIRST U
Please note that the above link was corrected and now works!
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
COME DREAM WITH US
Saturday, December 5, 9:45 am - 12:00 pm
All are welcome and encouraged to join us (virtually!) on Saturday, December 5, where we will reflect on and celebrate our past and imagine our future, together.

At this facilitated mini-retreat, we will be invited to DREAM BIG & DRAW FROM OUR HEARTS. This is a chance to share your hopes and dreams for First Universalist – your church!

In the coming weeks and months, we will distill all the dreams and wishes that surfaced in the morning, to help inform and build our goals for 2021 and beyond.

Please register in advance for this mini-retreat, held on Zoom. You'll receive confirmation of your registration via email.

Stay tuned for more details, but please come! Your voice matters! FMI contact Joanna Landsman at jslandsman@gmail.com.
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
TIME FOR ALL AGES
during the service
This week there will be a Time for All Ages during
the service in place of Children's Chapel.

LEARNING HOUR
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Join in for an anti-racism discussion. You can read the
quote and questions in advance of the discussion.
Learning & Social Hour & password: COMMUNITY

JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP
11:30 am - 12:10 pm
Join Gwen and Rev. Hillary as we try out a loving kindness
meditation and discuss what social justice causes we feel called to.
Junior Youth Group & password: YOUTH

COMING OF AGE
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Join Alexis, Gwen, and Rev. Hillary as we begin to explore our values.
Senior Youth Group & password: SPIRIT
PEACE & JUSTICE WORK
ENGAGE WITH ANTI-RACISM WORK
The Anti-Racism Working Group has developed suggestions for ways you can engage with anti-racism work. Click the link below to get their recommendations for what to read, what to watch, and how to take action.
OUR HALF-PLATE THIS WEEK
This week's half plate honors our first principle (the inherent worth and dignity of every person), to help Preble Street serve over 1,600 meals daily. During Covid-19 Preble Street provides boxes filled with fresh and non-perishable food to meet basic nutritional needs for 3 meals a day per person for 3 days, and also delivers 3 meals per day to guests staying at area shelters, as well as other stops around Portland. Now as much as ever, your support saves lives.
COMMUNITY NEWS
FILM SCREENING: THE REUNITED STATES
Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00 pm there will be a film screening of The Reunited States with Film Director Ben Rekhi, Mayor of Portland, ME, Kate Snyder, and Craig Freshley. Details will be forthcoming from Craig Freshley.
FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE
Pastoral Emergencies
If you experience a pastoral emergency please contact Rev. Hillary Collins-Gilpatrick, who can be reached on her cell phone: 207-740-3753. Please note Rev. Hillary is in the office Tuesday - Friday for non-emergency opportunities to talk.
Submit Your Announcement
To have your announcement included in this e-newsletter please email the information to Gwen Matthews, Director of Education and Communications, at gwenatfirstu@gmail.com by Wednesday at 12 pm.
 First Universalist Church of Yarmouth | 207-846-4148 | office@uuyarmouth.org | www.uuyarmouth.org