We are all still part of an interdependent web of life, a spiritual community with strong bonds that connect us to one another, that grounds us on and with the good earth, and opens our heart to the mystery and love in our universe.
Wondering how you can stay connected with your church community?
- Listen, watch, and read Worship at Home on Sundays (or revisit on other days!)
- Sign up for a church pen pal and be partnered with someone from another generation.
- Attend virtual coffee hour on Sundays at 12 pm.
- Youth can participate in virtual youth groups on Sundays.
- Use Zoom, or another online program, to keep up with your small group, church committee, council, or team.
- Connect with a buddy for phone call check-ins.
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FINANCIAL TIMES OF FIRST U
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COPING WITH GRIEF
Sunday, March 29, 2020
will be delivered via email at 10:15 am
Rev. Frieda Gillespie, Interim Minister
Sam Chandler, Music Director
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FIRST U PHONE FRIENDS
Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to check in with you and see how your week is going? Sign up to be partnered with a
phone friend. These chats can help us stay unified and connected during uncertain times. To get connected, contact Gwen at
gwenatfirstu@gmail.com.
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COFFEE HOUR IS LIVE THIS WEEK!
Sunday, March 29, 12:00 pm
You can join:
- Online (this includes audio and optional video capabilities)
- By landline or cell phone by calling: +1 929-205-6099 and then entering the Meeting ID: 947 195 876
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NEW! ONLINE PAYMENTS
You can now make pledge payments, give to the offering, or make a separate donation online via PayPal.
Giving through PayPal is secure, safe, and convenient. You may also opt to continue to mail in checks. Thank you for all the ways that you give and support our community!
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
For up-to-date local information:
For food and other resources:
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MULTIGENERATIONAL CHURCH PEN PALS
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Let us help match you with a church pen pal! In particular, we're hoping to match children and youth with older adult pen pals during this time of social distancing. Email Gwen Matthews at
gwenatfirstu@gmail.com to be matched with a pen pal.
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YOGA FROM HOME
Yoga teacher Marni Prince is hosting live video yoga classes. The next one will be happening this Saturday at 10 am. Anyone interested can email Marni to get on the mailing list for when she'll be holding classes and video details:
marniprince@gmail.com. Marni is not charging anything for the classes as of now, but is accepting optional donations. Might as well do some yoga if we can't leave the house!
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HAND WASHING TO HYMNS
As we all wash our hands so many times each day, why not sing some UU hymns as you wash up? Music is just one more way to stay connected to the larger whole! This week, try:
"Peace Like a River" or
"We'll Build a Land."
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Spirituality can still be a part of your family's life. We'll be offering ideas for something to do every day to
RE-inspire your week. These offline activities will help you and your family stay connected to your values, our planet, and each other.
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VIRTUAL YOUTH GROUPS
Both junior and senior youth groups will be meeting online this week. You can download the
Zoom app in advance to your smart phone, tablet, or laptop. You will need to create a free account with Zoom.
Junior Youth Group will meet from 11 - 11:30 am this Sunday, March 29.
Meeting ID:
858 217 511
Password:
019028
Senior Youth Group will meet from 4:30 - 5 pm this Sunday, March 29.
Meeting ID:
854 512 402
Password:
017173
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PLEASE SEND IN YOUR SELFIES!
Whatever you are busy with during this Coronavirus time, I hope you will take a moment to snap a photo of yourself and send it to me by email. Or send 2 or 3 photos!
Why? I'm planning a Spring Makeover for the bulletin board in the Gathering Room. I'd love to include photos of everyone! Snap a photo of yourself doing whatever, and send it to
catalpa.girl@gmail.com. The more the merrier! I plan to get the photos printed and arranged on the bulletin board before our new minister arrives. I also plan to share the final product (a collage) online. Sooner or later, it should be visible to all. Thank you in advance!
Say cheese -- Mariana (for the Faith in Action Council)
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VOLUNTEER AT PREBLE STREET
First Tuesdays of each month, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Updates from Preble Street:
- Preble Street remains open in Portland as an essential service.
- All meals will now be pre-packed bagged meals meaning that volunteers will be prepping these to-go meals and clients will be handed the bag meals at the door. This means there will be no direct interaction between volunteers and clients (except for the volunteers at the door handing out the bagged meals).
- Preble Street is experiencing a high need for volunteers. Please consider signing up for a shift this coming First Tuesday and/or other dates. Please also remember to contact Ruth even if you sign up directly with Preble Street so that we can ensure we have enough volunteers attending to meet our commitment to Preble Street—thank you!
First U has a standing commitment to staffing Preble Street Soup Kitchen for their dinner service as they feed homeless and low-income people who rely on Preble Street. Help prep bagged meals with your fellow UUs from 3:30—6:30 pm on this coming first Tuesday of the month,
April 7. Sign up in advance by contacting Ruth White at
rwhite7@maine.rr.com.
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The Church Office is Closed, But Minister and Staff Are Still Working!
Rev. Frieda, Gwen, Sam, and Andrea all continue to work from home to support the church community. You can reach them via email, call and leave a voicemail at the church office (messages are checked on Monday & Thursday) or call Rev. Frieda on her cell phone: 508-207-7566.
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Pastoral Emergencies
If you have a pastoral emergency, you can contact Rev. Frieda Gillespie on her cell phone at 508-207-7566. Please note that most weeks she will be in Yarmouth Sunday - Tuesday and working from her home office in MA Wednesday - Friday. Saturdays are typically her day off, but she will answer calls for pastoral emergencies.
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Submit Your Announcement
To have your church or community event included in this newsletter or in print on Sundays please email the information to Gwen Matthews, Program Assistant, at
gwenatfirstu@gmail.com
by Wednesday at 12 pm
to have it included in that Friday's edition of Channels or the Sunday Morning News.
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