CHANNELS
First Universalist's weekly newsletter
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MUSIC ON MAIN: Fódhla
Friday, April 12, 2019, 6 pm
Join us for a night of Irish music now featuring a coffeehouse feel in the lower-level Gathering Room. Featuring, Fódhla, a local Irish trio made up of Maine-based flute player Nicole Rabatam Boston-based fiddler Ellery Klein, and Portland-based Bethany Waickman on guitar. Stop by for savory finger food and sweet desserts while you enjoy incredible live music. Tickets are $15 at the door by cash or check ($12 for seniors and $10 for youth).
Fun Fact
: Did you know the Music on Main concert series has welcomed over 250 guests from outside our congregation into our 97 Main Street home? Come welcome new friends into our community or consider inviting non-church friends along to experience the music and our warm community on April 12th!
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YOGA IN THE SANCTUARY
Spring Yoga classes continue in the church Sanctuary on Saturdays, 10:00 - 11:15 AM. This is a multi-level yoga class. You can modify or stop at any time. Newcomers welcome. Ten dollars donation suggested per class. Any questions contact the instructor, Lois Howlett, at
loishowlett2@gmail.com
or tel 847-3055.
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DINNER * DOCUMENTARY * DISCUSSION
Saturday, April 13, 5:30 pm
TOMORROW is not just a film, it is the beginning of a movement seeking to encourage local communities around the world to change the way they live for the sake of our planet. Check out the trailer for the film, TOMORROW, at
tomorrow-documentary.com
.
Our next 3D event (Dinner—Documentary—Discussion) takes place in our Gathering Room. We plan to screen 55 minutes of this beautiful film—and then pause for dessert and discussion—but you may watch the rest courtesy of Yarmouth’s library. This event is FREE, but please sign up by April 10 to let us know how many hungry people to expect and to let us know if you need childcare. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals available.
Bring friends! Contribute a dessert!
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HEALING CIRCLES
The Transition Team invites you to the upcoming Healing Circles on
Sunday, April 14, at 4 pm in the Sanctuary. A lot of good work is happening here at First Universalist to heal old wounds. A Healing Circle is a good place to begin if you have been injured or if you want to understand what happened to others. All are welcome.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMMING: APRIL 14
In
Children’s Chapel (10:30 - 11:30 am), for kindergarten - fourth graders, we'll be learning about Passover, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the emergence of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt to freedom. After we hear a little of the story of Passover, we’ll look at the Seder plate and discuss its meaning. Our group will also be making our own (nut-free and alcohol-free)
charoset to try and to share and play a traditional Passover game.
Please note: We are unable to provide nursery care this Sunday, April 14 and that there will be NO junior or senior youth groups on Sunday, April 14 (school break) & Sunday, April 21 (Easter).
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April's Worship Theme: Emergence
with the Reverend Frieda Gillespie
Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 10:30 am
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I just spent three days in Vermont at a camp with a group of UU ministers that are part of the North New England chapter of ministers. It was a very nice time. I met many new people and saw a few I knew before. Some of the ministers played instruments. And the singing (there's always singing among ministers) was especially beautiful. The program was about collegiality - how to have it and maintain it. They looked at the history of minister's gatherings in the chapter--what helped and what hindered their success. What became clear to me was the importance of knowing other ministers in the area, for creative ideas, for support, for strength in numbers.
What also became clear to me is that ministers are one important link between congregations. I got to brag about you to ministers that have lost touch with this church. There used to be a practice of pulpit exchange among the Maine churches which helped congregants (that's you) get to know the other ministers and churches. This is especially useful when a church is in search as you will be starting soon. You get to experience different ministers, different styles of preaching, and relating. Those of us from Maine said that we'd like to do that again, so hopefully that will happen.
Blessings of actual Spring and the resurrection of all that is green!
- Rev. Frieda
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EARTH DAY CARNIVAL
Sunday, May 5, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Our Earth Day Carnival returns for its second year! Featuring planting, activity stations, games, popcorn, a prize wheel—and it’s all free and open to the public!
We are especially looking for a few more people who can run stations. We can supply ideas and materials OR let us know if you have an idea for a child-friendly game or activity that relates to caring for our planet.
Questions? Ideas? Want to help with planning or organizing? Contact
Gwen Matthews or members of the RE Council: Christy Hayashida, Lauren Taylor, and Jen Civiello.
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CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
We are blessed with a number of babies and young children at First Universalist. One of the most beautiful ceremonies in the UU faith is the
Child Dedication. It includes a naming ceremony and words from the parents about what they want for the child's future. A charge to the parents and godparents if there are any present, and a blessing of the child. The congregation is asked to affirm their support for their spiritual development as well.
Child Dedications will take place on May 5th.
If you would like to participate, please contact
Rev. Frieda Gillespie or
Gwen Matthews
by this coming
Sunday, April 14, and let us know the name(s) of your child(ren) and if you will have grandparents or godparents participating. We also ask for you to prepare to read or have read the significance of your child(ren)’s name(s) and any wishes you have for their future.
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ADULT PROGRAMS
We will be starting a series of conversations about Unitarian Universalism, starting with the Seven Principles, facilitated by Rev. Frieda. These
UU Conversations will take on the first and third Mondays of each month from 6—7 pm. How do we live into our principles?
April 15
—"Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations”
May 6
—"Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations"
May 20
—"A free and responsible search for truth and meaning"
June 3
—"The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large"
June 17
—"The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all."
July 1
—"Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."
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SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
Interested in delving more deeply into being a member of our beloved community and "finding the access point to spiritual awareness (Thandeka, 2018)"? If yes, consider joining in small group ministry. Small groups are great places to get to know other people and to get to know yourself. Over time, participants build deep connections with one another, with the congregation and with the sacred.
A small group is seeking new members. This group meets the first Thursday of the month, from 1pm—3 pm. The group has used the UUA publications Hand to Hand and Soul to Soul to guide our meetings and discussions. June begins a new series of discussions for us. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Frieda at 207.846.4148.
Interested in a small group but not free on Thursday afternoons? Contact Rev. Frieda or the church office to see if we can connect you with an existing or new small group.
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EASTER SUNDAY
9:30 am—Start your Easter Sunday with Holy Donuts! (And coffee and juice) Come to mingle with friends and learn more about the Pathway to Membership. Newcomers are especially welcome!
10:30 am—Easter Worship Service (for adults) and a Children’s Chapel Easter egg hunt (for kids and youth).
11:30 am—Coffee Hour hosted by the Tuesday Morning Group who invite you to join in the fun of wearing Easter bonnets or hats.
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SEEKING: ROOM FOR RENT
A young man named Isaiah Gilles is relocating from northern Maine this spring to work as a landscaper in Raymond. He is seeking a room to rent in the area. Isaiah would pay rent as well as help out as a handy man in their house. If you have space or know of someone who does, you can contact him at 207-860-7466.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY'S GOOD FRIDAY WALK & FUN RUN, April 19
Join us for our 33rd annual Good Friday Walk and Fun Run on April 19! Walk the route or run it! This is a fun run, without bibs or timing, but is a great way to see the course.
Enjoy the route with family, friends, and community members in Cumberland, Yarmouth, and N. Yarmouth, and fundraise for Habitat's mission. Every $100 in donations raised earns one ticket in the raffle filled with great gifts from local businesses!
Sign up as a fundraiser today to register as a walker!
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SILENT & LIVE AUCTION: NAUTICAL CRUISE NIGHT, May 4
The Congregational Church in Cumberland is having its 18th annual auction at the Yarmouth AMVETS Hall on Saturday, May 4, from 5-9 pm. There will be light fare, desserts, a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and auction items (art, handmade goods, home and garden items, gift baskets, gift certificates, recreation and leisure activities, health and fitness items) Complimentary tickets available for First U members and friends!
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MULTICULTURAL FAIR, May 5
Celebrate and support New Mainer entrepreneurs with artisans and chefs from around the world, including foods from Syria, Italy, Latin America, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Iraq, and the Middle East, and artisans with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, baskets, wood burning art, scarves, bags, clothing, and other artwork. This multicultural fair takes place on Sunday, May 5, 3 - 6 pm, at St. Mary's Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth.
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CALL OF THE WILD, May 17
Join the Center for Wildlife for an inspiring evening dedicated to raising funds for the future of our environment. At Call of the Wild, you will immerse yourself in the lifesaving work you make possible. You can bid on extravagant silent and live auction items, meet animal ambassadors and immerse yourself in a panel discussion with Center for Wildlife experts Kristen Lamb, Sarah Kern and Shelley Spanswick. A barbeque style dinner will be served with vegan, vegetarians and gluten-free options.
Purchase your seats now through May 1, 2019, to receive the Early Bird ticket pricing of $55 per person.
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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 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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