UU THE VOTE
Sunday, January 12, 3:30 pm
"In moments of moral crisis, Unitarian Universalists know
we are called to show up. And 2020 is one of those moments.”
This is how the UUA introduces the nationwide organizing campaign that will be launched online on Sunday, January 12. Many of us regard the November 2020 election as the most important of our lifetime, and UU the VOTE is designed to help us integrate electoral engagement into the justice work we are already doing in our communities as people of faith. The UUA predicts, “We will UU the Vote for trans lives. We will UU the Vote to confront white supremacy. We will UU the Vote for the future of the planet, for migrant justice, for reproductive rights, and more.” Please join us at 3:30pm on Sunday January 12 downstairs at the church to learn what the UUA has in mind and how we can be a part of it.
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LISTENING CIRCLES
Sunday, January 12, 12:30 pm
Rev. Frieda and your Transition Team are inviting everyone to a
LISTENING CIRCLE on Jan. 12 at 12:30 PM. We changed the name from Healing Circles to signify our openness to expanding the conversation. Listening Circles are facilitated, confidential meetings for the purpose of keeping our conversation open and honest. You are welcome if you are happy or unhappy about congregational life or have questions about anything here at First Universalist. Come if you have something to say or if you just want to listen. We really are open to all. We will provide a light lunch.
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WORSHIP THEME: COURAGE
Moral Evolution
Sunday, January 12, 2020, at 10:30 am
Rev. Frieda Gillespie, Interim Minister
Sam Chandler, Music Director
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What does FAITH mean to UUs?
What is acting ‘in good faith’? What is the difference between UU faith and doctrinal faith? Is faith covenantal in the sense that we have faith in the institution of a church, and act in good faith to bring its mission to life? We are not interested in creeds and fixed beliefs, but in right relations with one another and holistic ways of living on and with our planet. We explore these questions as we connect with our commitment to First Universalist.
FACT: The average commitment is $1650, with most households in the $500 to $8,000 range. 60% of our income is from these commitments.
“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, But neither are you free to abandon it.” – The Talmud
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FROM THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
The search committee has entered into a VERY busy and exciting month of January. We are happy with the responses we've had so far from interested candidates, and are spending many hours reading through their materials and preparing to do video interviews with many of the potential candidates. A friendly reminder that from now until April, this process is highly confidential, as your search committee has entered into covenant with the UUA to follow the procedures carefully and honor the process. We do understand that members of the congregation are as excited about it as we are, but please understand that we cannot answer any questions about the candidates. There are lots of good people applying, and we are trusting the process to bring us the right match!
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YOGA IN THE SANCTUARY
Saturday mornings, 10 - 11 am
Set your intentions for the new year: Move your body, breathe in our beautiful Sanctuary, support First U, and give to a local charity of choice.
Yoga classes resume at the First Universalist Church on Saturday, January 11, 2020 led by our new yoga teacher, Marni Prince. She replaces Lois Howlett, our long time yoga teacher, who is moving to North Carolina. Marni is a trained Vinyasa Yoga teacher who has recently moved into Yarmouth. Cost: $10. Classes will be 10:00 - 11:00 AM.
Any questions, please contact Marini Prince at marniprince@gmail.com or Sarah Witte at sarahcoffinwitte@gmail.com.
The fall session raised $800. The church receives $400 and the class decided to split the $400 balance between ILAP (The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project) and the Yarmouth Cares about Neighbors (YCAN) Fuel Assistance Program.
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FIRST U PATHWAY TO MEMBERSHIP
If membership calls to you, or you have questions about this faith and our community, you are warmly welcomed to attend the following events. Of course you always have the option of exploring and discussing your spiritual journey with Rev. Frieda, solo style. May a way be found, and the courage to take it step by step!
What is First Universalist Church? on
January 20,
6:30 -9:00 pm
We will share our own stories. What brings us together here? Why become a member? (Besides being able to vote when we have a new ministerial candidate?!) How do we belong and how does First Universalist belong to us? Childcare provided. Hosted by the Board of Trustees and Congregation Connections.
Membership Celebration Sunday on
Sunday, Feb. 2, 10 - 10:30 am
Come at 10 am for coffee, treats and book signing before worship. Worship service that morning includes words of welcome and commitment, spoken in unison by congregation and new members. We welcome, celebrate and thank you!
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MAINE FARM SUPPER
First U's popular and delicious Maine Farm Supper is coming up on February 8th, 5 - 7 pm. This fundraiser supports both the church and the Yarmouth Food Pantry. Volunteer sign-ups will be coming out soon. Please share
this poster widely - invite all your friends and neighbors! For more information, please contact Cindy Guernsey,
cindyguernsey@icloud.com.
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PROGRAMS THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
10:15 am -
Junior Youth Group (Common Room)
10:30 am -
Children's Chapel (begin in Sanctuary)
10:30 am -
Nursery Care (the Nursery)
3:30 pm -
#UUTheVote (Gathering Room)
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In
Children's Chapel, this January is all about being free to learn together (our 3rd UU principle). Each Sunday, we’ll try out a different spiritual practice and learn together which practices we connect with. This Sunday, January 12, will be about the connections between
spirituality and nature.
In between all the fun, friendship, and food, the
junior youth group (open to all in grades 5—8; friends are welcome!) is beginning
Riddle and Mystery, a UU program for middle schoolers to search for their own understanding of life’s big questions.
Senior youth group (open to all in grades 9—12) is excited to announce that their service mission trip will be with the organization
Cultivating Community, a Maine nonprofit that grows sustainable communities by expanding access to healthy, local food; empowering children, youth, and adults to play diverse roles in restoring the local, sustainable food systems; and modeling, teaching, and advocating for ecological food production.
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PARENT GUEST VOLUNTEERS ON SUNDAY MORNINGS
Curious about Children's Chapel or Junior Youth Group? Want to get a better sense of what's happening downstairs during the service? Now you can
sign up for a Sunday to visit with and help out in Children's Chapel (K-4th grade) or Junior Youth Group (5th-8th grade)! No requirement to volunteer; just an opportunity for interested parents, grandparents, or guardians.
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REGISTER FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS ONLINE
This year, there is the option to
register online for children and youth programs!
Please register your children if they participate in any programs.
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3D (DINNER-DISCUSSION-DOCUMENTARY) NIGHT
Saturday, January 25, 5:30 pm, in the Gathering Room
The next 3D (Dinner-Discussion-Documentary) event is coming in January! Be sure to sign up ahead of time for this home-cooked free supper with vegetarian options (catalpa.girl@gmail.com) and stimulating conversation.
Our documentary film this time is a 2017 look at the Palestine/Israel situation. Whether we know a little or a lot about this topic, it presents an opportunity (like South Africa and Ireland did) to take a fresh look at communities trying to craft new responses to old conflicts.
This Is Palestine was released in June 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the occupation of the West Bank and the tenth anniversary of the blockade of Gaza. We hope that stimulating AND respectful discussion will follow this screening.
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3D (DINNER-DISCUSSION-DOCUMENTARY) NIGHT
Saturday, January 25, 5:30 pm, in the Gathering Room
The next 3D (Dinner-Discussion-Documentary) event is coming in January! Be sure to sign up ahead of time for this home-cooked free supper with vegetarian options (catalpa.girl@gmail.com) and stimulating conversation.
Our documentary film this time is a 2017 look at the Palestine/Israel situation. Whether we know a little or a lot about this topic, it presents an opportunity (like South Africa and Ireland did) to take a fresh look at communities trying to craft new responses to old conflicts.
This Is Palestine was released in June 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the occupation of the West Bank and the tenth anniversary of the blockade of Gaza. We hope that stimulating AND respectful discussion will follow this screening.
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WEATHER CANCELLATION INFORMATION
First Universalist service and public event cancellations are announced on WSCH Channel 6, WMTW Channel 8, and WGME Channel 13, as well as on Facebook.
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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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