CHANNELS
First Universalist's weekly newsletter
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Both Sides Now
with Interfaith Minister Leslie Hyde
Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 10:30 am
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95 MAIN OPEN HOUSE
The house is almost ready for occupancy, thanks to the tremendous outpouring of generosity from the whole community. A celebration of generosity is being planned for
Sunday, March 31 from about 12:30 to 2:00. There will be an opportunity to visit 95 Main, to meet our new tenants, and to find out about next steps in this exciting project to support and welcome New Mainers.
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HEALING CIRCLES
The Transition Team invites each and every one to one of two (or both) upcoming Healing Circles on
Sunday, March 31 and 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: MARCH 31
Nursery Care (10:30 - 11:30 am),
just down the hall from the Sanctuary, is available for our littlest friends staffed with Red-cross certified teen caregivers.
In
Children’s Chapel (10:30 - 11:30 am), for kindergarten - fourth graders, we conclude this month’s theme of Balance. We’ll be discussing balance in our eco-system, playing a predator/prey game, and making hand-dipped candles.
Our
Junior Youth Group (10:15 - 11:30 am), for fifth - eighth graders, will be continuing with the Our Whole Lives curriculum with this week’s focus on communication and healthy decision-making.
Our
Senior Youth Group (4:00 - 5:30 pm), for ninth - twelfth graders, will be
meeting to work on developing our belief statements that will be presented on the May 5th Children and Youth Sunday.
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Happy Spring! I hope you are seeing signs everywhere. I've heard there are bluebirds showing up in some people's yards. Sadly not mine. But I have seen many robins.
We are posting copies of the sermons on the
website now.
We are making progress with our efforts to share and heal wounds from the recent past. The Board and Transition Team met with Rev. Dr. Deborah Pope-Lance to get advice about what could help people with their painful feelings. She specializes in consulting to congregations about "after pastor" issues, those where the minister acts in ways that are inappropriate or harmful. One of the suggestions is to continue to share with each other about events that happened during the last or other previous minister's time at First U that hurt you. She emphasized that it is helpful to state what happened without labeling the behavior. And that in this way a common narrative can be developed that brings you all together rather than dividing you. That's not to say that everyone had the same experience but by naming all of them, they become part of a fabric that includes all experiences.
We will be continuing with the Healing Circles because they offer the best opportunity to share with others your experiences. This Sunday March 31st at 4:00 PM and April 14 also at 4:00 PM are the next circles. I hope to see many of you in attendance in the Gathering Room.
Blessings of new growth,
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 need your support to offer this event!
- Can you run a station? 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.
- Invite your friends and neighbors to attend! This Earth Day Carnival is a great way for children to have fun while learning about ways to protect and respect the Earth.
- Want to donate to the prize wheel? We are actively searching for eco-friendly prizes.
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
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 1
—"The inherent worth and dignity of every person”
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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ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: COME, COME, WHOEVER YOU ARE
Though we await 12 more commitments, here ends our weekly messaging. We are so grateful to all who are participating!
Thank you!
fact: We are at 94% of our goal, with $112,000 from 59 families, including 7 new families and 29 ‘perennials’.
reflection:
We are known forever by the tracks we leave. - Dakota Proverb
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HEART IN HAND GALA
DINNER - LIVE AUCTION - CALL TO THE HEART
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 6-9 PM
AWAY APRIL 6? YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE!
You can proxy bid (contact Marge at 207-846-4765 for details) AND/OR you can donate to our popular ‘Pot of Gold’ matching fund for certain bids that reach their value! Both options are so important to meeting our ambitious fundraising goals.
HOME ON April 6?
There are still seats available (and free childcare) – contact Marge at 846-4765.
Up for bid at the live auction (or by proxy bid):
2 Sunday Soup Dinners for 4 by Jen
Indian Dinner for 6-8 by Joy
Cocktail Party by Cindy
BBQ for 6 by Sarah
Celebration Brunch for 8 by Sarah
Gourmet Dinner for 6-8 by Tom
OOB Beach Party for 8 at Titcombs
… and a few more coming
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YOGA IN THE SANCTUARY
Spring Yoga classes continue in the church Sanctuary 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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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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FOUR QUESTION SURVEY
The Faith in Action Council knows that the members and friends of this congregation are deeply engaged in and committed to the work of social justice, both through our church’s projects and through individual activities in the wider community—but we’d like to know just where that work has taken you! We look forward to hearing from you about what social justice work you have been engaged in and what further ways you might envision for us as a congregation to put our faith into action.
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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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FREE FILM SERIES: "READY FOR A CHANGE," March 10 - April 7
Congregational Church in Cumberland—282 Main Street—829-3419. Join The Social Justice and Green Teams for a series of films that will instruct, inspire, and challenge us to open our hearts and amend our thinking. Popcorn, beverages, and kid-friendly alternative films. Free and open to the public. Films are shown from 3 - 5 pm.
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BLOOD DRIVE AT A2U2, March 30
A blood drive will be taking place on Saturday March 30th from 10am-4pm at Allen Avenue UU church in Portland. Donors get a free long sleeved t-shirt and will have their name automatically entered into a 50/50 raffle. People can sign up online at
www.redcrossblood.org under A2U2 or contact Jaime Eller, who is coordinating the blood drive, at 207-232-8705 or
jaimeeller@yahoo.com.
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STORY TELLER VALERIE TUTSON, March 30
Storyteller Valerie Tutson returns for an inspiring interactive afternoon of stories and songs for all ages celebrating the theme "A Change is Coming Soon." Valerie will share from history, folklore and her own life...and there may be time for you to share, too! Free! Saturday, March 30th, 2:00-3:00 pm. Congregational Church in Cumberland UCC
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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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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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LOST & FOUND
Silver band-style ring engraved with "You Are My Sunshine" found at church. Come to the church office to claim ownership.
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WEATHER CANCELLATION INFORMATION
First Universalist services and 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 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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