INGATHERING: SAND COMMUNION

Sunday, September 11, at 10:30 am

Our first worship service together after the summer is known as Ingathering and will take place the Sunday following Labor Day. During this Ingathering service, we'll also be holding our beloved tradition of sand communion. Please bring some sand with you in a container to this service. 

SEPTEMBER WORSHIP THEME: BELONGING

 As September begins, ushering in a new season, new church year, new school year…our theme, naturally, for this month is Belonging.

Dear Friends,

With love we share sad news of the passing of Buell Miller, a member and regular at First Universalist. Buell had a wonderful career as an obstetrician, pilot, outdoorsman and teacher, including the founding of the Maine Medical Association’s “Senior Section” which assisted the Haitian medical community. Buell will be missed by his wife Ann and their extended family. Notes can be sent to Ann’s address, found in our directory.

In peace and friendship,

Sarah Witte, Board President

WEDNESDAYS AT THE PICNIC TABLES

Wednesdays, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Rev. Hillary will be holding a drop in hour on Wednesdays outside of church at the picnic tables from 12:00 - 1:00 pm (weather permitting). All are welcome to come by!

CHOIR PRACTICE BEGINS

Come, Come, Whoever You Are: Choir practice begins for this church year and is held on Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, in the Sanctuary. Our choir is open to everyone! No worries whether or not you can read music, and if you aren’t sure which part to sing. This is a low-pressure, no barriers choir. If you like singing, you are welcome. 

We will remain masked during rehearsals and performances as it continues to be best practice for choral groups.

Thanks everybody, I’m so excited for a year of quality music making with you all. - Sam Chandler, Music Director

USHERS WANTED

An easy way to get to know others and to practice our open and welcoming spirit is to sign up to usher at First U on Sunday mornings. This simple, joyful task involves welcoming, greeting, and passing the offering plate. Questions? Contact Gwen Matthews at gwenatfirstu@gmail.com. 

SEPTEMBER RE CALENDAR

Above is our Religious Exploration calendar for the month of September. For more details about RE programs this year, please check out the most recent issue of the RE Sun. 

PEACE PLAY FOR LITTLES

Peace Play for Littles happens on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 10:15 - 10:45 am, beginning September 15. It is a mixture of stories, rhymes, songs, and play for little ones (0—4 years old) and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers that introduce and encourage the values of justice, inclusivity, kindness, and caring for our planet. Learn more about peace play happening at First Universalist this fall. Contact Gwen at gwenatfirstu@gmail.com with any questions.

NEW MAINER & WABANAKI GARDENS TOUR

Saturday, Sept. 24, at 2:00 pm

We've been invited to visit the New Mainer & Wabanaki Garden Projects that we supported last year with our Joy & Justice fundraising. The Gardens are projects of the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust and are located at the Tom Settlemire Community Garden in Brunswick.

We can carpool from church; details later. Children are welcome, but please leave pets at home. Space is limited to 20.

To participate, contact Marge mjtbean@aol.com or 207-272-9345.

MUUSAN NETWORK MEETING

Saturday, September 10, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm, on Zoom

Attend the September Zoom MUUSAN Network Meeting to learn about how MUUSAN is working to UU the Vote here in Maine, why this state election matters so much for reproductive justice, and how UU the Vote National is helping our congregations get involved in this critical election. 

Register here and in the meantime, check out these ways to get involved with electoral justice and the upcoming midterms.