Meeting ID: 895 0607 5636

Or watch the livestream service on our Facebook page.

Upcoming Online Worship Services

Newcomers and visitors to First Parish are invited to chat informally with Rev. Christina to learn more about what makes this church unique. To join the conversation, use the Zoom link posted above for this week's online worship service or just stay online after the service. We look forward to meeting you! For more information, please email Laurie Hasty.

The Faith in Action Committee urges First Parish members to learn about and support the PRO Act, which greatly strengthens workers’ ability to organize. This act prohibits employers from requiring employees to attend meetings in which management presents the company position on unions. It imposes penalties on employers who violate workers’ rights and has provisions to speed contract negotiations. Half of workers in the US would like to be in a union, but the roadblocks are considerable. This bill would remove some of those barriers. You can read more about the PRO Act here.

It is the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Multiracial Unity Action Council to carry out and foster anti-racist and multiracial unity activities both within and outside the UUA through education, bearing witness, and expansion of our membership both within and outside the walls of our congregations. If you are interested in talking with fellow UU members about our Seven Principles, you can join this conference! For more information, click here.

Two desks with drawers, in good condition, for our Membership Coordinator and Director of Religious Exploration. Do you have a desk that is not in use or in storage that you are willing to donate? Please send Hannah an email with photos and measurements of the desk for our reference. Thank you!

EveryBody Update

We are getting the final details completed over the next few days. We will be finishing the floors in the Parish Hall this week and painting the walls next week! We will also be installing new doors to the Meeting House, which will make for an easier entrance for EveryBody coming from the Parish Hall. We look forward to showing off the finished product this summer! You can read more about the project here.

The incredible UU Book of the Year is now available at our church's Library. Email the office to arrange to pick up a copy on Tuesdays-Thursdays from 12-4pm. It can be borrowed for 2 weeks and then returned to the office during those times or left in the church mailbox. It is also available through the public library system and can be ordered on Amazon.

Unitarian Universalism is a faith tradition rooted in justice. Our committed leaders are putting our faith into action, but they cannot do it alone. Every member of our congregation is encouraged to join in their efforts. Relationship and community are the key to living out the mission and vision of our church. One person, one voice, one conversation, one letter, makes a difference. Click here to read how we can change the world and save lives.

The Southern Maine Workers Center invites you to their Cantastoria Workshop to discuss solutions to the co-occurring healthcare and economic crises using five panels of compelling art as the entry into these discussions. For more information, and to learn more about cantastorias, click here. To register for the workshop, click here. Sponsored by the Faith-in-Action team.

We’re contacting state legislators to support 2021 legislation that negotiates amendments to the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act. This Act has put the Wabanaki tribes in a category separate from all other federally-recognized tribes in the U.S.; it has stifled the Tribe's right to self determination and caused both cultural and economic hardship. We have provided a letter template and talking points for your reference. Please consider helping us contact our state legislatures to amend this Act! For more information, click here.

Reverend Christina will be holding Pastoral Care calls and Office Hours for meetings by phone or Zoom every Monday & Tuesday for members and leaders of First Parish. Please email the Office to schedule a call.

 Pastoral Care

All are welcome to join a confidential pastoral care breakout room each Sunday after worship. Please send a chat message to the worship tech person during the service if you would like to join. A member of the Pastoral Care Team will be present with an open heart. For any questions or concerns please contact team leader Judy Micoleau.

The practice of pranayama is essential to a calm mind, a healthy body, and a free spirit. Through breathwork, kriyas, mudras and sutras we prepare for silence and stillness. Free to members. $10.00 per class for non-members. You can find the Zoom link here.

Some of us have begun to write poems. All are welcome. Free to members. $10.00 per class for non-members. You can find the Zoom link here.

This time of renewal may bring us the hope of safety and connection. As more people are vaccinated and more of us can spend time with family and friends, gratitude has a different color. The earth is a strange and beautiful place to be right now, amidst the pain and fear that has clouded our spirits over the past year. Although many of us have experienced significant losses, we still rise to the hope of spring. Please read Rev. Christina's full, wonderful letter here.

Peaceful Harbor Sangha meets weekly for shared Buddhist practice. Meetings include sitting meditation, walking meditation, dharma reading and discussion. Come experience the calm in the storm! Meetings are now held on Zoom, and all are welcome; donations are gratefully accepted but not required. To receive the Zoom link, contact Susannah Ristine.  

Prayers for the People 

Once a month, Reverend Christina will share "Prayers for the People" during Sunday service. If you would like her to share your prayer of joy or sorrow with the congregation please contact her at minister@firstparishportland.org or 207-773-5747.

As you know, our beloved Rev. Christina Sillari has notified the congregation of her intent to leave her First Parish ministry to discover her next vocation, effective June 30th. There is currently a six-person team in place that is tasked with facilitating the first step in the journey of finding our next called minister. It is important for our congregation to be informed of and understand the process going forward. Please read the full letter here.

With the combined challenges of COVID and the CFE construction project, business is anything but normal at First Parish! It may take a few days to return phone messages; email is the best way to reach all First Parish staff. Please keep in mind that Scott, Toben and Laurie work part-time, and will return messages when they are able. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

UUA.org: Braver/Wiser, Fortification, Practices of Self-Care & Resilience