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Rev. Hillary will be offline and out of the office from Monday, April 19th through Monday, April 26th for a study leave. During this time she will read, re-charge and engage in spiritual practice in a quiet spot in northern Vermont. While Rev. Hillary is away, Rev. Mark Glovin of Rockland will be on-call for pastoral needs and emergencies. Rev. Mark can be reached by phone and text: 207-701-7485 and by email: markaglovin@gmail.com. Don’t hesitate to contact him if you are in need. When she returns, Rev. Hillary will follow up with any pastoral needs that arose in her absence.

As our church community considers reopening, we are committed to following the guidance from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and creating our own reopening team who considers inclusion and consent, the current science, flexibility of offerings, and the deep desire to gather together again in person. There will be many questions to consider as our faith-based community moves forward. At this time and while this work is being done, First Universalist does not anticipate reopening our church building until September 2021. We do anticipate being able to continue to hold some outdoor gatherings, again following guidance from the UUA. Please send any questions about the reopening plan to the Board or to Rev. Hillary. 

Each week, we'll introduce you to two councils, committees, or groups from First Universalist so that you can learn more and stay updated. Visit our website for the full list of councils, committees, and groups.

Our Stewardship Committee meets bi-monthly on 4th Sundays in odd-numbered months following worship. We advise the Board on matters of money, and also plan and organize church fundraisers. Want to know more or share your ideas or join us at our next meeting? Contact Marge Titcomb at mjtbean@aol.com.

Our Faith in Action Council (FIA) meets on 4th Tuesdays each month at 4:30-5:30. Social Justice is our mission, with current emphasis on Racial Justice. We guide our partnership connections projects, and select our ‘half plate’ recipients. Want to know more or share your ideas or join us at our next meeting? Contact Marge Titcomb at mjtbean@aol.com.

Through reflection, conversation and connection, First Universalist identifies goals for the calendar year for each council and committee.

This week we’re excited to share the goals of the RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION COUNCIL. The members of the RE Council are Cathy McKenna (Chair), Christy Hayashida, Mika Lentz, Raj Vinnakota, Joanna Landsman, Lesli Chambers, and Gwen Matthews (Staff).

For more detail on these goals, please see the full 2021 Goals document at our website.

On Zoom with Anna where we continue the theme for the month of April: Becoming. Click to join and enter password CHAPEL.

An online version of coffee hour plus a chance to connect and discuss themes that arose during the worship service. Click to join and enter password COMMUNITY.

Our DIY Blue Man instrument making gathering has been postponed - again! - due to rain. Please join us next Sunday, May 2nd, 1:00 - 2:30 pm instead.

Due to the weather, this event has been moved on to Zoom. This week's CoA is with Alexis, Ben, and Joanna as we start to craft our credos in preparation for our worship service on May 9th. Click to join and enter password SPIRIT.

More Examples of Environmental Racism:

The film "Come Hell or High Water: The Battle for Turkey Creek" is going to be available for all of us to watch (for free) via a special link, anytime on May 6, 7, or 8. This is the last 3D film of the church year. Although we won't be dining together, we do plan to discuss this documentary on Saturday, May 8 at 7:00 pm via Zoom.

About the film: After the U.S. Civil War, four formerly-enslaved couples decided to start their own community in southern Mississippi. Their families thrived, and the community stayed intact through the 20th century. Then came Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the oil spill of 2010. Urban development also squeezed this small historic community. One of the descendants of these families, Derrick Evans (pictured above), decided to come to his community's rescue. Please join us in witnessing how Derrick and his neighbors are still working to keep their homes at Turkey Creek.

To watch: The link will be available starting Wednesday, May 5, and sent in the Wednesday morning e-blast. Stay tuned!

Please note: First Universalist Church sponsors this screening in the spirit of the eight principles which guide us to compassionate discourse, right relationships, and a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

ACTION ALERT FROM MUUSAN 

The Maine Legislature will be voting soon on LD 983 — An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote Land Conservation, Working Waterfronts, Water Access and Outdoor Recreation (also known as the Land for Maine’s Future bill).

Cathy Breen, State Senator from Cumberland, who is sponsoring this bill said that the most helpful thing to do to CALL your own legislators, especially Republicans members. Talking points may be found on the Environmental Priorities Coalition website. Since it is a Bond issue, 2/3 of the legislature must support it in order to get it on the ballot. It is scheduled for a hearing before the Appropriations and Financial Affairs committee on April 26.

SAVE THE DATE for a virtual walk in support of Wabanaki Sovereignty on April 28. For more information, please contact Marge Titcomb (mjtbean@aol.com).

In honor of our second principle, justice, equity and compassion in human relations, this week’s offering is shared with Yarmouth High School’s Black Student Alliance. The students are currently raising funds for healing and justice-oriented activities, such as a trip to the African American Museum in Washington D.C. The group is an alliance of Yarmouth's Black students and their allies, created to respond to racist events in Yarmouth and working with RJIM, the Restorative Justice Institute of Maine.

Please offer your gift by clicking the "Make Your Offering" button below (to contribute via GiveButter), dropping a check or cash in the mail, or sending via your bank's bill pay feature.

A friend of First Universalist is seeking a live-in house-sitter in South Freeport for two trips in September and October. Comfortable accommodations, two personable cats, and many house plants. If you are interested or can recommend someone, please make a connection. Contact Jennifer Caven at jlcaven@comcast.net.