VIRTUAL UU ROAD TRIP
This summer, we are excited to take a virtual UU road trip. Each Sunday we'll visit a UU congregation and have the opportunity to experience how they do worship services. Check your inbox on Sunday mornings for your next destination!
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SUMMER CIRCLES: WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOU!
At First U we witness each other’s lives as the years come and go. And USUALLY in the summer, we lose track of each other, right? If that’s where you are and want to be, we hope it’s beautiful and nourishing. However if you’ve been feeling a little isolated (!?!) and might like a bit more conversation, and to even make new friends, we have a place you can go: Summer Circles.
This is not a project, or a fundraiser, or even Small Group Ministries. There is no curriculum or agenda, unless you create one. It’s simply gathering (in Zoom space) with friendly curiosity, and sharing your day and thoughts. Maybe it’s asking others what they think about something. It’s just for July and August. It’s just for you and people who have time to share, sort of ‘front porch’ style.
To join, write to the Congregation Connections Committee via Sarah at
sarahcoffinwitte@gmail.com. What blocks of the day and week would work best with you? We’ll try to get things launched on that basis, as soon as we can. Monday night people, Friday morning people, etc!
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JOINING THE WORSHIP COUNCIL
Would you like an opportunity to work closely with Rev. Hillary in the coming year or two? Do you have some creative ideas about how we can develop ways to keep us all inspired and energized while worship is mostly online? Do you maybe have at least a bit of tech savvy to offer? The Worship Council is seeking at least one additional member (or even two), to help us keep Sunday mornings going well.
We have an annual Worship Council retreat, this year scheduled Friday August 7th and Saturday August 8th, where we look at all things worship from the big picture perspective, and plan out the year. We then meet monthly at a time that works for everyone, and are responsible for filling the pulpit one Sunday each month on the minister's week off. The job has varied over the years, depending on the minister, and we're looking forward to working with Rev. Hillary to build a wonderful collaboration.
We would love to have different voices represented on the Council; a diversity of age, gender, theological persuasion, etc. would enhance worship for everyone. Please let Anne Turner know if you would like more information about this exciting possibility:
annelewisturner@gmail.com.
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FELLOWSHIP & VESPERS
Sundays at 7:30 pm & 8:00 pm
Join your church friends on Zoom on Sunday evenings first for a friendly time of fellowship from 7:30 - 8:00 pm, and then transition into a facilitated Vespers discussion, Adult RE style, 8:00-8:30 pm. We can share our thoughts about the morning's worship service, and also reflect on a reading that was included in the morning email. Readings will highlight the voices of UU ministers of color. Please join us for either or both! A link to attend will be sent out on Sunday mornings along with the virtual UU road trip.
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PASTORAL CARE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
Do you need a shoulder to cry on? Do you want to discuss the meaning of life? Do you want to share some news, good or bad? Do you just need to hear a friendly voice?
Rev. Frieda is still here for you! Well, not physically here, but just a phone call away! While she and her family prepare for their move to Fort Worth, TX at the end of the month, Rev. Frieda is available by appointment in 20 or 30 minute blocks on the following days*:
- Mondays between 10 and 11 am
- Wednesdays between 5 and 6 pm
To schedule a time to chat by phone, please email
jslandsman@gmail.com and indicate which day works best for you.
*In case of a pastoral emergency during July, Rev. Frieda can be reached at 508-207-7566
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WHEN WILL FIRST U RE-OPEN?
The Board is looking for a few people that will help us find the answer. We’ve gathered and organized the guidelines; now we have to wrestle with some questions and logistical details. For example, when opening for small gatherings:
- What will be our protocols for attending, for cleaning/sanitizing?
- How many could navigate our building following social distancing guidelines?
Following UUA guidelines, we do not expect to hold worship in the Sanctuary until May, BUT perhaps other uses would be okay – Sangha groups, AA meetings, our meetings, Vespers, and maybe even Village Nursery School (our biggest rental).
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FUN FOR FAMILIES
We're fortunate in Maine to have an abundance of beautiful summertime activities, but sometimes families can still find themselves looking for something to
RE-inspire.
Reading diverse books is important for all children. It helps break down stereotypes, builds empathy, and provides an opportunity to have conversations about race.
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#UUTHEVOTE UPDATES
1000 voters!!
The UUTheVote and Friend2Friends teams were able to successfully reach out to more than 1000 voters with their campaign. Team members celebrated Tuesday night and reaffirmed their commitment to the campaign this fall. All shared how easy and rewarding their experiences were.
If you would like to join your fellow UU’s in this fun and rewarding endeavor please contact Jerry Myers (
jerrymyers99@gmail.com). Keep checking back with Channels for updates.
So you are going to vote in person??
If you choose to vote in-person know that there are certain precautions you will be required to make: 1) Wear a mask, 2) Bring your own BLACK INK pen, and 3) Bring your own sanitizer. Be sure to read the rules in place for your voting site before going. These should be available on your town’s local web site.
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VOLUNTEERING AT PREBLE STREET
Our next first Tuesday to volunteer at Preble Street is August 4, 3 - 6 pm. At this time, Preble Street still really needs your support in putting together to-go meals for their clients who they serve daily. Help to feed some of Maine's most vulnerable people who continue to rely on Preble Street for food and other resources. Contact Ruth White (
rwhite7@maine.rr.com) with any questions or if you would like to sign up. Thank you!
Please note a few changes:
- There is now a limit of three volunteers per shift in order to ensure social distancing.
- Volunteers are asked to bring their own mask or face covering.
- The time for dinner shifts has altered slightly. It is now 3 - 6 pm (instead of 3:30 - 6:30 pm).
- You can view all of Preble Street's response information about COVID-19 on their website.
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The Church Office is Closed, But Minister and Staff Are Still Working!
Rev. Frieda, Gwen, Sam, and Andrea all continue to work from home to support the church community. You can reach them via email, call and leave a voicemail at the church office (messages are checked on Monday & Thursday), or call Rev. Frieda on her cell phone: 508-207-7566.
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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. Saturdays are typically her day off, but she will answer calls for pastoral emergencies.
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Submit Your Announcement
To have your announcement included in this newsletter please email the information to Gwen Matthews at
gwenatfirstu@gmail.com
by Wednesday at 12 pm.
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