WORSHIP
WORSHIP SERVICE
Practice Makes Power
Rev. Hillary Collins-Gilpatrick, Minister
Sam Chandler, Music Director
Sunday, September 27, 2020, 10:30 am
click here to watch the service LIVE on YouTube on Sunday morning

These ungrounded, anxious, and for many, very frightening times call for great reserves of strength. There is plenty of information available on how to get physically fit, how to keep our bodies healthy, and how to quell anxiety - but how do we strengthen our spirits? Like, really, iron-man challenge style, strengthen our spirits? Well, practice, of course. 
HAPPENING SOON!
LUUNCH WITH REV. HILLARY
Today, Friday, September 25, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
We’re making sure the magic of breaking bread together is still a part of our weekly programming - even if it’s on Zoom. (Virtually) stop by for this weekly event for conversation and connection, discussion, and fellowship. Come for all or part, drop-in anytime from noon to 1 pm.

To join the Zoom meeting click here and enter password: YUM. To join via phone, dial: 1-646-558-8656, enter the meeting ID: 917 0538 2202, and pass code: 075311.
ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, September 27, at 11:45 am on Zoom
The church's Annual Meeting, rescheduled from this past June, will take place on September 27 starting at 11:45 am. At this meeting will be a vote on the budget and updates about the church year. Click here to join on Zoom and enter the password: MTG.

Prior to, or during, the Annual Meeting you may wish to access this year's Annual Report or quickly refer to the financial documents. Happy browsing!
VESPERS
Wednesday, September 30, 7 - 7:30 pm
Join us on Wednesday evenings for a Vespers service led by Rev. Hillary. During this short service, we will gather together on Zoom to contemplate a reading, hold a time of quiet, share joys and sorrows, and offer our presence and prayer. To join the Zoom meeting click here and enter password: PEACE. To join via phone, dial: 1-646-558-8656, enter the meeting ID: 967 3935 7220, and pass code: 211161.
MINISTER'S MESSAGE
Blessed are you, HOLY BREATH, 
Who reminds me to be both full and empty.
Blessed are you, ABUNDANCE, 
Who helps me remember I have everything I need.
Blessed are you, THE WAY, 
Who meets me where I am. 
Blessed are you, FABULOUS ONE, 
Who loves me just as I am.

From “queer birkot hashachar,” by Dori Midnight & 
  Randy Furash-Stewart
Dear First Universalist Friends,

The above prayer is excerpted from a longer translation of the Birkort Hashachar by two queer Jewish healers and teachers, Dori Midnight and Randy Furash-Stewart. Translated from Hebrew, Birkort Hashachar means “Morning Blessings” or “Blessings of the Dawn.” You can read their blessing of the dawn in its entirety and watch a beautiful video they made for it by clicking the video above or visiting the link here: https://dorimidnight.com/writing/queer-morning-blessings-birkot-hashachar/

Of the prayer, Dori Midnight writes, 
“I am grateful my ancestors thought to create a prayer to bless the transition from sleep into waking [...] The traditional text is painful and problematic – but I am also grateful for the long practice of re-translating, re-working, re-weaving liturgy; I have found it to be a profoundly liberatory practice that helps me remember that I do know how to pray.”

My friends, I am sad and anxious about much in the world, but so, so glad we are together at this time. I am also so glad that our worship livestream broadcasted crisp and clear from the Sanctuary this past Sunday! This Sunday, we will consider what it takes for us to find, as Dori Midnight writes, the “profound liberatory practices” that allow us to remember our goodness, strength, and belonging. Right now, we are all in the midst of an awe-some, collective transition from sleep to waking. How can we build up our strength to be here now, bless this moment - and be of use in it? 

Slowly, slowly - the WAY will meet you right where you are.

Yours in wishing all houses of worship referred to G_D as “FABULOUS ONE” from time to time,

Rev. Hillary 

PS - I am well aware that a crisp, clear livestream worship service is not enough connection for many of you. Please know I am more than happy to meet with congregants throughout each week over Zoom, the phone, or masked outside. Wednesday mornings and Thursdays are best, but I’m willing to try to finagle another time if that’s better for you. Just email or call me and we’ll set up a time. 
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
RISE UP, FIRST UNIVERSALIST!
Have you wondered how First U will make ends meet during the pandemic, when events like the Clam Festival are cancelled? WE HAVE A PLAN! 
Please come to the Annual Meeting this Sunday (see details above) to learn the details of our budget and see our super fun video starring Sam Chandler and members of the Board.
GIVEBUTTER FOR DONATIONS
First Universalist will now be using the platform "GiveButter" for donations. It is simple to use and you can pay via credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. To use, simply click on the link or button on the website or in an email (like this one here), indicate the amount you would like to contribute and then click "continue." This will bring you to the options to pay with a credit card, PayPal, or Venmo, where you would use one of those to complete the payment.

As always, you can still mail checks or use "bill pay" from your bank. Thank you for your generosity!
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
THIS SUNDAY: CHILDREN'S CHAPEL
Sunday, September 27, 9:45 - 10:15 am
Please note the adjusted time: 9:45 - 10:15 am. Join Anna for Children's Chapel this Sunday. This week includes learning about the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur and what it means to say "I'm sorry."
APPLE PICKING!
Sunday, October 4, 2 - 3:30 pm, at Thompson's Orchards
Junior and senior youth groups are invited to launch their youth group year with apple picking at Thompson's Orchards in New Gloucester. This outing will allow our groups to have fun, get to know each other, and bond.
  • All families are welcome! Please note that the junior and senior youth groups will be using this time to connect in their own groups, but families are welcome to come along and pick their own apples, too.
  • Please bring money to pay for any apples you pick. Please also bring masks to wear. Note that we will not be organizing carpooling in order to maintain social distancing.
COMING OF AGE: A RITE OF PASSAGE
Two Sundays per month, 4 - 5 pm, October - May
For youth in grades 8 - 12, the Coming of Age program is a UU rite of passage for youth who are moving away from childhood and toward young adulthood. It is a special, sacred way that UU youth work to develop their faith identity. Please save the date for the parent and youth introductory meeting on October 18th, 4 - 5 pm. To find out more, please email Gwen at gwenatfirstu@gmail.com.

Please note: the Coming of Age program is separate from both the senior and junior youth groups. Senior youth groups (for 9th - 12th graders) will be happening opposite Coming of Age sessions, approx. two Sundays per month. Junior youth groups (for 5th - 8th graders) will be happening most Sunday mornings each month from 11:15 am - 12:00 pm.
PEACE & JUSTICE WORK
OUR HALF-PLATE THIS MONTH
Wabanaki Food Pantries. This month, in honor of our 1st principle recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person, we are sharing half of our offering with Maine Wabanaki Reach. Wabanaki Reach provides food and supplies to the 5 Wabanaki community food pantries through their “Grandmother’s Love” initiative based in values the Grandmothers teach - that love is sacred and to always help one another. One thing that Indigenous people have is collective resilience and a call to respond during crises. They are grateful for all who respond to this call!

By clicking the "Make Your Offering" button below, dropping a check in the mail, or sending via your bank, you are supporting both your church and this worthy cause.
FROM THE ANTI-RACISM WORKING GROUP
The Anti-Racism working group encourages readers of Channels to educate themselves about racism and injustices so that we may pursue justice and make a more perfect union.
  • This month we encourage readers of Channels to watch one or more of the ”Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.” At this screen you will find 8 segments which Emmanuel Acho has made in which he has conversations on a variety of subjects. Choose and watch the subjects which interest you or watch all eight videos.
  • On September 24th at 6:00 PM the First Congregational church of Yarmouth will sponsor a screening of Just Mercy. This film is about a young lawyer, played by Michael Jordan, and his history making battle for justice. The film is showing at the Royal River park, 111 East Elm Street, Yarmouth across from the Yarmouth Historical Center. Bring a blanket, chairs or snacks plus warm clothing.
  • If you want to patronize Black owned businesses in Maine, check out blackownedmaine.com.
  • There are still yard signs, stickers, and books available from the anti-racism working group. Recommended donations for bumper stickers are $5 each, yard signs with a metal stake are $12, and copies of AntiRacist Baby are $12. Checks should be made out to the First Universalist Church and sent to the church with a note on the line for bumper sticker, yard sign, or book - or some combination of the three. Anyone interested should contact Sarah at sarahcoffinwitte@gmail.com and she can arrange with you to pick up or drop off the bumper sticker, yard sign, or book. If we run out of bumper sticker or yard signs we will order more.
VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT?
See the images below for where you can drop off your absentee ballot. If you applied for an absentee ballot you should receive it during the first week of October. You can complete it and mail it, OR, drop it off at your town hall. Note: the Freeport box is located to the right of the main entrance of town hall. The large box will soon be appropriately labeled "Ballots".

Ballots must be returned to your Town Clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Be sure to sign the envelope on the back flap before dropping it off.

You can still apply for an absentee ballot: Request Absentee Ballot. Don’t wait!
COMMUNITY NEWS
FURNITURE FRIENDS VIRTUAL SLUMBER PARTY
Furniture Friends is hosting a Virtual Slumber Party on October 3rd to raise money to purchase beds for people in need. Last year alone, Furniture Friends provided furniture essentials to over 550 families in the Greater Portland area. Many of these families did not have beds to sleep on until Furniture Friends provided them. 

Grab your pillow, sleeping bag, your favorite stuffed animal and anything else you might need to get ready for Furniture Friends' Virtual Slumber Party on Sat., October 3rd. They're trying to raise $15,000 that night so that we can continue to provide people with essential household furniture who aren't able to afford it on their own. They're asking you -- along with your family, friends, neighbors, fellow students and colleagues -- to sleep on the floor for just one night so others don't have to.
FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE
Pastoral Emergencies
If you experience a pastoral emergency please contact Rev. Hillary Collins-Gilpatrick, who can be reached on her cell phone: 207-740-3753. Please note Rev. Hillary's office hours for non-emergency opportunities to talk.
Submit Your Announcement
To have your announcement included in this e-newsletter please email the information to Gwen Matthews at gwenatfirstu@gmail.com by Wednesday at 12 pm.
 First Universalist Church of Yarmouth | 207-846-4148 | office@uuyarmouth.org | www.uuyarmouth.org