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Dear First Universalist Friends,

Can you believe this weekend already marks the second Sunday of Advent? Time sure is moving steadily along. Though, yes, December 2020 will be a bit different than Decembers prior, Gwen, Sam, lay leaders, local ministers and I have put together a fun, meaningful, and creative collection of ways we can remain connected and celebrate this holy season together. 

Here are some teasers for what’s to come - (and do read on to learn about each of these events and more in this week’s Channels!)

My friends, I hope there is something for everyone this month to feel hope, peace, love, joy and much more. And, if you find yourself with the Christmas blues, please know that that’s ok, too. This month packs a wallop and even in non-pandemic times, December brings much grief and worry to many. I’m here if you want to talk to someone, or just be quiet with someone. We can share our favorite cookie recipes, sing carols, show off Christmas ornaments, even meet up for a socially safe walk if you like. Really, don’t hesitate to call or write. 

Now, read on to see what we’ve got up our (green)sleeves in the weeks ahead. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Yours in Vince Gauraldi all day all night,

Rev. Hillary 

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

All are welcome and encouraged to join us (virtually!) on Saturday, December 5, where we will reflect on and celebrate our past and imagine our future, together.

At this facilitated mini-retreat, we will be invited to DREAM BIG & DRAW FROM OUR HEARTS. This is a chance to share your hopes and dreams for First Universalist – your church!

In the coming weeks and months, we will distill all the dreams and wishes that surfaced in the morning, to help inform and build our goals for 2021 and beyond.

Please register in advance for this mini-retreat, held on Zoom. You'll receive confirmation of your registration via email.

Come to the picnic tables outside at the church to pick up your winter care package - members of Congregation Connections, Rev. Hillary, and/or Gwen will be there to wave, say hello, and answer any questions you may have.

The package includes to-be-colored postcards to send to fellow congregants, a list of names and addresses to send those postcards, a small pack of crayons, postcard stamps, and candles and drip protectors (the candles are for use on Christmas Eve). Use your postcard supplies to mail out seasons greetings to the congregants on your list. You'll receive greetings in the mail as well from fellow congregants!

This Christmas Eve we are joining our neighbor UU congregations in Augusta and Brunswick to offer a communal worship service for all. One way we hope to make this service special is to incorporate voices and faces from each of our congregations. 

If you would like to have a photo of you and/or your family (human or animal) shown during the service, please send Gwen a picture of you holding a lit candle by Dec 15th (gwenatfirstu@gmail.com). Please include the names of the those included in the photo. Thank you!

Join Anna for Children's Chapel this Sunday

as we introduce our December theme of Stillness.

Click for Children's Chapel & enter password: CHAPEL

Join in for chatting a fellowship after the service.

Click for Social Hour & enter password: COMMUNITY

Join Gwen and Rev. Hillary as we continue

our discussion of social justice.

Click for Junior Youth Group & enter password: YOUTH

Join Gwen, Ben, and Rev. Hillary as we explore our

beliefs during this Coming of Age session.

Click for Coming of Age & enter password: SPIRIT

This year of virtual church offers constraints but also opportunities. How can you build discussions of values, beliefs, and faith into each day? How can you really live the Seven Principles? Why does it matter to you and your family to have a grounding in this liberal religion? With these questions in mind, we've developed some opportunities for exploring your faith at home focusing on December's theme of Stillness.

This packet contains ideas for families of our youngest friends (ages 0 - 3), younger children (ages 4 - 7), older children (ages 8 - 10), middle schoolers (ages 11 - 13), and high schoolers (ages 14 - 18).

Watch Maine Initiatives virtual series "Racial Justice and...". Sign up for these free sessions by clicking the button below.

Panelists from Raise-Op Housing Cooperative, Four Directions Development Corporation, Homeless Voices for Justice, and Rise and Shine Youth Retreat

Grantee panelists from Southern Maine Workers' Center, New Mainers Public Health Initiative, and Maine Access Immigrant Network

These gift ideas are not only for racial justice education! Consider books of all types written by a Person of Color or Indigenous person; purchase the gift from a Black bookstore owner; gift to yourself to diversify your own bookshelf by adding minority literature.

Browse this list of Black/Minority owned bookstores and popular book titles created by Nicole Cardoza, publisher of AntiRacismDaily.com, or google search Black or minority writers and book stores.

“We shouldn’t have our “race/racism bookshelf”, crammed with writers of color, and have every other shelf filled with white writers.” - Nicole Cardoza

This week's half plate honors our second principle (justice, equity, and compassion in human relations), to help Preble Street serve over 1,600 meals daily. In addition, Preble Street manages a Quarantine Shelter for New Mainers, group home residents, and people experiencing homelessness who have tested positive, also offering case management there to make sure their basic needs are met. Now as much as ever, your support saves lives.

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.

There are two ways you can support our tenants, VNS, this holiday season: