We Commit Ourselves and Our Resources to
Nurture the Spirit, Grow in Community, and Help Heal the World.
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ONLINE Worship Service:
Sunday
July 25th, 2021
9:00 am
Braving the Weather:
A Commitment to Community
Vanessa Williams
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Join Zoom Meeting:
THIS IS A NEW LINK!
(This link will work for all upcoming online services.)
Meeting ID: 989 0689 9336
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,98906899336# US (New York)
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Upcoming Online Worship Services
Note: New Time
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August 1 | 9am
Sanctuary
Jaimie Brooks and
Jenna Nunziato
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August 8 | 9am
The Rogue Wave
Susan Farady
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August 15 | 9am
Worship Service
Rev. Mary Gelfand
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Welcome Our
Guest Speaker:
Vanessa Williams!
Vanessa L. T. Williams is a third year Master of Divinity student at Meadville Lombard Theological School. She interned last year at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Castine, Maine, and will be interning for the combined congregations of Ellsworth, Belfast, and Castine starting in Fall 2021. She has an MS in Organizational Leadership in Higher Education from Wheelock College, and her BA from Smith College. Originally from Western PA, she was raised outside of Boston, MA; she now resides in Ellsworth with her significant other James, and their 7-year-old daughter, Amelie.
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We Are Pleased to Introduce Our
Interim Minister,
Rev. Elaine Peresluha!
Rev. Dr. Elaine Beth Peresluha is an Accredited Interim Minister, and a graduate of Harvard Divinity School. Her PhD in Social Science was earned through the Taos Institute and the University of Tilburg in the Netherlands, expanding and integrating her life long interest in right relationship, collaborative leadership styles, and social change. Her passion is inspiring social change through anti-oppression and anti-racism. By bringing diverse groups of people together for personal growth, discovery, and creative engagement, she works for personal and communal transformation. She is an outdoor enthusiast and spends her leisure time on bikes, boats, skis, and her yoga mat. You can learn more about her professional experience on her website. Rev. Elaine will be starting at First Parish on September 1st.
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Library Curbside
Pickup is Back!
Our library is open again for curbside pickup! Use the online catalogue to see the available books, then email the office to arrange a time for pickup with Hannah. When you get to the church you can ring the buzzer at the Parish Hall door for pick up. Books can be returned to the mailbox at that door. Please return books within two weeks from pickup.
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Check Out Our
Social Media!
Did you know that you can find First Parish on Facebook (First Parish Unitarian Universalist) and Instagram (First Parish UU of Portland Maine)? If you are on these platforms, please follow us, “like” or share our posts, and indicate your interest in attending our events. Your interactions with our posts will expand our reach and connections to others. Help spread the news of First Parish!
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Breathing and Meditation
Wednesdays from July 21 - Aug 25
8-9 am | Zoom
The Breathing and Meditation Class has a new leader: Susannah Sanfilippo! 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. Please email Susannah for information about payment. You can find the Zoom link here. Note: this is a new link!
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Church For
EveryBody Update
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How incredible does our Parish Hall look?! We have been working hard to get everything situated- from placing the couches and chairs back to reinstalling the Library to repainting some fixtures. We look forward to showing off the finished product in the Fall! You can read more about the project here.
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Wayside Pulpit
Laurie Hasty
Membership Coordinator
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Building Reopening Update
Our Safe Congregation Committee's Covid Task Force has been hard at work creating the guidelines for reopening our buildings. Our patience and vigilance as a congregation has paid off. We are currently in Phase 4 of the Reopening Guidelines, so we can now have indoor groups of up to 25 people and outdoor groups of up to 45 people. Masks are required when in the building, and are recommended (but not required) outside. There will be no food or drink allowed indoors at this time, but personal beverages are allowed outside. You must email the office to reserve a room. Please contact Jen Stenberg or Liz Wasilewski for more information or with any questions.
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Pastoral Care
Breakout Room
There will be no Pastoral Care Breakout Rooms during the Summer. If you are in need of a confidential, open hearted Pastoral Care conversation, please contact team leader Judy Micoleau.
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Poetry Hour
Fridays | 8-9 am | Zoom
We listen to poems, reflect on them, and share how they touch our beings. 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. Note: this is a new link!
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Peaceful Harbor Sangha
Sundays | 6:30-8:00pm | online
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.
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COVID + Construction:
Getting in Touch with First Parish
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!
Mary Gelfand
Summer Minister
Hannah Gilman
Congregational Administrator
Scott Wheatley
Music Director
Toben Cooney-Callnan
Director of Religious Exploration
Laurie Hasty
Membership Coordinator
Moe Blanchard
Sexton
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Ongoing Meetings & Resources
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425 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04101 207-773-5747
Nurture the Spirit, Grow in Community
and Help Heal the World
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