Articles in this edition
Minister’s Message | May services | Religious Exploration | You and UU Class | Green Tip for the Environment | Board Update | Annual Meeting Announcement | Ministerial Search Team Introductions | Transition Team Update | Charity with Soul: Habitat for Humanity | Spring Walk to Support Habitat | Working for Justice: MUUSAN Update; Indigenous Awareness; Immigrant Justice; Teen Center | Charity with Soul Ballot – Vote for Your 2021-22 Choices ; Gun Violence Action | UUCB Art Gallery: Craig Snapp
Our Minister’s Message
Nothing is ever lost; it is only misplaced.
If we look, we can find it again. Human Kindness.
~ Alice Walker, from We are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For
Beloveds, as I write this, we have learned of the verdict in the Minneapolis trial of Derek Chauvin – guilty on all three charges in the death of George Floyd. I have heard it said that this verdict is not justice; justice would be George Floyd alive and well. But this verdict does represent accountability. True accountability is what is needed in this country, a reckoning of the damage that a culture of white supremacy has done since the time of this country’s founding. This does not mean that all white people are bad or should be punished. To me, it means that all white people have benefited from living in a world where whiteness is a special kind of pass. White people are more likely to be believed, less likely to be stopped for a minor infraction, less likely to be followed around a store, asked for ID, asked to prove that they belong wherever they happen to be. It might not seem like a huge advantage, especially if you are someone who has experienced other kinds of oppression or disadvantage, but cumulatively, the drip, drip, drip of microaggressions;* of having to prove your worth; of worrying that your black son, husband, or father might not make it home safely – how can we even measure the cost of such chronic, persistent trauma, loss, and disrespect?
So this is a victory for accountability, this verdict, and some of us might even feel like celebrating. But let’s remember how much suffering occurred not only in those 9 minutes and 29 seconds but also in all the months that have followed. One man dead, another in prison, three more awaiting trial, and all the loved ones of George Floyd and the witnesses to his death traumatized – not much to celebrate there. We take note of the shift toward justice, toward accountability, and we pray for peace, for peace, for peace.
And closer to home, we continue to do our work, to make sure that the words “Black lives matter,” boldly posted on our church building are true, that we are truly welcoming of all who would join us, that we do what we can to make the world more loving, more kind, and more just. Human kindness. Imagine such a world where kindness reigns and hatred and fear fall away. And then let us build that world that we dream here on earth.
I get my second vaccine dose on May 4th, so as of May 18th I will be “fully vaccinated” and better able to visit with folks in person. Please let me know if you or someone you know might like a brief visit with the minister. I will start with folks who have been less able to make the shift to virtual worship and meetings, so please fill up my dance card. It will be so wonderful to be with you in person.
Peace and Love to you,
Justine
* Microaggressions are defined as the everyday, subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.
UUCB Services in May
Sundays at 10:00 on YouTube
May 2 — Black Lives Matter is a Prayer There have been strong reactions to the phrase “Black Lives Matter.” I’m curious about that. I think of black lives matter as a prayer, a dream not yet realized in this “land of the free.” Rev. Justine Sullivan
May 9 — Mother’s Day: The first Mother’s Day was a peace march. Let us restore its original intent and talk about how to make our world more peaceful. Rev. Justine Sullivan
May 16 — Telling our UU Stories: Some people say that Unitarian Universalists can “believe whatever they want.” We need better stories. Rev. Justine Sullivan
May 23 — Religious Exploration Sunday: Come celebrate the amazing students and teachers in our religious exploration program
May 30 — Memorial Day: At the end of the United States Civil War, gatherings were held to begin the process of mending what had been torn apart. We still need that healing today.
Religious Exploration Sunday
Over this past year especially, our Youth Group and Religious Exploration children have really benefited from our shared ministry relationship with First Parish UU Portland. The youth from First Parish UU Portland and our youth from UUCB worked hard to create a special service for you all. It was wonderful to have an opportunity to share our worship service and Coffee Hour with First Parish Portland. I’m excited to share with you all that we have another shared ministry service coming up this month.
On May 23rd, the children from our RE Program will combine with the children from First Parish to offer a Religious Exploration Service. They’ll share their wisdom and talents with both congregations in another combined service over Zoom that will be streamed to the UUCB Youtube channel. The teachers and I are very much looking forward to sharing with all of you some of our fun and heartwarming stories about these amazing, brilliant, compassionate, and resilient children.
I continue to be grateful to be trusted to serve UUCB in this way and I can’t wait for you all to get a peek into the wonderful world of shared RE that the children and teachers have created and enjoyed together this year.
— Toben Cooney-Callnan, DRE
He, Him, His
You and UU Class: Saturday, May 8
If you’re new to UUCB, new to Unitarian Universalism, or if you’d like a refresher course on our denomination, please join the ZOOM for the upcoming You and UU class, sponsored by the Membership Committee. The date is Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. With Rev. Justine’s help, attendees explore their own interests in UUCB and learn about the history and beliefs of Unitarians and Universalists of the past and today. We strongly encourage attendance by anyone who is interested in UUCB. The class will be led by Rev. Justine and members of the committee.
Please contact Shirley at the church office to sign up (207-729-8515) and to receive your Zoom invitation.
Green Tip
Most of us consider the impact that our living has on the environment. For those who want to take the effort to buy ethically produced products and services, support minority owned, women owned, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses, go to GreenPages.org. This is the website of Green America (also greenamerica.org 202-872-5307) a not for profit organization that puts out a yearly catalog, quarterly magazine, and email tips to promote sustainably produced products. It provides information and guidance on a large variety of issues, including recycling, community activism, investing, and working together for a just, inclusive, and green economic recovery.
Thank you for all you do to help Mother Earth and all creatures who share our lives.
UUCB Board Update
Modernizing Communications
One of the Board’s goals for 2019-2020 was to modernize internal and external communications. We have gone beyond the accomplishments of that year, and we continue to make improvements. One of the most recent enhancements is the ability to get timely updates regarding specific areas of interest. Starting with just two for now, we all can subscribe to Working for Justice and Parish Messenger. More areas will be added in the future. Click on this link to give it a try: Click to Subscribe
Another work in progress is a redesign of This Week at UUCB. In response to frequent feedback about the length and style of the weekly document, we now have optional links to full text for most items, rather than including all text in the email announcements. We also intend to reduce repetition of items from week to week. Feedback is welcome.
— Glenn Williams, Chair, UUCB Board of Trustees
SAVE THE DATE – Annual Meeting!
This year’s Annual Business Meeting of the Congregation will be held on Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 am via Zoom. Among the important agenda items requiring congregational votes will be a new proposed budget and election of candidates for open leadership positions. Please make every effort to be there.
Here’s hoping this will be our last annual meeting on Zoom!
Meet Your Ministerial Search Team
After seeking input from the congregation, the UUCB board of trustees put together a slate of seven people to serve as the next ministerial search team. The slate was approved unanimously at the congregational meeting on April 18th. Here is an introduction to the team.
Irene Austin
“I grew up Roman Catholic. When I left the church Joel and I looked for a place to worship we could both embrace. When we visited UUCB about 12 years ago it happened to be a Sunday the choir sang and Sylvia preached. We were so impressed! We started to come to service regularly, and I became involved in choir, pastoral care, and church gardening. Joel and I found ourselves finding community here with so many folks dedicated to social justice, caring for each other, and making the world a better place. UUCB has become such an integral part of our lives. I would like to see our church remain vibrant, and serving on the search committee is one way to help shape that future and give back to this wonderful church community.”
Stephanie Bernier
Stephanie Bernier grew up in Newton, Massachusetts in a large extended Jewish family. She met her husband, Ren, while attending the University of Maine in Orono where she obtained teaching degrees in Elementary and Special Education. Stephanie and Ren married in 1982 and moved to Topsham where they raised three children; Ben, Alex, and Rachel. They began to attend UUCB in 1988 when Ben was 3 years old and asking many questions which could not easily be answered by Stephanie’s religious education or Ren’s Catholic upbringing. The Bernier children grew up while attending UUCB and took part in many RE classes and programs offered. Stephanie has been on several committees over the years as well as a member of the choir, and she has taught RE.
Nathan Haynes
“My family and I came to the UUCB about 10 years ago after a search for a church that supported our beliefs, spiritual identity, and freedom for religious exploration. I grew up in a Congregational church in Yarmouth and have many fond memories from that time. As I grew older, however, I felt the need for greater freedom of self-exploration into my spirituality. Also, we wanted a safe and nurturing place for our young children to have the freedom to develop their own spiritual identities. Choosing to become members of UUCB has been a wonderful decision for our family.
I am honored to be chosen as a member of this committee. I am looking forward to the time and work this group will share in fulfilling this important task. I trust that we will honor the past of this church while moving forward into the next chapter.”
David Juhlin
“I was raised in the Free Methodist and Southern Baptist churches and attended a Methodist College where 6 credits in religion were required to graduate. I quit attending church at age 20 and didn’t go again until 20 plus years later when our elementary school daughter asked why we didn’t go to church. We decided that we would not attend anywhere that we couldn’t live with philosophically so we commuted over an hour to the UU Church in Wichita, KS. After moving to Brunswick four years ago (after retiring from teaching) we started attending UUCB.
It is an honor that the congregation has confidence in my judgement.”
Mary Larson
“I was a member of a UU church in Meadville, PA for 15 years where I served on the Board, before moving to Brunswick in 2012 and attending UUCB. At UUCB, I served 6 years on the Board, 2 as Board Chair and 2 as the clerk. I love singing in the choir, am on the Pastoral Care and Worship Committees and Black Lives Matter-Doing the Work Task Force. I’m also on the Transition Team and have loved meeting with so many of you during our recent Zoom sharings. I have great hopes for finding a Settled Minister who helps us thrive and invite input from all.”
Betsy Roper
“I was brought up in a Congregational church in Bridgeport, CT and was active in the choir, on the Board of Trustees, fund-raising and a member of a search committee. Outside of church activities, Gar and I were owner-directors of OMNI Camp, a children’s residential summer camp in Poland Spring. It was originally founded in 1989 as the Samantha Smith Worldpeace Camp and was a progressive program with campers from all over the world. I joined UUCB in 2014 just after the new church was completed, and I was immediately welcomed and made to feel part of a vibrant community. I am in the choir and on the Membership Committee. I think I was meant to be a UU all along! I am honored and excited to be part of this wonderful search committee and look forward to our process.”
Tom Rumpf
Tom retired at the end of 2016, after 21 years at The Nature Conservancy, seven years in the recycling business, and nine years with the Maine Forest Service. He is a licensed forester and has had the privilege of working in various aspects of natural resource policy and management in Maine for over 40 years. Raised Roman Catholic, Tom’s first exposure to Unitarian Universalism was in Augusta in the 1980s, when he attended All Souls Unitarian Church. Tom joined UUCB in 2006/2007, after moving with his wife, Annee to Brunswick. At UUCB he has served on the Fire Recovery Team, the Board of Trustees, the Committee on Ministry, the Transition Team and has also taught RE and the Our Whole Lives sexuality curriculum. He also enjoys singing in the choir.
Transition Team Update: Thanks to the Congregation for Your Stories
Thank you to all who participated in the small group conversations and one-on-one interviews with the transition team. It has been the goal of the transition team to take the pulse of the congregation – to ask who we are, who we have been, and who we want to be.
What has emerged over and over again is that we are a church of action – whether that action is marching for justice or reaching out a hand to welcome a Sunday visitor; raising a voice with the choir or carrying a casserole to a grieving friend. We are dedicated to the energetic exploration of our spirituality together, and the active living of our Unitarian Universalist principles in our wider community.
It’s clear that we’re an ambitious bunch who will not be content to watch from the sidelines. We want to be leaders in social justice and champions of the environment. We want our building to be a community vital center of community life where important steps are taken on these important issues. We want our minister to be a leading voice in that vital community.
It’s also clear we want our building to ring out in song! Whether it’s the choir, hymns on Sunday, or concerts on a Saturday night, music is a tie that binds us and a doorway to the sacred. It is also a siren song that brings strangers through our front door and invites them to be friends.
We are a family that is eager to spread its arms wide. Many of us have found UUCB to be a place where we can worship with loved ones who may not share our same beliefs. We see our diversity as a strength and welcome the chance to explore the deeper spiritual and moral issues that bring us together.
We long for greater diversity of all types, whether of race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, theology, age, family configuration or marital status.
Many of us have expressed a deep commitment and dedication to our Religious Exploration program. We see ourselves as a family, and the young parents and children of the RE program as the future of our church.
Our own continuing Religious Exploration is a part of that future as well. It could almost be said that Religious Exploration is our centering principle: we are explorers, in search of truths to light the way, embracing the companionship of fellow travelers, sharing the load when we can.
And as committed as we are to living out our principles, it would be a mistake to overlook the importance of the exploring that looks within. Because our action grows from deep reflection – the sermons that speak to us, the music that speaks the words between the words, and the silences where the spirit takes root.
Maybe we could just have said that UUCB is a lovely apple tree, rooted in the sacred, reaching for the light, eager to bloom and share the fruits of our efforts. A place where friends find comfort together or climb high to see what can be seen.
Thank you from your Transition Team: Jud Caswell, Carole Evans, Mike Heath,
Mary Larson, Tom Rumpf, Rev. Justine Sullivan
Charity with Soul for May: Habitat for Humanity
Your support fuels Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine’s work to create successful homeownership opportunities for families and individuals with limited incomes by building sustainable housing, and repairing, weatherizing, and modifying existing homes in 31 southern mid-coast Maine towns.
New Home Construction:
We have completed the construction of 48 new homes. In November we completed a home for a family of 4 in Boothbay Harbor and are currently seeking a family for the next home we are building in Wiscasset. Your sponsorship will help us complete this new house on time.
Critical Home Repairs:
Habitat’s Weatherization & Repair Program has helped over 600 low- income homeowners decrease energy costs and complete other critical improvements to make homes more affordable, safer, and healthier. Volunteer teams provide the labor for these critical repair projects, greatly reducing the overall cost of completing the work, but material costs are steadily going up. Your sponsorship dollars make it possible for folks to remain living where they want to be, at home.
ReStore:
Shop our ReStore for your next project. Call 207-504-9341 to make a donation! Habitat’s ReStore sells donated building supplies and home staples like furniture and appliances. The proceeds are used to fund our mission and programs. The resale of our inventory also prevents several tons of waste from ending up in landfills each year.
The ReStore is staffed mainly by volunteers and is the most consistent volunteering opportunity that occurs all year round and offers flexible shifts at the front counter helping customers and in the back room preparing donated items.
What your support means to those we serve, in their own words: “For years, I have not let anybody come into the house because my husband was always starting to fix things, but never got around to finishing. … As soon as the team finished, I was just so proud that I invited my neighbors over and can have family visit again. Thank you for making my home safe. I did not really know how lonely I was. And now I can even laugh about all those unfinished projects.”
Habitat Spring Walk and Fundraiser
For the second year Habitat is sponsoring a Virtual Walk. Please support the work of this local organization by donating to one of the UUCB Team members. You can donate with a check made out to HFH7RM with the name of the fundraiser in the memo line
OR online: UUCB Team Spring Walk to Build 2021 Then choose a Team Member by name or Team UUCB as a group.
Thank You from our walkers! Joanne Allen, Irene Austin, Joel Austin, Cuffy Chase , Mike Heath, Gretchen Kamilewicz, Ed McCartan, Anne Spencer, Betsy Williams
Working for Justice
Maine Unitarian Universalist State Advocacy Network (MUUSAN) Update
Maine’s legislative ministry group is actively working to educate, mobilize, and coordinate UUs on specific issues and bills going to the Maine Legislature – 130th Session. Working in coalition with established state and national organizations, we as UUs model a reverence for the interdependent web of all existence which fosters justice, health and equity in society. We encourage you to join us on this journey as we engage in this effort to pass laws that protect and enhance the lives of all of us in Maine.
At our March Network Meeting we got to hear from our new Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. She is a dedicated public servant and also committed to equity and inclusion for all the people of Maine. She said “We need to open up structures of government and be more welcoming to every marginalized group in the state.”
Unitarian Universalism calls us to change oppressive policies and structures to those that promote human development, protect the environment, and support communities.
Our work is grounded in the belief that everyone should be able to exercise their basic human rights to achieve their fullest potential and to live in a clean, sustainable environment. In the last eight years, MUUSAN has played a significant role in statewide education about, and advocacy for, protecting voting rights, promoting civil discourse, instituting Ranked-Choice Voting, supporting Clean Election laws and reducing the importance of money in campaigns as well as advocacy for universal health care, promoting public health interventions and common-sense gun legislation. Other areas of focus include:
- supporting fossil energy conservation
- encouraging development of solar and other renewable sources
- educating legislators and the public about the urgent call to slow climate change
- addressing systemic oppression by advocating with and on behalf of racial, ethnic and indigenous populations
- responding to the need to interrupt disparities in Maine’s legal and economic systems
The next MUUSAN network meeting is Saturday, May 8 from 10-12 via zoom. To sign up go the MUUSAN website and click on the registration link. www.muusan.org
— Lynn Ellis
Indigenous Awareness
Many of us at UUCB are trying to learn about the history and current issues of Maine’s Wabanaki people upon whose land we all live and with whom, together, we must build the community that will nurture us all. In these COVID times, so much of the task of those in Working for Justice hoping to raise Indigenous awareness at UUCB and in the larger community has had to be done virtually. Until WFJ can again welcome events, workshops and presentations into the UUCB sanctuary, there are wonderful resources for learning and participation available through the Maine Indigenous Awareness Group (MIAG) and Wabanaki-REACH websites (miag-group.org and mainewabanakireach.org). The links that follow will bring you directly to REACH as well as to important information about the current conversation and legislative action on tribal sovereignty. Go online for these resources:
- Wabanaki Alliance’s Website
- Wabanaki REACH Resources on the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980
- YouTube video — Lunch & Learn with Penobscot Nation Ambassador Maulian Dana and Passamaquoddy Tribal Citizen and Attorney Corey Hinton
- Rep. Jared Golden’s recent Bangor Daily News opinion piece on why “It’s time to modernize Maine’s tribal-state relations”.
Immigrant Justice
UUCB members and friends continue to provide transportation, language tutoring, needed household items and friendship in their roles as mentors and family support team members for asylum seeker families in Brunswick and Bath. Soon volunteers will be supporting local asylum seekers to garden in raised beds at the Brunswick Landing and in a community garden in Bath.
For a moving account of the asylum seeker experience in Maine, read this powerful article in Amjambo Africa by Nsiona Nguizani, cultural broker in Brunswick.
The Teen Center
The Teen Center’s attendance fluctuates according to the weather. Two more teens have been added to the group and some of the older teen members have returned. The Rock Band is back, the art table has been getting a good workout, gaming is happening, hula hooping, and of course eating. Can you ever fill up a teenager?
The teens are having their photos taken for a photo show that will be on display in the People Plus Café/Gallery for the month of May.
Plans now call for the Gelato Fiasco fundraiser to be held May 10 – 13 outside. The new Bubblegum ice cream will be the featured flavor!
The Teen Center once again thanks UUCB for all you do for the teens.
Voting for the 2021-22 Charities with Soul
UUCB shares its Sunday monetary offering each month with a charity whose work supports some facet of our mission statement, which includes being a spiritual community, welcoming everyone, nurturing one another, working for justice, and caring for the earth.
Seven legacy charities are supported each year:
Four Directions Development Corporation, The Gathering Place, Habitat for Humanity, Midcoast Hunger Prevention, Oasis Free Clinic, The Tedford Shelter·, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
Each year the congregation chooses five more charities to support in our monthly Charities with Soul offerings. One goal is to have the full year selection of charities help us round out comprehensive support of our mission. Please vote for five charities you would like to have on the 2021-22 list. Click on the ballot link and send your choices to Lynn Ellis or drop them off at church.
Charity with Soul Ballot for 2021 – 2022
Wear Orange to Stop gun Violence
SAVE THE DATES: UUCB, in collaboration with Maine Moms Demand Action, will give a presentation on the importance of Wear Orange on Wednesday, May 19 at 6:30pm.
An RSVP Zoom link will be provided in the UUCB this week email.
Wear Orange Weekend in 2021 is Friday, June 4 – 6. We will be engaging in virtual activities as well as a few covid safe events across Maine. This is an opportunity for us to continue to highlight the crisis of gun violence and bring educational awareness to our communities. We wear orange to be seen, and demand that we be heard. Support us by going orange.
What is Wear Orange?
On January 21, 2013, Hadiya Pendleton, a high school student from the south side of Chicago, marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s childhood friends decided to commemorate her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others. Wear Orange originated on June 2, 2015—what would have been Hadiya’s 18th birthday. Now, it is observed nationally on the first Friday in June and the following weekend each year. Moms Demand Action chapters around the country have embraced the campaign each year. Brunswick has been involved in events for several years now and will highlight how you can get involved at the May 19th presentation. This 20-minute presentation will give folks information on the start of this year’s campaign along with how groups and individuals can support it in 2021. For more information contact .
— Lynn Ellis
UUCB Art Gallery
Craig P Snapp – Photographs
“Since retirement I have enjoyed pursuing my digital photography with gusto, in addition to volunteering for good causes. It is always extra rewarding when my photos get used to support land conservation in Maine. I always enjoy finding interesting and perhaps unusual images to capture. Here are three recent ones:
“Stars Over Katahdin” – this image was captured on a dark night from the new Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. An astronomer was tracing out the Big Dipper with a green laser.
“Old Crow on its Throne” – It was an amazing balancing act! I wonder what the old crow was thinking?
