September Services | Minister’s Message | Religious Exploration |Installation| Stories with a Soul | Concerts For a Cause | Holiday Fair | WORKING FOR JUSTICE | Black Lives Matter |Midcoast New Mainers | MUUSAN | Charities with Soul | Facebook | Art Gallery | Parish Messenger Deadline
September Services
Join us in the sanctuary at 10 a.m or watch on line at UUCB AV.
Sept 3 — Working for Justice: Beyond a One-and-Done
Led by Rev. Diane Fisher. Music by Nell Britton and a vocal quartet.
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher spent 50 years of her professional career involved in human rights and justice work. She will reflect on the 2nd & 6th UU principles, which articulate our commitment to “justice, equity, and compassion in human relationships” and “the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.” Through storytelling and sharing hard-earned wisdom, Diane will reflect on justice as something much more than one-and-done actions, but rather a lifestyle choice and ongoing spiritual practice.
Sept 10 – Welcome Home: A Homecoming Celebration
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos. Music by Derek Herzer.
Join us as we kick-off the new church year with our Homecoming Celebration, and a reflection on the gift of welcome. We will also include a ritual to welcome Rev. Sylvia Stocker, our Minister Emerita, and Steve Wellcome back to worship following the typical period of separation that accompanies ministerial transitions.
Sep 17 — Speaking of Welcoming All
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos . Music by Grace Lewis-McLaren.
“To welcome all” is a core component of our mission statement. This aspirational desire (shared by many religious organizations) becomes quite challenging in its particularity. Is it even possible to welcome all? Can we welcome and include the marginalized as well as those who actively contribute to their marginalization? Can we create sanctuary for those whose lives are in danger at the same time as we accommodate those who present a threat to their safety? These are more than theoretical curiosities; they are questions that ask us to bring the wisdom of our spirituality and values to bear on the very real problems we face – as people, families, nations, and earthlings. Let’s reflect openly together about this core challenge of being radically and genuinely welcoming.
Sep 24 — Welcome to the Revolution
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma. Music by Ann Hartzler.
The words “Welcome to the Revolution!” have been spoken by many people in many contexts. Most of the time, they also include an urgent call to increased awareness, engagement, and action. We use them with the same intention. In an increasingly polarized world when the stakes of our actions and inactions are higher than ever, how might we use our limited energies and gifts purposefully and for good, while also avoiding burnout and making space in our lives for rest, creativity, and joy? While no answers are guaranteed, welcome to bold and imaginative space to faithfully engage these essential spiritual questions.
A Message from Kharma
Our Living Tradition, Our Living Communities
As I write this, I have just returned from two weeks away, camping and exploring Northern Maine. It was glorious! It seemed like every day boasted its own unique discovery, whether it was something as simple as identifying an unfamiliar bird (woodcocks are very cool!) or as majestic as seeing my first (and second) moose. But, the best part—the part I didn’t anticipate, was how wonderful it felt to come home, and how home-like our home here now feels. It’s amazing to me, looking back on only one year, just how much things have changed in my life (for good, for the record).
I am also, along with many of you, sad about the news that Nell Britton won’t be our Music Director any longer. That sadness is softened by my deep gratitude for the gifts that Nell has given our community, and my wholehearted blessing on Nell and her family as they move forward. I’m sure there are other changes that will be noticeable when I return to UUCB, and the same might be true for you. Some people who have been a part of our community will not be with us in the same ways they have been (some have moved, transitioned from this life, or decided to embark upon a different path on their journey). Some folks we’ve been missing will be coming back, and we will have the opportunity to get to know one another again. Some new people have joined or will soon join our community, and we will be changed as we incorporate their gifts and as we dream new dreams together. All of us have had experiences this summer that have formed us – personal achievements and disappointments; new discoveries and knowledge; encounters and relationships that have stirred our minds and hearts; losses, insights, griefs, growth, and the list goes on. At church, I’m sure that many someones have, with good faith and intention, “moved the cheese” and we might all have to reorient ourselves to various places, people, and processes. In that respect, that means this church year will be like every other church year.
This is life in the mysterious, wonderful, and chaotic reality we lovingly call our “Living Tradition.” And, I am so glad that our tradition – and our communities – are alive! Our tradition is alive because it is being fed by fresh springs of the spirit—our canon of spiritual wisdom ever expanding with new insights and new applications of very old ones. Our community is alive because we are constantly changing, also being fed by fresh springs of the spirit of life. The people who are a part of our community are constantly changing—individually as each one grows and evolves, and corporately as the individuals among us change over time. I also know that UUCB is more than the sum of its parts. When we come together, bringing the best of ourselves to our common values and purpose, we are able to accomplish and experience more than we could on our own. This gives me hope, which seems to be in high global demand about now.
As we enjoy the privilege of beginning another year of life together as a spiritual community, it seems important to note that this gift is alive. It will surprise us. It will unfold in ways we did not anticipate, some of which will delight and others of which will confound us. This living tradition – our living community – also needs us. It requires proper care, feeding, cleaning, companionship, pleasure, and nurture. We shape it even as it is shaping us … both life and the spirit are relational, generative, and dynamic in that way. And, as I’ve been reminded approximately 2,056 times this summer already, our congregation is deeply needed in our larger community. Our principles, our values, our covenants, and our commitments matter. As we gather together for homecoming, let’s begin the year with renewed focus, energy, and purpose. I can’t wait to see what we will do with this living gift of sacred opportunity.
Blessings,
Kharma
Religious Exploration
It Takes a Village
Ingathering for the 2023-24 Church Year is just around the corner! And that means the Children’s Religious Exploration Program is looking for volunteers to help out with running RE Workshops.
Our plan for this church year is to split the children into three different grade designated groups: K-3,
4-6, and 7-9. We plan to offer the Soul Matters themed workshops for grades K-6. We will also be offering grades 7-9 the Our Whole Lives Program for the first half of the year and the Coming of Age Program for the second half. RE workshops will be offered most Sundays with one Sunday a month being a Children’s Chapel worship service especially designed for grades K-6. There will also be occasional Sundays where All Congregation services will be held and the children will stay in the Sanctuary for the entire service.
Offering this kind of RE Programming means that we will need several volunteers for each Sunday!
The Soul Matters themed workshops are designed to explore one central theme per month so, ideally, we would like to have one volunteer Lead Teacher per age group who would facilitate workshops for the entire month. For example, October’s Soul Matters theme is Heritage, so we need two Lead Teacher volunteers (one for the K-3 group and one for the 4-6 group) who can commit to running RE workshops for each Sunday that RE Meetings are offered in October (October 15th and October 22nd). Meeting plans for Lead Teachers to work from will be provided for each Sunday. I will also be offering Lead Teacher training after the services on September 17th and September 24th. This training is designed to review the way that meetings plans are designed and to answer any questions volunteers might have about the RE Program.
We will also need two Classroom Helpers (one for K-3 and one for 4-6) for each Sunday that RE Meetings are offered. The role of the Classroom Helpers will be to support the Lead Teacher by doing tasks like handing out supplies and lending a hand to kids who need a little extra support. While it would be nice to have Classroom Helpers who could commit to the full month, we are not asking for that commitment in the same way that we are asking it from Lead Teachers.
Additionally, we are looking for folks who are trained to facilitate the 7-9 Our Whole Lives Program to sign up to co-facilitate O.W.L. meetings. The more facilitators we have, the more we can rotate the schedule so that folks who have obligations like choir and/ or folks who just don’t want to miss too many services can help out with O.W.L. without missing out on too many of Rev. Kharma’s awesome sermons!
I’m sure that you are saying to yourself, “I can’t wait to help out in the Religious Exploration Program! How do I sign up?!” Well, here are a couple of ways to do just that:
- Email Toben: to let him know what months/ dates you are available to volunteer, what age group you would most like to work with, and whether you’re interested in being a Classroom Helper or a Lead Teacher.
- Attend one of the September Lead Teacher Trainings led by Toben.
- Sign up on the online RE Lead Teacher Volunteer Sheet, There will also be a physical sign up sheet on a clipboard on the Welcome Table in the Sanctuary beginning on September 3rd.
Thank you in advance for supporting the amazing children and youth at UUCB!
Committee on Ministry
Stories with Soul
“Stories with Soul” Resumes on Sept 12
Please Join Us on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of Each Month
“Stories with Soul” was suspended at the start of the pandemic, and it is time to get it going again! This program was initiated in 2003 by Larry Lemmel and Bill Clark, and on April 8th of that year, Maryli Tiemann read the first story, “The Rotifer” by Mary Gavell.
As in previous years, Stories with Soul is open to the Greater Brunswick community on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Wendell Berry room. One short, fictional story is read by one of the members of the group, after which a lively discussion takes place.
One of the written comments from that first year:
“We are truly thankful for being invited as members of the Brunswick community to participate in “Stories with Soul.” We have enjoyed the listening, reading, and reflecting upon the variety of stories from many times and places. It is perhaps the reflection and sharing of the group that most enhances the reading and thinking about life and issues of our world. Reading is a solitary activity; this group enlarges that activity in a very meaningful manner. As adults stories often leave our lives, but we never outgrow our need to interweave new stories in order to understand ourselves and others in increasingly complex times.”
The new convener of “Stories with Soul” will be Mike Michaud. Mike will be keeping a roster of those who want to do the reading. Just like the first year of Stories with Soul, Maryli Tiemann will be the first reader of our new season. If you are interested in choosing a story and reading it to the group, please contact Mike at . If you prefer just to listen and take part in the discussion, that’s okay too. And invite your story-loving friends.
Concerts for a Cause
Magic 8 Ball
Saturday, September 30
The first concert for the 2023-24 season is Magic 8 Ball on Saturday, September 30 at 7:30 at UUCB. Proceeds from this season’s concerts will be donated to Midcoast New Mainers Group and Oasis Free Clinics.
Magic 8 Ball is a Mid Coast acoustic band who plays Americana and folk music and is known for their outstanding musicianship, soaring three-part harmonies and good-natured humor.
Layer fresh melodies with full-bodied undertones.
fold in a little nature and politics.
season with humor, angst, and a pinch of sarcasm.
serve with plenty of volume.
Singer/songwriter and long-time musicians Ben Hunsberger on keyboard, Ted DeMille on guitar, and Chris Dombrowski on mandolin will reach back into the extensive archives of past shows and present some Dylan, Waits, many original songs, and some tasty fan favorites in this special show.
Here’s a sample of their music: End of the Day
Give Magic 8 Ball a shake and you’ll be surprised by the answer!
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $10 students/children.
Tickets are available at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or online
at https://ticketstripe.com/Magic8BallMaine.
Fundraising
https://forms.gle/ACaBW3zuZmHLdbyK9
WORKING FOR JUSTICE
Black Lives Matter Introduces Sacred Ground
Race and racism are at the forefront of our national discourse, but these issues can be hard to talk about. We may hesitate to express our thoughts because we anticipate an argument, or fear saying the wrong thing, or have other concerns that influence our ability to enter openly into conversations about these issues. The Sacred Ground program provides a structure to have these important conversations in a safe and respectful way.
Sacred Ground is an interfaith program administered by St. Paul’s Church in Brunswick and offered to the wider Brunswick/Bath community. The curriculum of readings and videos include, in eleven sessions, the histories of Black, Indigenous, Asian-American, Latino, and Jewish people. In small groups led by trained facilitators, participants reflect on the narratives of those histories that we, as individuals, have acquired. This process provides opportunities for open conversation and a shared understanding of ourselves.
In September, we will begin signing up UUCB folks for the Sacred Ground program. Look for the sign-up table in the fellowship hall after the Sunday services.
Midcoast New Mainers
As was true last month, the anticipated arrival of the 60 asylum seeker families continues to be on hold until early September, depending on completion of necessary infrastructure work to support the new Brunswick Landing apartment buildings. Possibly several buildings will be completed simultaneously allowing for the arrival of more than the previously planned 12 families at a time.
The Town of Brunswick is overseeing the 60 families’ arrival and needs volunteers to put together new furniture and move items into the apartments before they arrive. The town will not be collecting used furniture since they have no capacity to collect, sort and store furniture and household goods for so many families arriving over a short period of time.
To volunteer with the Town to help settle the families on the Landing, contact the Town of Brunswick at:
https://www.brunswickme.org/FormCenter/Human-Services-13/Brunswick-Volunteer-Registration-Form-fo-77.
MidCoast New Mainers Group (MCNMG) is currently working with several new asylum- seeking families who have independently found local housing. UUCB folks have generously responded to recent requests for used furniture and household items. If you are interested in being a family mentor or an English language tutor, please contact Cathey Cyrus at .
Both Midcoast Literacy https://www.midcoastliteracy.org/index.php/our-programs/english-language-instruction and MidCoast New Mainers Group https://mcnmg.org will be training volunteers in September.
Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program https://www.mchpp.org/volunteer also needs volunteers.
Maine UU State Advocacy Network (MUUSAN)
Maine UU State Advocacy Network (MUUSAN) wants to hear from you! What social and environmental issues do you care about the most? What would inspire you to action? MUUSAN wants to build its advocacy from the passions of our congregations! Come to the in-person network meeting September 16th in Augusta (PUT A LINK TO THE REGISTRATION BUTTON) to share ideas with other UUs from around the state, or send you the issues you are most passionate about to Betsy Williams at .
Charities with Soul
September’s Charity with Soul is Habitat 7 Rivers Maine
Tedford Housing, formerly Tedford Shelter, was founded in 1987 by the Brunswick Area Interfaith Council to provide emergency shelter for the area’s homeless adults. Our mission is to move people from homelessness to home. The organization was named for the individual who donated the building that housed the original shelter at 10 Pleasant Street in Brunswick, Maine.
Over the years, Tedford and its many community partners have risen to the challenges that face our homeless neighbors by opening a family shelter on Federal Street, offering homeless prevention services to those individuals and to families at-risk of becoming homeless, and adding 37 units of supportive housing for previously homeless individuals and families.
At the core of all of Tedford Housing’s programs and services is case management, ensuring every client we serve has access to all of the health, human and community services needed to address the challenges that created their housing emergency. Today, Tedford Housing finds itself serving more people in the community on an outreach basis than it does in its facilities. We have become a resource center for our homeless and at-risk neighbors, much more than a shelter with emergency beds.
Three ways to give:
- At uubrunswick.org, click “Donate Online” Choose the “Plate” option
- Text the amount of your donation to (855) 962-0440, and follow the prompts to complete your donation
- Mail a check to: PO Box 129, Brunswick ME 04011, Memo Line: “plate”
Like Us On Facebook
Our church’s Facebook page is like the sign in front of our church. Our page offers a huge opportunity for opening our doors to the greater community. It puts forth the message that we want to portray about our church home.
People searching for a community will look at both the church webpage and the church Facebook page, so it is important to keep them both updated with current information. It should not only announce upcoming services and events but should display the fun that we have and our commitment to social justice and to the spiritual growth of our children. It should express our love for music, art, poetry and the greater community. It should also have inspirational quotes and pictures that will catch their eye.
If you are not already a manager of the FB page and you have something to share, please send it to Sue Michaud () or Tammis Donovan ( ). If you are on a committee that is doing something special, let us know.
Finally, it is very important to get our Facebook page SEEN. To get the info out there, we need as many LIKES as possible. It gives our page credibility. The more people who engage with the page, the greater the chance that more people will see our future posts.
So, PLEASE go to our facebook page (search for UU Church at Brunswick Maine) and find the LIKE button. Click on it, and you will be helping the church, and you will be sure not to miss any our church posts.
Art Gallery
September Artist: Rita Erskine
Plan on spending some extra time viewing this exhibit. Rita’s work is unique, sometimes colorful, sometimes playful, always provocative!
In her own words
“I see my work as an intersection of abstraction and natural beauty.
I have always looked for details that are hidden from initial view.
To appreciate the formations on rocks caused by water over decades of wear or seaweed on rocks that look like an aerial view. I want the viewer to stop, look and
appreciate what they are seeing.”
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Deadline for Parish Messenger Articles
The deadline for the Parish Messenger is usually the third Saturday of each month.
Because of Kharma’s installation, the deadline for the October Parish Messenger is Friday, September 22.