October Services | Minister’s Message | Animal Blessing Guide | Flowers Needed | UPCOMING UUCB EVENTS:| After Church Lunch Bunch | Holiday Crafts Workshop | Stories with Soul | Women’s Potluck Luncheon | Fall Circle Meals | Circling for the Final Approach | Concerts For a Cause | Holiday Fair | WORKING FOR JUSTICE: | Charities with Soul | Immigrant Justice | Indigenous Awareness Question 6 Teen Center Updates | Safety Committee | Board Update | Art Gallery | Parish Messenger Deadline
October Services
Oct 1 — Blessing of the Animals
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Derek Herzer and the UUCB Choir
Join us at UUCB as we explicitly pronounce a blessing on the animals associated with our congregation, from personal animal companions to service animals to the wild creatures that delight our days. You are invited to safely bring your pets to worship, and they will be invited to come forward with you for a special blessing during the service. We will have a pet memorial table present in worship, so you are invited to bring along something to represent those animals no longer with us that have enhanced your life. (See Animal Blessing Guide to decide whether or not you should bring your pet.)
Oct 8 – We are the Proof
Led by guest minister Laura Ingersol, Music by Ann Hartzler.
Laura is involved with the Living Legacy Project, and in leading Living Legacy Pilgrimage Tours to important sites in the history of the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. The focus of this service is on this bold claim: We are the proof that decency, humanity, and hope – no, the expectation for wholeness and peace among us, is possible.
Laura Ingersol grew up in Chicago, Illinois, is a graduate of Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois with both a BS and MS in Education. She taught second grade low achievers, and second and third grade academically gifted students in the Joliet, Illinois Public School System.
She served as a Community Worker at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C., then attended and earned a Master of Divinity at The Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, PA.
Laura was ordained in 1985 and served as the Associate Pastor of Bethany Lutheran, Forestville, MD, the solo and then Senior Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran, Roxbury, MA, the Pastor at All Saints Lutheran, Baltimore, MD, as the Associate Pastor at The Lutheran Church of God’s Love, Newtown, PA., and shared leadership as a pastor developer with her husband Jerrett, at Journey of Faith Church, Baltimore, MD.
Now retired, Laura enjoys reading, cooking and travel. With Jerrett, she has two stepdaughters, six grandsons, a granddaughter, and a Goldendoodle puppy, Oliver.
Oct 15 — Heritage, Accountability, and Righteous Living
Led by Judith Casselberry (Geoffrey Canada Associate Professor of African Studies at Bowdoin College).
Music by Grace Lewis-McLaren.
What is heritage? A Bloodline? A Political Line? A Spiritual line? How and why do we define our heritage in the ways that we do? What does that tell us about ourselves, our relationships, our obligations? Americans have a uniquely fraught relationship to heritage because of our history of (at least) two Americas—most recently put in stark relief for White America by George Floyd’s lynching three years ago. Yet, our interpretations of history/heritage always speak to the present. What from our past do we fold into ourselves in the present? What do we reject? Why? How can we liberate ourselves, each other, and craft righteous lives by facing the complexities of our heritage?
Judith Casselberry is Geoffrey Canada associate professor of Africana Studies at Bowdoin College, teaching courses on African American women’s religious lives, music and spirituality in popular culture, music and social movements, and issues in Black intellectual thought. Her interest in African American religious and cultural studies, with particular attention to gender, guides her research agenda. She is author of The Labor of Faith: Gender and Power in Black Apostolic Pentecostalism (Duke University Press, 2017) and co-editor with Elizabeth Pritchard of Spirit on the Move: Black Women and Pentecostalism in Africa and the Diaspora (Duke University Press, 2019) She is currently working on a biography of cultural icon Grace Jones entitled Solving the Mystery of Grace Jones: It’s the Holy Ghost. Casselberry’s interest in links between lettered and performed scholarship comes from her career as an academic and performer. As a vocalist and guitarist, she currently performs internationally with Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely.
Oct 22 — The “Gift” of Heritage
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma. Music by Ann Hartzler.
As we dive deeper into our monthly theme of “The Gift of Heritage,” Let’s consider some of the questions people seem to have about heritage. When is our heritage a gift of pride? When might it be accompanied by shame and guilt about the actions of our ancestors? What about those who don’t have a connection with biological familial heritage? What about the cultural heritage we literally “inherit” based on our social location? What about the hidden heritages we have that demonstrate a much deeper diversity that lies beneath the surface of our similarities? Today is a day to explore the questions together.
Coincidentally, this is the day that Rev. Kharma will “deliver” on her Spring auction item of incorporating 10 words in this sermon that were specified by the winning bidder (Glenn Williams).
Oct 29 — A Celebration of Heritage
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma. Music by Derek Herzer.
This particular time of year is celebrated by diverse cultures and spiritual traditions as a “thin place” or a time to draw near and honor our ancestors. We will have our own ritual to honor the ancestors of UUCBers, and invite you to bring photos or small items that represent your departed loved ones to place on our heritage table. We will reflect on the ways in which our heritage forms us and gives shape and meaning to our lives, as well as the ways we may want to intentionally transform elements of our past or use them for good.
We will be having a Fire Drill at the conclusion of worship. Please see the other announcements about this so that you are well-prepared.
Minister’s Message
Dear Ones,
The month of October is upon us! And, while I feel a little whiplash from the abrupt transition from summer to autumn, I could not be more excited about all that lies before us.
I would be remiss if I did not take the time here to say how grateful I am to you for all of the care and attention you put into planning, hosting, and celebrating the Installation Service that officially installs me as the 33rd minister to serve this beloved congregation. It was so wonderful to welcome so many guests– from the UU ministers and friends among our nearby UU churches, the larger Brunswick Area Interfaith Council, colleagues from my Metropolitan Community Church family, community members and non-profit partners, and–for me–nearly my entire family. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and commitment to the mission of this congregation, and to the covenant we have formed together.
We’re focusing on the theme of Heritage for the month of October, and there seems so much for us to ponder. In line with my thoughts above, I am aware of the heritage of this congregation—all the people who have formed and reformed spiritual community here, who have planted seeds of love and justice that are now growing and spreading (some we know about because they are front and center, others are doing their work under the surface, slowly and with great promise). October also contains more than its share of special observances, like Indigenous People’s Day, All Saints, All Souls, Samhain, Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and others that honor our ongoing connection with our ancestors.
I’m excited about some of the things we’ll be doing together this month, beginning with our Blessing of the Animals service. We have two phenomenal guests speaking to us in October, both on topics of importance and relevance for the challenges we face today. Rev. Laura Ingersol will be with us to share about the Living Legacy Project, an opportunity for our entire congregation to learn more about this impactful UU pilgrimage to understand and reckon with our nation’s history. And, thanks to the Maine Humanities Council, we have Dr. Judith Casselberry, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Bowdoin College, with us to dig still deeper into the challenges of reckoning with our complicated heritages. We also have a group of Bowdoin students joining us on October 22nd, as we are a stop on the “Congregational Crawl” that aims to help students experience and learn more about the variety of spiritual communities in our area. These offerings represent just the tip of the iceberg of meaningful activities taking place in our congregation and larger community. I hope you’ll join us for as many as you are able, while still finding balance in your own life.
I am really feeling the words of the song by MaMuse that the choir sang on their first Sunday back … this is the refrain that is giving me energy:
It is time now, it is time now that we thrive!
It is time we lead ourselves into the well.
It is time now. And what a time to be alive.
In this great turning, we shall learn to live in love!
What a privilege it is to be alive in this time and place, together, with open hearts and expansive visions of the world made whole and just. There is joyful and important work that is ours to do.
Blessings,
Kharma
Animal Blessing Discernment Guide
Our Blessing of the Animals service is an occasion to include our pets in worship, as we intentionally express our gratitude for the love and companionship they offer, as well as our wishes for their well-being and the well-being of all the creatures of earth. While Blessings of the Animal services originate in Catholic tradition, there are many UU congregations that have embraced this as something with relevance for our living faith tradition. In particular, this is one way that we can live out our commitment to the “interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.”
Your leashed or caged pets are welcome to attend worship with you. In determining whether or not you should bring your pet (vs. simply bringing a photo or something to represent them), you may find these questions helpful:
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- Is my animal likely to harm or scare anotheranimal or human that would negatively impact their worship experience?
- Is my animal easily stressed by new people or sounds?
- Is my animal a horse, octopus, bison, or elephant?
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(Answering yes to any of the above questions could indicate that you should leave your pet at home, and bring a photo!)
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- Does my animal love and play nicely with new
people and other animals? - Is my animal likely to be at ease in a large group?
- Is my animal likely to stay on their leash or in their cage?
- Does my animal love and play nicely with new
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(Answering yes to any of the above questions could indicate that you should bring your pet along!)
We give thanks for the gift of our highly durable, and easily cleanable floors! Our youth are standing by to assist in cleaning up any accidents that may occur. You will be invited to come forward with your pet (or photo/representation of your pet) for an individual blessing during the worship service. Also note that there will be a pet memorial table.
For those with pet allergies or who experience anxiety around animals, we certainly respect any decisions you may make on this particular Sunday to skip worship or join us remotely.
Please contact Kharma at if you have any questions.
Flowers for Service
Flowers always enhance our services and can be a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special event, honor a loved one, or be a beautiful remembrance for someone no longer here. If you would like to bring flowers for a service, please contact Mary Larson, at , or by calling 207-406-4266. Your name and dedication will be in the Order of Service, and the flowers can be yours to enjoy at home after the service.
Upcoming UUCB Events
After Church Lunch Bunch
Every Sunday after Church
The After Church Lunch Bunch will be resuming in the coming weeks. In years past, the ACLB was an informal gathering after church (usually about noontime) at one of the local restaurants for food and conversation. The restaurant was usually selected right beforehand and included such places as: Byrne’s Irish Pub, Applebee’s, Little Tokyo, Fairground Cafe, Kennebec Tavern, etc. New places have opened up since then, like Portland Pie, Siam Thai, and so forth.
These gatherings are informal with no set agenda. Daphne Holden (a dear friend who was a member of UUCB) enjoyed these very much. I would like these gatherings resumed in her memory.
Talk to Jim Michaud after the church service if you’d like to take part on any Sunday.
Thanks, Jim Michaud
Holiday Fair Crafts Workshop
Sunday, October 8
Join us after church service until 2pm. Bring a bag lunch, help the fair, and enjoy the camaraderie while you add to the UUCB’s Craft Table. Choose from several easy-to-learn projects including the no-sew fabric star, a sell-out at last year’s fair. Everyone is welcome.
Stories with Soul
Tues, October 10 & 24
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.
ALL are Welcome!
Women’s Potluck Luncheon
Wed, October 11
On Wednesday, October 11, at noon there will be a women’s potluck luncheon at the church. All women are invited whether you are a member or not. Questions? Please see Gretchen Kamilewicz, Penny Elwell, or Leigh Peranteau.
Please email () or call (833-5125) Gretchen if you plan to attend and let her know what you will be bringing. Hope to see you there.
Fall Circle Meals
Sat, October 14
This fall we are trying something new! We will have a Circle Supper on Friday,
October 13 and a Circle Brunch on Saturday, October 14. These events are
arranged by the Membership Committee and provide a great opportunity for
both long- time and new members to get better acquainted in a comfortable small group setting of 6 to 8 people. Meals are informal, “pot-luck” style with the host providing the main course and others bringing appetizers, sides and desserts. Beverages may be provided by
both the hosts and guests. Timing will be arranged and communicated by the hosts.
We’ll be looking for both hosts and participants. A sign-up sheet will be at the Visitor’s Table. For questions or to sign up to host or attend as a guest, contact Carol Drake, 973-983-0343, , or Anne Spencer, 207-443-3275, .
Circling for Final Approach
Sat, October 28 at 1:00 pm
Once more, by request, we will offer an opportunity to gather for sharing, listening and learning. Our topic? The universal experience of approaching the end of life. Practical matters. Spiritual matters. Stories, concerns, suggestions, resources. Advance preparation not required.
Join us at UUCB the afternoon of Saturday, October 28 in the Merrymeeting Bay Room. Bring your own beverage. Check-in at 1 pm. Ending at 2:30. Please RSVP to so we can make room adjustments if needed.
Concerts for a Cause: Sally Rogers & Claudia Schmidt
Sat, October 28 at 7:30 pm
Sally Rogers & Claudia Schmidt have shared their talent both as solo artists and as a duo for over 4 decades. Sally is perhaps more closely associated with the folk music genre, and while Claudia has done a lot of folk, she’s also well-known and loved for her expeditions into the jazz world.
Together, they are a soul-deep musical combination, weaving their soaring harmonies, fascinating double dulcimer and guitar work and a wide variety of songs. They combine their originals, plus traditional songs and choice compositions of contemporary songwriters. A concert by these two masters of their craft is an immensely satisfying and restorative experience. Time has only deepened and enriched the music they create together.
Sally Rogers began her career as a full-time touring musician in 1979, after encouragement from Stan Rogers, the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter. That was followed by an invitation from Garrison Keillor to appear on A Prairie Home Companion. She appeared more than a dozen times on that show, which launched her performing career. Her travels have since taken her to Europe, China, Hungary and Poland, England and Scotland and across the United States. Her concerts enfold the audience in the music as they are encouraged to join in throughout the evening. Her gorgeous singing voice, boundless energy and good humor are welcomed from coast to coast.
Claudia Schmidt describes herself as a “creative noisemaker,” engaging audiences with folk classics, hymns, jazz, blues, bawdy verses and humorous parodies. Her widely acclaimed folk and jazz-based compositions have found their way into radio, TV, film and theater productions. Her musical theater performances include “Gales of November,” a 2005 retelling of the tragic 1975 sinking of the ship Edmund Fitzgerald. In addition to 12-string guitar and mountain dulcimer, she plays “deluxe pianolin,” a 52-stringed zither-like instrument. Like Sally, Claudia has appeared numerous times on A Prairie Home Companion, solo and as a duo with Sally. Garrison Keillor once said “when Claudia sings a song, it stays sung.”
Their 1987 album “Closing the Distance” was voted by public radio stations throughout the country as one of the 10 most popular albums of the year. In 2016 Claudia and Sally released their fourth collaborative album “We are Welcomed,” which celebrates love, friendship and social justice themes that have been the cornerstone of their intertwined careers for decades.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $10 students/children. Tickets are available at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or at https://ticketstripe.com/sallyclaudia.
Remember, ALL the proceeds from this season’s concerts will go to Midcoast New Mainers Group and Oasis Free Clinics.
Please stop by the Concert Table after church services to buy your tickets and/or to sign up to donate some homemade refreshments for intermission.
Or contact Sue Michaud at .
Holiday Fair
WORKING FOR JUSTICE
Charities with Soul
Contact: Stephen Wood
MidCoast New Mainers is a small, local, all-volunteer, non-profit organization established in 2016 to help empower New Mainers as they rebuild their lives. Volunteers are actively engaged with local schools and partner with other community resources including Curtis Memorial Library, The Emergency Action Network (TEAN), Midcoast Literacy, Oasis Clinic, Midcoast Hospital, Merrymeeting Adult Education, the Town of Brunswick and the Welcome Center at The Brunswick Landing.
Even as we continue to support families who arrived in the summer of 2019, new families arrive weekly (see information under Immigrant Justice above). All families need material and logistical support—everything from beds and computers to help enrolling children in school. In addition, MidCoast New Mainers helps move people toward greater independence in a variety of ways: In the past year, people have benefited from scholarship programs for drivers education; post-secondary textbook scholarships for recent high school graduates; summer camp and other summer enrichment scholarships for school-aged kids; $500 scholarships for eighth-graders to offset the cost of the Freedom Tour Freedom Tour – Bath Area Family YMCA (bathymca.org); and swimming lessons for teen and adult New Mainers at the Bath YMCA.
MidCoast New Mainers appreciates support of their efforts to help New Mainers rebuild their lives and as we all work to create a safe, vibrant and diverse community where all can thrive.
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”
Immigrant Justice
Update on Arrival of Local Asylum Seekers
Twenty-four of the anticipated sixty new Maine families are now scheduled to arrive at the Brunswick Landing before October 1. The children will arrive with school pre-enrollment completed in time for the School Department’s October 1 student count , which impacts allotment of resources. The remaining thirty-six households will arrive by the end of the year.
The Town of Brunswick is coordinating the arrival of families and needs volunteers to put together new furniture and move items into the apartments before they inhabit their apartments. The Town cannot receive used furniture because there is no way to collect, sort and store furniture and household goods for 60 families arriving over a short period of time.
To volunteer to help settle these families in their apartments 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 found local housing on their own. 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 the near future. MidCoast Hunger Prevention Program https://www.mchpp.org/volunteer is also in need of volunteers.
Indigenous Awareness
Local Indigenous People’s Day Events
Monday 10/2/23 at 7pm, Colby College
The Creator’s Game: The Indigenous Roots of the Game Called “Lacrosse”
Michael-Corey F. Hinton
See poster FMI.
Tuesday 10/3/23 at 7pm, Colby College
Working to Recognize Wabanaki Tribal Sovereignty
Maulian Bryant; Aaron Dana; Rachel Talbot Ross; Rick Bennett
See poster FMI.
Sunday 10/8/23 at 10am, Livestreamed from First Parish UU Church in Portland
“Truth & Fairness – RestoringWabanaki History with Your Vote”
Ambassador Maulian Bryant, livestreamed in firstparishportland.org
Monday 10/9/23 at 9:30am, Maine State House in Augusta
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Rally
Join the Wabanaki Alliance and partners to show your support for Wabanaki Sovereignty and Question 6
Monday 10/9/23, 10 AM to 12 noon, Brunswick Mall*
Children’s activities to honor the waters, land and people in this place we call Brunswick
Children’s crafts, singing, drumming and community.
*In case of rain, event will be held at Curtis Memorial Library in the Morrell Room
Be Informed About Question 6 on the November Ballot
The Wabanaki Alliance urges all Mainers to learn about Question 6 on the November ballot. The question will appear as follows:
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Require All Provisions in the Constitution to Be Included in the Official Printing.
Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to require that all of the provisions of the Constitution be included in the official printed copies of the Constitution prepared by the Secretary of State?
Why is Question 6 Important?
- Printing the full Maine Constitution ensures we have a transparent government.
- The Maine Legislature agreed that Maine’s Constitution should be printed accurately and be fully transparent. That is why Republicans and Democrats unanimously voted in support of the legislation and why it is on the ballot this November.
- Understanding the history, commitments, and obligations governments made to the Wabanaki tribes is essential for a healthy relationship between the Wabanaki and the State of Maine. This way we can move forward together.
- The Wabanaki people were written into the Maine Constitution. The fact that the original treaty obligations were hidden sends a message to the Wabanaki nations that the agreements and relationships between the state of Maine and Wabanaki tribal governments are not important or worthwhile. We can honor this shared history together by once again including treaty obligations in printed copies of the Maine Constitution.
More information about Question 6 will soon be available on the Wabanaki Alliance website. https://wabanakialliance.com
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Brunswick Area Teen Center
The 2023/2024 Teen Center opening is here with many returning teens as well as new members. As of this writing, the Teen Center’s request to the Town of Brunswick to relocate at The Coffin School is on hold because some rooms will be needed for the New Mainer children arriving in the near future. Approximately $5,797.00 has been raised by the “Back-to-School Letter”.
Jordan Cardone will retire on September 28, and has been training the new Teen Center Coordinator, Taylor Carter. Taylor is a Portland resident and previously managed The Teen Center program in Biddeford. Taylor’s current position is with the Goodwill – AmeriCorps organization, where he plans to continue to work in a small contract position.
Thank you to UUCB and the Teen Center Focus Group for all the continuing support.
UUCB Safety Committee
The UUCB Safety Committee consists of Jon Allen, Diane Fisher, and Jennifer Butterworth, who serves as the chairperson. Our committee has met twice monthly since January of 2022. We spent almost the first year (a) gaining a working understanding of our security system – alarms, keys, fobs, overseeing an upgrade to the door locking system and (b) learning about the many pieces of equipment that our church has to support keeping it safe, including working in concert with building and grounds to ensure inspections and safety equipment maintenance occur in a timely fashion.
In October of 2022, we conducted a Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) web-based self-assessment and subsequently prioritized actions. This past March, we attended a day-long workshop entitled, “Protecting Houses of Worship”. At this conference we learned many things, including the availability of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for which houses of worship were encouraged to apply. We did apply. In addition, we took the opportunity for the Protective Security Advisor to the US Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Thomas Swenson Jr, to come to our church to conduct a Security Assessment First Entry (SAFE) review. This occurred Friday, April 28, 2023. In addition to Dr. Swenson, attending were Victor Saremi, Office of Intelligence, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Susan Babb, representing Ushers and Greeters, Glenn Williams, representing Communications, Catharine/Cuffy Chase and Susan Snow, representing Building and Grounds, and the Safety Committee members. Not surprising, the SAFE review outcomes mirrored our October CISA self-assessment results. We were pleased to hear that several of the recommendations from the SAFE review were addressed in our grant application.
One of the outcomes of the SAFE review was a commendation that we already have a protocol in place, approved by the board at its March 2023 meeting. The protocol is to keep our church doors locked as a matter of security at all times. For all public events, however, doors will be unlocked for specified periods of time as long as there are one or more greeters at the door. For church Sundays, specifically, doors will be unlocked 30 minutes prior to service and remain unlocked until 10 minutes after service begins, at which time doors will be relocked. During the time church doors are unlocked, greeters will be welcoming people to the service, as usual. This is one of the best protocols we could put in place to deter person(s), with intent to do harm, from entering our building.
On September 7, 2023, we received notice that we were awarded the $19,269 FEMA grant! This consists of adding cameras on the outside of the building, an intercom system for communication between the AV room and RE, a motion detector light to the back of our building, upgrading locks and adding black out curtains to rooms that are deemed safe places, adding protective film to windows yet to have these added, and two first aid training events at UUCB.
In addition to securing the grant, we have worked with committee chairs as well as ushers and greeters to prepare for our first fire drill. Our thanks go out to all the UUCB members who helped us develop the fire evacuation plan. While our building is amazingly constructed to minimize damage due to fire, we must still prepare for the unlikely event through routine fire drills. Our first drill will occur October 29, 2023. This will be our opportunity to practice and make any needed revisions based on member feedback. You will hear much more in the weeks to come!
The Safety Committee meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month. We welcome anyone to attend or join our committee aswe continue to seek ways to protect our church while ensuring we continue to be a welcoming, vibrant community.
UUCB Board Update
You have likely heard that the board of trustees created a Music Discernment Task Force to support Rev. Amos in the search for a new director of music. The members of this task force are Mary Larson, Stephanie Bernier, Louise Gephart, and Charlie Evans. Rev. Amos and I have been meeting with the task force weekly and they are making fantastic progress. The job description is complete and is being posted today (September 22). If you know of people that would like to apply, please send them to our website for the job description and ask them to apply by October 15.
I also want you to know that on the afternoon of Sunday, September 17, your minister and board of trustees met for our annual retreat at my house. The ten of us, David Kew, Curt Neufeld, Louise Gephart, Keary Lay, Faith Woodman, Cuffy Chase, Bill Clark, Joanne Allan, Mike Michaud, and Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos started with the most amazing potluck meal. We had a great variety of food, and it was all delicious.
Our agenda was split into 3 primary sections – Working Together, Our Visions for UUCB, and Tasks and Business for 2023-24.
Working Together
We started with 2 truths and a lie as a team building activity (it turns out that more of us have tatoos than you know!). We then moved to a discussion about how we will get our work done together. We agreed that while it’s helpful to have agendas to keep meetings on track, it’s important to have some flexibility and to have time for free flow conversation. We talked about the value of meeting at a table vs. sitting in a circle or in a more relaxed manner. We also talked about how certain meeting formats and practices can be more or less inviting or welcoming to people. We then reviewed our covenant and made a few minor changes.
Our Visions for UUCB
Each person had the floor for 4 or 5 minutes to talk about their hopes and dreams for the congregation. Our visions encompassed a wide variety of things and there was much overlap. Here are some to the things that we dreamed about: young families want to come to us; vibrant institution; essential in our community; financially secure; wide range of ages; speak with moral clarity; diversity of income, age and sexual orientation; seek out visitors and those we don’t know; love and kindness through our community; interaction between youth and adults; homeless crisis in our community; spiritual center for the community; put out more chairs; healthy comm- unity; connect with other churches and groups; people move to other committees so that they have the opportunity to do a variety of things; schedule meetings at times that are inclusive; grow; be the opposite of Florida; be open and inviting to marginalized communities; address climate change; serve families rather than ask things of them; see that we’re not as open and inclusive as we think we are; be the go to place for social justice and spirituality; no parents as religious exploration teachers.
Tasks and Business for 2023-24
By the time we got to Tasks and Business for 2023-24, there was really not enough time left in our schedule to complete it all, so we read through the items on the list and pushed them off to future meetings.
We are lucky to have such talented, dedicated, open-minded people as members of our board of trustees. I look forward to working with them to clarify and achieve our visions for UUCB.
In Peace, David Kew
P.S. When I tried to type “In Peace” for my closing, I first typed “In Peach” which made me think of Roald Dahl’s “George and the Giant Peach.” Then I remembered that I had read an article about Roald Dahl’s antisemitism, misogyny, and racism. It’s uncomfortable for me to think that the author of a book that I loved and read to my kids when they were young didn’t see the worth and dignity of all people. And it’s even more uncomfortable for me to realize that even though I want to believe that I think of all people as equal, I know that I continue to find ways that I could be more inclusive. For now, I’m glad to be uncomfortable.
David Kew
Chairperson, UUCB Board of Trustees
Art Gallery
October Artist: Jeri Kelsey
My path in art has not been a traditional one. I started drawing as a child, and was later motivated by a high school art class to major in art history in college. But turbulent sixties drew me away from school, and I traveled the country, becoming involved in the civil rights and anti-war movements and developing a strong interest in humanitarian concerns. I also continued to express myself and interpret my life experience through drawing and painting. As an “itinerant artist,” I began sketching charcoal and pastel portraits at Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans. My Passion for painting then brought me to the artist and fishing community of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and this coastal town become the home of my art for many years. I returned to school to study human service and women’s issues at University of Massachusetts and later feminist theology at Episcopal Divinity School and Women’s Theological Center. I continued to live and work and paint along the coasts of Massachusetts, Maine, and Prince Edward Island, Canada. Images of water, marshes, and the drama of light and weather provide the inspiration for my painting, along with a spirituality rooted in nature.
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