April Services | Minister’s Message | Milestones | General Assembly | Religious Exploration | Music Director| Board Update | Pledge Drive | HELP and DONATIONS : | Social Media Gurus | Parish Messenger Editors | Jewelry Donations | COMMUNITY SERVICES: Tax Help | WORKING FOR JUSTICE: | Charities with Soul | Indigenous Awareness | MUUSAN | Teen Center | ART GALLERY | May Parish Messenger Deadline
UPCOMING EVENTS: |Spring Circle Meals | Mike Heath’s Trip| 10th Anniversary | Chris Smither Concert | UUCB Spirit Feast | Women’s Luncheons | Renaissance Voices Concert | Circling for the Final Approach | Holiday Fair
April Worship Theme: Interdependence
Sun, April 7 — Still Building from the Heart, Together
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma, Music by Will Bristol
As we begin a month of focusing on the theme of Interdependence, we are starting with a party to celebrate our community! It’s the 10 year anniversary of our new building, and we are still building from the heart. Join us as we celebrate our past and our vision for the future. We will conclude our pledge campaign with a blessing of pledges and potential. This is, in fact, a celebration of interdependence in that we have been able to be, do, and become way more together than we could ever accomplish on our own.
April 14 – The “F” Word – Fecundity
Led by Rev Dr Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir
Just a few weeks ago, we sang a rousing chorus of “Lo, the Earth Awakes Again!” on Easter. Now, we’re even further into the spectacular experience of Spring in Maine. Let’s talk about the F-Word–Fecundity, and how it could characterize our relationship with the Earth, as well as one another. Here’s a question for reflection: What abundant fruits might we yield if we live more consciously in interdependence with the Great Web of Life?.
APRIL 21 – “Spring Forward: “A Musical Celebration of the Hope of This Season
Led by Jud Caswell, Music by Jud Caswell
Music and thoughts to help us focus on the positive in the changing of the seasons. As this season of rebirth begins, let us celebrate hope through music and connectedness..
APRIL 28 – A Coming of Age Service
An Intergenerational service led by the UUCB Youth, Music by Will Bristol
As youth leave childhood and enter their teen years, we honor this transition with the Coming of Age
Program. This program helps teens learn more about Unitarian Universalism and teaches them to identify
and articulate their own beliefs. The Coming of Age Program culminates in a Coming of Age Service where
the youth have a say in all elements of the service and where they each share a statement of their
personal values and beliefs. There will also be a presentation of small gifts to the youth, to acknowledge
their passage from childhood to teenhood.
Minister’s Message
Interdependence | We Need One Another to Survive
In April, we will be exploring the theme of Interdependence, another of the values included in the Article II proposal that will face final approval this summer at the UUA General Assembly.
This is what we mean when we talk about Interdependence.
Interdependence
We honor the interdependent web of all
existence. With reverence for the great web of
life and with humility, we acknowledge our
place in it.We covenant to protect Earth and all beings
from exploitation. We will create and nurture
sustainable relationships of care and respect,
mutuality and justice. We will work
Interdependence is a spiritual value that exists in tension with the predominant culture of individualism in the United States. Overgeneralizing rather a lot, we prefer to do things on our own, in our own way, and without anyone else’s help, thank you very much. The recognition that life is actually a vast and interdependent web we must take seriously is counter cultural. This is one of the many ways that we exist in tension with the broader culture, and why it is important for us to be mindful and intentional as we build a community governed by different values (of which this is one). The word humility feels important to
me, also … as this is not always the first adjective that comes to my mind to describe dominant American culture. Notably, this value leads to a covenantal practice of accountability and compassion (both). In this covenantal practice, we agree that we will nurture healthy and mutual relationships, and that we will work to repair any harm or damage done when we inevitably make mistakes in the pursuit of this goal.
There is a song by Hezekiah Walker called “I Need You to Survive” that always comes to mind when I think of this. I’ve had more than one genuinely transformative experience of singing this in diverse communities (communities in active conflict even!),
as we stayed prese
I need you; You need me
We’re all a part of God’s body
Stand with me; Agree with me:
We’re all a part of God’s body
It is [God’s] will that every need be supplied
You are important to me, I need you to survive
I pray for you; You pray for me
I love you; I need you to survive!
These words are repeated with feeling over and over again, in the style of Black gospel, so folx can let the music and the sentiments of the lyrics settle
down into their heart space.
This song is a tribute to Interdependence. It claims that not only would it be nice for us to come together in mutual respect and solidarity, it ises sential for our survival. If ever there were a time when this message needed to be centered, amplified, and expanded … it is now. The world is a hot mess, and we humans seem to direct more of our energies toward petty divisions and competitions than we do coming together to meet the challenges before us with creativity and collaboration. It can be otherwise; and as we lean into our value of Interdependence, we are putting effort into making it so.
May we, our relationships, and the world around us be made better through our exploration of interdependence
In preparation for annual report
Send Us Your Milestones
It is already time for us to be working on our Annual Report for this church year, which will be presented at our congregational meeting in June.
The Minister’s Report includes a list of congregational milestones (e.g. births, deaths, marriages, child dedications, graduations, retirements, etc.).
General Assembly
Religious Exploration
A Time to Learn
In our recent Welcoming Congregation meeting, a group of us came together to k at UUCB’s commitment to being an open and affirming place for the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the points that came up in our meeting is that, since UUCB first became a Welcoming Congregation in 2006, the needs and representation of the LGBTQIA+ have changed. In fact, at least three new letters
have been added to the acronym used to encompass the community!
One of our UUCB youth, Sam Caswell, shared with me a brilliant idea for helping people learn more about how representation of the the LGBTQIA+ community has expanded in recent years. They suggested that we offer a weekly vocabulary word that we put in the Sunday announcements
on the screens in the Sanctuary.
So, beginning on April 7th, you will see a new LGBTQIA+ term and definition being shared on the screen before the service. We encourage you to think about each term and why it’s important to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community.
As a primer, here is a definition for the LGBTQIA+ acronym:
LGBTQIA+ is an acronym used in the United States that brings together many different gender and sexual identities that often face marginalization across society. The acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and the + holds space for the expanding and new understanding of different parts of the very diverse gender and sexual identities.
Different regions may use different acronyms. For instance, in the Canadian Government they often use the acronym LGBTQ2. The “2” represents the two-spirit community. “Two-spirit” refers to a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit, and is used by some Indigenous people to describe their sexual, gender and/or spiritual identity.
Recipe For (Organic) Spiritual Growth
By Toben Cooney-Callnan
Start by clearing the counters of everything you think you know
about how this is “supposed to go”.
Then wash the dishes free of any unappetizing notions
You have about what it means to be hungry.
While you are at it, pack away any ancestral china or silver-
This is your nourishment, not your mother’s or grandfather’s.
Next, go through the kitchen cabinets.
Notice how full your shelves are.
Toss out anything with artificial preservatives-
Now is the time to get real!
Select only the ingredients that you can pronounce
With a smile on your face.
Now find the biggest bowl you can
Something large enough to mix the entire Milky Way in.
Add your ingredients by color
Not in rainbow order but like you are painting
the ceiling of your own chapel.
Don’t be stingy about it- no need for precise measures.
Start mixing- don’t bother with the wooden spoon
Or rolling up your sleeves.
Just fold in handfuls of every fragrant thing
That ever made your mouth water.
That ever made you feel full,
That ever made you want to make more.
Sit with it after sunset when
all the buds in your heart feel too dim
For your tongue to recognize hope
If it doesn’t soar on it’s own,
Leaven it with your breath
Salt it with your tears- joy and sorrow
are sourced from the same local region.
Flavor to your liking-Delicate or Piquant.
It may take some time to age perfectly.
Use that time to go outside and listen to the birds
Garnish the plate with their songs
Don’t bother setting the table- use your fingers
This food must be played with.
Don’t save this meal for special occasions
And don’t wait until you are starving
But do share it- the more the merrier
Try serving it in silence
Running each grain over your tong
Toben Cooney-Callnan
Director of ReligiousExploration
A Note From Our Music Director
As many of you may know, I have worked quite a bit within the school system as defined as Waldorf education. One of the key tenets of this educational philosophy is to form a sense of individuality through a “social education”. This need to find stability through socially interactive play is nowhere more evident than in my observations of the 5 and 6 year olds I currently work with.
Especially at this age, children are naturally inclined to test the limits of where “I” end and “you” begin. If children within a given cohort have enough opportunities to do this in a healthy way, it’s quite easy to witness—as a teacher—a social fabric slowly evolve throughout the class. I might even say—the existence of social interdependence, based on a strong sense of boundaries, self-wellness, physical and rhythmical balance and movement.
With this month’s theme being interdependence, I would encourage all of us to experiment more together in a playful manner. In terms of music, this could look like forming a musical grouping top sent something at worship with people you have never collaborated with before—I would be happy to assist with this, whatever it may be. It could also be mentioning to me a piece of music you are interested in bringing to our worship services sometime in the future, for which I could find an appropriate occasion.
As much as I bring my own ideas to worship, I am happy to assist others in bringing to life their own musical ideas and dreams. In doing so, hopefully we can become more interdependent! My dream is that, several months from now, our summer services can start being full of community lead prayer as well as music. If you have ideas of this vein, the best way to connect with me is by email: as I am currently always on the go during my 60 hour work weeks 🙂
As far as my own musical contributions go, which I have planned out for the month of April: I will be bringing to you a lot of the keyboard music of J.S. Bach. Bach’s music exists almost as a gravitational pull for all other music—regardless of genre—which has come since 1700. His use of polyphony—interdependence of several voices—is the gold standard for all other compositions using similar techniques. Although somewhat classic “church music” at this point, his music still sounds very modern and exciting to me; and I can never stay away from playing it for too long. His 339th birthday will also ironically land on Easter Sunday—March 31st—this year, so, conveniently, this will act as a springboard for celebration during April.
Looking forward as always to our moments together!
Best,
Will
UUCB Board Update
Marking our 10th Anniversary
On April 6th, it will be the 10th anniversary of the day we started holding services in our new church after the old church burned on June 6, 2011. We started having services right away in the Morrell Room at the Curtis Memorial Library, then the Beth Israel Synagogue in Bath generously allowed us to use their Minnie Brown Center for Sunday services. After almost 3 years of hard work by too many people to name here, we were able to have our first Sunday services on April 6th, 2014.
Below is a quote from Rev. Sylvia Stocker from the Minister’s Report of the 2013-2014 Annual Report:
“Attendance in our new building has been excellent, with our biggest attendance (perhaps ever) on April 6, when we had in excess of 260 chairs set out, and all of them, plus benches and pews, were filled. Children sat on parents’ laps and some people stood. We
have seen a big bump in visitors ever since the fire, but the biggest bump of all began on April 6 and is still occurring. The Membership Committee works hard to orient new people and make them feel welcome. But I hope you, like me, feel that making people feel welcome is the work of everyone, not just the Membership Committee.”
I would like to note that the bell that was rung on that day in April was the same old bell that was salvaged from the bell tower of the burnt church that was built in 1885. The bell had an inscription engraved that no one in living memory knew was there. It read, “Ring joy and peace to the world” and luckily for us, Jud Caswell put those words into song.
The church continues to grow, attendance is strong, and RE is growing. It is a joy to see the young ones being engaged up front by Toben. The choir is growing, and our Music Director, Will, is engaging the congregation during Sunday services and organizing small instrumental ensembles. I feel so lucky that we have Kharma as minister to lead church. I feel so inspired by her sermons and reflections.
We are now in the process of our Annual Pledge Drive. Much will be said about this during the month, so I will just say, “Don’t forget to pledge what you can.”
By the way, I’m sure many of you have noticed the pretty flowers popping up outside the church, but as I write this, they are covered by a fresh blanket of snow.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Michaud, Board of Trustees Member
PLEDGE DRIVE
About half of our congregation has pledged so far, bringing us to 70% of our goal and about $100,000 left to raise–thank you!
We will have what we need if we all do what we can. If 50 more people were to pledge $2,000 each, we would easily meet this goal. However, since everyone cannot pledge in that range, we ask that those who can pledge more consider doing so.
As you think about what UUCB means to you, please consider Callie McMahon’s words about what it has meant to her and her family:
The first time I walked into UUCB, I stepped through the tall wooden doors of the old church building, a 2-month-old Calypso cradled in my arms. All I knew of the UU faith was that everyone was welcome. I needed to feel welcome. We had moved to Maine when I was 8 months pregnant, Shawn had just started a new job, and I still didn’t have anyone I would call ‘friend’ in Brunswick.
Approaching the doors, Mike and Val Health opened them wide for me and my new baby. Mike carried our car seat in while Val carried over baby Calypso. They settled me in the back row, close to the door as I requested in case I had to make a hasty retreat. They reassured me that a crying baby was welcome. Reverend Sylvia gave a sermon that day on Grace: How to give it, how to receive it, and how to find it in the world. I cried that day, mostly because if there was anything I knew I would need to raise this baby, it was Grace, but also because I felt like I had miraculously landed in a place that, from the moment I stepped through the door, was reassuring me that I could learn the things I needed to in order to grow our family; this was a safe place that could help teach me.
Over the last 13 years, UUCB has become a bedrock of sanity for me. The sermons are grounding, allowing me time to think ‘outside myself.’ The music lifts my spirits. The parishioners keep me thinking, laughing, wondering, and feeling engaged. The church leadership has always been welcoming, curious about our family, and always provides new wisdom and thought-provoking topics into my life.
Regardless of how I feel about church though, the RE program is what has allowed our entire family to be part of the congregation. Raising children is no joke! We definitely overestimated our capabilities and find ourselves constantly seeking guidance and support. The RE program has been an invaluable resource to us and our children. From the time the kids were in preschool, they have participated in RE. Their lives have been touched by dozens of volunteers from the congregation over the last decade.
As teens, they are benefiting tremendously from Toben leading them through the Our Whole Lives and Coming of Age programs. We feel that the RE program helps reinforce the values and ideas we hope to teach our children. At the same time, it’s teaching them to be open minded citizens of the world. We really do believe it takes a village to raise children and UUCB has become a substantial part of our village. Just as we depend on our children’s teachers and coaches to help guide our children, we depend on Toben and the RE program as well.
We hope that our children’s experience here will inspire them to participate in UU congregations wherever life may take them. They need not look very hard to see so many positive examples of individuals who take on leadership roles, volunteers who give generously of their time and energy, and a community that believes that faith-based service still plays an important role in the world. Our kids have been shaped by this amazing congregation and the RE program.
We do not expect the work that goes into such a task to miraculously be laid at our feet. We give because we value the role of the church in our children’s lives and we are not naive to the cost of such well supported programming. We hope that others in the congregation see the value in supporting religious education and young parishioners and their parents.
Thank you, Callie, for your eloquent words.
With gratitude to every one of you,
Your Pledge Team
Joel Austin, Nathan Haynes, Diane Kew, Cindy Parker, Kristen Pett
Need Help or Donations
Social Media Coordinator
The Communication Committee is looking for a volunteer to promote UUCB on social media.
Parish Messenger Editors
Jewelry Donations
Community Resources
Tax Help
WORKING FOR JUSTICE
April’s Charity with Soul
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project is Maine’s only state-wide immigration legal services organization. We work to advance justice for immigrants and their families through direct legal services, legal education, and systemic advocacy.
ILAP provides free or very low-cost legal help with immigration cases,including trusted support for asylum seekers in preparing and filing asylum applications. Our experienced legal staff helps individuals and families achieve security and stability, enter the workforce, and make Maine home.
A recent ILAP client stated: “The immigration process is not easy. I didn’t have any friends or support system here to help me. In looking for resources I found ILAP. There’s a lot that can go wrong, but ILAP was here the whole way to offer support.”
Your support makes it possible for ILAP to help immigrants in Maine navigate the complicated immigration system while working together to advocate for a more just and humane world.
You can learn more about ILAP at www.ilapmaine.org. For the latest legal and advocacy news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.
Poor People’s Campaign
UUCB members joined others in Augusta as a part of the Poor People’s Campaign mass demonstration on March 2, which was held simultaneously in 32 states and the District of Columbia. In Augusta, UU minister Rev. Dr. Jodi Cohen-Hayashida helped organize the rally in her role with the Maine People’s Alliance. Rev. Dr. Kharma was honored to participate in leading a liturgy along with two other UUs, including Patty (a member of UU Auburn) and Rev. Donna Dolham, the newly settled minister of UUCC in Augusta.
The Poor People’s Campaign is a powerful example of an intersectional justice movement. They are building a 3 rd Reconstruction by demanding:
- abolishing poverty as the 4th leading cause of death in the US
- a living wage ($15+)
- full voting rights
- no more voter suppression
- workers’ rights & labor rights
- healthcare for all
- affordable, adequate housing
- an end to gun violence, profit & proliferation
- clean air & water
- environmental justice
- fully-funded public education
- just immigration laws
- an end to systemic racism, white supremacy & the extremist political agenda
Indigenous Awareness
Thanks to everyone at UUCB who wrote letters and testimony on behalf of the original version of LD 2007(An Act to Advance Self Determination for Wabanaki Nations). A greatly pared down version of the bill was voted out of committee on 3/12/24 and will advance to a floor vote . The consensus amendment grants tribal courts criminal jurisdiction and ensures that the Penobscot Nation can certify relevant measures from a law already passed last year. The bill was the result of hours of discussion and negotiation among the tribal chiefs and the Governor’s office to find “an issue of common ground”.
Representatives of the Wabanaki Nations made clear that the consensus amendment is “a step forward” but is not the end to the push for self-determination. Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador Maulian Bryant said, “We will continue to work with the administration and the Legislature to place the tribes on the same footing as the other 570 recognized tribes across the country.” While there is no further action needed on LD 2007, we are urged by MUUSAN to thank our legislators and Governor Mills if they support it.
Action is still needed to assure funding of the Wabanaki Studies bill (LD 2001). We are asked to contact the chairs of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee (Senator Joseph Rafferty and Michael Brennan ) and ask them to make LD 2001 a funding priority.
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MUUSAN
All of the MUUSAN priority bills are in their final stages of deliberation and voting by the legislature and the governor. Results will be reported in the May Parish Messenger. Meanwhile, thank you to all who wrote or delivered testimony on behalf of these bills. UUCBers really stepped up! Ten people wrote testimony for the Wabanaki Sovereignty bill, joining 42 other UUs from around the state to represent 9% of the total 574 testimonies received. Impressive! Six testimonies by UUCBers were submitted or delivered in support of one or more of the gun safety bills and one person delivered testimony for the National Popular Vote Compact (NPV). In addition, a very successful postcard writing campaign for NPV resulted in over 20 postcards being send to the League of Women Voters to add to their mass mailing of over 100 postcards just prior to the vote. We received a hearty thanks from them!
And thank you to all who contacted our local legislators on these topics. Even when they are supportive of our bills, it is important to write our legislators and thank them for that support.
Brunswick Area Teen Center
The Teen Center continues to grow not only in teen numbers but also in the opportunities for them. During the last school break the Teen Center stayed open and many took advantage of this. The week had several themed days including a “pajama day”.
Betty from the UUCB Teen Center Support Group provided the meal of the month: a veritable feast of Chinese food. Eleanor donated chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Lessons on cooking several healthful snacks and meals were also a hit. Some teens have been preparing potted plants for the windowsills and tables. A surprise visit by Jordan, the recently retired director, was enjoyed.
The annal Scoop-A-Thon fund-raiser at Gelato Fiasco will be on April 24, 2024. Thanks to UUCB for continuing support for teens to have a safe place to gather and learn.
Midcoast New Mainers
Volunteer Drivers
The Midcoast New Mainers Group (MCNMG) needs more volunteer drivers from Bath. More families are moving to Bath and there is no public transportation between Bath and Brunswick. MCNMG needs volunteers to drive adults to their English classes in Brunswick. If you are interested in volunteering to drive, please email Carol Kalajainen at .
English Tutoring
Since January 1, 2024, 28 adult New Mainers have been matched with literacy tutors — some one-on-one and some in workplace classes. In 2023, Midcoast
Literacy volunteers tutored 28 English learner kids. Midcoast Literacy is always looking for volunteers to work with the New Mainer population. The next
opportunity for training to become an English tutor will be late spring or early summer. If you are interested in working with adults, please email Diana Krauss at
. If you are interested in working with the youth population, please email Katie Clark at .
Mentors and Job Coaching
We are looking for mentors for both individuals and/or families. Another job coach training will be held later this spring. Many people need help looking for jobs! If you are interested in being a mentor or a job coach, please email Carol Kalajainen at .
Habitat for Humanity
Five weeks to go before Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine’s largest fundraiser of the year—the annual Spring Walk. This year the Walk will be held in Bath on Sunday, May 5, with registration at 1:00pm and the Walk at 2:00.
Last year 13 UUCB walkers raised $15,196 which went toward the Critical Home Repair Program. During 2023, Habitat completed 71 projects for 110 homeowners with an average project cost of $954. Volunteers contributed 4,256 hours worth over $135,000!
Would you like to join us? Please see Joanne Allen or Gretchen Kamilewicz after church in fellowship hall if you are interested or need more information. There will be information on donating, too.
Upcoming Events
Spring Circle Meals
April 5th – Circle Supper
April 6th – Circle Brunch
These events are arranged by the Membership Committee. This is 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 in someone’s home. 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 are looking for both hosts and participants. A sign-up sheet is at the Visitor’s Table. It would be great if we could have a “family-friendly” Circle meal. If you are interested in hosting a “family friendly” meal please indicate this on the sign up sheet.
Questions?
Ready to host or attend as a guest?
CONTACT:
Anne Spencer – 207-443-3275 or
Mike Heath’s Trip to Buthan and Nepal
Saturday, April 6 at 7:00pm
in the UUCB Sanctuary
Interested to know more about one of the “happiest countries on earth”? Mike Heath recently returned from a trip to Bhutan and Nepal. He will share photos and discussionabout the deeply Buddhist and beautiful Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. We will also see some slides of remarkable wildlife of Chitwan National Park (a UNESCO Natural Heritage site) in south-central Nepal.
Bring a friend!
10th Anniversary of Our New Church Building
Sunday, April 7 is a big day for UUCB!
We will be celebrating ten years in our beautiful church building. There will be special things happening in the church service and after church we’ll celebrate with a big cake!
Plan to stay and enjoy.
We will also be welcoming many new members during our service. Please find and greet these new folks during coffee hour.
Concerts for a Cause
Folk and Blues Legend, Chris Smither
April 20, 2024
On Saturday, April 20th at 7:30 pm, the legendary Chris Smither will perform at UUCB for their Concerts for a Cause series. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to Mid Coast New Mainers Group and Oasis Free Clinics.
Chris Smither is a folk/blues singer, guitarist and songwriter who has been performing for almost 60 years. Reviewers and fans from around the world, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times, agree that 80-year old Smither continues to be a profound songwriter, a blistering guitarist, and intense performer as he draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers
Smither’s steady nationwide touring and regular releases of consistently acclaimed albums (27 of them) cemented his reputation as one of the finest acoustic musicians in the country. He has received many music awards over the years and written music for many films such as “The Horse Whisperer.”
Scores of notable artists have recorded Smithers’ songs, including his good friend Bonnie Raitt who recorded his songs, “Love You Like A Man” and “I Feel the Same.” She has praised Smither’s songwriting and guitar work calling him “my Eric Clapton.”
“Smither is an American original – a product of the musical melting pot and one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world.” — Associated Press
Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door, $10 Students/Children
Available at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or online at https://ticketstripe.com/smither
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UUCB Spirit Feast 2024
Friday, April 26 @ 6:00 pm
This year, over the course of March and April, several religious traditions include observations and rituals that include or center around sharing food together. Christians observe Maundy Thursday, a commemoration of the last meal Jesus shared with his friends before his death, and a celebration of open table fellowship as an ongoing part of congregational life. Jewish people observe Passover, which for many families and communities includes a Seder celebration that both remembers and looks forward to liberation. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr when Ramadan draws to a close, and these celebrations also include literal and ritual feasts. And, of course, nature-based spiritual traditions have many ways of celebrating the fruitfulness of the earth in Spring.
As Unitarian Universalists, we trace our religious roots from many spiritual traditions. It is a challenge and an opportunity for us to honor the various heritages we bring to this place, even as we create new traditions together. Another consideration is our desire to lean into cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation.
This year, rather than hosting individual observations for these religious holidays, we are hosting UUCB Spirit Feast at which we’ll include some education and sharing about various food rituals and traditions that give us meaning. This is for all generations, and we encourage you to bring your family and even invite a friend to join you.
At the heart of the gathering is a potluck dinner, and more information about the specific details will be forthcoming. Just know we’ll be asking you to share and consume some good food with one another, so your bodies will be nourished even as our time together nourishes our spirits. We’ll include some music, readings, and community sharing as we eat together. So mark your calendars now for Spirit Feast 2024!
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Women’s Luncheon
Tuesday, May 1
Save the date!! On Tuesday, May 1, at noon there will be a women’s potluck luncheon at the Dipper Cove Clubhouse on Orr’s Island. All women are invited whether you are a member or not.
If you plan to attend: please contact Gretchen via email – – or phone (833-5125) and let her know what you will be bringing. Hope to see you there.
WANT MORE INFO?
Please see Gretchen Kamilewicz, Penny Elwell, or Leigh Peranteau
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Renaissance Voices
May 11, 2024
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Circling for Final Approach
Saturday, May 14
Coming once again. A time to gather and share thoughts, ideas, experiences related to that universal destination and cultural taboo: dying. May 14th at UUCB. Please save the date. More details later. – Grace Lewis-McLaren
UUCB Holiday Fair
December 7, 2024
It’s Official!
SAVE THE DATE!!
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Art Gallery
April Artist: Craig and Barbara Snapp
“Keep Looking Up!”
Craig and Barbara Snapp have enjoyed the Maine skies for over 60 years – finding pleasure and inspiration in
the changing colors and changing moods.
Barbara’s artwork brings out the color of the sky and the contrast with the land below it – with occasional
abstractions. She will pair some of her art with poems she has written. Craig is an amateur photographer and
has become increasingly fascinated with the night sky and beyond. His photographs will include astronomy
telescope images of deep sky objects as well as more traditional landscape views of Maine’s starry heavens.
Barbara and Craig plan to be at UUCB Sunday services during their show and are happy to chat about their
work.
To see more of their work visit
http://www.povartistsmaine.com/artists/barbara-snapp
http://www.povartistsmaine.com/artists/craig-p-snapp
Do you do rug hooking? Felting? Quilting? Embroidery?
The UUCB Art Gallery Committee is inviting submissions from UUCB members and friends for an exhibit to be held during July and August. Work in any fiber medium is eligible, as long as it can be hung on a wall. This will be a celebration of Craft as Art.
Please send photos of the work you want to submit to Anne Merrifield () or Joanne Allen ().
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Deadline for Parish Messenger Articles
Deadline for May Parish Messenger is Saturday, April 20. Send articles to