February Services | Minister’s Message| Lifelong Spiritual Formation | Music Director | Board of Trustees | Church Happenings and Announcements | Congregational Meeting | Coffee Hour | SoUUps On | Concerts for a Cause | Longfellow Days | WORKING FOR JUSTICE: | Charities with Soul | MUUSAN | Teen Center | ART GALLERY | Parish Messenger Deadline |
February Services
February Theme: The Practice of Inclusion
February 2 – Widening the Circle – The Practice of Inclusion Beyond Tokenism
Led by Rev Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol
February 9 – Embracing the Awkward: Inclusion is Messy Business
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir
February 16 – “Somebody Loves You“
Led by Rev. Lara Campbell, Music by Will Bristol
Join us for a multigenerational service built around the story “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” by Ellen Spinelli. We come together to honor and remember the power of love to change us and change the world. No one is too young, too old, too small, too big, too anything to be excluded from the wonderful work of love.
February 23 – The Inclusive Power of Poetry
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir and guests
Longfellow Days’ interfaith service will explore poetry’s power to open hearts and minds to our inner selves, as well as to those unlike us in some way. Poetry has historically been an art that, among other things, expands empathy, connects us with the heart of human experiences, and has the potential to build a more inclusive and just community and world.
Minister’s Message
Keep on Marching. Keep on Singing. Keep on Loving.
I’m writing this to you on Monday, January 20th, 2025—the day we celebrate the life, wisdom, and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I just returned from the Community Sing hosted by the Brunswick Area Interfaith Council at UUCB, and I am surprised how full my heart is. If I’m honest, I arrived at the church feeling some kind of way about the day (i.e. it was also inauguration day). Though I didn’t want to, I probably brought with me some anxiety, fear, and disappointment. However, it did not take long for my heart to soften and soar in the company of two hundred or so of our neighbors singing about love, peace, and justice together.
I had a similar feeling of being uplifted at the People’s March (formerly Women’s March) this weekend in Portland. Not having planned sufficiently ahead of time, I grabbed the “Love, Peace, Justice – Together” sign from my front yard and took it with me. (You’ll see from the photo that they liked it!) For me, being at these two events to generate hope, build community, and renew our commitment to justice … was just what I needed. I needed to be reminded that when things get really bananas out there, we would do well to take a deep breath, reach out for one another, and remember our simple and shared values. Dr. King was most known for the work he did to advance racial justice by ending segregation and inaugurating an era of equity for all people. He knew that cause was not disconnected from other situations of injustice, so he made explicit connections to poverty, public services, war, etc. His insistence that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” reminded people (and still reminds us) about the interdependent nature of the world. All of us who long for a better, more loving and just world, need one another for survival and progress.
I was impressed with the intersectional nature of the speakers at the People’s March. They addressed the environment, racial justice, reproductive justice, justice for Palestine, and how important it is to protect those being increasingly targeted by the incoming administration (e.g. women, BIPOC people, queer folx, people with disabilities, immigrants, the poor, etc.). It was refreshing to see efforts to center and amplify the voices of those most affected by various situations of injustice, and to hear their wisdom about what we all need to do together.
Guess what? It's not as complicated as we may think (or as we often make it). Here are some suggestions I’ve recently heard (and taken to heart). Put this in the category of FWIW:
- Breathe, deeply and on purpose.
- Honor your body and listen to its wisdom.
- Rest and receive care for yourself. Say, “No” sometimes to unlock your deeper, “Yes.”
- Reach out for allies, especially those who may not be obvious allies. Our struggles ARE connected.
- Play hard, belly-laugh daily, make some new “laugh lines” (aka wrinkles).
- Honor what is and feel what you feel—whatever that is. Find people who will honor it with you.
- Practice compassion for everyone (including yourself).
- Tell people you love them, a lot (as some have encouraged, “Make it awkward.”)
- Stay in touch with your passion – and let it motivate and guide you.
- Be generous. Donate to the people and organizations doing things that inspire you.
- Volunteer your time in community. Show up to support others who are taking risks.
- If you are someone who talks a lot, try on listening more, especially to those you don’t often hear from; if you are reticent to speak up, risk sharing your heart with others.
- Figure out what your role is (you can’t do everything!) and do it with joy.
- Find ways to make friends with people you do not know.
- Add to this list – what’s working for you that you’d like to share with others?
We’re in this together, friends, and isn’t that good news?
Blessings,
Kharma
Lifelong Spiritual Formation
Children’s Spiritual Formation
V
alentine’s Fun Night!
Friday, February 14th
5:00-7:00 PM
Merrymeeting Bay Room
Valentine’s Day evening, February 14th from 5-8:30 PM, the Children’s Spiritual Formation program will be offering a free child care event. UUCB families with children are invited to drop their kids off for dinner, candle making, and a Valentine’s Day themed movie. There is no registration required for this event but we ask that parents/caregivers sign a permission slip for this event when they drop their kids off.
Music Director Update
When was a time in your life that you didn’t feel included and why? This was a question, phrased more or less in these words, that was posed—with the intention of discussing the February Soul Matters’ worship theme of inclusion—in a worship committee meeting I was a part of recently. In the spirit of inclusion, let’s all take a moment now to reflect on this, regardless of what committee you may or may not be a part of…
During this month that includes for this church a New Member Ceremony and that honors Black History, it might be pertinent to reflect on such a question throughout. At our UUCB choir practices, I endeavor, not only through the music we sing but also through the way I teach, to include multiple points of view as well as types of experiences. We are lucky enough, in this group, to have people that learn in quite a variety of ways and who like different kinds of music. This variety also ensures that, even though you may not gravitate towards a certain style of music, certainly someone else in the group will—and you can learn from them.
During worship services this month, we will hear from the choir as well as listen to piano music. We will also hear from musicians who have begun attending this church more recently. On the final Sunday of this month of February we will hear from our own Maryli Tiemann and a choir which includes our UUCB singers along with people from the greater community—including Bowdoin College. This service will honor the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and include musical arrangements by our own Stuart Gillespie. Additionally, there is a concert I will be helping to put on as a part of Brunswick Longfellow Days at Bowdoin College the night before—with similar music and some of the same singers (more info here https://www.uubrunswick.org/longfellow-days-2025/)
Music rehearsals this month:
Choir—every Thursday evening from 7-8:30pm in the sanctuary.
Recorder—Sunday February 2nd 11:20am-12pm in the Youth Group Room
A Cappella—Sunday February 9th 11:20am-12pm in the May Sarton Room
Fourth Sunday All-Stars (open to primarily children but also those who are children at heart)—Sunday February 23rd 11:20am-12pm in the Youth Group Room
Best,
Will
Board of Trustees
I hope everyone a fun and joyful holiday season.
This January the treasurer gave us a very positive report on our financial health. The Holiday Fair was a huge success, plate collections are going very well, Charities with Soul are meeting expectations, and our balance sheet is well in the black.
Soon we will be getting ready for our annual pledge drive and hope that contributing members and friends are generous so that we can continue all the good work this church does.
Since Covid incidents are up, the board had a discussion centered around individuals taking responsibility for themselves. We have masks available if needed.
The board is in the ongoing process of updating and adding various policies and getting policy recommendations from committees.
We now have a challenge ahead of us. The sanctuary has been filling up on Sundays, which affirms that our welcoming church appeals to a lot of people. We have nearly exceeded our space to comfortably accommodate those attending the services. As a result, the board has been learning about the options to deal with this situation. Erica Brown, who has advised other churches with growth situations, will facilitate a workshop on February 1st from 9:30 am to12:30 pm at UUCB to get the congregation’s feedback. We hope you can attend. We need everyone’s views and ideas. Childcare will be available. Pease email to save your spot.
Mike Michaud, Board of Trustees
Church Happenings and Announcements
Congregational Meeting – February 1
What’s Next for UUCB? That question is best answered together! As we discern how to best steward our congregational growth, we really want to know what you think. Make sure your perspective is included in the conversation – come to the community meeting with UUA Regional Consultant, Rev. Erica Baron. February 1, 9:00AM-12:30 PM, UUCB. Childcare available. Please email to save your spot!
We need YOU for UUCB Coffee Hour
Two or three volunteers are needed to prepare the coffee, set up the service and then clean up afterward. An instruction manual is available in the kitchen, and we will be arranging orientation sessions to teach anyone who wants to help.
Clicking on this link will also bring you to the SignUpGenius webpage. Detailed instructions for enrolling are provided on the website.
Thanks from your Coffee Hour Coordinators, Steve Martin Mobile: 207-227-3270 and Linda Mallard, Mobile: 207-729-2608.
SoUUps On – February 9
The Membership Committee is planning a cozy luncheon directly following the service on February 9. We will quickly set up tables in the sanctuary and delicious soups, bread, fruit and desserts will be served in Fellowship Hall. While the sanctuary is being transformed into a dining area, coffee will be available in the Merrymeeting Room.
We look forward to having a variety of delicious soups to serve. Sign-up sheets will be at the Visitor’s Table so that you can tell us what kind of special soup you will bring to share.
If your last name begins with A-L, please bring a dessert, cookies or bars.- If your last name begins with M-P, please bring sliced bread.
- If your last name begins with Q-Z, please bring cut up fruits or veggies.
We are looking forward to SoUUp’s On! Please join us!
New to UUCB or Unitarian Universalism? These are for YOU!
Concerts for a Cause – Women in Harmony Concert
SATURDAY, March 15 at 7:30 PM
Now, more than ever, we need groups like Women in Harmony to provide us with hope for our future. Women in Harmony, a 60-voice chorus under the direction of Dr. Catherine “Kitty” Beller-McKenna, is dedicated to musical excellence and has been singing for social justice for over 20 years. Their songs, while diverse in style, all convey the importance of connection, community and working together to make the world a better place.
Starting in February, tickets can be purchased at the ticket table in the Fellowship Hall after church services (cash or check only), or in the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or online at https://ticketstripe.com/womenharmony. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and $10 for students/children.
Volunteers needed to bring baked goods for the refreshment table. Please sign up at the ticket table or contact Sue Michaud at
Coming This Spring
Saturday, April 12 – 7:30 pm – Guy Davis
Saturday, May 17 – 7:30 pm House of Hamill
Saturday, June – 7:30 pm Susan Werner
See https://www.uubrunswick.org/programs/concerts-for-a-cause/upcoming/ for full details.
Thanks,
Concerts for a Cause Task Force
Longfellow Days 2025
200th Anniversary of Bowdoin’s Class of 1825
Longfellow Days joins Bowdoin College in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the notable Graduating Class of 1825, a group of accomplished writers including: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jonathan Cilley, and other statesmen, lawyers, and professionals who collectively brought the College a considerable amount of fame
Each February in Brunswick Longfellow Days creates events to honor the legacy of Maine poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow thanks to the support o local sponsors including UUCB: Bowdoin College, Brunswick Downtown Association, Curtis Memorial Library, Nathaniel Davis Fund, Pejepscot History Center, The Senter Fund, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick..
In addition to the Sunday Interfaith Service on February 23rd, UUCB will host Longfellow’s 218th birthday party on February 28th, emceed by Ren Bernier and will include an open mic and performance by Bowdon’s a cappella group, The Longfellows.
Other events will feature UUCB poets Helene McClauhlin (Feb 12 & 13) and Maryli Tiemann (Feb 16), and Longfellow’s poetry is set to music and voice in an Evening of Music and Poetry at Studzinski Hall on Feb 22. This concert will feature compositions by Paul Sullivan, Stuart Gillespie, Ann MacDonald Diers, Jud Caswell, and Scott Woodruff. Performed by the combined Bowdoin Chamber Choir with chorus members from area community choirs, including UUCB. Directed by Stuart Gillespie and Will Bristol.
Please visit https://www.uubrunswick.org/longfellow-days-2025/
for full details about these and ALL other Longfellow Days events
WORKING FOR JUSTICE
February’s Charity with Soul:
Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust
Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (BTLT) is a 1,300+ member nonprofit organization based in Brunswick, dedicated to conserving and stewarding the natural landscapes that define our region. BTLT is a nationally accredited land trust with over 3,300 acres of conserved land to date. We protect vital natural areas, support a thriving local food system, and connect people to the outdoors through inclusive education and recreation programs. By fostering resilient and connected communities, we work to ensure that the natural resources of our region are preserved for future generations of people and animals.
Our work reflects our belief that strengthening the bond between people and the natural world is essential to addressing environmental and social challenges, including climate change. We maintain public access to more than a dozen trails and open spaces, provide habitat for wildlife, and safeguard regional water quality. Agricultural programs like the Tom Settlemire Community Garden and Saturday Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm not only nourish our community with fresh, local food, but also serve as gathering spaces where people come together to learn and grow. Our summer nature camp and partnerships with schools, local organizations, and community groups amplify our mission, allowing us to engage people of all backgrounds and ages with the natural world.
Supporting BTLT means investing in a healthier, more connected, and sustainable future. Contributions help acquire and care for critical lands, expand educational opportunities, support a thriving local food system, and address the urgent need for climate resilience. By choosing to support BTLT, you join a growing movement of individuals and families who are passionate about preserving the character and vibrancy of our region. Together, we can protect what makes our area of Maine special and ensure a thriving community for generations to come.
You can learn more about BTLT at www.btlt.com and we encourage you to sign up for our monthly E-Newsletter at www.btlt.org/e-newsletters to stay abreast of our work.
Brunswick Area Teen Center
After a few weeks of break, a sense of normalcy has returned to the Teen Center. A few of the kids came by during the break and planned a revision of the space available and created a new floor plan and actually moved the furniture around themselves!
Resolutions were the theme of the day when the kids came back. Lots of ideas…it remains to be seen how well the teens pursue them.
The UUCB Teen Center support group has been in contact with Taylor to learn how best we can help him, the teens and the center itself. Seems they are in need of some hand control devices for computer/TV games so we plan to help out with that purchase.
No doubt planning for the Scoop-a-Thon is in its early stages and we hope we can convince members of the congregation to help out when that event comes to fruition in the early spring.
MUUSAN
Get Involved Through MUUSAN!!
You can take Action for a better Maine through your Maine Unitarian Universalist Support Action Network (MUUSAN) by signing up for Action Alerts. This statewide network of Maine UU churches keeps track of and informs YOU of the legislation which
comes before the state Legislature. We can show our love for our neighbors and our world through our political choices.
Be Informed
By signing up to receive notice when bills of interest are printed and being considered, you can email, phone, write, or text legislators.
SIGN UP for notices through Steve Eagles () or Betsy Williams (). We will often have a
table after church focusing on a particular piece of legislation. Look for us.
Save the date – Sunday, Feb 9
Do you want to put your UU faith into action? Stop by our table at the front of the sanctuary after the service on February 9th and learn how you can engage with our UU public policy advocacy network.
Art Gallery
FEBRUART ART SHOW
Karl F. Saila
SOLITUDE
A copse of birch trees, village scenes, windswept seas and snow.
This showing is a selection of my art that provides a glimpse of my world; my home as I see it….New England. It is where I was born, raised, married, worked and retired. These works portray a town, a seacoast region and lots of trees. But if you look more closely you may discern what I feel and love about my home. Birch trees define my Finnish heritage and there is a quiet beauty in the landscapes, buildings and village activity; there is solitude but not loneliness. This is what I see and how I live.
Whether it is abstract or real, contemporary or the classics, art is in the eye of the viewer – what is pleasing to one is often different to another. It has been nearly fifty years since I started with pen & ink drawings and 30 years developing color through watercolors and acrylics. Yet I am still only beginning to achieve the flow and freeness in expression that artists must have; my technical training and background continues to anchor me. I see art as based on contrast with deep tonal values and what I see around me; I like realism. My aunt, a trained career artist, once told me that taking art lessons or artist workshops can expand my knowledge and understanding of techniques but if I have my own technique I should stick with it. She, however, didn’t particularly like realism and worked more in the abstract. I was encouraged to strive for more freeness of expression, to be more like my technically trained father. But alas, I am only an engineer, he was an architect! I hope you are pleased with my work.
Deadline for March Parish Messenger
Please send your content to: on or before Sat, February 15th. Thanks!