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April Services
April Theme: Joy
April 6th – The Practice of Joy
Led by Rev. Dr. Khama Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir
April 13th – Joy as Defiance
Music Sunday
Led by Will Bristol, Music by Will Bristol, Jazmin DeRice Miller, and other
Cultivating joy can be an act of defiance in the face of hardship. And music has had a large role to play in this throughout history. Music can often act as a bridge between those with less power and those who have more in a society. Sometimes when the spoken word feels monotone, music can help deliver a nuanced or even difficult-to-digest message while still inviting all participants in the experience to feel joy.
April 20th – Rise in Joy!
EASTER SUNDAY
Led by Rev. Kharma Amos, music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir
April 27th –
Led by Rev. Jane Field (executive director of the Maine Council of Churches), Music by Will Bristol.
Rev. Jane Field is an ordained Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister who has served Presbyterian, Episcopal, Methodist, and Lutheran churches in New York, Connecticut, and Maine, and who has worked for domestic violence programs in New Jersey and Connecticut. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. She holds a B.A. in Economics and Public Policy from Kalamazoo College, an M.P.A. from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, and an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Her family roots in Maine go back to 1650 when her 9th greatgrandfather was brought here from Scotland against his will as an enslaved prisoner of war and sold for 30£ to the owner of a lumber mill in Kittery. Jane lives in Portland along with her adult daughter and their two Goldendoodles, Murray Puppins and Henry. All four of them enjoy spending time with family “upta camp” at a lake near Sanford.
Minister’s Message
This Joy I Have…
Dear Friends,
In difficult times, it can be a challenge to think about—much less experience—joy. That’s one of the reasons I’m so glad we are focusing this year on PRACTICES. Our theme for the month of April is The Practice of Joy, and the thing about practices is that they often lead to good habits. And, we need joy – to experience it, to express it, to cultivate it, to celebrate and share it. Among other things, joy can provide energy for
developing resilience and resisting injustice.
I’m reminded that some of the most joyful experiences I have had were contradictory experiences (i.e. not all sweetness and light) when risk was high, loss was profound, or danger was near. I think about the quote from Bertolt Brecht, the playwright and poet who fled Nazi Germany in 1933 and was among the first Hollywood writers to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee in the US. This is Brecht’s poem that comes to mind:
In the dark times
Will there also be singing?
Yes, there will be singing
About the dark times.
This speaks to me as someone who experiences joy through music, and it also calls to mind the classic song by ShirleyCae sar, “The World Didn’t Give It.” I have vivid memories of singing this both in large groups of thousands, and in small circles of grieving community members. Here are the lyrics:
This joy I have, the world didn’t give it to me (X3)
The world didn’t give it; the world can’t take it away.
If you haven’t heard Shirley sing it, check out this classic recording. Now, this song is rooted in the historic black church and its deep faith in a God that is on the side of the poor, a force of Love that works with us for justice (if not now, then soon). Not all of us share that particular faith expression, but the strength it represents for those for whom it is life is both impressive and enduring.
I mention all of this because we have a lot to learn about joy from marginalized people and communities, from those who have suffered and persevered, from the ones who know that sorrow and joy are intricately intertwined but refuse to give up joy in the presence of pain.
In preparation for this month, here are some questions to ponder:
What do you know about joy? Where are you experiencing it these days? Do you need some serious practice? What might that look like? (Hint: Joy grows when shared!)
Come, be with us in April as the Earth and our spirits struggle to come to life again, amidst some other less lovely stuff in the world. Let’s practice JOY together.
Blessings,
Kharma
UU WORLD Article of Note
We’re proud our Unitarian Universalist Association has taken an unprecedented stance affirming trans/nonbinary people as a “Fundamental Expression of Unitarian Universalist Values.” Read more here … and find out ways you can help.
Do You Worship With Us Online?
We now have somewhere between 20-40 individuals who join us regularly online for our worship services. Are you one of them? Would you please email Rev. Kharma at and let us know (a) that you worship online (b) why online works for you well (c) any thoughts you have about ways that we could enhance your online worship experience.
Lifelong Spiritual Formation
UUCB Youth in Action
Last Sunday, Rev Kharma and I had the pleasure of volunteering at Midcoast Humane alongside two UUCB Youth Group members, Bryce and Calypso. First, we helped wash dog dishes and learned to make lick matts and “pup cups”. Then we toured the dog kennels, met a few adorable cats, guinea pigs, and bunnies before we were brought to the donation facility where we learned that Midcoast Humane gets most of the food they use to care for their animals through donation. For our last activity, we learned to make cat toys and played with two eight week old puppies, Romy and Michelle. After our visit to Midcoast Humane, I asked Calypso, Bryce, and Rev. Kharma what they felt they got out of the experience. I wanted to share their answers with you.
Bryce: I really enjoyed my time there, it was a great use of time. and I felt like I was contributing to something bigger than myself.
Calypso: I got to meet with experienced people who taught us about the importance of community service and donations.
Rev. Kharma: I loved how willing Calypso and Bryce were to jump right in and try new things. Neither of them could keep from smiling when those little puppies came in! It was a perfect way to blend playfulness, service, and compassion.
You and UU
New visitors, new members of UUCB, and anyone who wants to learn more about UUCB and Unitarian Universalism at large are invited to join us for the second of a two-part series co-facilitated by a member of the Membership Committee and Toben Cooney-Callnan. This second session on April 13th, 11:30-1:30 PM, will give new folx a chance to get to know more about the workings of UUCB, and how to become a part of this thriving spiritual community. Coffee and light snacks will be served.
You can register for this You & UU workshop at the Visitors’ Table on Sunday morning or by going to the All Events page under the Events tab on our website. If you have any questions, please contact the Membership Committee at
Music Director Update
Take a break to listen to the fourth movement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony known for its “Ode to Joy” theme. Although about 24 minutes in total, listening to this enduring piece of music (first premiered in 1825) will never be a waste of time in my opinion—especially in a world moving so fast these days! Here’s a video where you can follow along visually as well as audibly to the music: https://youtu.be/ljGMhDSSGFU?si=z4k90yrYrINObuNf It is easy to forget how revolutionary this piece of music was for its time. When it was premiered 200 years ago, no well-known musician had ever written a symphony which featured voices—let alone a whole chorus—singing text. Beethoven set the words of Friedrich Schiller’s An Die Freude, which begins so:
Joy, thou shining spark of God,
Daughter of Elysium,
With fiery rapture, goddess,
We approach thy shrine!
Your magic reunites those
Whom stern custom has parted;
All men will become brothers
Under your protective wing.
Along with this unheard-of setting of text, you hear some quite contrasting and progressive musical “genres” in this symphonic finale. At first these styles of music seem quite jarring—and I think were made to seem so; as the movement continues, they seem to unite, albeit with many detours along the way. Singers to this day complain that the notes they have to sing in this piece are too high overall—this was also purposeful in my opinion. Beethoven reaches for the stars in this piece to create something of a metaphysical nature that will inspire humanity towards good—not just your average piece of music.
The “Ode to Joy” will feature in a service I will be leading on April 13th during the month of JOY. There will also be a lot of other music on this Sunday that I don’t think would exist in the same way if not for Beethoven’s daring to combine music with inspirational message in such a public and artistic way. And since this piece of music has been “employed” as a hymn or anthem by so many since and for many different purposes, it’s all the more important to know of its original context.
If you listen all the way to the end of the piece, which I encourage you to do, Beethoven insists in dramatic fashion on this final message to humanity: “Joy, thou shining spark of God!”
Music Happenings this month of April:
Choir rehearsals—every Thursday (7-8:30pm) in the sanctuary
Recorder ensemble—Sunday April 6th 11:20am-12pm in the Youth Group Room
Drum Circle—Monday April 7th (7-8pm) in the sanctuary
A Cappella—Sunday April 13th 11:20am-12pm in the YouthGroup Room
Fourth Sunday All-Stars—Sunday April 27th 11:20am-12pm in the Youth Group Room
Best, Will
Membership
Getting to Know You
Here are two more bios…one long-time member and one new member. Each month we plan to share these photos and bios to celebrate our growing community.
Betty Wurtz
Born in Ohio, Betty Wurtz spent most of her early years there and in the midwest. Her desire to see the world led her to Miami University of Ohio where she studied Spanish. That led to a job with American Airlines and a stint in Mexico City. Her education later continued at the University of Iowa where she majored in early childhood education. There she met and married Connie Wurtz. While Connie continued his studies at the University of Minnesota, Betty began her nursery school teaching career. A series of frequent moves followed. So did five children.
Their move to Maine came in 1972 when Connie became director of Pinelands in New Gloucester. Betty continued teaching in Lewiston-Auburn. As time permitted, they enjoyed their love of travel. Their trips ranged from China and New Zealand to Yucatan, Germany and Russia as well as extensively in the United States.
Betty’s connections with Unitarianism began while living in Minneapolis. After moving to Maine these continued, first in Portland and later at UUCB. Betty has served on the pastoral care committee for many years.
Betty’s interests range from drumming to writing. She is the author of The Stonecutter’s Son, a story about her grandfather. An important part of her later life belonged to the Feminist Spiritual Community of Portland, a group of about 30 women over 56, dedicated to celebrating the age of wisdom in a woman’s life.
Her far-flung family from Washington state to Nova Scotia now numbers nine grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. They gather regularly for reunions, but meanwhile she has plenty of time for another important part of her life, reading. “I’ve got time now,” she says.
Another thread has been the Unitarian church. “In our long journey, we have found it to be a blessing,” she says.
Ella Ackerman
Ella Ackerman is new to UUCB, but not to Unitarian Universalism. She was introduced to UU through a singing job in the choir of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (MUUF) in Morristown, NJ. Growing up in New Jersey, Ella Ackerman’s artistic leanings were clear from an early age. By 6th grade she was drawing and playing the violin. At Indiana University she studied voice, theatre and dance, only to have these interrupted by a serious case of measles.
Later she moved to New Your City where she worked and participated in community theatre. Along the way Ella spent a summer attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her passion for theatre continues, including a play she would like to produce about a soldier’s death.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Ella is also a massage therapist. Her mother is from Iceland and Ella appreciates her Icelandic roots.
Ella lives with her mom in Bremen, and she is happy to be a part of the music program here at UUCB, where she looks forward to making more friends, learning new music with Will Bristol and the choir, and to playing her violin more often! Ella is very much interested in presenting a one-woman musical or play (possibly original!), in the not-too-too-distant future “just to prove (she) can still memorize a whole lotta lines!”… and she would love to have witnesses when the time comes.
Board of Trustees
I’m sitting in the Portland airport as I write this waiting for a plane to Illinois to visit my father for a few days, and then I’m off to Texas to see my son. TSA just searched my bag to make sure that my soap was soap (it was), so I was a little befuddled as I tucked things back into place and headed down the stairs. As I looked up, a couple of church members were standing there doing the same. It reminded me how much I love living in this state and how important this community is to me.
Here’s an update from the recent board of trustees meeting.
Pledge Drive Update – You’ll see more elsewhere in this newsletter, but it’s clear that I’m not the only one that values this community. Pledges are coming in and we’re roughly halfway to the goal. Keep it up!
Sanctuary Seating – We reflected that our adjusted seating for the March 16 service went well. We set up all our chairs but then at the end of the service, removed enough to make room for people to congregate and talk. As you’ll have heard by now, we decided to send a letter to the congregation expressing our disappointment that someone decided to anonymously call the fire department after that service with concerns about crowding rather than to give the board the feedback that we have been asking for. As we continue to adjust to accommodate our growth, please, please, feel free to reach out to Curt, Kharma, or any board member with your thoughts.
Coffee Hour – We agreed that we need to improve communication between LSF, the coffee hour folks, and worship and have developed an initial plan to work on this.
Side Door Coffee House – Work is proceeded to re-start the Side Door Coffee House!
Treasurer’s Report – While payments toward 2024-25 pledges are a little behind where we are used to their being at this point in the year, the finance committee is not concerned and will continue to send reminders on a regular basis. The church’s finances are in good condition otherwise.
New Mixing Board for AV System – The board approved $1,500 to purchase a new mixing board to improve our sound system.
Fall Volunteer Fair – We agreed that it’s time for a new volunteer fair and that fall would be a good time for it.
Greeters – There’s a need for more greeters and ushers. Let us know if that interests you.
Easter Service – We looked into having our Easter service at a larger off-site facility, but were unable to find an appropriate space that was available. We will prepare to use the Merrymeeting Bay room for overflow if needed.
I look forward to seeing you all in April when I return from my trip.
David Kew
From the Committee of Ministry
As part of our cooperation with the Board of Trustees, the Committee on Ministry is helping to gather feedback about changes to church services which the Trustees are now trying as a means of accommodating our growing congregation.
You may send your thoughts and feelings to any of us: Tom Rumpf, Penny Elwell, Irene Austin, Cathey Cyrus or Carol Evans. You may also communicate directly to members of Board of Trustees. All input is welcome.
2025 Pledge Drive
Thanks to those of you who have already made a pledge to the July 2025-June 2026 drive. In May, you will receive further information confirming that pledge commitment.
For those of you who are still deliberating on a pledge amount, please submit your pledge as soon as possible by emailing Shirley Bernier, , or by using this Google form: https://forms.gle/ARUasb7iGmNK7YR36
Thank you for proving that we truly do care together. What a great community we have.
With gratitude, Your Pledge Team
Al Cressy, Walt Harris, Di Kew, Nancy Kurtz, Cindy Parker, Kristen Pett, AND Vicki Simpson
Church Happenings and Announcements
Time to Order Spring Flowers for Easter Service
It’s a UUCB tradition for members and friends to purchase spring flowers to help the Worship Committee decorate for Easter Sunday. Once the orders forms are received, the Worship Committee will order the plants, pick them up, and decorate for Easter Morning. Please take your Spring plants home after the Easter service to grace your home.
These Spring Flowers are often given in memory of or to honor special people or life events. These statements are printed in the Easter Order of Service.
Note: Please take your spring plants home with you after the Easter service, or have a friend take them for you if you won’t be at the service Due to the difficulty of caring for these plants, all plants left in the church after the Easter service will be donated to a local health care facility or an individual.
WHAT TO DO: Print and Complete the Easter Flowers Order Form and return it with payment to the church office by Wednesday, April 9 at 5pm.
UUCB Community Online Auction
Adventures, Dinners, and Services
Planning for the Spring Silent On-line Auction needs some help. Will you join Mike Heath and Betsy Williams to get the ball rolling with logistics, donations, and publicity? Sue Michaud already has the online tech aspect covered.
This is a good opportunity for new members and friends to connect and help UUCB! Small group, limited time commitment. HUGE reward!
T-Shirt Design Contest!
We are planning to order UUCB T-shirts, so we canproudly represent (and find one another) when we’re in public (e.g., protests, community events, picnics, etc.). Got a Design Idea? Please share it with us.
Email your designs to before April 10, 2025. Top designs will be voted on by the congregation, and the winning designer gets a FREE TShirt (plus the honor of having decorated the rest of us).
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Spirit Feast – Friday, April 11th – 5:30 – 7:30 pm
All Ages Welcome
Please join us for our second annual Spirit Feast, an intergenerational event to bring us all together as, this year, we
share comfort food and practices to nurture our beloved community.
You’re invited to bring a dish of “Comfort Food” (define this for yourself–seriously, if it’s comfort food for you, bring it to share with friends). We will also have some community games, music, dance, and readings. Please let us know if you are planning to attend, so we have a basic headcount for our preparations. Click here to register or email .
Concerts for a Cause
The mission of Concerts for a Cause is to hold a series of concerts to raise money for the church and local charities while sharing a variety of quality music with the Brunswick area community. The 2024-25 season’s charities will be Brunswick Area Teen Center and Maine Family Planning. See the entire lineup of concerts and more details about each performer at https://www.uubrunswick.org/concerts.
Guy Davis – Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 PM
Guy Davis is a two-time, back-to-back Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues, a musician, actor, author, and songwriter. He uses a blend of Roots, Blues, Folk, Rock, Rap, Spoken Word, and World Music to comment on the frustrations of social injustice and common life struggles. His background in theater is pronounced through the lyrical storytelling of songs such as “God’s Gonna Make Things Over” about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. His storytelling is sometimes painful, deep, meant to create thought, underlined by gentle tones from his guitar or banjo fingerpicking. His varied repertoire, however, provides a robust, balanced experience, while giving the audience a healthy outlet for frustration through song and dance.
Guy won “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award and was nominated by The Blues Foundation for Best Acoustic Album of the Year, Best Acoustic Artist of the Year, and Best Instrumentalist. In fact, he’s been nominated nearly two dozen times by the Blues Foundation.
His performances feature a mix of his original songs and cover songs by Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Mance Lipscombe, Blind Willie McTell, Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and many others.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $10 for students/children and will be available at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or at ticketstripe.com/guydavis.
Guy Davis Music:
Kokomo Kid
Ain’t No Bluesman
Loneliest Road I Know
And donations of baked goods would be gratefully appreciated.
House of Hamill – Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 PM
House of Hamill features two accomplished fiddle players/classical violinists from the Celtic folk-rock band “Enter the Haggis.” The third member joins them on vocals, and plays bass and mandolin.
UUCB Holiday Fair
It’s OFFICIAL!
SAVE THE DATE—SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Join the fun – the Holiday Fair team is meeting on Sunday, May 4, after church. All are welcome! FMI: Debbie Atwood,
Seeking gently-used costume jewelry for the Fabulous Jewelry Room. Look for the donation box on the welcome table. FMI: Lisa Durrell,
WORKING FOR JUSTICE
April’s Charity with Soul: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick
We don’t need to create potential; instead, we must defend it. Our community’s children are waiting for Bigs to stand with them and inspire them to become their best selves. Since 1981, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick has operated under the belief that every child possesses incredible potential. By partnering with parents, guardians, volunteers, and others in the community, we ensure that each child in our program achieves higher aspirations, greater confidence, and stronger relationships.
Our programs pair at-risk and under-resourced children, “Littles,” with adult and high school-aged mentors, “Bigs,” who provide friendship, support, and guidance during the child’s vital childhood and adolescent years. These relationships have the power to change lives, and the following outcomes show it:
• 100% improved emotional regulation
• 83% improved grades
• 79% improved mental well-being
• 100% greater social competence
• 78% decline in risky behaviors
We provide our services free of charge to families in Brunswick,Harpswell, and throughout Sagadahoc County. Every contribution, regardless of size, assists us in creating a brighter future for our children. We hope you will join us to provide Littles with stability, connection, and a pathway to a bright future
WILL YOU STAND WITH THEM?
Carol Marquis, Executive Director
bbbsbathbrunswick.org
85 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME 04011
Office: 207.729.7736
Reach Out to Us!
Social Justice Partner Fair, May 17
Imagine Your Social Change Role
Ever thought “What can I do, I don’t know where to start?” We have an answer!
Join the Working for Justice Steering Group at our Social Justice Partner Fair on May 17 from 11:30 to 1:30 in the Sanctuary
Learn more about what our partners do, how you can help, and talk to church volunteers about their hands-on experiences with our partner organizations!
Light lunch will be served.
Please RSVP to either Jill Scherer at or
Faith Barnes at .
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Restorative Justice
Interested in making a difference by helping divert people from the criminal legal system in Cumberland County?
Then join Ward Clark, Jane Danielson, and Diane Kew who have all recently completed the training and sign up to be a restorative justice community surrogate! The special UUCB training session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd, 9-12 in the Merrymeeting Bay Room. Fred Van Liew, director of the Cumberland County Friends of Restorative Justice, will offer practical information about the process, including a role-play portion, to prepare trainees for upcoming opportunities to serve as community surrogates via Zoom. Contact Ward, Jane, and/or Diane to learn more about the training and/or sign up by calling/e-mailing the office administrator, Shirley Bernier 207-729-8515 or .12 spots maximum available.
Brunswick Area Teen Center
We aim to support the Brunswick area Teen Center which helps local teens build community in a safe space after school. The TC provides snacks and a meal for the kids every day. The program is expanding and has up to 40 kids attending.
This month the activities include a snowy trail walk at Crystal Springs Farm, a ping pong tournament, teen council elections, planning for field trips, cooking, garden planning, mindfulness exercises, and a reading day.
On the first Sunday of each month our Teen Center committee collects snacks for the teens at UUCB. They really enjoy fruit, prepared veggies (cut up carrots), individual juice containers, individual bags of chips, cookies, and
snack bars.
Habitat For Humanity
Contacts: Gretchen Kamilewicz, and Joanne Allen,
Habitat for Humanity Spring Walk Fundraiser – Sunday, May 4
Last year’s Walk raised a little over $60,000, with UUCB walkers raising almost $13,000. Starting on April 6, we will have a table in the Fellowship Hall until the day of the Walk for you to sign up to walk and raise funds or to donate to this worthy cause. Please note we
will not be there on Easter Sunday.
In 2024 Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program helped 134 people in our area, many senior citizens. This year, in addition to this program, Habitat will start a new Build in Bath sometime this summer.
Want more information, please talk with Joanne Allen or Gretchen Kamilewicz on Sunday or reach out to us via email. Many thanks.
Indigenous Awareness
Contact: Cathey Cyrus
2nd Annual Bowdoin Powwow
Presented by the Bowdoin Native American Students’ Association
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Bowdoin College, Main Quad
Free, family friendly and open to the public
- Site opens 12 noon
- * Food, ceremonial dancing, drumming
- * Grand Entry 1 pm * Closing ceremony 5 pm
More information will be available as the time gets closer.
Immigrant Justice
Mid Coast New Mainers Group
Know Your Rights Events
In January, MCNMG hosted two Know Your Rights events – one for immigrants and one for volunteers. Both events featured Barbara Taylor, a retired immigration lawyer and founder of Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP). Here is their website https://ilapmaine.org. The event for new Mainers was held on January 9 and about 30-40 new Mainers attended the event. The group divided up into smaller groups which allowed for more questions and discussion. There is good information from the National Immigration Law Center. Here is their website https://www.nilc.org.
Barbara Taylor shared that the letter addressing how the Brunswick Schools would handle a visit from ICE was very good and accurate. A copy of the letter* is at the end of this report. Parents have been advised by the public schools to update their emergency contact information with one contact within the new Mainer community and one contact outside the new Mainer community. MCNMG is working to shorten the information in the emails to bullet points. MCMNG is also looking into translating the important documents into French, Portuguese, and Lingala. The second Know Your Rights event for volunteers was held on January 27. About 100 volunteers – literacy tutors, job coaches, mentors, and drivers attended the event, which was very informative.
Know Your Rights red cards have been distributed by MCNMG and by faith communities. UUCB distributed about 250 cards at church a few weeks ago. If you need cards to share with your families, tutees, or job seekers please see Faith Barnes. We have cards in English on one side and then English, French, Lingala, or Portuguese on the other.
Volunteering
MCMNG offers many volunteer opportunities – family mentors, job coaches, transportation, and driving lessons. If you’d like to learn more from one of our church members please speak with these volunteers at church or contact them via email: Betty Robinson , or Faith Barnes .
Midcoast Literacy
Five people completed the recent Read Together training for volunteers who want to tutor children. The next training will be held in late spring. If you’d like to learn more about tutoring a child or youth from one of our church members please speak with these volunteers at church or contact them via email: Stephen Majercik , Jill Scherer . If you would like to register for volunteer training with the Read Together Program, please contact Katie Clark at .
Twelve volunteers recently completed the Adult Literacy training. There is a need for more tutors in Brunswick. The next Adult Literacy training will be in May. Jaki Ellis and Bonnie Wood are both adult literacy volunteers. Jaki does one-on-one tutoring. You may speak to her at church or contact her at . Bonnie teaches a workplace class in English literacy to four New Mainers who work at Coastal Landing-Coastal Shores. If you’d like to learn more about Bonnie’s adult literacy work, please see her at church or contact her at . If you would like to register for the Adult Literacy training, please contact Diana Krauss at .
Little Sparrows Clothing Closet
The clothing closet is close to opening its doors. They continue to work through the town and fire code approval process. They have received many donations and are beginning to make signs for the clothing racks. Soon they will have volunteer applications available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Katya Rogers at
*Brunswick School Department Superintendent’s Letter
January 22, 2025
Dear BSD Families:The Trump administration has pledged to conduct large-scale immigration enforcement actions targeting undocumented immigrants. Yesterday, the President signed an executive order allowing these actions to take place in schools and places of worship, locations that had been considered “sensitive” and largely off-limits since 2011.
Brunswick School Department (BSD) remains committed to the academic success of all students regardless of their immigration status or home language. Although we are not aware of impending action by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), we know there are questions and concerns about what this means in BSD. The purpose of this guidance is to support students and staff in the event of immigration enforcement or deportation activities.
What should I do if immigration officials come to the school seeking information or individuals?
School staff will direct immigration officials to the main office. They may not enter the rest of the school without a valid warrant. School administrators will:
- Inform the officials that they will cooperate with them within the boundaries of the law.
- Record the officials’ names, badge numbers, and agency affiliations as well as the date, time, and details of the request.
- Inform the Superintendent.
- Determine whether the officials’ warrant is valid.
What information may be provided to immigration officials?
BSD cannot provide any information without a valid warrant.May School Resource Officers provide immigration officials with student information?
School Resource Officers are “school officials” and cannot provide student information without a valid warrant.What is a valid warrant?
Warrants are only valid if they are issued by a Federal District Judge or Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court. They permit an immigration officer or member of law enforcement to search or seize property and to enter a non-public place – such a school – to
arrest a person named in an arrest warrant. ICE Administrative Warrants are not valid. They are “warrants” that permit an immigration officer to arrest someone suspected of violating immigration laws and can be issued by any authorized immigration officer. They do not qualify as warrants under the Fourth Amendment and so do not give immigration officers special authority to compel school officials to cooperate. For instance, an ICE administrative warrant does not allow officers to access non-public areas of school grounds or search school records.What will the school do if immigration officials seek to apprehend someone?
School officials will not physically interfere with or obstruct an immigration officer in the performance of their duties. However, a valid warrant is required to permit apprehension of aperson in non-public are as of the school. If a student is apprehended, school administrators will immediately notify the student’s parents or guardians unless a valid warrant or subpoena explicitly says that the parent or guardian should not be informed.What will the school do if a student’s parent or guardian is deported?
If a student’s parent or guardian is deported, the school will refer to the student’s emergency contact information to identify alternate individuals who may pick the student up. If no contact is listed or available, the school will contact the Department of Health and Human Services.We will provide further information and guidance as necessary.
On a personal note, I want to express how deeply disappointed I am to have to write this. As educators, we are steadfastly committed to nurturing, teaching, and supporting all of our students, regardless of their lived experiences. Schools have long been sanctuaries—protected
spaces where students can grow, learn, thrive, and belong.As a school department, we must adhere to and comply with all applicable state and federal laws and policies; however, please know that we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure our schools remain safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for every child.
Sincerely,
Phillip J. Potenziano, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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Art Gallery
APRIL ART SHOW: Sandra Chase Morrissey, Maine Artist
I LOVE to paint! My artwork reflects my love of color combinations and highlights my atypical painting style, with eye catching acrylics on canvas. In every piece, I want the viewer to experience my artwork and imagine the paint adventure I have created!
In many of my paintings, I cover the canvas using various sizes of brushes and pallet knives, squeeze paint on the canvas, continue painting the scene and finish with a splatter of paint, all while listening and moving to lively music. With every painting, I push myself to explore new color combinations, new subject matter, and most recently new painting styles. My satisfaction with the completion of one painting quickly develops ideas for the next painting or painting series. I am constantly learning and growing in my Art.
I have no formal training, so anything goes! I confidently declared myself an artist in 2013, after becoming unreserved with my painting technique and loved the result. All my paintings truly incorporate my energetic personality and my love for fun. My paintings are happy because I am always smiling when I paint them.
Sandra Chase Morrissey…..Living and Painting in Color in Maine!
www.sandrachaseartist.com
978-387-1810
Please take some time to enjoy the artwork in Fellowship Hall. Contact: Joanne Allen,
Deadline for May Parish Messenger
Please send your content to: on or before Sat, April 19th. Thanks!