December Services | ANNOUNCEMENTS: | Mitten Tree | 2024 Babies | Poinsettias | Parking | Minister’s Message | Committee on Ministry | Lifelong Spiritual Formation | Music Director | Board of Trustees | Communication Committee | CHURCH HAPPENINGS: | Holiday Fair | White Men for Racial Justice | Gun Violence Vigil | Christmas Dinner| Chalice Circles | Concerts for a Cause| WORKING FOR JUSTICE: | Retreat | Charities with Soul | Immigrant Justice| Indigenous Awareness | Teen Center | MUUSAN | ART GALLERY | Parish Messenger Deadline |
December Services
December Theme: The Practice of Presence
December 1 – The Presents of Presence
Led by Rev Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir
Our monthly theme for December is the Practice of Presence, and we’ll be diving right into the heart of things by discussing the tremendous gift that our simple presence can be for others. Especially when things are difficult, the simple gift (i.e. present) of “being with” someone can often be enough. Sometimes in fact, presence can be everything. Let’s remember how we might be called to practice presence in this final month of the year, and always. (Note: This is the first Sunday of Advent)
December 8 – The Presence of Dark and Light
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the Highlands Chorale
In this season of shifting light, let’s reflect on the values of both darkness and light for our spiritual journeys. It’s not the solstice yet (soon!), but this is the time to make ourselves ready to welcome it mindfully, with Presence. The Highlands Chorale, under the direction of our own Will Bristol, will be sharing music for this service.
Wed, December 11 – 6 pm Blue Holidays: the Presence of Absence
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos and Pastoral Care Associates, Music by Jill Sherer (Harp)
Blue Holidays is a gentle, contemplative service for those who are having a difficult time getting to the “joy” that is such a Hallmark (pun intended) of this season. If you are carrying pain or grief during this season of celebration, if you find this to be a difficult season or a reminder of loss or challenging times, or if you are simply burdened by the weight of the world’s grief, this service is for you. Hosted and led by the Pastoral Care Associates, our service will include readings, songs, a candle lighting liturgy, and opportunities for reflection on how to manage the feelings that arise during this busy and often complicated time. Music provided by Jill Sherer (harp). The service will be followed by time to share cookies, coffee, tea, and cocoa, as well as to engage in conversation with pastoral care associates and others in a relaxed fashion.
December 15- Strangers, Immigrants, Angels: The Presence of the Holy
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and friends
In the midst of rising white Christian nationalism, let’s take a moment to pay attention to one of the core lessons of the Christmas (and Christian) narrative. Namely, that when searching for signs of the holy, one is better off looking not to places of power, but rather to the most vulnerable among us. The immigrant, the stranger, the poor, the outcast, the rejected … these are the ones in the center of the Christmas story … and might that also be the case now? NOTE: We will be participating in our Mitten Tree Ritual this Sunday, led by our Children and Youth
December 22 – Struggling to Stay Present? You’re Not Alone
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Intergenerational Orchestra
On this final Sunday of the Advent season, our Intergenerational Orchestra will provide our music for this service focused on the context for many of our seasonal celebrations–being together in community. Let’s reflect on some wisdom for staying present amidst the chaos of a very full holiday season (not to mention a troubled world)
Tues, Dec. 24th (5 pm) Christmas Eve – Family Service
Music by Will Bristol and friends
Join us for Christmas Eve at 5 pm for a service designed for children and families (featuring a no-rehearsal pageant). As we hear again the well-known story of the birth of Jesus — an incarnation of divine love, let us ponder how we can ready ourselves for the new incarnations of holy love and light so desperately needed in our world today.
Tues, Dec. 24th (7 pm) Christmas Eve – UU Traditional Service
Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir
Join us for Christmas Eve at 7 pm for our traditional service (featuring the choir). As we hear again the well-known story of the birth of Jesus — an incarnation of divine love, let us ponder how we can ready ourselves for the new incarnations of holy love and light so desperately needed in our world today.
Dec. 29th – a service led by the UUCB Worship Committee
Music by Will Bristol and friends
Join us as we share music, readings, and stories to inspire strength and hope for the new year.
Announcements
Mitten Tree Sunday – Share Your Warmth
Our annual Mitten Tree celebration will be on Sunday, December 15. This is our chance to provide new mittens, hats, scarves and socks to warm people in our area this coming winter. All donations will be given to local charities who will distribute them to those needing help. New items for all ages
Babies Born in 2024 – Let Us Know!
Has your family welcomed a new baby in 2024? At UUCB it is our custom to light a candle on Christmas Eve for each baby born into a family in our congregation during the year. Parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, please email the full name of the baby, birthdate, photo, and who they are related to in our congregation so that we can light a Christmas Eve candle in their honor. Send email to the church office at by Friday, December 13.
Christmas Eve Poinsettia Orders
Parking During Sunday Services
The owner of the Brunswick Business Center, which is the office building across Pleasant Street from UUCB, will allow members of our church to park at his building during Sunday services. This includes all parking spaces painted and signed as ‘Reserved’ including those signed for the Bank of America.
Minister’s Message
Two Things, Briefly
Dear Ones,
We are entering into the final month of the calendar year, the days of lengthening dark and frostier window-panes. The world continues to rotate and revolve slowly and deliberately, even when it may seem to some of us like everything is uncertain. There are two things that I want to call your attention to in this final newsletter of 2024.
- We need one another. We need to community. Always, and perhaps more than ever, we need one another and we need community. Our theme for this month is the Practice of Presence, and I appreciate that this is where the bar is—not top of class, not savior of the world, simply “present.” Who and what do you need to show up for right now? What needs to be cleared so that you can show up and be truly present for those most important of people/creatures and occasions? December is often a busy time of year when it’s difficult to stay on top of all the requests, meetings, parties, obligations, chores, and unplanned surprises that life has in store. What would it mean for you to prepare yourself for those things (or decline some of them!) with the hope that you could simply bring your fullest self to simply be fully there in those moments and experience life? How might the practice of presence change how you experience this season? This is a great opportunity to try it out! And, let us know what you discover!
- From time to time, I like to remind you that I have a monthly column in the Brunswick Times Record called Spirit of Life. This month, I’d like to point you to it because I haven’t had a chance to share directly with you about my experience on election day (or what it meant to me), nor what I have taken away from my first presential election in Maine. If you go to https://www.uubrunswick.org/people/from-our-ministers/rev-kharma-spirit-of-life/, the first entry should be my column from November 22.
I am so grateful for this spiritual community. You and your commitments to our shared values inspire me and give me hope. Whatever lies ahead, I am glad to be in this community to face whatever the future brings with purpose and meaning.
Blessings,
Kharma
What Is the Committee On Ministry?
The Committee on Ministry provides support to Rev. Kharma Amos and to the larger ministry of the church, promoting growth and healthy relationships within the congregation. The Committee is charged with observing and assessing the conduct and progress of the larger ministry to meet the church mission. This year we worked on gathering input for Kharma’s application for full fellowship status. We meet with Rev. Kharma monthly. We discuss and offer input on many aspects of ministry. You may connect with us on issues relevant to the shared ministry of our church. Our members are: Irene Austin, Cathey Cyrus, Penny Elwell, Carol Evans and Tom Rumpf.
Lifelong Spiritual Formation
Accomplices Needed
Last week I had the absolute privilege of attending a retreat for trans UU professionals. Over forty-five trans UU professionals came together from all over the country (and at least one person came from Canada) for an opportunity to support one another in our identities and in our work. At dinner during the opening night of the retreat I realized that I had never knowingly been in a room with so many trans (never mind trans UU) people at once. The realization was overwhelmingly affirming. I’m used to being one of only representatives of the trans community that people know. I am used to being the only trans voice in most conversations, used to squeaking by silently when I don’t want to be the only trans voice in a conversation. From what I heard in personal shares throughout the retreat, the same is true for many of the folx that I was on retreat with. We weren’t the only group staying at the resort that we had booked but, among the forty-five of us, there were so many different presentations of gender that I forgot to worry about standing out in a crowd. I let my mannerisms be as masculine or as flamboyant as the moment called for IN PUBLIC and I loved it. It’s a powerful thing- not being alone. On the second night of the retreat, a bunch of us joined together in the chapel at First UU San Diego for a Trans Day of Remembrance service. A few people who (understandably) weren’t up for a service that mourned the lives of trans people, went back to the resort. As we were singing our closing hymn, I counted- there were thirty-four of us- the same number of candles we had just lit. I can’t claim to know why some people live and some people die but I do know that I owe my life to the trans people who came before me, the trans people who walked beside me as I was coming out, and to our allies and accomplices. I’d imagine that the same is true for most of the forty-five of us on retreat. Around the time that I came out as trans, Judy Shepard, founder and president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, came to my school and talked to us about LGBTQIA+ rights. She told us that, by definition, marginalized people cannot fight oppression alone, that we needed allies to join us in the fight. At face value, it was an obvious statement but it hit me deep in my gut. It’s a powerful thing- not being alone.
Shortly after the recent election, I witnessed a lot of fear. People talked about their worries for immigrants and trans people. And, I get it, this upcoming change of power will deepen the normalization of oppression of certain marginalized communities and that is super scary. But, most of the people who I heard talking about “how bad it’s going to be” weren’t trans or otherwise marginalized. Those people weren’t safe by any means but they were not at the level of direct risk as most marginalized people in this country. As a person who (with a little policing of my more flamboyant qualities) can pass as a cis white male, it’s really tempting to just squeak by silently so that I don’t get noticed as the only trans voice in a conversation. The same can not be said for many of the people who I was on retreat with. Activist Lilla Watson is quoted as saying, “If you come here to help me, you’re wasting your time. If you come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” The liberation of all trans people is bound together and I cannot afford to be silent. As a trans person in Maine, I am currently safer than trans people in most other states because Maine legislation has put protections in place for trans people. I am obligated to speak for the trans people who are unable to do so because they do not have the same privilege of safety that I do. I am grateful that so many people attended the Trans Day of Remembrance service but, if you look at the adult anti Trans Legislative Risk Assessment Map created by trans journalist Erin Reed, you might begin to suspect that attending a trans memorial service organized by queer people isn’t enough. We need accomplices- people who realize that their “liberation is bound up with mine” who use their privilege and power to challenge systems that oppress marginalized groups. You don’t need permission from a trans person to learn about trans organizations (in Maine and beyond). You don’t have to be trans to join a trans organization’s mailing list. You don’t have to be trans to read books or blogs by trans authors. You certainly don’t have to be trans to Google “how to be an accomplice for the LGBTQIA+ community”- and maybe that’s a good enough place to begin.
Toben Cooney-Callnan
Music Director Update
Although cliché—I often think, this time of year, of the scenario of a guest asking what they can bring to a holiday gathering. The host says something like, “your presence is enough.” Although often an exchange of platitudes on the part of both parties, I wonder what it would be like to take at least the core of this message to heart. For the host—what would it be like to truly feel that the presence of another is great enough to negate a need for material things? For the guest—what would it be like to exist in knowing that their own presence is this precious?
Despite this busy month of December, I invite you to feel how your presence is essential to any musical experience at UUCB. As a sort of host of many musical groups, I always feel that participants’ presence is more valuable regardless of the performative outcome of a given musical moment. What would it be like for you to honor your own presence in these moments more than you already are, and to realize that it is special no matter the outcome of the moment?
Here are some musical group happenings in the month of December—besides choir rehearsals and offerings—which are open to all:
Recorder ensemble rehearsal—Sunday December 1st following worship service
Intergenerational orchestra rehearsal—Sunday December 8th following worship service
Intergenerational orchestra rehearsal—Sunday December 15th following worship service
Community Caroling—Sunday December 15th 4pm-5pm
Intergenerational orchestra rehearsal/offering—Sunday December 22nd at 9am and offering during service at 10am
4th Sunday All-Stars—Sunday December 29th at 9am and offering during service at 10am
You can also email me at for more information on any of these happenings.
Looking far ahead now—on Saturday, January 18th from 2-3:30pm, a friend of mine is coming to give a workshop on drumming. His presence will provide those attending with more rhythmical vocabulary in an easy-to-learn kind of way which can then be applied at drumming circles. If you find yourself, like me, sometimes at a loss for imagining new rhythms or tones you might create with an African drum, then this would be a good workshop to attend. Donations of $15 per person will be welcomed for this event at the door. A sign up to the event can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15YJyRniEbC4pHRnOt4hLwNDXHp76LpShwfmIAv38A6o/prefill
You can also email me at to sign up.
Board of Trustees
As we look ahead to the holidays and the joy that we find in family and friends, I also look back at a very difficult month and wonder at the profound differences among us. We remind ourselves of the many things we share, of our belief in the power of love. We have found comfort in the support we offer each other and the deep commitment we all make to peace and justice.
As we have pointed out in previous Messengers, the Board is working to identify the steps it must take to engage the congregation in finding solutions to our crowded sanctuary, our “bounty of people”. What a wonderful problem to have. The Board has already begun to reach out to the congregation as well as the UUA for ideas and, perhaps, steps we can take to accommodate our growing numbers. We are mindful that there are potential risks as well as successes in this effort; we want to be able to welcome all who wish to be here, and for everyone to feel comfortable and safe. You will be seeing and hearing more about this in the coming weeks and months.
There is much going on in this church, ranging from our excellent Concerts for a Cause, the delightful Murder at the Pie Auction (who knew the talent we have among us?), the art gallery with so many pieces from our own members and friends (again, such talent!), and a variety of fun and serious events that are part of our holiday traditions.
Our annual Holiday Fair is nearly upon us. Every Sunday provides an opportunity to participate in the preparation, planning, and signing-up going on in the back of the sanctuary and in the May Sarton Room. Be sure December 7 is in your calendar. Lisa Durrell has entertained us with her reminders and assurances that the elves will be ready for the crowds that morning (and afternoon). Let’s make this a wonderfully successful event.
So much of what happens at UUCB is possible because volunteers help make it so: helping with our young people and families in the Lifelong Spiritual Formation program, our amazing choir, the committees which form the backbone of the church, coffee hour, ushers and greeters, Sacred Ground, and so much more. This commitment to UUCB extends into all aspects of our church community and the greater community within which we flourish.
Finally, we recognize that none of this would be possible without the commitment our members and friends make to supporting the work of this congregation, and we honor our staff and the wonderful work they do to engage and lead this spiritual community into the present and the future.
With deepest respect,
Joel Austin, Member, Board of Trustees
From the Communication Committee
Thanks to the 55 people who responded to the survey conducted by the Communications Committee as a means to assess congregational opinions about the Parish Messenger.
We wanted to know how important it is to continue producing the document and, if we do, what changes would readers like to see?
- 87% of respondents indicated that they do read the Messenger, while 13% indicated that they do not.
- While a few people prefer to read a printed paper copy, most use either the email PDF link or the website as a means to access it.
- Asked which sections of the newsletter are most important to them, the Minister’s Message ranked highest at 81%, followed by Upcoming Events (37%) and Worship Service Descriptions (45%).
- Opinions were equally divided on the question of how often people would like to see it produced: monthly-45%, quarterly-43%.
- Many people took the time to express opinions in writing, and it is clear that the work of the Parish Messenger editors is greatly appreciated. People who suggested less frequent publication often did so in recognition of the amount of work it entails.
Some of the specific suggestions follow:
- Items to be added
- Introduce new members—short profiles of new folks from time to time.
- Committee updates
- More info on what our young people are doing in RE
- More specifics from the Board about what they are working on
- Items to be eliminated
- None
- Working for Justice could be shorter
- All contributors could try to write fewer words in their submissions
- Repeating informatiom
- Other Comments
Respondents frequently commented that a lot of information is presented in This Week at UUCB, and it may not be necessary to include it in both places. In general, overall length of the Parish Messenger is seen by some people as a negative factor. One person summarized as follows: “Clearly much/some of the info is irrelevant to many of the recipients and folks simply stop reading it because it is simply too long.” On the other hand, there were many positive comments: “I think the newsletter’s strength is that it offers a sense of community with glimpses of who people are and what they care about.” “The Parish Messenger is beautiful.” “The PM gives the only overview of our church culture to give to visitors or new folks. I think this is incredibly important.”
The Communications Committee reviewed the survey results carefully and will be keeping the helpful suggestions in mind going forward. Our clear consensus is that we should continue publishing the Parish Messenger on a monthly basis. While we appreciate the concerns expressed by many respondents about the amount of work involved, the people who do it enjoy it!
Glenn Williams, Communications Committee Chairperson
Upcoming Events
UUCB Holiday Fair
SIGN-UP SHEETS
Sign-up sheets will be put out after church on December 1st.
Questions? Ann Gardner anngardner 22 @gmail.com
DONATIONS DATES FOR WHITE ELEPHANTS and USED TOOLS
WEEK OF DECEMBER 3.
Tuesday, December 3, 10-4
Wednesday, December 4, 10-4
Thursday, December 5, 10-7
Friday, December 6, 10-12. Note noon cut-off to allow time for pricing/display
Signs in lobby will indicate where to leave items.
TOOLS REMINDER
Hand tools or electric powered (no gas powered)
Working condition
WHITE ELEPHANTS
The WE Room is always filled with an amazing, eclectic assortment of things needing new homes. Once again, we will have an area devoted to holiday decorations and another to children’s toys and puzzles. The books we will be collecting are of these genres: your summer reads, cookbooks, gardening books, children’s, and mysteries.
Please NO clothes, or computers /electronics, or holiday lights, or textbooks.
Be sure donations are clean and intact.
If you have a table you could loan WE, please contact Mary or Erika.
Questions? Mary Larson Erika McKenney
CAFÉ
Contribute a potful, eat it for lunch at the Fair, and bring it home in quantity! This year’s cafe will feature real bowls of hot soup to eat on site as well as cold soup to take home for dinner or freeze for later. New this year: if you’re a soup-maker, we ask that you choose a recipe from one of six favorites (a range from vegan through chowder and chili) that we’ll provide when you sign-up. We also need kitchen workers, servers, and cashiers to help the day go smoothly. It’s a great way to get to know a few people better!
SOUP DONATIONS: Preferred: Sat., Dec. 7 (Fair Day). 8-10AM
Or Fri., Dec. 6. 3-5 PM (Overnight refrigerator space for only a few.)
Questions? Cindy Parker Peg Duston
CRAFTS
CRAFT DONATIONS: LEAVE IN THE OFFICE
TUES.-FRI. 10-4 THE FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER.
Questions? Betsy Williams () or Rebecca Waddle ().
EATS AND TREATS—EATS AND TREATS AND MORE!
The table of goodies! You’ll find an idea list with the Sign-up Sheets. From sweets to jellies to pickles. How about your family’s favorite cookies?
DONATIONS: Non-perishables—during the pre-Fair week (See above.)
Perishables –Friday, Dec. 6th until 7:00 PM
Apron queries? See Donna T.
Questions? Penny Elwell. Gretchen Kamilewicz. Leigh Parenteau. Donna Tompkins
GREETERS
The welcoming face of the fair for visitors! You will receive an email with details from Susan Babb.
JEWELRY
Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, tie tacks, and more!
DONATIONS: Pre Dec. 3, Your gently used costume jewelry can be left in the box on Membership Table until Dec. 1; afterwards in the jewelry room.
Questions? Lisa Durrell Adair DeLamater
TABLES
( the placing of just the furniture) SET-UP
9:00-10:30 AM Tues., Dec. 3
WREATHS: WREATH MAKING
Wreath Making- Sunday, December 1 after church. Sign up
Contact Robin Hansen Penny Elwell
Questions? Lisa Durrell,
White Men for Racial Justice Information Session
December 8 at 3 pm
Gun Violence Vigil
Circle Dinner – Christmas Day
Would you like to share Christmas Dinner with your friends at UUCB? Judy Strano is hosting a dinner at the church on Christmas day, Wednesday, December 25. The format will be planned potluck, with participants signing up for specific dishes. More information and sign-up sheets will be at the Visitor’s Table on Sundays, or you can contact Judy Strano, (732) 320-6093, .
The Circle Christmas Dinner was a lovely event last year. You are welcome to come and enjoy the holiday and fellowship. Thanks to Judy for offering this dinner again.
Chalice Circles Returning in January
Update on Small Group Ministry from Taste & See From Rev. Lucy Ijams
Taste & See brought a lovely group of people to the table for soup, salad, bread, and conversation. After an explanation of the evolution of UU small group ministry, some new, relatively new, and seasoned UUs sampled three abbreviated sessions of small group ministry from Soul Matters, UU Wellspring, and Chalice Circles. Before people departed, they kindly gave Lifelong Spiritual Formation Director Toben Cooney-Callnan and I their feedback and survey responses about their preferences. The number one choice, Chalice Circles, are returning and set to begin meeting the second week of January (12th -19th).
Chalice Circles are created to foster friendships as individuals share thoughts and feelings about a variety of spiritual topics. Spirituality can be defined as anything that helps us make meaning of universal human experiences such as love and loss, growing and learning, having fun and working, joys and pains, belonging and alienation, oppression and liberation, thriving and failing.
The Circles will meet in person, or by video conference, once or twice per month January through June. Most meetings are for two hours. Information about how to register to be in a group will be presented soon. Meanwhile, save a date in the second week of January.
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://uubrunswick.org/concerts.
SAVE THE DATE
DAVID MALLETT
Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 pm
In a career that spans four decades, David Mallet has recorded 17 albums and has performed in town halls and folk clubs across America and Europe in addition to major venues such as Barns of Wolf Trap, Newport Folk Festival, and “Prairie Home Companion”. Known for his carefully written, poetic offerings, his body of work has provided material for more than 150 artists , including Alison Krauss, Pete Seeger, Hal Ketchum, Emmylou Harris, John Denver and even the Muppets, and his “Garden Song” has become an American folk classic.
In 2014, the University of Maine gave Mallett an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the state’s cultural heritage. He was named one of the most memorable Mainers of the 20th century in the millennium edition of The Bangor Daily News (along with Marshall Dodge, Andrew Wyeth, E.B. White, Stephen King, others).
Few people could be called the living embodiment of the state where they live. But what Garrison Keillor is to Minnesota, Mallett is to Maine.” – Orlando Sentinel
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $10 for students/children. Available at the ticket table after services, the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or online at http://ticketstripe.mallett.com.
The last time we had David Mallett for a concert, it SOLD OUT, so you’d better get your tickets early
NOVEL JAZZ SEPTET
Another successful concert was held on November 23rd. Novel Jazz Septet fans filled the sanctuary and enjoyed a great evening listening to the known and unknows compositions by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and other Ellington collaborators. The audience left with music in their souls, and they learned some interesting history along the way.
WORKING FOR JUSTICE
Working for Justice Retreat
Summary: Working for Justice Steering Group Retreat 11/9/24
The Working for Social Justice Steering Group Retreat on November 9 was a great success.
- We each shared what motivates us to get involved and do social justice work.
- A brief presentation of the group’s history resulted in a discussion of social justice engagement or interest within the congregation, this group, and in partnership with the greater Brunswick community. All the while keeping in mind whose needs we are filling.
- This conversation led to a listing of our partner organizations and the need to survey the congregation. What groups are members of the congregation involved with and in what capacity, as well as what do we (this group, the congregation) need to be more effective in facilitating (y)our social justice work?
- Kharma asked each of us to consider “What is your social justice role?” based on the attached chart below.
Conversations will continue at our next Steering Group meeting in January. ALL ARE WELCOME! Faith Barnes,
November’s Charity with Soul
The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) 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 safety from violence and persecution, pursue opportunity, and make Maine home. ILAP also works with our partners to advocate for immigrant justice on the local, state, and federal levels.
The result of this fall’s election carries tremendous weight for our clients, immigrant families, and the fight for immigrant justice. ILAP remains committed to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Maine’s immigrant communities. We will not cease in our mission to fight for a more just and humane immigration system and to provide immigration legal services that transform lives.
Your support makes our continued work possible and will help us get ready for the years ahead. Together, we can defend and advocate for the rights of all immigrants. On behalf of the entire ILAP community, thank you for steadfast support and unwavering commitment to justice for immigrants in Maine.
You can learn more about ILAP at www.ilapmaine.org. For the latest legal and advocacy news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter at signup.ilapmaine.org
From Sarah Barton, Senior Development & Communications Lead
Immigrant Justice
Midcoast Literacy
Midcoast Literacy helps struggling readers and multilingual learners to improve their literacy skills. Midcoast Literacy’s Read Together program seeks volunteer tutors who want to work with school-age children. Tutoring is twice a week, year-round. 3-day tutor training January 27, 29, and 31. 9:00-1:00 each day. FMI email Katie at
Mid Coast New Mainers Group
We continue to need drivers to assist with transporting asylum seekers to English classes, driving lessons, and medical appointments. Asylum seekers who have completed their ten hours of driving lessons, need more practice to hone their driving skills. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with MCNMG, or know someone who is, please go to their website and complete the volunteer application at the bottom of the first page.
Clothing Closet
The Little Sparrows Clothing Closet, located at The Nazarene Church at 94 McKeen Street is only open by appointment at this time. They are currently not taking any donations. If you are interested in volunteering at the clothing closet please contact Katya Rogers at (207) 509-4236 or
Pihcintu Girls Multicultural Chorus
We are working with the Welcome Center of the Immigrant Resource Center to identify girls who might be interested in joining the chorus. Initially, rehearsals will take place in Brunswick then move to Portland. When we have more definitive information, we will need drivers to assist with transportation. If you are interested in learning more about Pihcintu, please click here.
Indigenous Awareness
Permanent rental gathering space needed for Mawita’nej Epijij families and young people
Heather Augustine, Elsipogtog First Nation member and former Wabanaki REACH staff, is looking for a permanent gathering place in Brunswick for Mawita’nej Epijij, (M’nE) a group of Wabanaki youth and families (approximately 12 families and growing) spread out across this area – distanced from each other and the associated community and resources found on the Wabanaki reservations. With Heather’s guidance and leadership, M’nE seeks a local place of its own to come together to reclaim cultural lifeways, to nurture one another and honor the inherent dignity of all.
M’nE hosts monthly gatherings to share a meal and build community. Attendees pick up food boxes and other resources and are given gas cards that allow them to reach the gatherings. Food from many sources – grown by M’nE as well as purchased with grant funds or donated by other organizations – is put together for all community members. Rather than being “needs based” the group recognizes and honors the inherent values of generosity and reciprocity. Each gathering also includes traditional art and cultural practices for youth. Going forward M’nE is developing programming to get Wabanaki youth out on the land (hiking, fishing, skiing, etc.), and to support language reclamation.
In past months, Durham Friends Meeting (Quaker) has generously shared their space with M’nE gatherings (as will UUCB for this year’s M’nE holiday party), but the group longs for (and should have) its own space where materials can be stored, meals can be cooked, projects can be left out to finish and enjoy, classes can be held, and coming and going can be spontaneous and welcomed.
Please let Cathey Cyrus know () If you have any knowledge of potential rental space in the Brunswick area or if you’d like more specifics about the space that is needed.
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Teen Center
From Joanne Allen, for Teen Center Group:
Thank you to all those who bring in food for the Teen Center on the 1 st Sunday of each month.
We collect snack items such as cookies, personal sized bags of chips, juices, fruit, crackers,
etc. Our group makes a meal a month for the teens. They are provided a meal every day that
the center is open. We plan to donate gift cards for their holiday celebration.
The new location at the Coffin School in Brunswick is working out well. They have a place to
play basketball and other games just outside their rooms. The teens enjoy cooking and eating!
They enjoy making crafts and playing video games, too. The majority of the teens are middle
schoolers, but all teens are welcomed through high school.
MUUSAN
Contact: Steve Eagles
As we approach the Maine Legislature session, NOW is the time to sign up for Action Alerts as bills which have been endorsed by the Maine U-U Support Action Network. As bills come before the Legislature emails will be sent out to you explaining the bill with suggestions of who to contact. It can make a difference to let representatives know that you believe our U-U values should be reflected in our laws. Send an email or talk with either Betsy Williams () or Steve Eagles () to get in on the action.
Here’s at least one answer to the question: “Now what do we do?” Join UUs across the state for the MUUSAN Network Meeting, “Centering Love: MUUSAN Moves Forward”, at the Rockland UU Church or on Zoom Sunday, December 8 from 1:30pm-4:00pm. It feels good to be doing something! Follow this link to register: https://forms.gle/1dsU98iNvTGRedVdA
Art Gallery
DECEMBER ART SHOW
Ed McCartan and Joanne Allen
Fom the Art Gallery Committee: The exhibit this month will feature the work of Ed McCartan and Joanne Allen. Please take some time to enjoy their paintings.
Joanne’s paintings are called Purple Dahlia Tubers and Orange Dahlia Stems.
Artist statement : This year I’m looking at my garden and painting the bulbs, tubers, dried leftover plants, the orphans, and plants past their prime glory.
Ed’s paintings are called A Thin Place and Forest Image
Artist statement : I am interested in responding to nature and natural forms and how we can enter their world by paying attention to them.
Contact Joanne Allen with any questions.
Deadline for December Parish Messenger
Please send your content to: on or before WEDNESDAY, December 18th. Thanks!