Parish Messenger June 2021

Go to our Parish Messenger page for a PDF version of this and other newsletters.

Just In: Our first in-person gathering since October is scheduled for Sat. June 26. Details are being developed, check out this info.

Rev. Justine’s Message: Emerging

Together we are more than any one person could be.
Together we can build across the generations.
Together we can renew our hope and faith in the life that is yet to unfold.
Together we can heed the call to a ministry of care and justice.
We are ever bound in community.
May it always be so.
~ Peter Raible

As I write this, we are entering the month of June, the end of this academic and church year like no other. And it occurs to me that it is not only the thing itself that gets remembered but the response to it. When I first learned of this congregation, of course I read about the fire, and to be honest I can remember very few details about the actual fire (how, when, where it started, that kind of thing – those details faded from my memory almost immediately). What stands out, however, and what drew me to you was your response to the fire – your resilience, compassion, and creativity. You could have simply rebuilt an exact replica of what had been there before, and surely, there were some among you who hoped for that response. But you took time, considered what opportunity might present itself (literally) out of the ashes of this devastating event. And we now know, 10 years later that what emerged has been truly beautiful. You stayed in your downtown location, maintaining your ties to community, no doubt strengthening them as you accepted the love and support of neighbors and then showed them what you are made of. Tough stuff.

I am certain that we will need a similar spirit of not only recovery and restoration but of discovery and creativity as we emerge from this pandemic. We will need time and curiosity to see how we have been changed by this time and what new opportunities might emerge out of the ashes of this year apart. Some of us have begun gathering in small groups, and I do urge continued caution at this time. Not just because of the lingering safety issues involved (new variants, the inability of some adults to get the vaccine, and the longer roll out of the vaccine to the youngest among us) but also because after months and months of living alone or in much smaller pods, some of us may need a little time to feel ready to re-enter the hustle and bustle of larger gatherings. I liken it to our eyes needing a moment to adjust to bright sunlight after we leave a dark space. Let’s give ourselves and each other the time and space we need to breathe, take stock, and re-emerge as we feel ready. None of us really knows how to do this, how to turn life back on after what has felt like a 14-month power outage. We will all get there, back to living more fully in community, but after waiting so long, we can take time to be wise, careful, and considerate.

The current plan is still to return to in-person worship in September for our in-gathering service on Sunday, September 12. The only thing that would change that would be a shift in what the medical data tell us about the ongoing efficacy of the vaccines against the Covid-19 virus and its mutations. We have a wise and dedicated COVID reopening team that is paying close attention to all the numbers, and they will keep us all updated. In the meantime, let’s continue gathering outdoors and in small groups indoors, and let us pray that we have finally stopped this virus from robbing us of our ability to see and touch one another. Oh, and let there be singing soon. That may be the last thing we can safely do, and what a joyful noise we will make on that day!

I will be on vacation for the month of July. Dale and I hope to enjoy some of the sights and sounds of this beautiful area, and we will be back and forth between Brunswick and our home in Massachusetts. The rental I have here was only for one year, so at the end of August I will move to a beautiful spot in West Bath with a view of Back Cove.

I still marvel at how you all managed to stay connected to one another and to welcome me (and Dale and Callie) so fully into your life at UUCB during this year. I am grateful to all of you and in particular to the board of trustees, the worship team, the pastoral care team, the transitions team, Heidi, Jud, Stephanie, Derek, Grace and all the musicians who have made worship continue to sparkle even on a computer screen. You are amazing, and I am blessed to serve as your minister in this interim time.

Peace and Love to you,
Justine

UUCB Services in June

Sundays at 10:00 on YouTube

May 30 — Memorial Day: At the end of the United States Civil War, gatherings were held to begin the process of mending what had been torn apart. We still need that healing today.

June 6 — What the Pandemic Has Taught Us Rev. Justine Sullivan

June 13 — Out of the Ashes: Ten Years Later Rev. Justine Sullivan

June 20 — The Summer Solstice and the Wonder of the Sun: Guest Leader Lorelei Greenwood-Jones discovered the wondrous world of earth spirituality (Paganism) more than 30 years ago. She has written and performed sermons at her home UU church in Auburn for the past 10 years

June 27 — The Road Less Travelled: An Ordained Catholic Woman’s Improbable Journey: Rev Theresa Novak Chabot answered the call to priesthood despite being a married Catholic woman. She was ordained through Apostolic Succession as a deacon in 2009, then a priest in 2010 with Roman Catholic Womenpriests, an international movement within the Catholic Church. Theresa has celebrated Mass and the sacraments in many settings.

A Note from Our DRE

Our last Youth Group meeting will be outdoors in person at Wolfe’s Neck State Park on June 5th. It will be the first time that the youth from UUCB and First Parish will get to meet each other in person. Our final RE gathering will be outdoors in person on June 6th. The teachers and I are really looking forward to seeing the kids in person for the first time since before Thanksgiving!

As the RE year comes to a close, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone for a wonderful Religious Exploration year. A special thank you to the families, teachers, and RE Committee for putting your trust in me and for supporting me this year as we tried new things. I got wonderful feedback about our recent shared ministry Religious Exploration Sunday service with First Parish UU Portland. It was a pleasure to put it all together and to share it with you all.

Your enthusiasm for faith formation and learning in general inspires me and I continue to be deeply moved by the interest you show in the children and youth of this congregation. They are worth every bit of your admiration!

I will be off for the month of July during which I plan to swim daily with my thirteen-year-old cattle dog, Penny. I’m looking forward to getting out into nature, and now that I’m fully vaccinated, I hope to do a little traveling! I hope you all have a safe and joyful summer!

— Toben Cooney-Callnan, DRE
He, Him, His

Let’s get together for a HUUman ReUUnion

Saturday, June 26, Noon to 3:00 ish.

At the property of Janice Thompson and Jeremy Jones 923 Harpswell Neck Rd., Harpswell

We’ll have the barbecue going for whatever you bring to grill. Everyone will bring
pot-luck sides, salads or desserts. Watch for more fun details.

RSVP and more information – Sally Steele: 978-870-8002,

Green Tip for the Environment

Native plants evolved to be in sync with our birds, butterflies, and insects. As insect populations decline, planting native plants, trees, etc. is one way to help heal the Earth.

For information on native species in Maine, check Native Plants in Maine, for multiple sites that will educate you and guide you to places to buy locally produced seeds and plants. Enjoy gardening!

Also, a good site to learn a great deal about recycling is Ecomaine’s “Recyclopedia” an online resource available at ecomaine.org/what-can-be-recycled/recyclopedia. There you can learn what can be recycled, as well as what cannot.

Thank you for all your good work caring for the earth.

UUCB Board Update

Modernizing Communications

The work of the Modernizing Communications Task Force will continue under the auspices of a newly created Communications Committee. The Board agreed that this work should continue into the future, and that the committee designation is more appropriate than task force. The following charge for the group was approved by the Board:

The Communications Committee works to ensure that approved procedures and guidelines are followed in all internal and external communications, and makes recommendations for updates as needed. With an emphasis on developing a consistent image and message across all platforms in support of the UUCB mission and Unitarian Universalist principles, a commitment to ongoing improvement and modernization is central to the committee’s role.

— Glenn Williams, Chair, UUCB Board of Trustees

SAVE THE DATE – Annual Meeting!

This year’s Annual Business Meeting of the Congregation will be held on Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 am via Zoom. The Zoom link will be in your This Week email. Don’t miss it!

Are You On for GA?

We still have open slots for UUCB members who would like to represent us as voting delegates. Email if you are interested.

Charity with Soul for June: Maine AllCare

Maine AllCare (MAC), a non-partisan, not-for-profit educational and advocacy group, promotes establishment of publicly funded healthcare coverage for all Maine residents. MAC advocates that healthcare be treated as a public good, since it is fundamental to our well-being as individuals and as a democratic state.

The system MAC envisions must be publicly funded, politically sustainable and provide comprehensive benefits without deductibles. Individuals, families, businesses, health providers and Maine’s economy benefit.

The MAC Board is excited to take the “next step” toward our ultimate goal of healthcare for every Maine resident. In 2020, MAC joined other Maine advocates to form Maine Healthcare Action. This new not-for-profit will bring a universal healthcare Resolve to Maine voters.

Petition signature gathering is ramping up as COVID vaccination proceeds, and we anticipate having the required 63,000+ signatures by year’s end. When voters pass the Resolve in 2022, the Resolve becomes law. The law requires the Maine Legislature to implement “healthcare for all” as advocated by MAC.

MAC is moving strongly ahead. Thank you for your support through the Charity with Soul offerings in June.

MAINE ALLCARE PO Box 5015 Portland, Maine 04101

Nominated and Selected: Charities with Soul for 2021-2022

The Congregation will have to ratify this list of Charities with Soul for next year at the Annual Meeting, but in the meantime, these are the selections that the congregation has made through the nomination and voting process over the past few months.

Thirty-two ballots were submitted to the church for vote of the five optional 2021-2022 Charities with Soul. Lynn Ellis and Stephen Wood these on 14 May.

Five charities are selected by the UUCB congregation each year to join our seven legacy charities (noted with * in the list) to receive donations from our weekly service offerings. The nomination process has been completed, with the five charities receiving the most support. Since contribution amounts follow a seasonal pattern, each charity is assigned a different beneficiary month each year for more equitable distribution of donations.

The New Charity with Soul Calendar 2021-2022

- July *The Gathering Place
- August *Tedford Housing
- Sep. Maine Wabanaki REACH
- Oct. Midcoast Humane
- Nov. Brunswick Area Teen Center
- Dec. *Habitat for Humanity
- Jan. *UUSC
- Feb. The Emergency Action Network
- March Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
- April *Four Directions Development Corp
- May *Oasis Free Clinic
- June *Midcoast Hunger Prevention

(* Legacy Charity)

Working for Justice

Maine Unitarian Universalist State Advocacy Network (MUUSAN) Update

Unitarian Universalism calls us to change oppressive policies and structures to those that promote human development, protect the environment, and support communities.

Our mission is to educate and to organize for a more just society.

For the current 130th Maine Legislature, MUUSAN is doing just that. We’ve been following over 60 bills to support in the four issue group areas of Climate Change, Democracy in Action, HealthCare and Racial, Native and Immigrant Justice. In addition, we’ve opposed over 15 bills. Members of these issue groups from around the state have testified in public hearings (approximately 32 times) and contacted Maine Representatives and Senators asking for their support in passing or not supporting bills on issues that shape the landscape of who we are in Maine.

Over 1700 bills were printed and are still being heard as of this writing. Committee members are meeting from their homes primarily due to Covid restrictions and putting in enormous numbers of hours each week. We owe them our thanks.

The bills will go for floor votes until June 16 and we’ll have a better landscape of what succeeded in becoming law and will provide that in the July and August newsletters.

The May 8 MUUSAN Network meeting gave us information on how the Appropriations Committee handles bills it receives for funding approval. Senator Cathy Breen explained the process in great detail.

The next Network meeting will be September 11, 2021. For more information go to www.muusan.org.

Maine’s legion the registration link. www.muusan.org

— Lynn Ellis

Indigenous Awareness

Please go to the Midcoast Indigenous Awareness Group (MIAG) website (miag-group.org) for information re current Indigenous related events in Maine and for a rich collection of educational resources including pod casts, event recordings, films, articles and books. There is much to learn about our Wabanaki neighbors on whose land we live, work and play.

Immigrant Justice

Many thanks to all of the UUCB members and friends who have responded to calls for volunteer help – mostly with transportation or needed household items – and often at the last minute in urgent mode! Volunteers are the heart of the asylum seeker support effort.

For those who are vaccinated and would feel comfortable giving rides to appointments and literacy classes, please let Cathey Cyrus know (). There is an on-call list for volunteer drivers, however no one is obligated to say yes when called. Transportation support is crucial, and car rides can provide a wonderful way for asylum seekers to get much needed English practice.

If you would be interested to tutor English through the Midcoast Literacy program –

with children: contact Katie Clark at or 443-6384 about the upcoming in-person training – 6/21; 6/23, 6/25 from 9am -1pm at the Midcoast Literacy offices at 9 Park Street in Bath. Training session enrollment is limited to 8 people.
with adults: contact Don Burson at for information about training via the on-line open enrollment program through ProLiteracy. For more general information about Midcoast Literacy check the website at (www.midcoastliteracy.org )

The Teen Center

The teens have had a busy month, playing their new X box system, enjoying their other game systems, and eating gelato a time or two thanks to the generosity of Gelato Fiasco (see below). Also, the community is invited to see the teen photo exhibit hanging in the café area (gallery) of People Plus.

Gelato Fiasco Scoop-a-Thon

Each year Gelato Fiasco offers a fund-raiser on behalf of the Teen Center. During the Scoop-a-Thon, the company donates a portion of its proceeds to the Center, and volunteers – including UUCB members – sell raffle tickets also on behalf of the Center. This year’s 13th annual Scoop-a-Thon, a four-day affair, was a huge success!

Monday’s donations in the raffle jar at closing included FIVE $100 bills! On Wednesday and Thursday the teens enjoyed “field trips” to the store where they were treated to their choices of gelato, including the week’s featured bubble gum flavor. Jim Bleikamp of radio WCME who interviewed some of the teens was surprised by how many sat down to talk with him. All in all, it was whirlwind week, and so on behalf of the Teen Center, many, many thanks to everyone who volunteered at the tables, bought raffle tickets, and donated money. Above all, thanks to the folks at Gelato Fiasco for holding the Scoop-a-Thon for four days! You guys rock!!

UUCB Art Gallery

Paul Peranteau – Photography

The editor was not happy with the manuscript my author-acquaintance had submitted. “Frankly”, he said, “you need to re-behold this”. The author was cowed by this sudden burst of a new, unfamiliar and intimidating word into the conversation. But he did take the manuscript away and he did make it better.

All of these pictures have been re-beheld. I took them casually and thought not much about them at the time, but later, sometimes much later, and with the help of that tool of the imagination, the computer, I was able to see that they were seriously nice if I just imagined them in a fresh way. They are all flowers – for spring, but all have been nudged away from reality, cheerfully rewarding my second and third thoughts. I’ve been re-beholding other parts of my life as I age, as well.

— Paul Peranteau