September Services | Minister’s Message | Lifelong Spiritual Formation | Chalice Circles | Music Director | Homecoming | Board of Trustees | CHURCH HAPPENINGS:| Concerts for a Cause | Holiday Fair | WORKING FOR JUSTICE: | Charities with Soul | Teen Center | Black Lives Matter: Sacred Ground | International Day of Peace | MUUSAN | Immigrant Justice: | Midcoast New Mainers | Pihcintu Choir | UU the Vote | ART GALLERY | Parish Messenger Deadline |
Septemer Services
September Theme: The Practice of Invitation
September 1st – Fateful Encounters
Led by Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Music by Will Bristol
In life, we meet many people and every once in a while we meet someone who changes how we view the world and changes our hearts. I have been lucky to have had that experience and will share the encounter I had with one young man which changed my heart forever.
Bio -If you were to ask Rev. Elder Diane Fisher to describe herself, she would likely say, “I am a retired (after 31 years) lesbian Christian pastor of Metropolitan Community Church. I am a mother of a fabulous daughter, Karli, and married to Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, who delights my heart.” Diane is a proudly Canadian queer activist who had her daughter with two gay men (Bill and Walter). She is currently the chair of MUUSAN, she loves working with glass, visiting new areas of Maine and trying new things.
September 8th – Invitation to Spiritual Community
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir
Our monthly theme for September is the practice of invitation. We literally invite you to join us, not only for this first service of worship for the new church year, but also to a new year of intentional engagement with our UUCB spiritual community. Come be reminded why it’s so important that we gather and nurture relationships of mutual support and encouragement. BONUS: We will include a Blessing of the Backpacks for those returning to school as a part of this Intergenerational Worship.
September 15th – Invitation to Center Love
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol
Recently, our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) overwhelmingly approved a new articulation of our purpose and the values that ground and guide our collective work. LOVE is the value that lies at the center of it all. If we take that seriously, how might it change us? What impacts might that have on how we speak, behave, organize, vote? What would it really mean for us (together and as individuals) if we said Yes to the Invitation to Center Love?
September 22nd- Cultivating Consent: the Power of Invitation and Response
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol
As we continue our reflections on the spiritual practice of invitation, let’s reflect on the value of consent. In the #metoo era, discussions of consent are often confined to negotiations about sexual or romantic behavior, but consent is an important foundation for all sorts of relational covenants and/or agreements (whether momentary or perpetual). Might cultivating consent be another useful strategy for building the liberative communities we long for?
September 29th – An Invitation to the Animals
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Will Bristol and the UUCB Choir
Join us for our Blessing of the Animals service as we widen the invitation to worship to include our animal companions. This intergenerational worship service will include a time for people to come forward with their pets (or a photo representation) for a special blessing that will include our youth. Alongside this wide invitation to worship, all are invited to reflect with gratitude on the many animals that enhance and sustain life on our planet.
Minister’s Message
Summer is winding its way towards Autumn, and the new church year will kick off with our annual Homecoming celebration in just a couple of weeks. I hope the summer has been good to you, though I imagine for most it has been something of the mixed bag that life usually is—some ups and some downs, some joyful experiences and some disappointments and/or grief. In whatever way is fitting for your life circumstances, I hope you have had at least some time to breathe deeply and appreciate the simpler gifts—warm sun, cool water, music, birdsong, unexpected laughter, good food, meaningful connections with the creatures around you (human and otherwise), and some good (or at least interes8ng) surprises along the way. I am grateful for the time you have given me for rest and study, and I am excited to return, as we begin a new church year together. In fact, I remain giddy with
delight and so full of gratitude for the privilege to serve alongside you as your minister.
This year at UUCB, we will again be using the UU Soul Matters themes and resources as a framework for much of our congregational life. The focus this year is on Prac8ces—i.e. the things we do as we seek to embody our values and live into our highest aspirations. Unitarian Universalists have long chanted, “Deeds Not Creeds!” as one way to demonstrate that we place more emphasis on what someone does (i.e. how they live their life) than on what they say they believe. UUs are among those from every religious tradition who eschew religious hypocrisy (though, we would do well to cultivate the humility that allows us to see this in ourselves as well as others).
Each month this year, our theme will be a potential spiritual practice—i.e. something you can do regularly and intentionally as a way of engaging spiritual growth and development. Spiritual prac8ces can be anything that we engage in this way—from traditional spiritual disciplines like prayer and study to gardening, organizing for
justice, creating art, or participating in an intentional and accountable small group. It’s less about what you do and more about how you do it, and why. Spiritual practice isn’t about what we believe or what theories we hold … it is about our behavior – and what we do because of the values we hold or the principles we believe to be sacred or worthwhile.
The first practice we’ll be trying on is the prac8ce of invitation, and we begin by literally invi8ng you to join us for a new year of spiritual community. We will do all we can to offer the best container for this community that we can – i.e. engaging worship, moving music, expanded opportuni8es for spiritual formation for all ages, small groups to nurture relationships, chances to work with others to do justice—to literally do something about the challenges we see in our community and world to make it better for all of us and future generations, and the list goes on.
We offer the invitation, expectantly and with great hope, but that won’t mean much unless you accept it. So that you can do so mindfully, let me be clear that we aren’t inviting you only to sit and watch on the sidelines (unless this is what you really need, in which case – please do this for as long as you need to). We are invi8ng you to actively engage in the life of our congregation.
We invite you to bring your questions, your doubts, your convictions, your hopes, your dreams. We invite you to bring your most authentic self (even as you are evolving) so that we can weave connections that are real and that lead to positive transformation, individually and collectively. We know that life in community can be both
exhilarating and challenging (especially when pressure is applied), so we invite you to practice patience with yourself and all of us, as we do our best in our humanity.
Now, to prime the reflective pump, let me ask a few questions to get you thinking about the spiritual practice of invitation:
- What kind of invitational practices might you want to explore this year?
- What energy or future do you want to invite into your life and the lives of those you care about? (Secondarily, what hospitality and care will you provide for it if it shows up?)
- Do you long for relational connections of some kind – e.g. friendship, romance, a creativity partner, a group of people to learn and work with, a more loving relationship with yourself? If so, have you offered any invitations lately? Have you accepted any?
- What else might need to be done in terms of preparations or follow-through on the invitations you may have been courageous enough to offer? What about those you are carefully considering accepting or declining?
- What else bubbles up for you when you think about a practice of invitations?
Please consider accepting our invitation to join us for a year of spiritual community (in a year when we’re really
going to need everything about spiritual community!). I am looking forward to reflecting and actively engaging with you in the practices that will bring life to us and the world in such need of repair.
Lifelong Spiritual Formation
What’s In a Name
As many of you know, last church year a vote passed to expand the UUCB education program to include adult programming. You also increased my hours from twenty per week to thirty-five per week. With this new responsibility came a new title. I will no longer be your Director of Religious Exploration (DRE). I am honored to now serve as your Lifelong Spiritual Formation Director (LSFD). Instead of heading the Religious Exploration program, I will lead the Lifelong Spiritual Formation (LSF) program. LSF programming willbe split into two parts- Adult Lifelong Spiritual Formation (ALSF) and Children’s Lifelong Spiritual Formation (CLSF). While this “rebranding” may take some Ume to get used to, these changes come for a very important reason and were carefully selected.
We decided to move away from the term “Religious Exploration” because it only scratches the surface of the work we do together. Sure, we learn about Unitarian Universalism and other world religions, but the invitation that we want to offer goes way beyond this kind of learning. The term “Lifelong Spiritual Formation” encompasses the heart of the work we are doing – tending to our inner workings, our inner life as we are shaped and reshaped from our various experiences throughout our lifetime.
As we begin this new church year, we have a chance to lean into to new possibilities. This will take practice on all of our parts and I look forward to being on this adventure with you.
Toben Cooney-Callnan
Chalice Circles
SOMETHING NEW!
Normally at this Ume of year with the re-energizing of congregational activities, information about signing up to be in a Chalice Circle appears in this newsletter and weekly announcements. This year, we are fortunate to have Toben Cooney-Callnan, Lifespan Spiritual Formation Director, bringing us the excellent programs he creates for growing Children and now programs for growing Adults! It made sense to fold the Chalice Circle program into what the church offers all of us across the life-span. How exciting!
CHANGES
In previous years, Chalice Circles started meeUng in October and ended in June. This year, Chalice Circles will begin meeUng in the new year, 2025. In the meanUme, planning for excellence will start this month.
PLANNING
We will consider the church calendar, listen to your ideas, recruit and train facilitators*, form a team to select topics to focus discussion in the circle gatherings, and finally a time to sign up.
*Having enough facilitators opens up the program to increased par:cipa:on in Circles to suit the preferences of preferred days of the week and :mes of day/evening.
WHAT ARE THEY?
Groups of 8-10 people who come together for several weeks or months for at least 90 minutes to connect hearts and minds through deep listening,and abiding by commitment to a shared covenant.
FMI
To express your interest in facilitaUng, selecUng topics, or asking quesUons, contact Lucy Ijams at 207-406-2304 or or Toben
Music Director Update
Hi all,
A few musical opportunities to think about this summer:
- If you are a singer who’d like to join the choir in September, please let me know. We could use more basses in particular. If this is your first time singing in a choir I’m happy to make accommodations necessary to help you feel comfortable—everyone is welcome! Email me at
- I’m encouraging the formation of a small to medium a cappella group focusing on pop and jazz music since I feel that a lot of us already have a natural inclination towards singing in this way. My proposition is that we get together to sing for 30-45 mins following church service every 2nd Sunday of the month. Basic sheet music reading skills are necessary. Let me know if you’re interested at
- Recorder ensemble will continue on the 1st Sunday of every month beginning 10/6 and will continue to include stringed and fretted instruments who’d like to join us for some of our musical content.
- I will be joining the children during worship services to do music every 4th Sunday of the month, for the most part. I will also be staying in the back of the church to encourage and support the formation of small youth-led singing groups on those Sundays following service. Please bring your child to church if they like to sing!
Board of Trustees
Greetings and Welcome to the new Church Year from Louise Gephart on behalf of the UUCB Board of
Trustees. I’m wri8ng this while sitting on my deck, enjoying a glorious August afternoon – the epitome of
summer in Maine. I hope that everyone has had a great summer, and that you’ve had both time to enjoy your
weekends, and the opportunity to experience some of the wonderful summer services provided by our
members and friends. Many thanks to the Worship Committee for organizing and leading this effort. It is no
small task.
Looking forward to the new church year, we will have our annual Homecoming Service on Sunday, September 8. This is always a joyous time when we welcome our minister back from her summer education period and
vacation time, and we greet and welcome each other from our travels, stay-cations, and whatever else we’ve
been doing over the summer. It’s always great to see everyone and renew our excitement and commitment toour belo ved community with our shared mission and vision. The Board invites everyone to get together for a BYO bag lunch picnic on the Brunswick Town Mall after the service. We’ll gather on the mall near the end of Everett Street. Bring your own lunch and drinks; Board members will provide dessert for everyone.
The Board took a brief hiatus in July, and convened on August 22, welcoming new Board members, Nathan Haynes and Joel Austin. Other highlights of our meeting were:
- Receiving an update on the Project South project, which was approved at the Congrega8on’s Annual mee8ng in June. Construction of the additional parking area is to be done in September.
- The Board gave final approval to the updated policy on Co-Sponsoring events with other community groups.
- The Board agreed to lengthen our September mee8ng to have extra 8me to plan and establish goals for the upcoming year.
Board members welcome discussion of ideas and concerns from everyone in our church community. We wear
red ribbons on our name tags, and would enjoy talking with you during Coffee Hour. We look forward to seeing you at Homecoming on September 8.
Church Happenings
Homecoming
Concerts for a Cause
Pousette-Dart Duo
FRIDAY, September 20 at 7:30 pm
The Pousette-Dart Band was a mainstay of album radio, a favorite on the college circuit and became one of the busiest touring groups in the US working with such acts as The Byrds, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, The Eagles, James Taylor, The J. Geils Band, and many more.
Jon Pousette-Dart is back on the road with his longtime fellow bandmate, Jim Chapdelaine on guitar/vocals. As a Duo they perform decades of music from the Capitol years up to the latest solo releases. The Jon Pousette-Dart DUO has become one of the top Country and Folk artists in the 2024 music scene.
Enjoy this special evening of music known by heart by a whole generation while supporting this year’s charities. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Brunswick Area Teen Center and Maine Family Planning.
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $10 Students/Children. Available in August after church services, at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or online at https://ticketstripe.com/pousette.
Please note that this concert is on a FRIDAY, which is a departure from most of the other Concerts for a Cause.
Sally Rogers & Claudia Schmidt
Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 pm
This concert was cancelled last year because of the Lewiston shooting, but we’re excited to have rescheduled them for this year. For decades, Sally and Claudia have been playing at prestigious folk venues around the world and were regulars on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. They are well-known for beautiful harmonies, dulcimer & guitar duets, and a wide repertoire of originals and traditional songs.
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $10 Students/Children. Available in August after church services, at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or online at https://ticketstripe.com/sallyrogers.
Novel Jazz Septet Celebrates Ellington and Strayhorn
SATURDAY, November 23 at 7:30 PM
Novel Jazz Septet, one of Maine’s premiere jazz groups, will perform tunes from the Ellington/Strayhorn repertoire.
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $10 Students/Children. Available after church services, at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or online at https://ticketstripe.com/noveljazz7.
Holiday Fair
WORKING FOR JUSTICE
September’s Charity with Soul
Brunswick Area Teen Center
Program Goal: To provide a safe and free space for young people to socialize, share experiences, explore creative outlets, and grow as individuals.
The program offers a completely free space for teens to be teens. We provide warm meals each day, a calendar full of engaging activities, guided outdoor adventures, access to a huge variety of video games, tons of arts and cards supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, mentorship, and much more! We strive to have a Center that can meet the needs and wants of any teen that walks in our door.
Our program has seen significant growth in the last few years. In the last year alone, we’ve seen a 59% increase in daily attendance and saw over 125 different teens access the Center. As we move into the 2024/25 school year, we expect that number to continue to grow. This past summer we also saw an increase in New Mainers visiting the Center as we were able to offer more transportation options to help them get to and from the Center. We expect to meet even more of them as the school year opens and our summer regulars help us spread the word.
Our relationship with UU Church and its members has been invaluable to us! There isn’t a single teen that comes to the center that hasn’t benefited from the monthly meals, snack deliveries, fundraisers and UU Church volunteers.
It’s this generosity, along with the support of the Town of Brunswick, United Way of Mid Coast Maine and dozens of other community partners that continue to help us serve and feed a growing number of our area’s youth. Thank you!
News from the Teen Center
Contact: Catharine (Cuffy) Chase
After a trial run at Neptune Woods for their Summer Program’s Trail Tuesdays, more trips were on the agenda for the summer.
And finally, their first out of town field trip of the summer! An afternoon was spent at Wolf’s Neck State Park exploring trails and searching for wildlife. The teens were allowed do the navigating for the day and despite a few light disagreements about direction, they managed to safely walk the group through the trails and back to the picnic area for lunch.
The TC also hosted their very own Teen Olympics with more than 20 kids competing over two days in a variety of speed, skill and focus oriented challenges.
After 2 days of intense competition, they headed off on another field trip to Reid State Park to explore everything it had to offer. The kids explored the overlook, had a chance to look through the binoculars, explored the tide pools, hunted for crabs, and hung out at the beach.
The last big field trip on the agenda for the summer is a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath!
Nothing final yet about the move to Coffin School, but the Teen Center is hoping the transition comes soon!
Black Lives Matter
Sacred Ground: Conversations about Race and Racism
Contact: Diane Kew, Last year’s successful experience running three Sacred Ground groups at UUCB has led to the exciting prospect of offering the program again this year!
The Sacred Ground program fosters deep conversations about race and racism. These conversations are designed to raise self-awareness and connect us across our differences to envision a less racist future together. Before each of the eleven sessions–held roughly every three weeks–participants watch videos and read articles exploring
topics about the racial histories and legacies of Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian-American, and Jewish peoples in American society. A typical session allows participants to digest the material within the context of standard US history, providing opportunities for open conversation to deepen our understanding of the impact of racism on
our lives. Click on this curriculum link for session materials.
This year, UUCB is offering two in-person Sacred Ground sessions star8ng in late September. These groups of seven to nine participants will meet approximately every three weeks for one and a half hours and will be led by two trained facilitators. Meeting days and times will be determined in part based on participant input.
Additionally, there will be a ZOOM session coordinated through St. Paul’s Church that will be held from 7-8:30 PM on Tuesdays (9/10, 10/1, 10/22, 11/12,12/3, with following dates TBD with the group members); these sessions will be facilitated by Andree Appel and Myrna Koonce.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Based on survey results collected from last year’s Sacred Ground program partiicipants, this reflective self-enrichment program is worth the time commitment:
- All respondents said their expectations were met, and many said it more than met them: “I learned much more than I expected, particularly about other marginalized groups… The guided discussion in both small groups and as a largegroup gave lots of opportunity for personal reflection.”
- Respondents cited getting to know and learn from others in addition to considering the readings and videos as the most valuable elements of the program
- Asked to rate their satisfaction with the program (1 – low to 5 -high), 88% of respondents gave the experience a 5, with the remainder rating it a 4.
Immigrant Justice
Midcoast New Mainers Group
This summer Midcoast New Mainers Group (MCMNG) resettled two families in Bath. MCNMG is getting requests for reimbursements for college textbooks from students heading off to college. If you are interested in helping to defray the costs of these textbooks, please contact Andree Appel at .
Volunteer opportunities abound at Midcoast New Mainers Group (MCNMG) in the Bath/Brunswick region!
- Job coaches are needed to assist New Mainers with finding jobs, writing resumes, and communicating
with their poten8al employers. If you are interested in working one on one with a new Mainer in
this capacity, please contact Carol Kalajainen at . - Drivers are needed to transport New Mainers to and from English class and medical appointments. The
majority of these rides are in Brunswick or between Bath and Brunswick. If you are interested in
becoming a driver, please contact Faith Barnes at . - Midcoast Literacy is looking for more tutors to read with adults and children. The next training for
tutoring children is September 23, 25, and 27 from 9:00am – 1:00pm at the Midcoast Literacy offices in
Bath. If you are interested in reading with children, please contact Ka8e Clark at. If working with adults is your preference, please contact Diana Krauss at
. The next adult tutor training will be held on October 8, 9, and 10 from 9:00am –
2:00pm at the Midcoast Literacy offices in Bath.
The Little Sparrows Clothing Closet
The LiEle Sparrows Clothing Closet, located at The Nazarene Church at 94 McKeen Street will be opening in
September. On Friday, August 30 from 9:00am-12:00pm or 3:00-6:00pm, they will need volunteers to assist
them in hanging the clothes that have been relocated from Adventist Community Services Clothing Closet on
Union Street to the church. Little Sparrows tentative hours after opening in September are listed below:
- Monday -12:30 to 5:30pm for sor8ng and restocking only with a setup crew coming in an hour before.
- Tuesday – 8:30am-1:30pm for patrons (dona8ons 9-1)
- Wednesday -12:30 to 5:30pm for patrons (dona8ons 1-5) and tear down crew for an hour aUer.
If you are interested in assisting with hanging the clothes on August 30 or volunteering at the clothing closet,
please contact Katya Rogers at (207) 509-4236 or .
Pihcintu Girls Chorus Concert
Saturday, September 28, 2024
at 4:00 pm
Pihcintu Multinational Immigrant and Refugee Girls chorus is coming to perform at UUCB on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 4:00pm. This is a free concert and seating will be on a first come first served basis.
We will be inviting families in the New Mainer Community and are looking for drivers. If you are currently a Midcoast New Mainer Group job coach or SignUp Genius coordinator, or a Midcoast Literacy tutor AND are interested in transporting your New Mainer family or family members to the concert, please contact Faith Barnes at .
Refreshments and unique snacks will be served. For more information about this event, please contact Faith Barnes at .
International Day of Peace
New Maine Peace Education Initiative to be Launched at Common Ground Fair
On Saturday, September 21, the International Day of Peace, there will be a full afternoon of presentations from Maine peace organizations at the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine. The event will begin with a concert by Pihcintu, a multinational girls’ chorus. A flyer with the event schedule is below. For more information, contact Lynn Ellis at .
Peace Activities at the Common Ground Country Fair
on Saturday, September 21
The UN International Day of Peace
and
the Beginning of the Maine Peace Education Initiative
to Build Peace and Prevent War
1:30-2:30 P.M. PIHCINTU MULTINATIONAL GIRLS CHORUS (in the Amphitheater)
Songs of Hope from young women who have experienced the horrors of war
3:00-5:30 P.M. PEACE PRESENTATIONS (in the Social and Political Action Speakers Tent)
- 3:00 – 4:00
Rob Shetterly, peace activist and painter of Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits, will unveil his new portrait of Doug Rawlings, Maine founder of Veterans for Peace (VFP), followed by comments by both Rob and Doug. - 4:00 – 4:30
Rivera Sun, Pace é Bene/Campaign Nonviolence activist and author, will talk about this long-term movement to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence and how arts, creativity, and literature can empower deep change. - 4:30 – 5:00
Josh Kauppila, activist and organizer with the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine, will discuss the lives of unhoused Bangor residents and the impact of defense spending on the ability to meet local social welfare needs. - 5:00 – 5:30
Martha Morrison, a student in World BEYOND War’s Alumni Education Series, will encourage fairgoers to learn how to build peace and avoid future wars by attending peace education offered by Maine’s peacebuilding organizations.
MUUSAN
Workshop – Give Light: Spiritual Support for Climate Engagement
An interactive, muti-faith experience led by Rev. Fred Small
Everyone is Invited
Date: Saturday, September 28th
Time: 10am – 3:00pm
Location: Second Congregational Church, 51 Main St., Newcastle, Maine
Workshop fee: $20 (no one will be turned away for inability to pay)
As we come to understand the gravity of climate disruption, it’s easy to become disheartened. How do we maintain equanimity and compassion for ourselves and others while sustaining engagement? In this interactive program, Rev. Fred Small will invite us into meditation, reflection, conversation, and song, fortifying our spirits and deepening our resolve as we face the climate emergency. The purpose of this heart-centered experience is not to examine climate science, policy options, or activist strategies (important as these are) but to reflect upon our emotional and spiritual response to change and challenge. Participants of all faith traditions and spiritual orientations (or none) are welcome.
Rev. Fred Small is a Unitarian Universalist minister, singer-songwriter, former environmental lawyer, and Minister for Climate JusUce at Arlington Street Church, Boston. Cited by Bill McKibben as “one of the key figures in the religious environmental surge,” Fred led parish ministry in 2015 to devote his energies to organizing, advocacy, and counseling.
Lunch: Bring a bag lunch for a lunch break at noon. Water will be provided.
Registration in advance for the workshop is required, as we have limited space. To register, please contact Workshop Coordinator, Jill Linzee by email at and indicate that you wish to register for the Give Light workshop. Jill will then send you information for how to make advance payment of $20 for the workshop (by check or credit or debit card). Once we receive your $20 payment, you will receive confirmaUon that you are registered for the workshop. If you would like to attend the workshop, but can’t commit to the full Ume, you are welcome to participate in just the morning session (10am – noon). Any questions about the workshop can be directed to Workshop Coordinator, Jill Linzee,
UU the Vote
Contact: Betsy Williams at 978-505-9467
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORTING UU THE VOTE
Get Out The Vote! (GOTV)
This September UUCBers will have multiple opportunities to engage in nonpartisan GOTV efforts across the country. Below, in chronological order, is a listing of already scheduled events. Watch for reminders and new calls to action in This Week at UUCB and the Sunday Green Sheet.
- Support civil rights from home through weekly phone banking for the NC Abortion Rights Interfaith phone bank on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 starting on August 27th. To register, click “UUtheVote Maine 2024” on the home page of MUUSAN.org.
- Join UUs across the state at the MUUSAN Network meeUng on Saturday, September 7th , 10:30 to noon at UUCB (or online). Featured speakers will be followed by postcard wriUng for the NCcampaign. To register go to MUUSAN.org—or just show up!
- Have another cup of coffee and prepare Reclaim Our Vote postcards ader church (11:30-12:30) at UUCB on September 8th, helping people of color exercise their right to vote.
- Email hosts to join these Environmental Voter Project postcarding events. These encourage people who are environmentally oriented to vote consistently.
-
- Nancy Hasenfus (; 207-751-2143). 863 River Road, Brunswick. 9:30-11:30 am on Wednesday, September 11th
- Laurie Manos (; 607-869-5622). 2423 Walden Circle,
Carrabassej Valley. 2-4 pm on Wednesday, September 18th - David and Eva Conwell (). 4 Macmillan Drive
Brunswick ME. 9-11 am on Wednesday, September 25th .
5. UUCBers and friends will be writing letters targeted at working class voters in the key state of Pennsylvania who are hard to reach without going door to door or sending letters. Join us as oden as you can!
-
- Wednesday, September 11 5:00-7:00pm
- Tuesday, September 17 6:00-8:00pm
- Tuesday, September 24 10:00am-1:00pm
- Sunday, September 29 11:15am-2:00pm
6. Finally, The League of Women Voters needs volunteers to distribute 50,000 voter guides throughout Maine. Sign up on their website.
Thanks to our great team of GOTV leaders (Rebecca Wells, Annee Tara and Faith Barnes) for scheduling these events. For ease of communication, please contact Betsy Williams at 978-505-9467 () if you have questions about any of these opportunities.
Everyone who is interested in learning more will be welcome at our 9/7 10:30-noon information (and action!) meeting at UUCB and on Zoom. Contact:
Art Gallery
September Art Show– Barbara Stainman
“EMERGENCE”
Artist Statement – Barbara Stainman
The other day a woman came to my house in Topsham and, soon enough, began contemplating a wall hanging I had completed a while back. It was made of Icelandic sheep locks and felted wool, conceived of as abstract art.
“It’s a horse,” she said.
Sure enough, when I looked again, I could see what she saw, although I had missed it before. I was caught up in lines and shapes, not seeking to create an object.
That’s the beauty of abstraction—what I see is not what others see. Everyone is invited to relate to the art
freely, to see personally, differently, from what the artist intends.
In this show you see a sampling of the mediums I enjoy and the materials I use to create.
First, there’s encaustic, an ancient art-based wax that can hold objects or obscure just enough to hint at
what’s below.
You’ll also find wet-felted wool pieces in which I’ve made use of heat, soap, and friction to make a “fabric,”
with silk and beads adding surface texture and design. I often combine wool roving with my hand-spun yarn,
where imperfection can be an asset!
Oil paint is another medium, with its fluidity and the ability to dry so that I can change my mind.
Finally, I’ve included macro-photography works printed on metal that offer you a close-up view of recycled sari
silk. On another wall, you’ll find photographs of sumi ink sinking in water captured at various stages, making
images that invite contemplation.
The metaphorical thread that joins this work is an exploraUon of “what if?” For example, what if I combine
sumi ink with oil and photograph the result? Or, what if I scrape back layers of encausUc to reveal what’s
underneath and risk ruining what’s there? What if I trust my unconscious to inspire shapes and lines?
It’s a practice based on experimentation. Feel free to touch the art—that’s the idea!
If you have questions or comments, you can reach me at , 303-519-2955, or visit my website, www.barbarastainman.com. I live in Topsham and would be happy to share more with you about felting, photography, or encaustics.
All items are for sale, with 50% of proceeds to be donated to the church.
Deadline for October P arish Messenger
Please send your content to: on or before Saturday, Sept 21st. Thanks!