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We Commit Ourselves
And Our Resources
To Nurture the Spirit,
Grow in Community,
And Help Heal the World.
| | Throughout his life, Francis of Assisi blurred the lines that separated people by religion, class, and gender. Part of this Sunday’s state-wide Trans Justice Preach-In, our service concludes a month-long tribute to a religious leader who embodies the First Parish mission to "Nurture the Spirit, Grow in Community, and Help Heal the World." (The offering will be shared with Pink Haven Maine, which assists trans+ people seeking safety and refuge.) | | Upcoming Worship Services | | |
October 25 | 10am
Francis of Assisi: Blurring the Binary (Part of the State-Wide Trans-Justice Preach-In)
Rev. Norman Allen
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November 1 | 10am
To Speak the Truth in Love: The Wisdom of Rev. Sam Longfellow
Rev. Norman Allen
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November 8 | 10am
Common Ground
Rev. Norman Allen
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Rainbow Reflections: An LGBTQ Discussion & Support Group About Faith & Spirituality
October 25 | 11:30 am | Fuller Classroom
Come meet new people of all ages as we share and explore our unique spiritual pathways and seek to heal any wounds of the past. This fun and thought-provoking group provides a safe, confidential space for all LGBTQ community members, including atheists/agnostics, on the final Sunday of each month.
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UUtheVote - Down to the Wire!
Get involved in First Parish Faith-in-Action election efforts! Let Jake Fahey know what events you plan to attend at fiacoordinator@firstparishportland.org.
Tuesday Oct 27 - Phonebank Get out the CARE Vote with Maine Women's Lobby and First Parish community
4:30-6pm At Coffee By Design in Portland | learn more and sign up here
Connect with Aura Russell-Bedder for First Parish community and carpooling for either or both CARE Vote events: arussellbedder@gmail.com
You can sign up for other canvass and phonebank efforts through the Maine Women's Lobby website here.
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Wabanaki Fall Fundraiser Continues
The Wabanaki Ally Team (WAT) is excited to announce that their fall fundraiser for Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (WPHW) is off to a great start, raising over $300 on Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend!
Please join them in collecting funds for Wabanaki elders and Wabanaki youth. WPHW has requested donations for specific items to keep their elders safe in their homes and also for items their youth have requested.
Come by their Parish Hall table after the service to see examples requested by our Wabanaki partners and to offer what donations you can to help. The WAT is happy to accept cash, check and credit card contributions in this annual fall fundraiser for our Wabanaki partners.
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Make a Ripple at First Parish
Spending a morning as a volunteer in RE is not babysitting. It builds community with very young Unitarian Universalists, who are growing up with our beautiful values, and it gives parents and caregivers a moment to nurture their spirit for an hour of worship. The ripple of RE extends well beyond 11 am--plus, it's fun! Sign up to volunteer HERE.
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Fall Feast Dinners
Fall Feast Dinners provide First Parish friends the opportunity to join together in a small group setting, share a meal, and raise funds for First Parish. You can sign up during Sunday coffee hour. Dinner guests are asked to make a donation to First Parish (suggested amount: $35). Donations may be made by cash, check, or credit card at the registration table during coffee hour or online on the First Parish website donation page. For more information or if you would be willing to host a dinner this year, please contact John Schaberg at john@2jbergs.com.
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Unitarian Universalism
History & Theology
October 29 or February 25, 6:00-8:00pm
or April 11, 12:00-2:00pm
Community Room
Join Rev. Norm for a two-hour seminar exploring Unitarian Universalist history and theology. We'll enjoy short readings from across the centuries, then enter into discussion about how those readings speak to us today. This class is especially important for those looking to join First Parish. Register HERE.
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Music Ministry Shines This Sunday
This Sunday’s service, "Francis of Assisi: Blurring the Binary"—part of the State-Wide Trans-Justice Preach-In—explores the power of living authentically beyond rigid boundaries and stepping fully into a deeper, shared covenant. Our music ministry this week moves through this journey in two complementary pieces: first, with "How Did You Feel?", an intimate expression of the deep vulnerability and different kind of fear involved in coming out as transgender; followed by "We Are Strong", a triumphant affirmation of the collective power found when the diverse spectrum of identities come together in community and mutual support. The music honors both the quiet courage required to honor one's individual truth and the transformative strength created when we show up for each other without exception.
If you're interested in participating in the Choir, please reach out our Music Director, Benjamin Holbrook (musicdirector@firstparishportland.org) or our Music Chair, Tony Lacertosa (music@firstparishportland.org). Many of the songs we perform, along with a wide selection of your favorite hymns, can be found in the UU virtual hymnal, Sing Out Love. For access and more information, please reach out to Ian Murray at virtualhymnal@firstparishportland.org.
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Save the Date: Stone Soup Sunday
November 1 | 9-10am | Community Room
We are making Stone Soup for our first special RE event on Sunday, November 1! Families are invited to bring one chopped vegetable from home to add to our Stone Soup. RE Staff and Volunteers will be with the kids prepping the soup and playing games, while parents and caregivers can take a moment to chat. We’ll have coffee and healthy-ish breakfast snacks to balance Halloween candy intake from the day before. The soup will simmer all morning and be served at coffee hour. Come nurture your spirit and grow in community! Please RSVP to Molly if you can join us!
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Trans Justice Vision Goal Opportunities
Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church is partnering with Pink Haven Maine and the Equality Community Center to sponsor the 2026 Trans Faith & Justice Weekend. This educational opportunity is aimed at advancing support for trans justice in and beyond our UU congregations. Join in-person at events in Portland on Friday, October 23th and Saturday, October 24th.
The schedule, details, resources, and contact information can be found on the 2026 Trans Faith & Justice Program Calendar & Details.
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Election Eve Vigil
Monday, Nov. 2 | 5-6pm
Stop by the Meeting House at any time during this hour of sacred silence and gentle music. It's an opportunity to rest in a welcoming, non-partisan, media-free space. You’re invited to light a candle, say a prayer, or simply breathe together in loving community. Recalling the words of 14th Century mystic Julian of Norwich, we’ll rest in the knowledge that “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
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New Chalice Group: Outliving The Body
A new chalice group is seeking members interested in understanding and coping with issues such as disease, disability, and old age. We will begin by gathering virtually once a month to share our concerns.
To sign up email Kris Minister at krisminister@me.com.
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Save the Date: Nativity Pageant 100th Anniversary
Sunday, December 13 | 5pm | Meeting House
Join us for this special candlelit celebration! If you are interested in participating in the cast or crew, please contact Pageant Coordinator, Laurie Hasty (pageant@firstparishportland.org).
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Flowers are a Living Chalice
Consider donating flowers for the chalice table for Sunday morning services. Instructions are on the sign up sheet posted by the stairs in the Parish Hall. You may dedicate your donation as a memorial or to honor an event such as an anniversary. For more information, please contact Elissa Armstrong or phone 207-761-1704.
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Join Weekly Protests
Saturday at 11am!
Gather in Monument Square with the First Parish community and others to speak up for justice and democracy. Enjoy music and bear witness on our open mic.
To get involved and for more information, email Angus Ferguson HERE.
| | Moments in First Parish History | | |
One-and-Done Volunteer Opportunity
Bring Food for Coffee Hour!
Did you know that the delicious snacks we enjoy during coffee hour are donated by community members every Sunday? Bringing snacks for Coffee Hour is a great way to contribute to the First Parish community. Snacks can be as simple as a bunch of grapes or a pack of store-bought cookies (of course, you can get as creative as you want!). All contributions are greatly appreciated. No need to sign up; just drop your items off in the Parish Hall before the service on any Sunday.
The Membership Team is also looking for occasional volunteers to help set up Coffee Hour. This means arriving at 9:30 on a Sunday of your choice. To sign up, contact the Membership Team Chair.
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Large Print Hymnals Available During Services
Large Print Hymnals (teal and gray) are available at First Parish for anyone who would benefit from using them during services. They are at the back bench to your right as you enter the Meeting House from the Congress Street entrance. Feel free to ask ushers for assistance wherever you enter the building.
| | Ongoing Opportunities at First Parish | | |
Security Review
Please review this brief video from Rev. Norm about how to respond in the highly unlikely event of an active shooter on the property. Our Trustees have been working hard to increase security measures throughout the building. Please be sure to thank them for their efforts!
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Volunteer with Religious Exploration!
We are thrilled to welcome kids back to Religious Exploration. With the new program year, it's time to sign up to volunteer. Religious Exploration simply cannot run without volunteer support from the community. Please note, the sign-up process looks a little different this year as we are adding a background check. Once you've completed that process you're all set to volunteer for the year AND former State Street Shelter volunteers are grandfathered in with your previous background checks! Thank you for taking this extra step as we come into alignment with best practices as outlined by the UUA! Sign up to volunteer HERE.
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Make Use of Member Resources!
If you're a First Parish member, the Member Resources page on the website has helpful links for all things First Parish. From getting events into the eNews to volunteering at First Parish to diving into Faith in Action opportunities, the Member Resources page is here for you! If you're looking to book spaces for First Parish-related activites, fill out this form. For support with FP’s Google Workspace environment, please contact google@firstparishportland.org.
| | MUUSAN’s Weekly Action Points call for contacting legislators to support three key climate bills heading to floor votes this week, prepare for upcoming action on immigrant justice and Wabanaki sovereignty legislation, and urge the Governor and Appropriations Committee to fund LD 1474 to strengthen Wabanaki Studies in Maine schools. | | |
Chalice Groups at First Parish - The gift of spiritual connection
These tumultuous times call for action but they also call for self-care. Chalice Groups provide some of the spiritual sustenance we need to help heal the world.
Chalice Groups are close-knit groups of five to ten people. They meet once a month to create a sacred space for conversation that is supportive and confidential. Chalice Group members practice deep listening, develop deep connections, and learn and grow together.
For more information, contact the Chalice Group Coordinator at chalice@firstparishportland.org or visit https://firstparishportland.org/get-involved/chalice-groups/.
| | If you are not feeling well, tested positive for Covid, or have been exposed to Covid, please stay home! | | |
Is Stewardship Part Of Your
Long-Term Financial Planning?
Remembering First Parish in your long-term financial and estate plans helps ensure the on-going well-being of our church. Please consider a bequest to First Parish in Portland as you undertake your charitable and end-of-life planning. Our Trustees accept all bequests on behalf of a grateful congregation and are the fiduciaries responsible for ensuring that your gifts to the church are held in trust and used to support the church’s good work. There are many ways to make legacy gifts to First Parish. If you would like to know more, please email Austin Farrar, Chair of the Trustees at TrusteesChair@FirstParishPortland.org.
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Pastoral Care Needs
If you wish to speak in confidence with a member of the Pastoral Care Team, please send an email to the office and a member will get back to you as soon as possible. The Pastoral Care Team is also recruiting additional members! If you are a compassionate listener, we would love to meet with you. Please email Drea Michaud, PCT Chair, if you are interested!
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What's Going On
Within The UUA?
If you are interested in learning about what is happening within the UUA, check out these regional and national websites!
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