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We Commit Ourselves
And Our Resources
To Nurture the Spirit,
Grow in Community,
And Help Heal the World.
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Upcoming Worship Services | |
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Feb. 11 | 10 am
A Covenant Renewed
Rev. Norman Allen
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Feb. 18 | 10 am
Poised at the Crest
Rev. Norman Allen
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Feb. 25 | 10 am
Hymn Sunday
Benjamin Holbrook
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Love at the Center
Unitarian Universalism is on the threshold of a historic moment! At General Assembly this year, delegates from across the country will vote on revisions to Article II of the UUA bylaws, which means changes to our Seven Principles. For the next two Sundays, Rev. Norm and the Article II Task Force – created by our Board of Governors – will share the exciting opportunity this offers to Unitarian Universalists, and the specific call it sends to us as members and friends of First Parish in Portland. Join us at 10am on Sunday to learn more!
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Newcomer Conversation
February 4 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm | Parish House, Upstairs
Welcome to First Parish! Newcomers and visitors to First Parish are invited to chat informally with our Membership Team, upstairs in the Parish House. They can answer your questions about our church's activities and membership process. For more information, please email our Membership Coordinator, Laurie Hasty.
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Child Permissions for Religious Exploration
There is a new, revamped registration form for our Religious Exploration program. Parents and guardians, please fill out this FORM if there is a chance your child may join RE programming on Sundays. This will help us have important health and safety information and make sure we are providing the best programing possible. Hard copies will also be available on Sundays.
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Share Your Joy or Sorrow
Each worship service at First Parish includes a time of Congregational Care when we share the joys and sorrows gathered during the week. To contribute, simply click here and fill in the information. You can include your name or choose to be anonymous. We look forward to hearing from you.
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We Will Not Be Silent – A Community Conversation
This Sunday, February 4, from 2 to 4pm, In It Together will host a “conversation about the state of our lives (and sanity!)” in this time of uncertainty. All are welcome to attend in the Parish Hall, to listen to each other, and to organize for each other. There will be music, poetry, coffee, snacks, and the forging of connections. Rivera Sun - author, activist, and editor of “Nonviolence News” - will join the conversation via Zoom to discuss creative organizing and resistance. Please wear a well-fitting mask to create a welcoming space for vulnerable and immunocompromised folks. Masks will be available.
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Common Read Collaboration!
Join our friends at nearby Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church for a discussion of this year’s Common Read, “On Repentance and Repair,” by Danya Ruttenberg. This is a chance to join the nationwide conversation on this timely topic. Two of the three sessions will be hybrid, one will be Zoom-only. Gatherings begin February 11th. For more information, contact Julie Harrison at [email protected].
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Parking Permit Reminder
Please remember that there is limited parking behind the building and that a permit is required. It’s especially important to leave the area in front of the double doors open. Parking in that space limits accessibility and contradicts our commitment to be a “Church for Every Body.” We appreciate your consideration.
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Support our Religious Exploration (RE) Program!
Are you young at heart? Like arts and crafts, games, or lively conversation with kids? We’d love your help! ! Support the future of First Parish and volunteer with RE on Sunday mornings. Volunteers will assist DRE Molly and youth for a fun Sunday morning. Read more about volunteering here. Email Molly with questions and when you are ready to sign up [email protected].
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Mark your Calendar
First Parish History Tour
March 17 or April 14 | 11:30am – 12:30pm | Meetinghouse
Join Kip Deserres for a guided tour of our meetinghouse and learn the history of our church. Newcomers and current members are all invited to attend either tour.
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Volunteers Needed for
Shelter Immigrant Families
First Parish is committed to supporting State Street Church (UCC) in its care for immigrant families seeking asylum. Our volunteers will staff the shelter at 159 State Street for the weeks of March 24-30 and May 12-18. Each day, one person will work from 6pm to 8:30pm to greet and settle families. Two people will sleep onsite overnight, in case of need. For each of the two weeks, there are a total of 21 positions to fill. (Volunteers will receive clear direction on their simple responsibilities.)
The new facility can shelter up to 24 persons and offers semi private rooms, bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a large modern kitchen, and play areas for children. Thanks to First Parish members Kris Minister and Philip Ptacin for taking the lead on this project! To learn more – or to sign-up for a shift – email Kris at [email protected] or call her at 207-415-8274.
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Ongoing Opportunities at First Parish | |
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Musical Sneak Peek!
Come at 9:40 am on Sundays for a first stab at the morning's hymns. Our Music Director, along with our First Parish Choir, will run through each hymn to allow all in attendance to learn the melody and form. There will be other tips that will give you the confidence to sing out during the service. See you there!
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If you are not feeling well, tested positive for Covid, or have been exposed to Covid, please enjoy Sunday services from the comfort of your own home. Live streaming is easily accessible here. As a reminder, you can order free Covid tests from the government at this link. | |
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Is Stewardship In Your
Long-Term Financial Plans?
Legacy gifts are an important source of lasting support for our church. The Trustees acknowledge these bequests on behalf of a grateful congregation. If you would like to know more about ways you can make a future gift, please email Austin Farrar, President of the Trustees.
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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 a new Chair! If you are a compassionate listener, we would love to meet with you. Please email Laurie Hasty, 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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Getting In Touch
With First Parish
It may take a few days to return phone messages, so email is the best way to reach all First Parish staff. Please remember that Laurie and Benjamin work part-time and may not respond to emails every day. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Rev. Norman Allen
Minister
[email protected]
Katy Moon
Congregational Administrator
[email protected]
Benjamin Holbrook
Music Director
[email protected]
Molly Juhlin
Director of Religious Exploration
[email protected]
Laurie Hasty
Membership Coordinator
[email protected]
Moe Blanchard
Sexton
[email protected]
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