We Commit Ourselves
And Our Resources
To Nurture the Spirit,
Grow in Community,
And Help Heal the World.
|
|
Worship Service:
Sunday
May 15th
10:00 am
Something Spiritual
Rev. Elaine Peresluha
|
|
Upcoming Worship Services
|
|
May 22 | 10 am
Youth Bridging
Rev. Elaine Peresluha &
Toben Cooney-Callnan
|
|
May 29 | 10 am
Portland History &
The Economics of African Enslavement
Seth Goldstein
|
|
June 5 | 10 am
Appreciating What Is
Rev. Elaine Peresluha
|
|
Welcome To Our New Members!
We are so excited that three people signed the historic Membership Book recently and joined First Parish! This week, let us introduce you to Patricia Washburn, a writer and cyber-security analyst who lives in Bayside. She has spent many years as a priestess and teacher in Maine's Wiccan and Pagan community, including helping to found the Maine Pagan Clergy Association. She was elected to the Portland Charter Commission in 2021 and was a founding member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Maine Democratic Party. She is the author of Self-Care for Cats, and her interests include history, music, books, politics, disability advocacy, and chocolate.
|
|
Newcomer Conversation
May 15 | 11 am-12 pm | Parish Hall
Newcomers and visitors to First Parish are invited to chat informally with Rev. Elaine to learn more about what makes this church unique. Join us in the Parish House following the worship service. We look forward to meeting you! For more information, please email Laurie Hasty, Membership Coordinator.
|
|
Music Program Discussion
May 15th & 22nd | 11 am - 12 pm | Upstairs Classroom
Do you have thoughts about our Music Program? As First Parish begins the search process for a permanent Music Director, we'd value input from our congregation. For the next two Sundays following the church service, members are invited to join a discussion group to share ideas, thoughts and hopes about our Music Program. If you are unable to attend in-person but have ideas to share, please email Brenda Franey.
|
|
Successful Charity Concert
For Grace-Street Ministry
|
|
Thank you to Mark Belanger and Susan Levine for their wonderful music on May 6th! We had a few guests come out to enjoy the music, and we even had a special performance by our very own, Jeff Logan and his daughter Maddie. Thanks to all who donated and attended! |
|
Can You Help Asylum Seekers?
Members of the choir have recently adopted 5 new asylum seekers from Angola. Two are temporarily housed at Francesca and Phil Steele’s home so they needn’t remain in a homeless shelter. We are reaching out to our congregation with various requests - the most important being an apartment or house for all 5 or a combination of 2 and 3 that they can permanently rent. For more information on how you can help, please click here. Please email Francesca if you can help!
|
|
Stewardship 2022
The Future is UUs
Yes, the Stewardship drive has passed the $200,000 mark in pledges for the 2022-23 fiscal year! That’s great news, but we haven’t reached our goal of $230,000 yet. As we set our financial priorities for the coming year, our Stewardship commitment will impact our planning. If you have not yet made your Stewardship pledge, it’s not too late and there are several easy ways to make your commitment to the future of First Parish: online, by mail, or drop off your pledge card at church on Sunday. For assistance or if you have questions, please email Susan Cook, Stewardship Chair.
|
|
Wabanaki Ally Team Meeting
May 19th | 5-6 pm | Zoom
Want to spend time in community with fun, passionate individuals dedicated to supporting Wabanaki issues? We invite you to check out the next Wabanaki Ally Team meeting! Please email Jean Fahey for the Zoom link.
|
|
Information From The
Covid Advisory Group
Unfortunately, Covid is still here and cases are increasing in Cumberland County. For this reason, we will continue to require masks during all worship services and other meetings in the church. As a reminder, we also are requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated and social distance when inside. Please stay home if you feel sick, have Covid, or if someone in your household has Covid. We want to keep everyone safe while continuing to gather as a community. All services will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person. This policy is reviewed regularly. For questions or more information, please email Rev. Elaine.
|
|
Personal Care Kits
For People
Experiencing Homelessness!
First Parish is collecting personal care kits for those experiencing homelessness in Portland! If you would like to donate a personal care kit, click here for some ideas of items to include. Please email Hannah at the office to learn more or to schedule a time to drop off kit(s). Thank you!
|
|
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 newsletters!
|
|
Pastoral Care Needs
If you wish to speak confidentially with a member of the Pastoral Care Team following our streaming services on Sundays, please send an email to team leader Judy Micoleau and a member will get back to you as soon as possible.
|
|
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 keep in mind that Toben and Laurie work part-time, and will return messages when they are able. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Rev. Elaine Peresluha
Interim Minister
Hannah Gilman
Congregational Administrator
Toben Cooney-Callnan
Director of Faith Formation
Laurie Hasty
Membership Coordinator
Moe Blanchard
Sexton
|
|
Ongoing Meetings & Resources
|
|
425 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-773-5747
Nurture the Spirit, Grow in Community,
and Help Heal the World
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
