WEEKLY UPDATE | FEBRUARY 25, 2026

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SUNDAY SERVICE

March 1, 2026 | 10:00am

"The Wave Remembers the Ocean"

Rev. Chris Scheller, Worship Leader



This Sunday, as our Muslim neighbors observe the holy month of Ramadan — a season of surrender, fasting, and devotion — we draw on Sufi and other mystical wisdom to explore what it means to let go and say yes to something larger than ourselves. What can the practice of surrender teach us as a faith community in challenging times?

Worship with us on Facebook Live on Sunday.

Join our livestream of the service by clicking the button at left.

Each Sunday we rely on volunteers to help the service and Fellowship Hour run smoothly. Can you help? Use the button at left to sign up for any future Sunday... and THANK YOU!

We could use some help this Sunday. Sign up if you are able!

A Message from Rev. Chris

I hope this finds you safe and warm and recovered if you had to be out shoveling snow from this past storm! I am grateful for the time I spent on vacation with my family, and glad to be returning to church life and to the work we share together.


As many of you know, Rev. Vicki's sabbatical has two segments. The first ran through the fall, and now, as I step back in, Rev. Vicki is stepping out into her second sabbatical segment. As she shared last week in the newsletter, she will be away through the spring and back with us at the very end of May.


The sabbatical is an opportunity for all of us to share more fully in the ministry of this church. I'll be serving in an expanded role again, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. But remember, we also need your help! Our Sunday morning life depends on volunteers — ushers, greeters, worship associates, camera operators, nursery care providers, teachers, and fellowship hour hosts. Please check the existing signups and add your name where you can. 


We have a lot of great things coming up on the calendar this spring. I look forward to seeing you in church soon,


Rev. Chris

This Sunday in Faith Development

Children and youth will start in the Skylight Room this Sunday, and Bruce Orr will be leading a printmaking session to make cards of kindness for the guests of My Brother's Table, as part of our Hearts & Arts series. The nursery will be open as usual.

A Message from The Board

Deadline extended to Friday!

UUCGL Congregational Survey

As we continue developing our Transition Plan, the Board of Trustees wants to be sure we understand and meet the needs of our congregation. To help guide this work, we’re beginning with a brief survey to identify what matters most to you.


Please take a few minutes to complete it by the end of the day Friday, 2/27. If you’re open to further conversation, you may add your name; otherwise, your responses will remain anonymous.


Thank you for sharing your perspective. Your feedback is essential and deeply appreciated!

CLICK TO TAKE THE

SURVEY NOW

(https://tinyurl.com/UUCGLsurvey)

Volunteers Wanted

Your Voice. Your Energy. Your Help. We Need Them.

The pledge drive is one of the most important things we do together each year. It’s how we sustain UUCGL — not just financially, but spiritually and communally. We’re looking for people who love this community and want to help propel it into the year ahead...is it you?


This is a short, six‑week effort, but it shapes the entire year ahead. You won’t be doing it alone — there’s experience to lean on but also the chance to bring your own ideas to the table.


If you can help, or even if you’re just considering it, please reach out to any Board member about it or send an email. Your help truly matters!

Reminder

Building Access

Please arrive on time for all programs as we are practicing tighter security and locking doors. We don’t want to leave anyone out in the cold!

Beyond the Name Badge:

Getting To Know One Another

Suzanne Forgione

UUCGL member for 19 years


"One of my best memories at UUCGL is the fabulous holiday parties that we hosted at My Brother’s Table for years before the pandemic. These were big events that involved nearly everyone from the church, whether baking desserts or serving the 200 people who attended. The day began early, with people peeling almost 100 pounds of potatoes for the famous mashed potatoes made by hand. Entire families put this event on their holiday calendars. And we did it with such flair! Guests were served shrimp cocktail while in line and serenaded by classical cello or guitar music. Everyone received gifts at the end of the dinner. We would be tired at the end of the day, but we felt it was one of the most meaningful holiday experiences we could have. I think that the church best fosters a sense of community when it engages us in working together for the larger community. I feel that the meal prep for My Brother’s Table is a great way that we can engage in helping the world while enjoying time together."

Featured UUCGL Programming & Events

To see more dates and gatherings, check out our website Calendar Page

↓↓↓ SCROLL DOWN TO REGISTER FOR FERRY BEACH! ↓↓↓

Hearts & Arts for Youth:

Sunday Art Adventures to Benefit the Local Community

Sunday, March 1 | 10-11 | Skylight Room


Youth of all ages through high school are invited to join local artist Bruce Orr for hands-on art projects on select Sunday mornings! In this exciting program offering, youth are invited to put compassion into action through creative projects. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity! Bring friends and spread the word to any local youth (printable flyer here). All materials provided. 


Upcoming Sessions (10-11am in the Skylight Room):

MAR 1 – Printmaking: Cards for My Brother's Table

MAR 15 – Eco-Mosaic Portraits: 3D Self-Portraits from Reclaimed Materials

APR 12 – Zine-Making: Creating a Handmade Book of UU Values for Our Community

MAY 3 – Memory Cards: Designing a Card Game Where Everyone's Voice Matters

MAY 10 – Mother's Day Accordion Books: Surprise Messages of Love

NOW AT UUCGL EVERY 2 MONTHS!

Sound Healing

Sunday, March 15 | 2-4pm | Sanctuary


In these turbulent times, many of us could use some self-care. Did you know that sound has the power to shift your nervous system from stress to deep relaxation? When you experience a sound bath, your brainwaves slow down, your body releases tension, and you enter a state of healing. Please join us for this voyage into profound relaxation. The session will be facilitated by sound therapist Joe Hayes. MORE HERE.

(Payment options include online, or by cash/check delivered to our office at least 2 days before the event. Either way, be sure to register now to save your spot!)

Climate Change in New England — One of the World’s Fastest Warming Regions

Monday, March 16 | 6:30pm


New England is warming faster—and losing its snow cover more quickly—than global averages. Rising seas, intensifying droughts, and severe flooding are no longer distant possibilities; they’re emerging across our region right now. Yes, we’ll still see those classic bitter winters and heavy snowfalls, but they’re becoming fewer and farther between.


Join us for an eye‑opening presentation with UUCGL member and climate researcher Professor Stephen Young, who will break down the changes already reshaping New England, the science behind these shifts, and what the future may hold for our communities, landscapes, and seasons.


This talk draws from Professor Young’s latest publication in the journal Climate (December 2025), co‑authored with his son, Joshua Young.


This free event is co‑sponsored by the Swampscott Conservancy—save the date and register now for this presentation you won’t want to miss!

Community Conversations

Sunday, March 22 | 11:30* | Skylight Room


On every 4th Sunday of the month, your UUCGL Board holds Community Conversations after the service. Come to learn, ask questions, and share your thoughts as we discuss the important issues facing the future of our community.

*As always, we will start approximately 15 minutes after the Sunday Service is finished. Please grab a drink and snack and join us in the Skylight room.

Pondside Chorus: A Vernal Pool Experience

Monday, April 13 | 6:30-8pm | Parish Hall



On warm, rainy spring days, the forest comes alive with mysterious calls. Are they birds? Bugs? Frogs? Something else entirely? Come find out at a free, family‑friendly adventure into the world of vernal ponds — the temporary wetlands that burst with life each spring, including right here in the woods surrounding UUCGL!


🎥 We’ll start with a short film by the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, filmed entirely on Cape Ann, introducing the secret ecology of these seasonal pools.


🐸 Then meet Rick Roth, who will share why vernal pond protection matters — plus you’ll get to see live frogs, salamanders, and other critters up close.


🌲 Afterward, we’ll head outdoors for a guided walk to a certified vernal pool in the woods around the church to experience the spring chorus for yourself.


Find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/pondpeepers 

Perfect for kids, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the sounds of spring.

Free for everyone—bring friends! But please don't forget to register.

Co-sponsored by The Swampscott Conservancy. 

Annual All-Church Weekend Retreat at Ferry Beach

April 24 (evening)-April 26 | Saco, ME


REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for our Annual All-Church, All-Ages Retreat at Ferry Beach! Please note that while registration will remain open until April 10th, rooms to accommodate accessibility needs or additional privacy are limited. If you require an accessible or private room, we encourage you to register as soon as possible. Questions? Please reach out to Rev. Chris or to Eileen.

Spend a cozy, relaxing weekend with community enjoying casual conversation, fun activities, healthy & delicious food, and good coffee. There's something for everyone at Ferry Beach, including a sand volleyball court, two playgrounds, a fire pit, an outdoor chapel, and of course, the beach! 

Recurring Group Meetings and Programs

Use the links below or contact the church for more information. All are welcome!

Room Map

Website Calendar Page

Adult Programs Page

Children & Youth (preK-12th graders)

Sunday Mornings, Sept.-June

Choir

Most Thursday evenings

Church History Ministry Team

2nd Sunday of the month

Community Conversations

4th Sunday of the month

Dialogue Group

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month

Drumagic Drum Circle

2nd Sunday of the month

Dungeons and Dragons

Every other Sunday (see calendar)

Family History Group

2nd Tuesday of the month

Native Plant Gardening Group

Meeting dates vary (see calendar)

On Tyranny: From Knowledge to Action

[Future meeting dates TBD]

Plant-Based Cooking Group

1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month

Qigong Classes

Weekly on Tuesday mornings

Saturday Craft Circle

1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month

Sunday Evening Meditations

2nd & 4th Sundays

Sound Healing

3rd Sundays, every other month

Tai Chi Classes (Beginner)

Weekly on Tuesday mornings

Tai Chi Classes (Advanced)

Weekly on Sunday afternoons

Wisdom Circle

2nd Tuesday of the month

Youth Group (9th-12th graders)

Most 2nd & 4th Sundays

Are you following UUCGL on Facebook? Check out our Facebook page and hit the "follow" button to see what’s going on at UUCGL and around our area!

UUCGL Resources

Items for the Weekly Update

Send your info to Mary at mkgualtieri@uucgl.org.

Stay Connected with UUCGL

Visit our Staff Directory HERE to contact any of us. We're here for you!

UUCGL Board of Trustees 2025-2026

Follow this link to meet the board.

Our Website

Looking for information or seeking support from the church and don't know where to start? Head over to the Members Page of our website. Here you can find connections to almost everything going on at UUCGL. Check it out!

Name Buttons

If you are new to the congregation and would like a name badge, or if you need yours replaced, simply email Misha and she'd be happy to make one for you.

Member Portal

Members of UUCGL may contact the office or any member of the staff to obtain the password to our member portal, as we change it periodically.

End of Life and Memorial Service Planning Form

We encourage everyone to complete this form at your earliest convenience. It’s a simple but deeply caring act that helps your loved ones and your ministers know your wishes. Access it at uucgl.org/planning or pick up a paper copy in the office.

NOTE: most questions are optional. Feel free to fill in only what is comfortable for you. All information will be kept confidential.

Financial Matters

Pledge Payments and Donations

HERE are three easy ways to make a donation to the church. Please indicate whether your payment is toward your pledge or for another purpose. Thank you for your support!

Visit Us

Sunday Schedule

Worship & Children's Ministry: 10am

Fellowship Hour: 11am



101 Forest Avenue, Swampscott

(781) 595-8836

Visit our website, follow us on Facebook, or view sermons on YouTube!

We are a Welcoming Congregation. 🏳️‍🌈

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