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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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In the spirit of the Unitarian Universalist value of Generosity, we celebrate our annual Cornbread & Cider Communion and share the joyous gifts of love and friendship. Now more than ever, we remember the sacred gifts of community. (This is an intergenerational service. We look forward to welcoming our children and families throughout the hour.) | |
Upcoming Worship Services | |
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November 17 | 10:00am
We Value: Generosity
Rev. Norman Allen
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November 24 | 10:00am
Come As You Are to Thanks
Rev. Anne Bancroft
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December 1 | 10:00am
To See the Unseen
Rev. Norman Allen
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Join Our Thanksgiving Feast!
November 24 | 11:00 AM | Parish Hall
The Membership Team invites you to a celebration of community, gratitude, and good food! Our Thanksgiving Feast is a First Parish tradition when members and friends gather for a delicious potluck feast of traditional and creative dishes, laughter, and rich conversation. Turkey, tofurkey, potatoes, stuffing and gravy will be provided–we all bring the rest! Whether you're new to our congregation or have been with us for years, we would love to share this special occasion with you.
Sign up here to attend, and let us know what dish you will bring; RSVP by Friday, November 22.
Can you volunteer to help with this event? Sign up here to help out.
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Movie Night for Kids!
Date Night for Parents!
Saturday, November 16 | 5-7:00 pm | Parish Hall
Children are invited to a pizza and movie night at First Parish! We'll have 2 separate screens--one with a Bluey or Peppa Pig marathon and the other will have a full length animated movie for kids. Parents--this is a night of childcare on us. You can head out during the movie time and come back to pick kids up! Please email Molly to RSVP by the end of day of Friday, November 15.
If you don't have children at First Parish, we invite you to help chaperone the movie and spend some time with our wonderful children! Email Molly if you are interested.
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First Parish History Tour
Sunday, November 17 | 11:30am | Meeting House
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. For more information, email Membership Coordinator Laurie Hasty.
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You Can Do Something About Housing!
The State Street Winter Family Shelter will be opening this Monday, Nov. 18. A few more volunteers are needed for the next week.
Log onto the State Street Family Shelter volunteer portal and sign up for an open volunteer opportunity here: https://statestreetchurch.galaxydigital.com/
If you need ANY help getting into or navigating around in the volunteer portal, PLEASE email volunteercoordinatorssc@gmail.com to get help as soon as possible.
Looking ahead: First Parish has pledged to staff the shelter for the week of December 15-21. Will you respond to our urgent need to provide a kitchen for families to cook their dinners and warm beds for sleeping? Need help signing up? Contact Paul (see info below). This Sunday look for Paul, Philip, and Kris at coffee hour to find out how you can join the First Parish volunteer team this winter at the State Street Winter Family Shelter.
First Parish State Street Shelter Team
Kristina Minister (she / her) krisminister@me.com 207-415-8274
Philip Ptacin (he / him) philippatacin@gmail.com 269-317-3594
Paul M. Smith (he / him) psmith@hakins.com 201-961-4377
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Wabanaki Fall Fundraiser!
The Wabanaki Ally Team’s WABANAKI FALL FUNDRAISER continues through Sunday, November 17th. All donations will be used to purchase items, hopefully in bulk, requested to help Wabanaki elders during the winter months: handwarmers, warm non-skid socks and wild rice.
Suggested donations of $25 and $50 (or any amount) will be gratefully received at a sign-up table at Coffee Hour after the Sunday worship service. Items may also be placed in the Wabanaki donations box in the Parish Hall. For more information, please feel free to email or text: Phil Morse (pamorse6@gmail.com, 207-321-9020) or Amy Morse (amyripplemorse@gmail.com, 207-321-8676).
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SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, December 15 at 5pm
NATIVITY PAGEANT and VESPERS
This year we present the 98th anniversary of our historic Nativity Pageant. There is a place in the presentation for everyone from First Parish who wishes to participate in any way. The cast is more than 50 people - adults and children. Backstage crew is also needed setting up the church, preparing the costumes, and assistance during the service. There is only one rehearsal on the morning of Saturday, December 14. Please contact Laurie Hasty (797-5661 or pageant@firstparishportland.org) if you or your family are interested in participating.
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Safety at First Parish
In a recent Letter from the Minister, Rev. Norm shared a short video of safety procedures here at First Parish, linked here and viewable below.
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Flowers are a Living Chalice
Consider donating flowers for the chalice table for Sunday morning service. 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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Ongoing Opportunities at First Parish | |
Volunteer with the Membership Team! | Looking for a fun way to get involved at First Parish? Consider joining the Membership Team! Our friendly team is dedicated to strengthening our church community by organizing a variety of activities that help bring us together. The Membership Team sponsors coffee hour, a Thanksgiving Feast, mentors new members, and coordinates Sunday’s ushers. Volunteer for a single event that sparks your interest or commit to being a full-fledged team member. FMI contact: Mary Wheeler, Membership Team Chair membershipteamchair@firstparishportland.org or Laurie Hasty, Membership Coordinator membership@firstparishportland.org | |
Religious Exploration On Sunday Mornings
A One-And-Done Volunteer Opportunity!
We invite all generations to volunteer, especially people who do not have a child in the program! Some volunteer opportunities are for just one morning, while others (listed under Heart to Art and Children's Chapel) are ongoing. Folx interested in having a deeper connection with the youth at our church, please consider signing up for the ongoing opportunities.
Molly Juhlin, DRE, will share the lesson plan with you and prepare the materials--you can simply show up on the day, ready to assist Molly and have fun! Use the Sign-Up Genius link to register, and check out our Fall Religious Exploration Calendar for more details. If you have trouble registering with Sign-Up Genius, please email Molly (dre@firstparishportland.org) with the date or dates you want to volunteer. We look forward to seeing you at RE!
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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.
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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 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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