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MAINE FARM SUPPER
Saturday, May 18th, 5-7 pm
Pulled pork or vegan version with smoky BBQ sauce, cornbread, cole slaw, beans, and rhubarb crisp a la mode. $12 adults, $8 children under 8.
Tickets at Rosemont, Royal Bean, and at the door.
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Heart in Hand: Our 4th Annual AUCTION ~ A Success!
We brought in $10,000 ~ $1,000 for our Senior Youth, and over $8,000 for church operations (after costs). The energy in the room was electric, and the bidding was generous! If you weren't there Saturday, ask one of us about this splendid event, and plan to attend next spring!
Thank you to all who participated ~ donors, bidders, musicians, cooks, helpers, the organizing team (Jane Cleaves, Ben Tupper, Lisa Williams, Sarah Witte, Tom Carlisle), the generous donors to our "pot o' gold", and Rosemont's wine tasting.
I'm filled with gratitude for each of you and this beloved community ~ Marge Titcomb
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Channels Newsletter
May 3, 2013
Mission Statement for the
First Universalist Church of Yarmouth
Connected by Unitarian-Universalist principles,
We join hands in open-minded and caring community
To support spiritual exploration and growth,
To celebrate and honor life's journey,
And to inspire engagement in an evolving world.
Check out our WEBSITE.
"We are a Welcoming Congregation"
CHANNELS Newsletter Table of Contents
1. Worship
2. Programs
a. Religious Exploration
b. Faith-in-Action
c. Denominational Connections
d. Church Library
3. Member Services
4. From the Board
7. Blog Links
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Altars Everywhere: I Believe ~ presented by members
of the Sr. Youth Group of First Universalist Church
 Join us in exploring our particular Unitarian Universalist theology through the many influences that shape our faith. Rather than trying to answer the creedal question "What do we believe in common?" we will explore the Rev. Rebecca Ann Parker's covenantal questions, "What spiritual hopes do we share? What shall we promise to one another and to Source as we try to live together toward our hopes? How shall we then try to treat one another?
March 31 - Easter through the influence of the Transcendentalists
April 7 - Our Interdependent Web
April 14 - Religious Humanism
April 21 - Guest Preacher Lyn Betz - Faith in a Seed
April 28 - Out of the Flames - Unitarianism, Liberation Theology, and beyond
How to find your minister:
Rev. Jennifer Emrich holds office hours Sunday - Tuesday
and on Thursdays. Please call or email to make an appointment.
If you are experiencing a crisis, including needing a hospital visit, you may call her on her cellphone: 207/356.1467 any time.
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Sanctuary is...
... A place to be safe, a place to explore spirit, a place to share... and so much more. It is a sacred space. The Worship Council seeks to preserve and protect our beloved sanctuary -- and all it can be -- with a few basic requests:
1. Please refrain from taking photographs (flash or otherwise) during the Worship Service unless special arrangements have been made with the Minister and Worship leaders.
2. Please do not bring food or drink (including tea, juice, or coffee) into this space. Water is fine.
Many blessings!
Sarah Witte, Nancy Read, Steve Thomas, Kate Connelly, Briana Robillard, and Brenda McKee
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Religious Exploration
WRITING YOUR SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Who am I? Where do I come from, spiritually speaking? What has made me the person I am today? How can I find words to describe my deepest experiences and beliefs?
In five sessions we will explore and share these areas of very personal interest. Our meetings will focus on: childhood, adolescence, a friend/mentor/guide, and a roadmap of one's spiritual journey. We will discuss the course on the first night, and then at each gathering we will read aloud what we have written (1-2 pages) on the focus area for that week.
The course is based on a book by Dan Wakefield but you do not need to buy or read it. Wakefield says that the most important qualities we bring to this work are: respect for the individuality and worth of each participant; humility before the awesomeness of each person's life process; and appreciation for the gift of sharing it. Sounds so UU! We did this course here in 1997, and the time has come to offer it again. It's also a natural follow-up to the UU Theology class which Reverend Jennifer just completed with about 15 people.
We will begin the week of May 20th and finish the week of June 17th, with evening meetings, exact dates to be chosen by participants. Space is limited to 10 people who must commit to the full five sessions. If you are interested, please email me, sign up at the office, or see me at church. If there are enough interested persons, we'll see if we can create two groups. TBD!
Sarah Witte sarahcoffinwitte@gmail.com
(New Support Group for Parents of Challenging Children offered in Yarmouth, FMI click here)
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Faith in Action
Half-Plate:
This month our half plate will be dedicated to our Partner Church in Gyepes Romania. We will be offering the 3-day overnight summer camp, with a focus on art, and other projects requested by our village partners. These funds will all go directly to Gyepes, for camper food and other projects supplies. Your generosity in supporting this valuable work of our Partner Church Committee is very much appreciated.
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Maine Citizens for Clean Elections
(BJ McCollister of MCCE) has asked those of us who can to attend the Monday, May 6 at 10AM public hearings of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee as they listen to us, the people, address elections here in Maine.
There are 4 bills- a link to the text of each is included in the LD number:
An Act To Increase Transparency in Reporting of Party Committees, Political Action Committees and Ballot Question CommitteesRep. Carey of Lewiston ~ LD 1271An Act To Amend Campaign Finance Laws ~ LD 1299An Act To Strengthen the Maine Clean Election ActSen. Youngblood of Penobscot ~ LD 1309An Act To Establish a Nonpartisan Primary and a Presidential Primary Election System and Instant Run-off Voting for State and Federal CandidatesRep. Rykerson of Kittery ~ LD 1422
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The Furniture Center is collecting furniture -
on May 11th - to help meet the basic household needs of eligible newly housed residents of the Portland area. To arrange a pickup, call 200-7796. Most needed: mattresses, box springs, bed frames, dressers, lamps, night stands, kitchen tables & chairs, couches, loveseats, coffee tables, end tables, arm chairs, stand-alone metal and plastic shelving units, book shelves, wood desks. Sorry, but we cannot accept: sleeper sofas, armoires, large appliances, vacuums, curtains, king-size mattresses, self-assembled desks, books, children's items, electronics, particle board furniture, clothing, rugs, entertainment units.
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3. Member Services
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LIVING EARTH LANDSCAPE: Update
Thank you everyone for your great suggestions! The whole long list is posted in the Gathering Room. From it we will be selecting plants that suit our soil, sunny orientation, and which get along together. We're preferring native plants because of their place in the ecosystem (they feed the bugs and the bugs feed the birds and everything stays in check), and we'll try to avoid those that are too invasive or hostile (prickly!) to gardeners and visitors. We're keen to make the garden especially interactive and appealing to the children.
Our idea is to set out an annual garden this year and start just a few perennial herbs and flowers. We'll keep the ground covered with mulch to get a good living soil going underneath, and start planting perennials, like small trees and shrubs in the fall or spring (that would be after a winter green manure cover crop). This gives us time to re-imagine this space and put a lot of thought and research into a plan that will be interesting and beautiful all year round.
For now we're planning a sunflower and 3 sisters garden to grow tall by the church steps. This should be looking fabulous right through the fall. And, surrounding the sign out front, a mix of bright flowers (Coneflower, rudbeckia, milkweed, bee balm, zinnia, dill, poppies, millet), with a small raised bed for edibles (lemon balm, stevia, miner's lettuce, nasturtium, and some gherkins, sweet peas and morning glories to climb over our playhouse. Maybe we can have flowers and strawberries for the Clamfest (:
We are looking for donations of:
* Wooden birdhouses for the children to paint - we would put them on poles in the garden ($70 would buy a whole set)
* Small plastic pots for starting seeds
* Skinny saplings (1/2 to 2" diameter) to use for making tipis, bird box poles and a small play house. The children will help build this. (Do you have a patch you would like cleared or thinned?)
* A bird bath or low shallow garden dish
* Bird feeder? Bird seed?
* Milkweed plants (when it's warm enough to plant them) and a stevia plant
* A new hose, timer unit and a good sprinkler
* An animal proof compost or worm bin
* Scarlet runner pole s bean seeds (or others but hummingbirds adore the scarlet
flowers)
* Sweet Pea, Nasturtium and Morning Glory seeds
Thank you! Please let us know how you would like to be involved.
The AD HOC UU GARDENING GROUP: Briana Robillard, Cindy Guernsey, Sarah Witte, Nate Henninger & Toby Ansfield Contact Briana: ball_briana@hotmail.com
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MFS seeks RHUBARB DONATIONS
Calling all you backyard gardeners! The next Maine Farm Supper is on May 18th... (pulled pork, yum yum). Who would like to bring an armload of rhubarb to church the week of May 12th for our fab rhubarb crisp a la mode? Please write to Becki Schreiber at
becki_schreiber@yarmouth schools.org
THANKS!
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URGENT! SUMMER SIGN-UPS NEEDED!
More chances to be part of our church's partnership with the
PREBLE ST. RESOURCE CENTERin Portland.
Hunger doesn't take a summer vacation. Volunteers are needed to fulfill our ongoing commitment to serve dinner at the PREBLE ST. RESOURCE CENTER on the first Tuesday of every month! This includes June, July, and August.
This is not only a chance to be of service to those who are less fortunate, but to do something for ourselves as well. Joining together, we can make new friends, and deepen our commitment to UU values
The job does not include bringing food, but reporting for duty at 4:30 and staying till 7:30, following instructions from the Preble St. staff. You are encouraged to commit to the entire 3 hours, but there is some flexibility for those who must come late or leave early.
To volunteer for the dinner service, look for the lists on the bulletin board at the back of the Gathering Room. Or contact Phyllis Chinlund, 781-8842, chinlund@maine.rr.com.
Please HELP! Your church and Portland's needy are counting on you.
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To everyone who enjoys and values this community ~
If YOU did not yet PLEDGE, consider just one moment when you have felt gratitude for this community, then offer your generous pledge (pledge cards and info are at the back of the sanctuary). You may leave your pledge in the collection plate or in the basket as you leave, or pledge online click here.
Everyone's pledge is valued! Thank you.
We join hands in open-minded and caring community.
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From Nominating Committee:
The First Universalist Nominating Committee has begun meetings in anticipation of filling several openings by the time of our Annual Meeting in June. At this time, there are positions open on the Board, on the Nominating Committee, and on the Committee on Shared Ministry. If you would like more information on the positions themselves and the work of these committees, or on the process and criteria for filling the openings, please feel free to contact members of the nominating committee: Anne Turner, (annelewisturner@gmail.com, 415-3644); Janice Tooker, (janicetooker44@gmail.com, 781-6595); or Steve Thomas, (scrx@aol.com , 671-5978). The committee will welcome suggestions, talk with interested persons, and will address the needs of each committee in matching candidates to vacancies.
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The First U Soup & Salad Cookbook ~
will be on sale ($15) until they're gone and make great gifts!
Check downstairs after services on Sundays!
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Buying Cards support First Universalist!
Why not plan ahead and purchase a buying card first to support 1st U?
Shopping at LL Bean? 1st U gets 18%!
How about Macy's? 1st U gets 10%!
Others include Cabela's - 11%, Book-A-Million - 8%, iTunes: 5%, Amazon: 5%,
Staples - 5%
Don't forget Hannaford and Shaws buying cards are also available!
For more information or to order your cards see Brian Peters on Sunday morning or emailbrpeters@maine.rr.com
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5. Community Announcements
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Yoga has resumed... 
Saturday morning Spring Multi-level Green Yoga classes (honoring the Earth), from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM in the Church sanctuary. Classes will run through the end of May. Friday intermediate level classes as well 9:00 AM - 10:15 am. Suggested donation is $10 to drop-in. Funds collected go half to the Church and half to a charity selected with the class. Questions? Call the Instructor, Lois Howlett, at 847-3055 or email Loishowlett@yahoo.com. All welcome.
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New Support Group for Parents of Challenging Children
WHEN:
Every other Monday evening starting May 6th from 5:30-7:00 (doors open at 5:00 for settling in, brown bag supper, and fellowship).
WHERE:
10 Forest Falls Drive, #6-B (come in door #5 and follow signs), Yarmouth.
Plenty of free parking.
WHAT FOR:
Primarily for Adoptive/Foster/Guardianship Parents caring for children with significant emotional needs, but all parents are welcome. Pre-registration required.
CONTACT:
Ellen Kornetsky, LCSW, Office: 846-0400; Email: ellenkornetskylcsw@gmail.com
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Sponsored by Tri-Community Interfaith Council:
"The HealthCare Movie"
Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m., Tuttle Road Methodist Church, 52 Tuttle Road, Cumberland, ME
"Sick Around the World"
Wednesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m., Cumberland Congregational Church, 282 Main Street, Cumberland, ME
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Hospice of Southern Maine
Offering June 2013 Hospice Volunteer Training. FMI, or to set up an appointment for an interview, contact Carol Schoneberg-Robinson at Hospice of Southern Maine at 289-3651 or cschoneberg@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org
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Star Island Natural History Conference
Come to Star Island's Natural History Conference for a week-long vacation, June 22-29, 2013.
Learn all about "The Mysterious & Misunderstood World of Mushrooms."
Information about registering for your stay can be found at nhcstar.org
Phone: 603-430-6272 Fax: 603-430-6270 Island Phone: 603-601-0832
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Star Island International Affairs Conference
Come to Star Island's International Affairs Conference for a week-long vacation, July 20-27, 2013:
Topic: "Europe and the Eurozone: The future of a united Europe and what it means for U.S./European relations."
Information about registering for your stay can be found at internationalaffairsconference.org or starisland.org
Phone: 603-430-6272 Fax: 603-430-6270 Island Phone: 603-601-0832
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6. Church and Office Information
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Storm Cancellation Information:
First Universalist service and event cancellations are announced on the following radio stations: WGAN (560 AM), WMGX (93.1 FM), WPOR (101.9 FM), WYNZ (100.9 FM)
First Universalist has a Facebook Page Along with many other churches, we have clicked into 'social media' with a Facebook page. All other means and modes of communication will continue; this is just another (excellent) way to share news plus have some visibility for the good stuff happening here. We hope you will like... and "LIKE" this page so that it shows up on YOUR page. Feel free to share it. Feel free to post information that might be of interest to others in our congregation, for example news from the UUA or photos from events at church.
page name: First Universalist Church - Yarmouth, Maine
Scheduling MEETINGS and EVENTS
Please remember to book meetings and events through the church office to avoid room scheduling conflicts. THANK YOU!
CHANNELS deadlines
The deadline for submissions to Channels is 9 am on Thursday.
Submit news & photos to:
office@uuyarmouth.org
1. To put items in the Sunday Morning News, submit items by 9 am on Thursday.
2. For spoken announcements before Worship:
a. place on the pulpit by 10 am on Sunday or
b. email by 9 pm on Saturday to Sarah Witte at sarahcoffinwitte@gmail.com
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
1. You can access the church's calendar of events from our website? Click here.
2. Minutes from Yarmouth First Universalist Board Meetings can be found on
our website? Click here.
3. You can access back copies of CHANNELS on our website? Click here.
4. Upcoming Events are regularly updated on our website? Click here.
Church Office Hours
9:30 am - 1 pm ~ Tuesday-Friday
Rev. Jennifer Emrich holds office hours Sunday - Tuesday and on Thursdays. Please call or email to make an appointment ~ yarmouthminister@yahoo.com
If you are experiencing a crisis, including needing a hospital visit, you may call her on her cellphone: 207/356.1467 any time. Please note that Friday and Saturdays are typically her days off - Rev. Jennifer does not check email on these days, but will answer any crisis or emergency calls.
First Universalist Church
97 Main Street
Yarmouth, Maine 04096
(207) 846-4148
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