November Services | Minister’s Message | Board Update | Religious Exploration | WORKING FOR JUSTICE: | Charities with Soul | WFJ Steering Group | Gun Safety Awareness | MUUSAN | Immigrant Justice | Indigenous Awareness | Teen Center Updates | UPCOMING UUCB EVENTS: Holiday Circle Meals | Concerts For a Cause | Holiday Fair | The Santa Project | Coming in January! | Art Gallery | Parish Messenger Deadline
November Services
NOV 5 — A Bigger Picture of Generosity
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Derek Herzer, Heidi Neufeld, & the UUCB Choir
When we hear the word Generosity, we may automatically think about money or financial giving. That kind of generosity is important; and generosity is also about more than this—it is about a total orientation toward life, our relationships, and our hopes for the world. To put it over-simplistically, generosity generates abundance. This is true of money, but equally true of love, justice, joy, hope, humor, and so much more—Life! Let’s think about how we might approach generous living in the bigger picture of our lives, individually and collectively.
NOV 12 – Generosity in Community: A Chain of Events – How It Has Made Life More Substantial
Led by Stephanie Bernier with guest speakers Susan Olcott (Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association) and George H. Hardy (The Gathering Place); Music by Kat Logan
Stephanie Bernier shares some thoughts about the generosity she has experienced in this community over the past 35 years. We also hear from Susan Olcott and George Hardy.
Susan Olcott is the Director of Operations at Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), a Brunswick-based non-profit dedicated to fostering sustainable fisheries in the Gulf of Maine. In addition to advocating for policies that support Maine fishermen, MCFA works more broadly in Maine communities through its Fishermen Feeding Mainers fish donation program that provides free seafood to food pantries, schools and community groups throughout the state, through its Fishermen Wellness program that provides mental and physical health resources to fishermen, and through its Working Waterfront program that creates dialogue among diverse audiences around the shared values of Maine’s waterfronts. Susan lives in Brunswick with her husband and twin girls who are in 7th grade at the Brunswick Junior High School. She has a passion for everything coastal and also for healthy foods and lifestyles and enjoys being able to incorporate these interests into her work at MCFA.
NOV 19 — A Generous Pause: Reflections on our Pandemic Experiences
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Music by Jud Caswell
The last few years of experiencing a global pandemic has left a lot unresolved for so many of us (human beings). Things have moved and changed so quickly, that we may not have had the time or space to even be aware of all that was happening around and within us. This is true both individually and collectively. In this pre-Thanksgiving service, we will take a Generous Pause to reflect together on our common experiences. What have we lost that needs to be named and honored? What did we discover about our gifts and resilience that needs to be celebrated? Who are the people and what are the actions we need to acknowledge with gratitude? Join us for this Intergenerational and Interactive Service.
NOV 26 — The Relational Roots of Generosity
Led by Rev. Dr. Kharma. Music TBD
Join us as we explore the ways in which the roots of generosity might be found (and best maintained) in relationships of mutuality. This requires our intention and attention. We’re taught that it is “Better to give than to receive,” AND we also know how important it is to learn to gracefully receive the generosity of others. For many of us, this may be a tough topic (we might be uncomfortable being in need or having to rely on the generosity of others). Yet, this is also an invitation to transformation, healing and life.
Minister’s Message
Dear Ones,
What is on my heart right now is pretty much what was published this morning (10/20/2024) in the Brunswick Times Record. Rather than write a lot more words for the sake of saying something, I’d like to refer you to this article. Not everyone reads the TR, so this will allow those of you who don’t both to hear my thoughts, and to realize that every month, there
is a “Spirit of Life” column published in our community that amplifies the voice and values of Unitarian Universalism.
In November, we are moving into a monthly focus on the UU values that form the proposed Article II changes the UUA is considering. Following the preliminary vote at our General Assembly this year, we are moving into a year of discernment together, as we re-articulate who we are called to be as Unitarian Universalists in the world. The first of those values is GENEROSITY. And the first thing I want to say about that is: “Let us be generous in love” (a reference to the above article that encourages us to lean into every sincere expression of love, even if we’re unsure what to do or say).
Generosity, as a topic, can sometimes be limited to matters of giving (and often, specifically financial giving). That’s an important focus, worthy of our attention. And, it might also be helpful to think about how we’re practicing generosity in the fullness of our lives. For example, what would it look like in the next month+ to practice generosity with our listening,
compassion, time, attention, affection, forgiveness, understanding, gratitude?
Whatever else we may need to spend our energies on in this season, let us be generous in love.
Blessings,
Kharma
UUCB Board Update
What has the board been working on! As the Treasurer, I have been coming up to speed on our financial matters with the fantastic help of the Finance Committee and especially Cindy Parker. In the larger board perspective we have the following.
On October 14th, six members of the board plus Rev. Kharma were able to attend the Joint Board Retreat entitled Facing Our Challenges Together. This was put on by the UUA New England Region and hosted at the UU Community Church Augusta. In addition to Brunswick and Augusta, Auburn, Bangor and Rockland were also in attendance. Everyone who attended came away feeling that it had been a worthwhile experience.
As these things go we had a number of individual, small group and large group exercises.
- Recollecting a personal experience in the congregation that was inspiring, exciting or meaningful.
- A full group discussion/talk about generational changes in work/life/family balance that prevent younger generations from participating in church in the same way as previous generations. A very short synopsis of this discussion is that on average these folks have less time and money than any previous generation. For UUCB to be a welcoming community we need to be very flexible about the time and type of involvement we expect.
- The final exercise pulled together the previous work and looked at what big questions or right-sized goals each board group wanted to work on.
The context for the final exercise was the list of qualities that was developed in the first exercise, while trying to keep in mind the realities of today’s church population as discussed in the second exercise. We were encouraged to think about “the next elegant step”, which is defined as a step that acknowledges what is known and unknown, and what the capacity of the group is. It’s a step that is possible and strategic based on who is taking it and where they are trying to go.
We focused on welcoming all, what that looks like and whether we do a good job of it. The next elegant step we came up with on that day was to ask all church groups to spend some time answering the questions, “How can your committee/task force/group contribute to our church being more welcoming?” And that is the thought I will leave you with.
Keary Lay
Treasurer, UUCB Board of Trustees
Religious Exploration Update
He/Him/His
WORKING FOR JUSTICE
Charities with Soul
Contact: Stephen Wood
November Charity with Soul: The Gathering Place
The mission of The Gathering Place is to provide a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space for individuals to gather in downtown Brunswick during the daytime hours. Guests are offered respect, encouragement, companionship, support, and hope.
Feeling truly welcome is important for someone with no other place to go – more important than we can imagine. Every individual served through The Gathering Place deserves a chance to be a contributing, valued member of our community. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the community’s most vulnerable have fallen through the cracks. This has laid bare the desperate need for low-barrier services.
Many guests have needs beyond a safe space, hospitality, companionship, and general necessities. As a result, TGP now offers a Support Services Program. This program provides direct access to community resources through TGP’s Community Navigator to address emergency needs related to housing instability, homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, legal representation, and more. Relationships with community partners and providers connects guests with quality resources and services.
The Gathering Place, located at 5 Tenney Way (off Union Street), is open MonFriday from 8:30 am-3:00 pm and Saturday 8:30 am -12:00 pm. Volunteers should stop by or connect by phone at 729-0288 or visit the website at brunswickgatheringplace.org.
Three ways to give:
- At uubrunswick.org, click “Donate Online” Choose the “Plate” option
- Text the amount of your donation to (855) 962-0440, and follow the prompts to complete your donation
- Mail a check to: PO Box 129, Brunswick ME 04011, Memo Line: “plate”
WFJ Steering Group
Contact: Bonnie Wood – or Cheryl Martin –
Gun Safety Awareness
Contact person needed!
Every year Maine Gun Safety Coalition announces Buzz Fitzgerald Awards to honor Mainers who have been a force for gun safety, and to recognize them for their hard work, courage, and moral vision.
UUCB’s Lynn Ellis, volunteer extraordinaire, has been laser-focused on moving the gun safety agenda forward in the Maine Legislature. She has collaborated with the Gun Safety Caucus, lobbyists, our community partners, and the Show Up Network to advance our mission. On Wednesday November 15, she will be formally honored.
Purchase Tickets at www.mainegunsafety.org
MUUSAN
Contact: Betsy Williams –
On Sunday, November 5 th , the MUUSAN Focus Group will host a brief open discussion about two of the November 7 ballot questions. The two are: Question 3—which proposes a new consumer-owned power company and Question 1—which proposes a requirement of statewide voter approval for utility-related debt that exceeds $1 billion.
MUUSAN has taken a position in favor of Question 3 and opposed to Question 1. However, discussion facilitators recognize that these connected bills engender differing points of view. They invite all points of view to be heard respectfully so that we all may better understand the issues and judge the merits of the bills. Please join us in the May Sarton Room following the service on November 5th.
Immigrant Justice
Contact: Cathey Cyrus –
The urgent need continues for adequate housing and other support services for local asylum seekers as well as local Mainers in need. Because of building construction issues on the Brunswick Landing, the long-anticipated arrival of the 60 asylum-seeking
families is still on hold. Town of Brunswick’s Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for planning oversight. MidCoast New Mainers Group (MCNMG) is working to determine how local service groups and volunteers can assess and meet basic needs for the additional families who are arriving, sometimes without advance notice. The other local groups include Brunswick’s HHS office, The Emergency Action Network (TEAN), Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC), the Welcome Center on the Brunswick Landing, and United Way. Although MCNMG is not able to take on the direct support of all of these families, the organization is prepared to help orient and train volunteers who will help mentor those families as they arrive.
REQUESTS from MCNMG at this time are:
- Community Mentors to partner with families as they settle into their new community.
- Drivers to help with transportation to and from appointments and/or to practice-drive with those preparing to take their drivers’ license exams.
- Volunteer tutors for basic English language learning for adults and children
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- Information about tutor training and matching of tutors with students is at Midcoast Literacy: https://www.midcoastliteracy.org
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Indigenous Awareness
Contact: Cathey Cyrus
Support Truth, Transparency and Accuracy in Maine’s State Constitution.
The Wabanaki Alliance Tribal Coalition is focusing all its current efforts to raise Mainers’ awareness of the importance of voting Yes on Question 6 which reads:
Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to require that all of the provisions of the Constitution be included in the official printed copies of the Constitution prepared by the Secretary of State?
More than 100 years ago, the state of Maine stopped including all parts of the Constitution in printed copies of the document. The missing sections include language about the state’s original treaty obligations to the Wabanaki people. Ensuring that citizens understand the history, commitments and obligations governments made to the Wabanaki tribes and people is essential for a healthy relationship between the Wabanaki and the state of Maine. Hiding the original treaty obligations sends a
message that the agreements and relationships between the state of Maine and the Wabanaki tribal governments are not important or worthwhile.
Mainers can honor this shared history by voting yes on Question 6 by or on November 7.
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Brunswick Area Teen Center
Even with participation in soccer, more teens are visiting the Center to play games, watch movies, eat snacks and have a hot meal before leaving for the day.
The Annual Fund and the Back-to-School letter donations that help support the Center budget have increased: Currently $11,445 of the $40,000 budget has been raised. The Teen Center’s request to move to the Coffin School is still on hold because the number of rooms needed for New Mainer children is still unknown.
On September 28 th Jordan Cardone retired and Taylor Carter became the new Brunswick Area Teen Center Coordinator. Jordan first proposed the Teen Center to the Brunswick Town Council 21 years ago. Three years later the Teen Center opened, and Jordan was the coordinator for 15 years. The People Plus Board and the Brunswick Area Teen Center Board have established a scholarship in Jordan’s honor to be given to a graduating senior every year. Using money collected during the monthly UUCB snack collection, the UUCB Support Group has donated $200.
If you wish to donate to the scholarship fund, your check should be written to: People Plus, with this Memo: Jordan Cardone – Ruwet Scholarship Fund
Upcoming UUCB Events
Holiday Circle Dinners
More information and sign-up sheets will be at the Visitor’s Table on Sundays, or you can contact Judy Strano, (732) 320-6093, or Sarah Fabian, (603) 728-8533, .
Concerts for a Cause
James Keelaghan with David Woodhead
Saturday, November 19, 7:30 pm
James Keelaghan is an internationally recognized singer songwriter, known for his finely crafted stories and his commanding performances. At home in Canada, he’s a Juno award winner and Canadian Folk Music Award winner who has grown from a popular coffeehouse act in Calgary to a festival and concert hall favorite. He has taken mainstage at some of the most prestigious festivals in the US, England, Australia, Denmark, and Hong Kong. Aside from making music. He alsoon CBC and hosts two shows on CKUA in Alberta
Keelaghan studied history at the University of Calgary, and his passion for stories, old and new, informs some of his best-known songs. These aren’t stuffy history lessons, but an inspired discovery of people and places in another time. Many of the lyrics in his songs display a concern about social problems and justice in society. Examples of such themes include “Kiri’s Piano”, about the internment of Japanese Canadians and “House of Cards” about the financial crisis of 2007. And while many of Keelaghan’s most celebrated songs draw from historical accounts, his accounts of personal journeys are remarkable too… tender and unflinching.
Keelaghanh’s songs with brilliantly defined craftsmanship infused with his own unique artistic vision. He is, without doubt, one of the most distinctive and readily identifiable voices of not only the Canadian scene, but as a member of the international singer-songwriter community.
James Keelaghan will be accompanied by David Woodhead who has collaborated on about 300 albums and worked with many influential artists including Perth County Conspiracy, Stan Rogers, Oliver Schroer, Gil Scott-Heron, David Sanborn, and James Keelaghan. His own music draws from the intimacy of the folk world, the harmonic sensibilites of jazz, and a sense of precision from classical arranging, with room for freedom in individual expression and improvisation.
It was Dave Marsh, the award-winning American music critic who stated that James Keelaghan is “Canada’s finest songwriter.” You don’t want to miss this show.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, Students/Children: $10. Available at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or at ticketstripe.com/keelaghan
Remember, all the proceeds from this season’s concerts go to Midcoast New Mainers Group and Oasis Free Clinics.
Sample of James Keelaghan songs:
Kiri’s Piano
Hillcrest Mine
Cold Missouri Waters
Rebecca’s Lament
House of Cards (with David Woodhead
Holiday Fair
2023 Holiday Fair Snapshot
The Santa Project
Coming in January!
Art Gallery
November Artist: Phyllis Hartzler
Phyllis Hartzler, formerly of Wilmington Delaware and Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, now resides at The Highlands in Topsham. Phyllis was educated at the University of Chicago and The Art Institute of Chicago and has taken many workshops and private classes. Phyllis enjoys plein air painting in oils, pastels and water colors. Her abstract expressions in water color have received recognition at the Kennebec Valley Art Association’s juried exhibition in 2008 and at the Maine Art Gallery’s juried exhibition in 2009. Phyllis’ art has been accepted in many juried shows including the Pennsylvania Water Color Society and the Delaware Art Museum. Recent art shows include the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Brunswick and The Highlands.
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Deadline for Parish Messenger Articles
Due to the holidays, the deadline for December Parish Messenger is Saturday, November 18th.
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