The Chalice and Chimes Newsle er. May Worship ~ 10:00 AM

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1 The Chalice and Chimes Newsle er May 2015 Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor 120 Park Street Bangor, ME Worship: Sunday, 10:00 AM Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Telephone: (207) uubangor@gmail.com Website: Interim Minister: Rev. Arthur Vaeni Minister Emerita: Rev. Becky Gunn Music Director: Nancy Lewis Director Religious Education: Karen Childs Church Administrator: Susan Vernal Our Mission Statement The Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor is an historically liberal religious community, celebrating diversity and supporting spiritual growth and social responsibility in each child and adult. We are A Welcoming Congregation We welcome individuals and families of all religious upbringings, racial and ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations. We, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We are A Green Sanctuary The UU Society of Bangor, recognized as a Green Sanctuary by the Unitarian Universalist Association, endeavors to incorporate care for the Earth into its worship and religious education while working to promote environmental justice and sustainable living. We covenant to affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part. Worship ~ 10:00 AM May 3 Henry David Thoreau: A Life Lived Deliberately The Reverend Arthur Vaeni In his book, "Walden," Henry David Thoreau wrote: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." He died on May 6, May 10 May Peace Come to Live on Our Streets and Justice Within Our Walls The Reverend Arthur Vaeni The sermon title comes from a line in Psalm 122 as translated by Stephen Mitchell. Thich Nhat Hanh has written: If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. In light of the many conflicts in our world some may feel that Thich Nhat Hanh s formula for peace is spiritual fantasy, and yet, can we truly imagine peace will ever reside on our streets if it does not first reside in our hearts the only true breeding ground for justice. May 17 What We Learned From Our Service in New Orleans The youth from our church, as well as youth from the Unitarian Universalist congregations in Ellsworth, Rockland and Belfast will share insights gleaned from their April service trip to New Orleans. May 24 The Meaning of Memorial Day The Reverend Arthur Vaeni In 1868 Major General John Logan, as head of a veteran s organization for Union soldiers, declared that May 30th, should be observed as Decoration Day, and on this day people would visit, and decorate with flowers, the graves of soldiers who died during the Civil War. In time Decoration Day became Memorial Day. What do we, as a people, presently need to learn from this national observance? May 31 Stay tuned for details forthcoming.

2 May 2015 The Chalice and Chimes Page 2 Along the Ministerial Way Do you remember the first time you attended this church? What was it like? Did you feel like an outsider, or were you warmly greeted, or was it mixed? Obviously, given my role, my first experience here would be different from others, but I remember well the first time I visited a Unitarian Universalist church. It was a mixed bag at best. I began attending a Unitarian Universalist church 35 years ago. As I have heard others say: When I experienced the Sunday service, I knew I was in the right place. Finally, I had found a religious community where the words and ritual resonated with my life s understanding. During the social time following the service, however, my sense of having found the right religious community began to dissipate. It was as if I had suddenly become invisible. People were talking all around us while my wife and I had only one another for company. Finally, we looked at each other as if to say, What are we doing here? As we prepared to leave, however, one of the church elders approached us and struck up a conversation. During our ensuing visits, that elder became our lifeline to the congregation as each Sunday he would welcome us, introduce us to other people and invite us to church events as well as invite us for visits to his home. Without the proffer of hospitality by that one elder to this, then, young adult, it s possible I could have walked out that day and never returned to that church or to any Unitarian Universalist church. How different and, I believe, how diminished my life would have been, for had that occurred, it s unlikely I would have discerned a call to the ministry. My sense of your congregation is that people here are generally far more welcoming of newcomers than I first experienced in that Unitarian Universalist church 35 years ago. Nonetheless, I know it can be difficult here, as well, to cross that generational divide. Now, being the same age as that elder, when he first approached me, I have even greater appreciation for his graciousness in reaching out to me at that time in my life. I understand how it can be intimidating to reach across a generational divide, and yet, when it occurs, such grace may be revealed and what unforeseen promise may result. In love and peace, Arthur New Ministerial Search Committee Members Elected to Serve A Special Congregational Meeting was held after morning worship on Sunday, April 19th. Recommended changes to the church bylaws were voted upon, which involve the selection of a Ministerial Search Committee by slate. Then, a proposed slate of nominees was presented and voted upon. Our church s newly empowered Ministerial Search Committee is comprised of the following active members: Laurie Cartier Joan Ellis Sue Ann Gaitings Bob Kelly Linda Smith Koehler Mark McCollough Nathan Valentine Ann Perkins (alternate) We appreciate their willingness to serve, and our best wishes to this team for a search filled wish inspiration, clarity and success!

3 May 2015 The Chalice and Chimes Page 3 Summer Fellowship at UUSB Caleigh Grogan, who participated in UUSB s religious education program as a child and youth, is now attending Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. This spring Caleigh applied for and was awarded a Fellowship by Wheaton College that will permit her to work at UUSB through this summer under the supervision of the interim minister, the Reverend Arthur Vaeni. This experience is intended to aid Caleigh in her discernment as she considers her call to the ministry. Among the responsibilities Caleigh will assume as part of her Fellowship will be leading as well as assisting with worship, helping with religious education summer camps, teaching an adult education class based on the book, A Chosen Faith: A n Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, as well as fulfilling various administrative and pastoral responsibilities. While this is a valuable opportunity for Caleigh to deepen her understanding of ministry in a congregational setting, it is, likewise, a wonderful opportunity for members and friends to aid in the discernment process of one its former youth. May we welcome Caleigh in this role, providing the participation and support for her endeavor that will make this not only a valuable learning experience for her but simultaneously, deepen the experience of shared ministry in this church. Special Sunday Collections Reminders: The second Sunday of the month is Food Cupboard Collection Sunday. Donations of non-perishables may be placed in the plastic tub by the entrance to the sanctuary. Cash/check donations are also gratefully accepted in the collection. On the third Sunday, of the month we have a Personal Items Collection for the area needy taken during the service. Please give what you can paper products, soaps and hygiene products, or money donations gratefully accepted! Any Sunday, please consider donating to the Bangor Homeless Shelter Laundry Fund. The current status of laundry funds at the shelter allows guests with no income to be able to wash their clothing on average once a month. Imagine only washing your clothing once a month! Please help and contribute any change (bills work too!) in the jug as you are leaving the S anctuary on Sundays. Thank you for your generosity and caring! Letter of Appreciation Received Dear UUSB Parishioners, April 17, 2015 On behalf of the Ecumenical Food Cupboard, I would like to thank you for your continued support. Your continuing support helps us continue in our mission to assist those must vulnerable in our community. Your generous support makes it possible for our cupboard to exist and supply food to an average of 350 families a month. Thank you again for your generous support of this vital resource. Sincerely, Doug Cushman EFC Director

4 May 2015 The Chalice and Chimes Page 4 Divesting and Planting The Green Sanctuary Committee handed out surveys on divestment from fossil fuel stocks (both congregational and personal) before services in March. We collected 62 responses. No one was opposed to a policy of long-term fossil fuel divestment; most were strongly in favor; a couple added as practical or as fiscally sound. A surprisingly large number 26 expressed interest in attending an information session on divesting. We are looking for an investment-savvy person to lead such a session. We presented a resolution on divestment for consideration by the Board of Trustees at their April 6 meeting. After discussion, we decided an amended version, co-sponsored by the G.S. Committee and the trustees, would be offered for a vote at the UUSB annual meeting on May 17. Please come and vote yes! While turning away from fossil fuels, we are definitely tree huggers. Twenty tiny trees given to Catherine Foxson have been resting under the snow in Charlie Boothby s garden. Toward the end of April we plan to dig them up, put them in milk cartons and bring them to church to be picked up by the people who signed up for them. If you signed up, you ll be notified. To be voted on at the annual meeting: Resolution in support of fossil-fuel divestment Whereas the UUA adopted the following resolution at its June 2014 General Assembly: This General Assembly encourages Unitarian Universalist congregations and Unitarian Universalists to review their congregational and personal investments with a view to taking action [on] climate change, such as public divestment of their holdings in fossil fuel companies, supporting shareholder activism designed to end use of fossil fuels, and investment in renewable energy and conservation and Whereas a growing number of faith communities, including the Maine Council of Churches, and institutions of higher learning in Maine and nationwide have opted to divest, and Whereas many members of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor endorsed fossil fuel divestment in a survey conducted in March 2015, BE IT RESOLVED: Green Sanctuary That UUSB adopt a long-term policy of divesting fossil fuel stocks, using tools such as Carbon Tracker 200 or something similar, and recognizing that because of increasingly urgent climate concerns such a policy is financially prudent as well as in alignment with our principles; And that UUSB make its divestment policy public to encourage others to invest responsibly. Co-sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Committee and the Board of Trustees. There will be a SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE MEETING on Sunday, May 10th at 11:30 AM at an available round table in the Dorothy Memorial. Come with priorities about what matters to you and what we can work on together. Any questions, contact Suzanne Kelly.

5 May 2015 The Chalice and Chimes Page 5 Announcements Green Sanctuary Committee thanks all the volunteers who are ready to make our world a little greener through our Tree Project. We ll be in contact with you soon to receive your treelings. Spring Workday! Join us on Saturday, May 9 from 8:00 AM until noonish to clean up and fix up our sacred space. Our big project will be repairing the leak in the window above the Dorothy entrance, but there are MANY other tasks, both indoors and outdoors, for those who aren't fond of ladders. If you have a rake or a broom please bring it. Any questions, ask Rissa Moore of the Building & Grounds team. Seeking Camp Counselors for UUSB Summer Day Camps The RE Program is seeking the following positions for each week of our Summer Day Camps: 2 Lead Counselors - 25 yrs old+ Sr Counselor(s) - entering 11th grade Jr Counselor(s) - entering 9th grade CIT(s) - entering 8th grade Assistant(s) - entering 7th grade CHALICE LIGHTERS WANTED! We are trying to have all children and families to get a chance to light the chalice once or twice a year-- so please sign up to do so, by ing Connie at conniemcvey@gmail.com Available dates are: 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31. Connie will send you a reminder 3-4 days before your scheduled date, and you just need to arrive 10 minutes before the service to let the worship associate know you are present. They can instruct you how to do it if you have never done so before. The number of hires will be dependent on the number of children enrolled in the Summer Camp Program. If you would like a detailed description of the positions, please Karen Childs, DRE at: uubangorre@gmail.com The application can be found on the round table next to Karen's office door. Please fill out and place it in Karen's mailbox drawer, or return in person, by May 31, AUW Guild News Going once, going twice. YES! It s time for the Guild s annual May auction. Wednesday, May 20th, 11:00 AM Come join us for lunch and fun. It s not a major fundraiser (though we do a bit to make some cash), but lots of fun. If you ve been curious about the Guild, you re guaranteed lots of hugs and smiles at this meeting.

6 May 2015 The Chalice and Chimes Page 6 May 2015 SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT 3 10 (Food Cupboard Collection) 11:30 am Soc. Justice Cmte 17 Annual Meeting Sunday (Personal Care Items Collection) 11:45 Soc. Justice Cmte 12:00pm RE Regional Tween Sleepover Event Ends 24 12:00pm Spirit of Drumming 31 4 Soup Kitchen Cook n Serve 2:00pm Earth-centered Ministry Group Gen l Trustees :00pm Earth-centered Ministry Group 25 Please check the website for calendar updates! 5 Buddhist Affinity 12 Shawl Ministry 19 Buddhist Affinity 26 Shawl Ministry :00pm Membership Cmte Bldg. & Grds Cmte 20 AUW Guild Luncheon & Auction Council Mtg. 27 Worship Cmte 7:45pm Religious Ed Cmte 14 12:00 Noon Deadline for June Newsletter Articles 4:15pm Executive Cmte 7pm 21 7pm 28 5:00pm Staff Meeting 7pm 1 12:30pm Knitting Circle Temple of the Fem. Divine 8 Budget & Finance Cmte 15 12:30pm Knitting Circle Penobscot Contra-dancers 2 9:00am Pastoral Care Team Mtg. 9 8:00am- 12:00noon SPRING CHURCH WORKDAY 16 12:00pm RE Regional Tween Sleep-over Event Begins Bag Lunch Prep 2:30pm Bean Supper NEXT DEADLINE for the June issue is May 14, 2015 at Noon to Newsletter Editor, Susan Vernal, uubangor@gmail.com Reminder: The newsletter is not published in July or August. Bag Lunch Prep 2:30pm Bean Supper

7 Church Staff Rev. Arthur Vaeni, Interim Minister Phone: (church) Nancy Lewis, Music Director Karen Childs, Religious Education Director Susan Vernal, Church Administrator Phone: (church, Tues-Fri, 10AM-Noon) Church Council CONTACTS Chris Packard, Chair, Bridgette Chalila, Vice Chair, Rosemary Parsons, Treasurer, Michele Caitlyn-Strout, Clerk, Charles Boothby, Valerie Carter, Deb Harvey, Sue McKay, About Our Newsletter The Chalice and Chimes is published ten times a year (Sept-June). The deadline for submissions is the 14th day of each month. Contributions are solicited and should be sent to the Administrator/Editor at the church office. An reminder is sent out to all member and friends on the church s database mailing list when the newsletter has been posted to the church website, where it may be viewed or down-loaded. It is also available in paper format on the table by the sanctuary entrance and by US mail (request from the Church Office). Editorial Policy Articles submitted for publication in the Chalice & Chimes must strive to include, in an unbiased way, only that information that is consistent with the UU faith. Articles should deal with issues of a spiritual nature meant to inspire, encourage, educate, or inform. Although every effort will be made to be inclusive, the Editor reserves the right to determine which articles are accepted for publication. The Editor has the right to edit for space, availability, libelous remarks, or unwarranted personal attacks. The Editor also reserves the right torefuse any item that may affect our Tax Exempt Status. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor 120 Park Street Bangor, ME First Class Postage ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED FIRST CLASS MAIL Dated material PLEASE DELIVERY PROMPTLY