Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church UU NOTES Volume XXXXII November 3, 2017, Issue 5

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1 Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church UU NOTES Volume XXXXII, Issue 5 UUA PRINCIPLES We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: Sanford UU Church The inherent worth and dignity of every person. 5 Lebanon Street Justice equity, and compassion in human relations. Sanford, ME WaterTelephone: Service Acceptance of one another and encouragement to As the summerinfo@sanforduuchurch.org winds down, we would like to remind youspiritual that during our first service, which will be held on growth in our congregations. September 10th, that it will be held at a different time; instead ofand 10:30am it will search be heldfor at truth 9:00am. A free responsible and Please note this is for 10th service ONLY. This will enable Rev. Cook to lead the service both at the Sanford meaning. LiketheusSeptember on Facebook UU Church and the Church will gather to celebrate and with our The right of conscience and thereconnect use of democratic Minister: Rev.UU Steve Cookof Saco and Biddeford. We annual Religious Water Celebration and Ingathering the within waters our we congregations have collected and overinthe summer. process society at See Education: Mesha and and we will mingle you in Ryan church! large. Quinn The goal of world community with peace, liberty Choir Director: Rev. Charles Grindle and justice for all. Pianist: Ruth Leipold Respect for the interdependent web of all existence Newsletter Editor: Mona Ouellette of which we are a part. Church Historian: Helen Kane Maintenance: Bill Ouellette (Adopted by the 1984 and 1985 General Assemblies) Worship Services are held every Sunday at 10:30am - Child Care is Provided Everyone is Welcome! November 5th Service - The Rhetoric of Theft - The service will be led by Rev. Steve Cook. Take our country back has been heard too often in recent years. As we look to Election Day, what can it mean for a functioning democracy if political opponents are characterized as thieves who have stolen our country? November 12th Service - The Intersection of Racism and White Privilege Reflections on Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult - The service will be led by Worship Associate, Judi Reis. November 19th Service - Come, Ye Thankful People - Gathering in thanks for all we may have been given, we will observe what is perhaps the most American of holidays. The service will be led by Rev. Steve Cook. November 26th Service - For Love and Liberty: The Civil War Story of Major Sullivan and Sarah Ballou, as told by Sarah- The service will be led by Church Historian, Helen Kane. Page 1

2 Along the Way Water Service It has been said that a good poem should resist the intelligence almost successfully. I take that to mean that for a As the summer winds down, we would like to remind you that during our first service, which will be held on poem (or any work of art) to have depth, significance, and the capacity to transcend the moment, it should be September 10th, that it will be held at a different time; instead of 10:30am it will be held at 9:00am. Please note challenging enough to evoke repeated reading, thought and contemplation. There could be more than one possible this is for the September 10th service ONLY. This will enable Rev. Cook to lead the service both at the Sanford interpretation; different people responding differently, each finding a meaning that may be unique or may be shared UU Church and the UU Church of Saco and Biddeford. We will gather to celebrate and reconnect with our with others. Such a response does justice to the writer and rewards the reader. This is what sets apart, Mary Had annual Water Celebration and Ingathering and we will mingle the waters we have collected over the summer. See A Little Lamb from Eliot s, The Wasteland, let s say. you in church! This same quality characterizes the world s great religious scriptures. Readers in these great, time-tested vessels of humankind s religious strivings will discover passages, stories and sayings that resist the intelligence quite robustly. They require some contemplation and study. That this is so gives the lie to the claims of Christian fundamentalists, for example, that the Bible is very easy to understand and has a very clear message that is right there for anyone to see. Spend any time at all with this material and you quickly realize that any message is dependent upon subjective reading and interpretation. It is far easier to read meaning into religious scripture than it is to read meaning out of it. Because of that, the experience of centuries shows it most fruitful to approach scripture, not as a plain and simple textbook that has only to be read once to get the message, but as if it were a work of art. Think of scripture more like a poem, piece of music or painting that calls us back again and again for fresh insight and inspiration. The current occupant of the White House and his Vice-President promote the opposite approach. Trump falsely but Pence perhaps quite sincerely would have us believe that the message of the Bible is quite plain and simple and what do you know supports the very political agenda that they are pushing upon the country: Greed, not generosity; hardness of heart, not compassion; hatred, not love; fear, not courage. That is their attempt to read into the Bible a mean and small-spirited message. They are wrong, wrong, wrong! The Bible is greater and more powerful than that; study and contemplation of scripture, as when we engage the most transcendent music and art, will always call us into a larger and more generous spirit. See you in church, Rev. Steve Page 2

3 Vote on Tuesday, November 7th Mainers for Health Care need YOUR HELP to get out the YES vote for Referendum #2, Expanding Medicaid to 70,000 low income Mainers. For more information, please contact Patty Kidder at (h) or (c). Universalists & Unitarians of Maine The church recently purchased a copy of the book Universalists & Unitarians of Maine - A Comprehensive History by Rev. Peter Tufts Richardson. The book is located on the table in the parlor near the entrance to Goodall Hall. Please feel free to look at it. We ask that you not remove this book from its assigned place as we don t want to lose it, thank you. Helping Sue Gabrielson Donations to help her community deal with the devastation of Hurricane Nate can be made online to the Montevideo Friends School, mfschool.org/donate. There is a designation space where you can be specific about how you wish the money to be used. The site also has information on other ways of donating. Storm Cancellation Information As much as we don't like to think of winter and snow in our near future, we must be prepared. Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church service and event cancellations are announced on the following television stations: WCSH 6, WMTW 8 and WGME 13. You may also receive the latest information regarding cancellations by calling the church office ( ) for the latest recording or visit our website at or our Facebook page for the most recent information. In addition, a congregational will be sent. Flu Season The flu season is upon us and we all need to remember to wash our hands often, and not touch our eyes, nose or mouth. We have placed hand sanitizers throughout the building. Please note that you do not need to shake hands when greeting one another, an alternative way of greeting is perfectly acceptable and is not to be taken in a personal way. SUUC Book Group The Church Book Group will meet on December 8th at 6:00pm in Goodall Hall to discuss Becoming Nicole. A powerful and illuminating book about one couple's journey in coming to accept and nurture their transgender daughter. All are welcome and we invite you to join us. Page 3

4 Project CommUnity Hello, Neighbors! We are Project CommUnity, a non-partisan volunteer group located in Sanford, Maine, working to create an inclusive and connected community focused on social justice, through education, art, and service. We believe that looking out for neighbors and taking care of our own communities are core Maine values. Therefore, we are launching a nonpartisan campaign called "Mainers Love Their Neighbors" to promote a connected, compassionate, and diverse community in Sanford and across the state of Maine. Display one of the signs shown below at your home or business as a visual symbol of the care and respect we have to offer all of our fellow community members. We encourage people to put this concept into action by making real -life connections. Introduce yourself to someone new in town, check in with your neighbors, or attend a local event or meeting. Proceeds from these signs, stickers, and posters will help us make programs and materials available to community members at all income levels, such as hosting speakers, conducting workshops, and engaging our community on subjects related to our mission. To order signs, posters, or stickers, projectcommunitymaine@gmail.com Follow us on Join Us! Project CommUnity meetings are held first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:30pm-8:00pm in Goodall Hall at the Sanford Unitarian Church, 5 Lebanon Street, Sanford, ME Page 4

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6 Ministerial Search Committee Update An update from the Ministerial Search Committee: We continue to move forward gathering the necessary information to present a comprehensive and informative snapshot of our communities. A brief summary of the Sanford survey results indicates that members completing the survey felt the most crucial items for the incumbent minister to focus on are: membership growth, preaching, spiritual guidance and worship. Areas deemed significant included community building, facilitation, personal counseling and staff relations. Administration, adult religious education, committee work, religious education denominational activities, stewardship, home visitation, hospital calling, leadership development, music and liturgical arts, scholarship and social action received modest scores. It is important to note that the survey tally results are representative of our congregational membership as it is at present with few families and young children. It does not represent our hopes and desires for the future. Thoughts From the President I haven't started a woodstove fire yet, but today I'm seriously thinking about it! My thoughts are also with those whose homes have no power from Sunday night's wind storm, hoping each of you is finding a way to cook and to stay warm. High praises to our Mona and Bill, who are scrambling to finish their church work today after having no electricity at SUUC or at home for the past two days! I attended a meeting with Nancy Chaddock two weeks ago, along with Evelyn and Tom from our Search Committee and Vicki from UUCSB's, plus Niki and Al from UUCSB's Board. As our Ministerial Search Compensation Representative, Nancy taught the attending group about UUA Fair Wage guidelines for ministers and how churches are categorized according to membership size. As of today, November 1 st, a general Salary and Housing offer plus a congregational record of who we are is online for searching ministers to read, thanks to the hard work of our MSC, who still meet every two weeks to make sure our candidate for settled minister is the best. When you see a MSC member, be sure to give them thanks for all they are doing! Our church's next Board meeting is Tuesday, November 14th. If you have questions or ideas for that meeting, please talk to one of the Board members a week ahead so it can be put on the agenda. You also are always welcome to attend; we share a potluck supper at 5:30pm and begin our meetings at 6:00pm. Ever in hope, Diane Page 6

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8 When You Volunteer at Corner Cupboard, You Can: dress up... or not dance... or not share treasures hang out with people you admire work with your peers sort things out sort clothes To join the fun helping people in need, contact Dee Ames at or Page 8

9 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:00am-11:00am Project CommUnity 6:30pm- 8:30pm in GH Narcotics Anonymous in Vestry 7:30pm to 9:00pm 2 Bereavement Group 10:00-11:00 inn the Parlor VNM Vestry 5:00pm 3 Newsletter Day AA in Vestry 6:00pm to 7:00pm 4 Mainers for Health Care meeting in GH 9:30am to 1:30pm Mainers Love Their Neighbors potluck and fundraiser in the Parlor and GH 4:00pm to 7:00pm (3:00-8:00) 5 Worship 10:30am Daylight Saving Ends Poverty Workshop with Mesha Quinn GH following worship AA in Vestry 5:00pm to 6:15pm 6 4:30pm-7:00pm Mainers for Health Care meeting in GH 5:00pm-8:30pm Choir rehearsal 6:30pm - 8:00pm 7 Election Day Vote! MTN Meeting in Parlor and GH 6:00pm 8 9:00am-11:00am Narcotics Anonymous in Vestry 7:30pm to 9:00pm 9 Bereavement Group 10:00-11:00 in the Parlor VNM Vestry 5:00pm 10 Office closed for Veterans Day AA in Vestry 6:00pm to 7:00pm 11 Veterans Day Church Work Party 8:00ish-noon 12 Worship 10:30am Poverty Workshop with Mesha Quinn GH following worship AA in Vestry 5:00pm to 6:15pm 13 4:30pm-7:00pm Choir rehearsal 6:30pm - 8:00pm 14 Board Meeting 6:00pm (potluck at 5:30pm) 15 9:00am-11:00am Project CommUnity 6:30pm- 8:30pm in Goodall Hall Narcotics Anonymous in Vestry 7:30pm to 9:00pm 16 Bereavement Group 10:00-11:00 in the Parlor VNM Vestry 5:00pm 17 CC sets up AA in Vestry 6:00pm to 7:00pm 18 Corner Cupboard is open 10:00-2:00 19 WA Mtg. 9:30 Worship 10:30am Choir sings Poverty Workshop with Mesha Quinn GH following worship AA in Vestry 5:00pm to 6:15pm 20 4:30pm-7:00pm 21 MTN Meeting in Parlor 6:00pm 22 9:00am-11:00am Narcotics Anonymous in Vestry 7:30pm to 9:00pm 23 Thanksgiving Office is closed VNM Vestry 5:00pm 24 Office is closed AA in Vestry 6:00pm to 7:00pm Worship 10:30am AA in Vestry 5:00pm to 6:15pm 27 4:30pm-7:00pm :00am-11:00am Narcotics Anonymous in Vestry 7:30pm to 9:00pm 30 Bereavement Group 10:00-11:00 in the Parlor VNM Vestry 5:00pm Page 9

10 Board President: Diane Whiteside-Peck June 30, 2019 Vice President: Karen Nelson June 30, 2019 Clerk: Bruce Harrison June 30, 2018 Financial Secretary: Janet Wood June 30, 2018 Treasurer: Marcel Gagnon June 30, 2019 Co-DREs: Mesha and Ryan Quinn Liaisons: Gary Wood June 30, 2018 Patty Kidder June 30, 2019 Judi Reis June 30, 2019 Church Leadership Building and Grounds Chair: Bob McCormick Caring Circle: Gail Lemley Burnett Choir: Charles Grindle Church Historian: Helen Kane Corner Cupboard: Peg Sawyer, Judi Reis, Dee Ames, Helen Kane Earth Stewards Green Team: Judi Reis Finance Committee: Fundraising Coordinator: Jan Sacco Grant Manager: Marcel Gagnon Homesteaders: Jan Sacco and Melody Wood Members and Friends: Tonia Chase Music Committee: Melody Wood Nominating Committee : Ginny Howe 2018, Lisa Huestis 2019, Vicky Bugado 2020 Pianist: Ruth Leipold Religious Education Committee: SUUC Search Committee: Lee Burnett, Evelyn LaBree, Tom Huber, Lisa Huestis Stewardship: Kristie Praschak UUSC: Women s Alliance: Nancy Farnham Worship: Rev. Steve Cook Worship Associates: Rev. Steve Cook, Bev Brent, Judi Reis, Jan Sacco, Janie Waterhouse, Patty Kidder, Mesha Quinn, Vicky Bugado, Evelyn LaBree Caring Circle Gail Lemley Burnett is in charge of our Caring Circle for providing help in case of illness, hospitalization, need for a ride to church, doctors appointments, etc. Please call Gail at if you need assistance. Minister s Hours Rev. Steve Cook will be in his office on Wednesdays, as needed, from 11:00-3: stephenmichaelcook@me.com Administrative Office Hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 7:00-12:00 - info@sanforduuchurch.org Co-Directors of Religious Education Mesha and Ryan Quinn - dre@sanforduuchurch.org Church and Community Groups AA Meetings: AA meetings are held every Sunday from 5:00pm-6:15pm and Fridays 6:00pm-7:00pm in Vestry Bereavement Group: Meetings will be held on Thursdays from 10:00-11:00, through November 30th in the Parlor Board Meeting: Tuesday, November 14th at 6:00pm in the Parlor. Meeting begins with a potluck supper at 5:30pm Book Group: Friday, December 8th at 6:00pm in GH Choir: Rehearsals on November 6th and 13th from 6:30pm- 8:00pm in the Sanctuary Church Work Party: The next work day will be held on Saturday, November 11th from 8:00ish-noon Corner Cupboard: Next date the CC is open is November 18th from 10:00am-2:00pm Mainers for Health Care: This is a group made up from Maine People's Alliance members, MUUSAN members and anyone who wants to help us expand access to affordable health care in Maine. Please see the November calendar in this newsletter for meeting dates and times. FMI please contact Patty Kidder at or Maine Transgender Network (MTN): Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm in the Parlor and GH and the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm in the Parlor : Mondays 4:30pm-7:00pm and Wednesdays 9:00am - 11:00am in the Sanctuary Narcotics Anonymous: Meets every Wednesday in the Vestry from 7:00pm to 9:30pm Poverty Workshop: Sunday workshop will be led by Mesha Quinn in GH following worship through November 19th Project CommUnity: Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month in Goodall Hall from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Please us at the following: projectcommunity@gmail.com or join the group on Facebook! Violence No More: Every Thursday at 5:00pm in the Vestry Women s Alliance: Meets the second Wednesday of the month at 12:00 noon Worship Associates: The Worship Associates will meet on Sunday, November 19th at 9:30am Page 10