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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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Speaking one's mind is a time-honored 4th of July tradition. This Sunday, you will have three minutes to voice your passionate beliefs if your name is chosen from the hat. But beware the ferocious timekeeper! | |
Upcoming Worship Services | |
July 7 | 10 am
Soapbox Sunday!
Marianne Hill
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July 14 | 10 am
Lessons from the Pandemic
Kip DeSerres
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July 21 | 10 am
Shiva's Dance: Bhakti and the Poetry of Mahadevi
Caleb Collins
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Summer Worship Schedule
The exciting summer schedule can be found HERE. Services from lay leaders and special guests range from the experience of Eastern religions, to a rich exploration of poetry, to a chance for you to get up on a soap box (literally) and have your say. It's shaping up to be an exciting and eclectic summer at First Parish.
Reminder: Children are always welcome in the Meeting House, and we'll always offer a fun Time for All Ages during the service. However, during the summer months, classes and childcare are offered on a limited schedule. Programming will be offered upstairs on Sundays, July 21 and August 18 (followed by an Ice Cream Social). Sunday, August 25, is a baseball themed, intergenerational service followed by First Parish Day at the Sea Dogs (see below)!
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Volunteer for Preble Street Kitchen
Preble Street seeks volunteers for the summer months at its Food Security Hub, which provides 2,000 meals to those in need on a daily basis. Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours or can commit to a regular schedule, your help is needed! Shifts are available every day of the week, from 7-10:30 am and 12:30-3:30 pm (weekdays) and 11:30am-2:30pm (weekends). For information and to sign up click HERE. Let's continue First Parish's long relationship with this life-saving organization!
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Deadline for 2023-2024 Pledges
June 30 was the end of our fiscal year. If you have a remaining balance on your Stewardship pledge, the deadline for payment is July 31. If you are not able to fulfill your pledge or you have questions about your remaining balance or payment methods, please contact Claire Cowan, Finance Chair: finance@firstparishportland.org. Checks can be mailed to the church or you can pay online by clicking the Donate button on our home page.
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Remembering Joan Sheedy
We learned this week of the passing of longtime member Joan Sheedy. Rev. Norm is in touch with her family, who are planning a memorial service in the coming months. Please watch your inboxes for details and for a tribute to Joan. In the meantime, we hope you’ll take a look at a Press Herald article from 2012, honoring Joan’s work in the community. You’ll find it HERE. We hold Joan’s family and friends in our hearts and in fond remembrance.
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Community Dinner
Sunday, July 7 | 5 pm | Community Room
The first Sunday of every month, we host a free dinner in the Community Room. Our guests include people in all circumstances. Dinner prep begins at 12 pm, setup at 2 pm, and dinner service at 5 pm. Volunteers are welcome at any time. To volunteer, please email Janet.
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First Parish Camping Trip 2024
A group of First Parish members will spend the weekend of August 9-11 camping at Winslow Park in South Freeport. The park has a beach, trails, a playground and is dog and kid friendly. If you would like to join us, email John Schaberg at John@2jbergs.com or call 207-413-0230.
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Newcomer Conversation
Sunday, July 7 | 11:30 am | Parish House Upstairs
Welcome to First Parish! Newcomers and visitors to First Parish are invited to chat informally with our Membership Team, upstairs in the Parish House. They look forward to answering your questions about our church's activities and membership process. For more information, email Laurie Hasty, our Membership Coordinator.
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First Parish Members Attend a Sea Dogs Game!
Sunday, August 25 | 1pm | Hadlock Field
Following a baseball-themed sermon from Rev. Norm, First Parish will enjoy an afternoon with the Sea Dogs on August 25! For more information and to purchase tickets in the special First Parish section, contact Laurie Hasty, Membership Coordinator, membership@firstparishportland.org
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Help us spread the word as we prepare for Religious Exploration programing in September and beyond. This is the ideal job for that reliable person who loves children, has a big heart, and could use a little extra income. (Teen applicants are encouraged to apply.) Email office@firstparishportland.org if you're interested in learning more. | |
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 | |
Share the Plate Nominations
Each month, First Parish shares the offering received during one Sunday service by making a contribution to a nonprofit organization whose work advances the mission of First Parish, to nurture the spirit, grow in community and help heal the world. To nominate an organization for that one-time contribution, simply complete this form. You'll also find printed versions in our Parish Hall near the stairs. Thank you!
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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. As a reminder, you can order free Covid tests from the government at this link.
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Is Stewardship In Your
Long-Term Financial Plans?
Legacy gifts are an important source of lasting support for our church. The Trustees acknowledge these bequests on behalf of a grateful congregation. If you would like to know more about ways you can make a future gift, please email Austin Farrar, President of the Trustees.
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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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