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MARCH, 2018

169 Pleasant Street, Auburn, ME 04210

(207) 783-0461 - office@auburnuu.org

www.auburnuu.org

An official Welcoming Congregation

All are worthy, all are welcome

Rooted in the Sacred and strengthened by our diversity, we equip ourselves to minister through the transformative power of Love.

JODI’S CORNER: WORDS FROM OUR MINISTER

The days are noticeably lengthening, the seed and flower catalogues are arriving, and the young people of the country are continuing to rise up and demand a new way forward. It feels in some small but noticeable ways that we are shifting into a season of rebirth and new life. Perhaps you have felt it yourself?

In a sermon recently, I suggested an understanding of joy as “a sense of aliveness connected to the promise of ongoing possibility.” I wonder—where is the joy in your life right now? As we move into this spring season, where do you sense ongoing possibility? How might you step into that possibility and help bring it to fruition?

Even in these times of challenge, perhaps especially in times of challenge, there is the prospect of transformation and growth. May we find strength in that prospect, and may your days and nights be blessed.

—Jodi

Top: Participants in our annual All Music Service on February 4

Middle: State Street Jazz Band rocked the house during our February Concert for a Cause, to benefit the church and the Center for Wisdom's Women

Bottom: CFAC producer Dave Rowe with Klara Tammany of the Center for Wisdom’s Women

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Excerpted from "Perseverance in the Face of Fear,"

preached by affiliated minister Rev. Sarah Gillespie on 2/20/18

"...Maybe you have noticed that our church has a large banner outside the doors with the words, “Live with fierce hope and radical love.” These are powerful words, and the words we use to talk about goodwill and good faith in our time. For hope allows us to foster goodwill and love allows us to live out our faith.

Our banner doesn’t have fine print. It doesn’t say: “Live with fierce hope and radical love... if you’re not afraid” or ““Live with fierce hope and radical love... if you are not angry or hurting.” It doesn’t say “Live with fierce hope and radical love... when you are having a good day.” The banner asks us to live this way because of the chaos and terror in our world, not in its absence.

Persevering in this hope and in love prevents us from making fear and anger our resting place. Persevering in hope and love is what calls us back to ourselves in such a time as this. And the type of perseverance that musters up all of our hope and love and all of our “goodwill and good faith” requires community. We cannot do this alone.

Our faith reminds us that there is power in being together. Only through coming together in places like these, can we talk about our own fear and despair and outrage without letting them take hold of us, without getting stuck in those places where hatred has a chance to grow..."

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENTI haven't been in services much this winter. Transporting children to and from activities, watching them participate in sports, and spending quiet time together has taken precedence over attending Sunday morning services. With that said it is important to point out how much time I actually do spend at the church.

Once our vehicle is cleaned off and the yard is clear after a storm, Casey and I make the trip down Goff Hill to clear snow before people arrive for meetings or services. I walk through the church 4 or 5 times a week listening for low battery chirps, bat squeaks, the clunking steam pipes, and the creaking of floor boards. I open and close doors, turn off lights left on, check thermostats, perform weekly boiler maintenance and make sure the exterior doors are shut tight and locked. This does not include any of my responsibilities as board president.

I'm not the only one taking time to help sustain our building: Steph and Bets clean the bathrooms and pick up the kitchen, Gerry is always vacuuming and taking care of our trash, Ron regularly sets up chairs and tables for coffee hour and other events, and Peggy cleans the church office. These are some, not all, of the people whom I see regularly or get messages from about alarms, chirps, blown light bulbs, or broken toilets.

So I ask, if the work of this church is important to you, are you doing your part?

We are in dire need of help on various committees. Share your talents, your passions, and your time to make this beloved community a Beacon of Fierce Hope and Radical Love.

• The Finance Committee meets on the 1st Monday of the month: Contact Rev. Jodi.

• Stewardship is gearing up: contact Kay Hawkins.

• For Building and Grounds, contact Peter Floyd.

These are only a few groups that have work to be done. We, the board and I, implore you to find your niche.

—Peter Floyd

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NEXT UP FOR CFAC 2017-18 Sat, Mar. 17 St. Patrick’s Day concert $15 Fri, Apr. 6 Jim Gallant & Friends $16

Immigrant Resource CenterSat, May 12 Remembering Tom Rowe $25

Jack McPhillips Memorial FundFri., Jun. 1 Phil House $15

Safe Voices

MARCH CONCERT FOR A CAUSE: SCOTT AINSLIE CFAC is proud to host Scott Ainslie on Friday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the First Universalist Church of Auburn. This show benefits the church, as well as The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

Scott Ainslie is a masterful historian, storyteller, and musician who explores the African and European roots of American music and culture. He has studied with elder musicians on both sides of the color line—in the old-time Southern Appalachian fiddle and banjo traditions, as well as Black Gospel and Blues. He plays this music with affection, authority, and power.

Armed with a variety of instruments—vintage guitars, a fretless gourd banjo, a one-string, homemade "diddley bow" (aka cigar box guitar) and personal anecdotes of his encounters with senior musicians across the South—Ainslie brings the history, roots music, and sounds of America alive. For more information on Scott Ainslie, visit https://cattailmusic.com/press-kit/bio/.

Concerts for a Cause brings special concerts to the LA community while raising money for area charities. The series is produced by local musician and church choir director Dave Rowe, along with a dedicated group of church members.

Tickets are $15 at the door (cash or credit). For more information on the series visit http://uuconcerts.org or call 783-0461.

PLUS…SATURDAY, MARCH 17Dave Rowe presents St. Paddy’s Day Sing-alongs and Shennanigans

Dave Rowe will preside over Irish music's favorite tunes in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. There will be a cash bar run by Wandering Brews with Irish beers (including Guinness), American Lagers, Baxter Brewing Co.'s signature IPA, and red and white wines.

Admission: $15 at the door More info: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1694122300648009/

IF YOU READ THIS…

…send a message to news@auburnuu.org with your full name and “I read it!!”

You could win a free ticket to CFAC.

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MEMBERSHIP NEWSThe Membership Committee has enjoyed visiting with people at our Welcome Table (photo below) in the vestry during February. We want this to be a place you can stop by to ask questions, offer feedback, make new name tags, or engage in conversations with us. Our Welcome Table will not be there during the month of March as committee members will be busy participating in the New Member Classes. We look forward to seeing you at the Welcome Table in April.

Schedule of New Member Classes:• Sun., March 4 at 11:30 a.m.• Wed., March 7 at 5:30 p.m.• Sun., March 18 at 11:30 a.m.• Sun, March 25 at 11:30 am

—Paula Spruill, Membership Chair

FINANCIAL NOTEIf there is any confusion, the recently-issued tax statements cover the calendar year 2017. Our church operates on a fiscal year starting July 1 and ending June 30. We are currently in the second half of fiscal 2018.

Also, the financial review committee needs several new members. Our next meeting is Monday, March 5 at 5:00 p.m. in the office.

—Tom Wylie

Thanks to YOU our generous donors, Auburn UU has met and exceeded its goal of collecting at least $1,050 to benefit Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU).

With one special Sunday collection and a number of follow up contributions, we surpassed our goal, raising about $1,250, according to Treasurer Tom Wiley.

But wait…MORE good news! Since what we collected is the equivalent of at least $10 per member, both the Northern New England District (NNED), and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) will match our money in full.

Thus our $1,250 has grown to a total of $3,750 that will go directly to BLUU.

BLUU is an affiliate group of the UUA. It was formed in July 2015 to provide support, resources, and information for Black UUs. A justice-making organization, BLUU works to expand the role, visibility, capacity, and power of Black UUs within our faith.

—Denominational Affairs Committee

SERVICE AUCTION PLANNINGSave the date! The Service Auction will be held on May 20. Start thinking about what to donate. If you have questions on specific donations, email billfrayer@gmail.com.

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CHILI & CHOWDAH COOK-OFF MARCH 11!Our annual Chili & Chowdah Cook-Off March 11 is almost here! Since this is still winter in Maine, we’ve set a storm date of March 25, just in case.

We still need contributions of chili, but otherwise, we have a diverse list of donations from many generous, talented, savvy cooks who are closely guarding their secret recipes. Sign up with Anne Kinney, Ron

Spofford, or Peggy Cox during Coffee Hour through March 4. On March 11 (or 25, if needed) all contributors should bring in their dishes by 9:45 a.m.

This popular cook-off serves as the only fundraiser for scholarships for our Ferry Beach Retreat in May. The money raised enables us to provide financial assistance to those who express a need, and we also pay retreat costs for our hardworking church staffers who attend, including our Minister, DRE, and Office Administrator.

We are grateful for the strong church support for the cook-off that makes the Ferry Beach Retreat affordable for all. This year’s retreat is May 4th, 5th, and 6th. Registration for retreat opens March 18th.

Cook-Off costs are: Adults: $5.00 / Age 16 and under: $4.00 / Family Price: $15.00

No one is turned away for inability to pay. Our high energy Cook-Off will be followed by a lively Contra Dance sponsored by our R.E. Committee. Please plan to join us!

12 YEARS OF OPEN MIC AT AUBURN UUOn Friday, March 9, The Pleasant Note Coffeehouse will celebrate the 12th anniversary of its Open MIc & Poetry Slam at the First Universalist Church of Auburn. Since 2006, this free monthly show has drawn people of all ages who share the spirituality of music and spoken word.

Guitars and singers are to be expected, yet Open Mic has welcomed belly dancers, poets, rappers, storytellers and dogs perform over the years. Participants say they like this monthly show for the excellent sound quality and the focus on the performer, unlike other open mics in the area.

Locals may recall that a dozen years ago, a musical "scene" had sprung up around Cafe Bon Bon in Lewiston. When the cafe closed, some members of the First Universalist Church of Auburn decided to provide an outlet for all that creative energy. The Pleasant Note has continued on, consistently attracting new performers of all ages, along with its regulars.

You can watch the 10th Anniversary show, featuring originals only, at this link: https://youtu.be/QvSiUQKtoDg The video was shot and edited by Karen Hill.

The Pleasant Note Coffeehouse presents Open Mic & Poetry Slam on the second Friday of each month at 7:30.

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Local Social Actions

SOCIAL JUSTICE CORNER

SECOND COLLECTION SCHEDULESecond Collection is taken on the first Sunday of the

month. Our new rotation for 2018 is as follows:

March . . . . . . . . . Greater Androscoggin Humane SocietyApril . . . . . . . . . . New BeginningsMay . . . . . . . . . . . Immigrant Resource Center June . . . . . . . . . . . Minister's Discretionary Fund

* * * * *Maine Interfaith Advocacy Days

This two-day event is designed to bring people of all faiths together in our state capital to worship, learn, and advocate effectively with Maine’s legislators on the issues of immigration, poverty, health care, and climate justice.

Sponsors include MUUSAN (Maine UU State Advocacy Network), Maine Council of Churches, Maine Episcopal Network for Justice, and Preble St. Faith Action Network.

Monday, March 19 - 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. South Parish Congregational Church 9 Church Street, Augusta

Tuesday, March 20 - 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cross Office Building 11 Sewall Street, Augusta

For more information and registration visit http://www.tinyurl.com/AdvocacyDays2018

CENTRAL MAINE SURJ

• Meeting Tuesday, March 13 in the Discoverers' room at 6:00

• Vigil on the Longley Bridge: Monday, March 26, 4:30-5:30

RESIST CENTRAL MAINE

• Rallies every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. on Lisbon Street in Lewiston

• Meetings every other Tuesday, in the Outright room, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Upcoming: March 13 & March 27

• In lieu of the bridge rallies, Friday get-togethers at Gritty’s from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

• Sunday movies once a month Upcoming: March 18 at 3:00 p.m.

Support Clean Elections candidates with a $5 donation at http://maine.gov/cleanelections

* * * * *

Continue to find Actions of Fierce Hope and Radical Love in our e-blasts and on our website at http://www.auburnuu.org/actions/

* * * * *UU Women's Rights on Facebook

Join the new Facebook group: UU Women’s Rights Group. Here, dynamic Unitarian Universalist women, men, and youth gather together to apply our UU principles in support of women and women’s issues. Here’s an opportunity for UU's to connect nationwide in actively supporting women's rights. To join, email news@auburnuu.org.

* * * * *

* * * * *—Toby Haber-Giasson and Jane Pentheny, OD,

Social Justice co-chairs

April Open Door newsletter deadline: Sunday 3-25-2018Please send submissions to newsletter@auburnuu.org.

Submissions should be simple and reader-friendly (no longer than 275 words) and should pertain to church or denominational events, announcements, reports and activities. If photos or graphics are desired, please send them along with your submission or contact the editor for assistance. You will receive an acknowledgement from the editor when your submission is received. (If you DO NOT receive a response via email, please get in touch!)

#METOOUU World has published a sermon by Emily Wright-Magoon on the #MeToo moment:

https://www.uuworld.org/articles/metoo-moment

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MARCH EVENTS www.auburnuu.org/news-events/calendar/

Fri, Mar 2 7:30 p.m. Concerts for a Cause: Scott Ainslie

Sun, Mar 4 10:00 a.m. Worship Service / Religious Exploration classes Second Collection for Greater Androsccoggin

Humane Society

11:30 a.m. New Member Class

Wed, Mar 7 5:30 p.m. Central Maine SURJ logistics meeting 5:30 p.m. New Member Class

Fri, Mar 9 7:30 p.m. 12th Anniversary Open Mic / Poetry Slam

Sun, Mar 11 10:00 a.m. Worship Service / Religious Exploration classes 11:00 a.m. Chili/Chowder Cookoff 1:00 p.m. Contra Dance

Tues, Mar 13 1:00 p.m. RESIST Central Maine meeting 6:00 p.m. Central Maine SURJ meeting

Sat, Mar 17 7:30 p.m. St. Patrick's Day Concert

Sun, Mar 18 Ferry Beach registration opens 10:00 a.m. Worship Service / Religious Exploration classes 11:30 a.m. New Member Class 1:00 p.m. Ostara ritual 3:00 p.m. RESIST Central Maine movie: "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy"

Tues, Mar 20 6:00 p.m. CAKES meeting

Sat, Mar 24 6:30 p.m. Drumming Circle (new date!)

Sun, Mar 25 10:00 a.m. Worship Service / Religious Exploration classes 11:30 a.m. New Member Class 4:00 p.m. Song Circle (Discoverers' Rm)

Mon, Mar 26 4:30 p.m. SURJ vigil (Longley Bridge)

Tues, Mar 27 1:00 p.m. RESIST Central Maine meeting

MOLLY'S MESSAGEThis stretch between the end of January and March feels like the shortest segment of the year for me. It’s wonderful to have had February back with my

beloved community at UU Auburn, and in mid-March I’ll be traveling again for a second round of intensive classes in Chicago. Although this will be a shorter trip than January’s, I find that hopping back and forth between these two places interrupts the flow of life in Maine. You could say I tend to get a bit of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) about congregational life while I’m gone.

At the same time, it gives me space to step back and be curious about what the congregation is up to while I’m away. Mindfulness meditation teaches us to approach our emotions in the spirit of curiosity, rather than judgment. If I’m feeling unsettled or out of the loop, instead of trying to deny those natural emotions, I can be invited instead to look at them with wonder and curiosity. Being curious—maintaining what Zen Buddhism calls the “beginner’s mind”—reminds us to be open to the questions that come with living in a time of change and uncertainty, including the uncertainty that comes when we worry about missing something really good.

When I return on Easter Sunday, I hope to be back with my beginner’s mind renewed and my FOMO alleviated by holy curiosity. May muddy March be a blessed month for you.

—Molly Brewer, Ministerial Intern

DRUMMING CIRCLE NOW ON THE 4th SATURDAYOPEN TO ALL ~ BRING OR BORROW

Next circle: MARCH 24 - 6:30-8:00

For more info, contact Peter Floyd: floyd6of7@yahoo.com

Don’t be late to church!Turn your clocks forward on March 11

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ALL CHURCH BIRTHDAY THANKSThank you to all who helped make our All-Church Birthday party a success!

Cakes and food donations: Anne Kinney, Paula Spruill, Tiffany Manson, Cathy Thorpe, Jane Pentheny, Garla Gill, Sarah Gillespie, Lorelei Greenwood-Jones, Katy Gallagher, Bridget Laroche, Judy Bishop, Bill Phillips, Toby Haber-Giasson and Ginny Starbird

Set up/cleanup: Anne Kinney, Paula Spruill, Toby Haber-Giasson, Kerry Lathrop, Ron Spofford, Ginny Starbird, Ian Lathrop, Peter Floyd, and Tom Wylie.

Piñata: The Lathrop Family

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GO ON TOUURDo you like networking with new people, experiencing new things, or taking road trips?

Auburn UU is starting a new tour group that will be visiting all of the UU congregations in the state of Maine. Water and soil we bring back from each of the churches will unite us together.

Join the tour committee and be the faces of Auburn UU! For more information, see Ria Ferris at coffee hour in the vestry, or email rainbowria@yahoo.com.

VIGIL FOR DREAMERS On February 15, Auburn UU hosted a vigil by Moral Movement Maine to honor dreamers at our church, attended by over 60 people. We heard from interfaith clergy and our youth read stories aloud written by young people who are losing their DACA immigrant status protection.

OSTARA CELEBRATION MARCH 18Join Cynwyd Circle for the Pagan celebration of Spring here in the vestry on Sunday, March 18. Arrive at

1:00; the ritual begins at 1:30. There will be social time, crafting, and feasting after the ritual.

Please bring a pot luck dish to share if you're able (beverages will be provided), and if you're unable, please join us anyway! All are welcome! Email Lorelei at firebornspirit@yahoo.com for more information or visit the event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/1546298295491933/

Have you visited our website recently?Find lots of information online including sermons, events, and our "Actions of Fierce Hope and Radical Love." See www.auburnuu.org.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS NEWS

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!Read sermons and prayers in the Notes section.

Visit www.auburnuu.org/facebook

TRANSCRIPTION HELP WANTEDDo you enjoy reading Jodi's sermons on Facebook?

Want to help transcribe some? Contact Toby at news@auburnuu.org.

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Countdown to Ferry Beach Retreat!

March 11 Chili/Chowder Cook-off after service (snow date: 3/25)

followed by RE Contra Dance

March 18 Ferry Beach Retreat Registration opens

April 8 Retreat Scholarship application closes

April 15 Ferry Beach Retreat registration closes

May 4/5/6 Ferry Beach Retreat

FERRY BEACH RETREAT REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 18Registration opens during Coffee Hour on March 18 for our All-Church Ferry Beach Retreat.

With the theme Waves of Kindness, our annual retreat May 5, 6, and 7 offers a weekend at the beach filled with music, games, workshops, crafts, great food, nature walks, fireside chats, and conversations.

Individuals and families are welcome, and children of all ages have lots to enjoy.

Activities are optional, long walks on the beach are encouraged, and spontaneous musical jam sessions and sing-alongs are inevitable! All church community members are invited—new friendships are waiting to be made! Note that pre-registration is required by April 15.

The UU Ferry Beach Camp and Conference Center campus is on a gorgeous 900 feet of oceanfront in Saco. Stay the whole weekend or for a day. We rent the entire conference center from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon with dorm accommodations available until the campus is full.

Registration forms will also be available on the church website at http://www.auburnuu.org. Scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance.

Auburn UU’s Chili & Chowder Cook-Off on March 11 is a fundraiser to provide retreat scholarships—please support it! Then stay for contra dance fun sponsored by our RE Committee.

For more information contact Anne Kinney at akinneyuu@gmail.com, or speak with Anne, or Ron Spofford at church.

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UU THEATER WRAPS UP SEASON Pledge Met

We are pleased to announce that this season we raised UUT’s $2,500 obligation to the church budget!

V-Day aUbUrn 2018

Even in our 11th year, “The Vagina Monologues” sold out! We raised $1,200+- that enabled us to give $250 to each of our domestic violence partners.

Big thanks to Dawn Sullivan, who cast and directed our dynamic show. Props to co-producer Karen Lane, poster-maker Tracey Miller, playbill goddess Nicole Rush, and ticket sellers Angelo Giberti and Aileen Fortune.

We’ve got some new allies! Jen Ballard of Reveal Salon offered the cast hair and make-up styling. Sasha Lee donated a basket of premium products for raffle. Sheila Harrington donated painted Rocks for a Reason for sale.

Interest in playbill ads was surprisingly strong. Several local businesses joined us for the first time! Please patronize them, and thank them for their support.

Pictured above: the cast of V-Day aUbUrn 2018

Front LtoR: Katrina Loef, Erika Woods, Bets Mallette, Emily Torres, Sara Karam, Becca Lynch

Back LtoR: Hilda Thompson, Abby White-Owl, Joanne McDonald, Sarah Barton, Pat Gardiner, Klara Tammany, Josie French, Ria Ferris, Niki Norman, Ashley Hamboyan, Dawn Sullivan, Emily Brown, Stephanie Hughes and Dani Woodbury.

—Toby Haber-Giasson, UUT Chair & V-Day producer

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Nicole Rush training

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PLEASE THANK OUR ADVERTISERS

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All Are Called is the theme for this summer’s national UU General Assembly (GA) June 20 - 24 in Kansas City, MO. This focus underscores that the call of our Unitarian Universalist faith has a place for each of us. GA 2018 will focus on building courageous, collective leadership with tools, skills and connections.

Grounded in a belief that we are all prophets, UUs are asking, “How can we faithfully meet the demands of our time?” The answer is that the call to witness and act for justice in our society and in the world is clear: we are called to examine our structures and practices, dismantling and transforming those that fail to recognize the full humanity of all people and to honor the interdependent web of life.

Highlights of this five-day annual UU gathering are the Banner Parade by congregations around the country and the world, the Ware Lecture featuring a distinguished guest, Service of the Living Tradition honoring our religious leaders, daily worship services, public witness, music and singing, and hundreds of workshop offerings.

GA information:• All UUs may participate in person or via online access with advance registration • Registration opens March 1, with rates increasing May 1.• Housing reservations open 10 am March 1. Room rates start at $136.• For more programming and registration information go to https://www.uua.org/ga

Financial aid for GA is available in the form of working volunteer positions as well as through registration scholarships and travel grants. Applications are accepted March 1st – 31st. See: https://www.uua.org/ga/registration/financialaid

Note: some events are streamed online each day for the public via the GA website without requiring registration.

“RAISING A BAR”So many of you have lent your hearts and support to our family’s manifestation of living with Fierce Hope and Radical Love.

Let us be the first to tell you that this is not an easy task. We adopted a teenager; we were all there once and our parents were saints for continuing to nurture us. We adopted a teenager with so many challenges; we knowingly brought “trouble” into an otherwise perfect family. This took Fierce hope, Radical Love, and funds we did not have. We saved a life. We did not do this because of some savior mentality but because of recognition and identity. It was our connection to a loving and

accepting community that lead us down this path. Every time we hesitated we repeated our motto, our truth, how we wanted to live, with Fierce Hope and Radical Love.

We invite you to continue to follow our faulted and loving journey in “Raising A BAR” where we are trying to raise a personal bar as well as raise Ash, Birch, Attigan, Rain: their names in birth order.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/559801580893524

With Fierce Hope and Radical Love,

—Peter and Casey