Worship This Week
10 a.m. November 2nd, 2025
Transitions: From Thorns to Thanks
Led by Rev. Myra with Teague
For our Sunday security, we lock the doors at 10:05. Ushers will monitor the doors until 10:15.
Church Activities This Week
Unless indicated otherwise, these activities welcome all members and friends.
Full calendar below with links to these & other upcoming events.
Saturday, Nov. 8th @ 5:30 - Family Game Night
Sunday, Nov. 9th @ 9:00 AM - Membership Q & A
Sunday, Nov. 9th @ 10:00 AM - Worship (Click Here to Live Stream)
Sunday, Nov. 9th @ 11:15 AM - Futures Committee
Monday, Nov 10th @ 8:00 PM - On Zoom: The Gathering: Fortifying Ourselves for the Long Road Ahead
Wednesday, Nov. 12th @ 9:30 AM - From Aging to Saging
Wednesday, Nov. 12th @ 6:30 PM - Wellness Wednesday
Thursday, Nov. 13th @ 7:00 AM - SBGM Online
Friday, Nov. 14th @ 9:00 AM - Worship Minstry Meeting
Office Hours
Administrator
Brian Dustin
Mon/Wed/Fri 8-10 AM
Caring Needs
We are currently working on identifying how folks can support Caring Committee efforts. Let Marilyn know if you are able to help with making a meal or offering rides. Besides the form linked here, there is a form available in sanctuary to let her know. You can return it in the offering plate. Or sign up in the Parish Hall or let her know. We have 3 members of the church right now who could use meal support so this is an important need.
Message from Rev. Lori
Good Morning, Good People!
Many know from the introduction of me on the website that core of my theology is Love. Love is perhaps how I even name what people name G-d. For me it is the reason of existence and purpose of existence. In Christian terms it is for me it is why and how G-d birthed a universe and how religion evolved through truth and story to care for creation. So often in my personal life and for my work at the church I begin with the question, “What would love have me do in this situations?” Applying that theology to the theme of gratitude, I land at this reflectionI. Gratitude begins and ends with love. When we feel thankful, it’s because we recognize the love that flows through our lives—love given and received in countless forms. Every act of kindness, every moment of connection, every breath of beauty is love expressing itself, reminding us that we belong to one another and to this world. To live with gratitude is to let love be our center, to notice its presence even in struggle, and to let it call us toward generosity, compassion, and joy.
Of course there is always conflict and struggle. Our Buddhist teachers remind us that there is always suffering. I know we all feel that. But love is always a choice in navigating struggle. It is a choice. Practicing gratitude is a way of creating loving response and creating love in the world. I invite you to think about and apply that statement somewhere in your life right now. “What would love have me do in (this) circumstance?” It is often not the happy happy choice or decision. It can often be a tough decision. Truth in love, speaking truth to power, setting personal boundaries are all loving responses to suffering.
I invite you to call to mind a challenging issue for you right now, Say out loud and in your mind, “What would love call me to do about …..?” Ask yourself that question 3 times and then sit in silence and allow space. Pay attention to what comes to mind in that silence. Reflect on that/those answers in your head or in a journal. If nothing comes to mind, carry this exercise into the day and perhaps do it again later. Your soul will inform you as you carry the question with you!
Join us Sunday for Myra’s great service!
Peace and Blessings
Rev Lori Whittemore
(she, her, hers)
Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco Biddeford
Maine Needs Winter Gear – A Collection Drive
We need warm coats, warm hats, waterproof boots & Gloves, snow pants, warm socks for adults and kids. Gently used or new welcome. A drop box will be available at the church.
SCAMS!
Most of you have been contacted by “ME” by phone or email asking for your to buy
gift cards. THIS IS A SCAM! I would never send you a text asking for money. The
scammers often create a believable gmail account using my name so it really seems
real. When you receive this kind of text from me, and I believe they will continue to do
this, please check with me by my official email to see if I sent
it.
revlori@uuchurchsacobiddeford.org.
Once you buy gift cards and send the scammers those numbers, there is no way to
get your money back. Dont get hooked. If you get a text, email me or reach out to
someone else in church or call the church office. We would never ask you to comment
resources in this way! I will continue to share this message in all of our media to remind
you!
Make it stand out
Jewelry needed for sale at the Fair. Please contact Odette D. or Pat S. if you can contribute. Thanks!.
Ongoing activities
Share the Plate: November
When we picked the share the plate for this month, we had no idea of what was to come. Given the suspension of SNAP, we are in the process of creating a community wide response. The first thing we did was swap out the share the plate, so we can split our plate with an organization supporting feeding programs. Many have approached me to ask what we can do or offer assistance. Melissa Caminiti has stepped forward to gather information about what things are being done community wide, and helping us identify an unmet need that we can fill. We will post more in the coming week when we have more to share. We will rise to the occasion!
SNAP, support includes:
Collection of snacks for HOPE Squad (please see bulletin board for specifics)
Other collection for food pantry
Sandwiches on the 19th
School Street Coffeehouse Fundraiser
School Street Coffeehouse is pleased to offer special edition stickers, donated by Thomas Clukey, as part of a $1 fundraiser.
Stickers will be available at Coffeehouse events, open mikes, and during Social Hour on Sundays. For those of you at a distance, stickers can be obtained by mail with a $1 donation and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Every sticker purchased will support and give visability to the Coffeehouse, helping sustain this brand new tradition at UUCSB.
Hannaford Gift Cards
Would you like to donate to the church in a way that doesn’t cost you anything? If you buy your weekly groceries with a Hannaford gift card purchased from UUCSB, the church gets 5%. Our church depends on this fundraiser to contribute to its operating budget. Cards are available in $100 or $50 denominations. Gift cards are for sale in the Parish Hall every Sunday after the worship service. If you are worshiping virtually, just call or email Jane P. and make arrangements to pick them up at another time. Thank you for participating in this fundraiser in support of our church.
Save the Date! Upcoming Events
November Highlights:
November 12
It is a session of soul collage centered on images of sages. This session is open to all. After this session, the group will close to create more intimate and trusting circle experience for those who are participating. For more information or to rsvp, please contact rev. Lori.
These UUCSB meetings, community events, and important deadlines are just around the corner.
Learn more by clicking on a square or check out our full calendar over here!
