Worship This Week
10 a.m. October 19 th
Samhain ~ An Intergenerational Ritual
Led by Rev. Lori with Donna R.
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, October 25 - 9:00 AM Fall Church Clean-Up Day
Saturday, Oct 25th: Deadline for Messenger Submissions
Sunday, Oct 26th @ 10:00 AM - Worship (Click Here to Live Stream)
Thursday, Oct 30th @ 7:00 PM - SBGM Game Night
Office Hours
Administrator
Brian Dustin
Mon/Wed/Fri 8-10 AM
Caring Needs
Message from Rev. Lori
Hello Good People,
We are celebrating in word and ritual this week, the pagan holiday of Samhain. Samhain is the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time to honor ancestors, reflect on cycles of life and death, and embrace the mystery of transformation as the veil between worlds grows thin. This intergenerational service will include elements from our young folks religious exploration program as well as a ritual to mark the festival.
PLEASE BRING A PICTURE OF A LOVED ONE WHO HAS PASSED OR AN OBJECT THAT REPRESENTS LOSS TO SHARE ON OUR SAMHAIN ALTAR.
As a community we will honor loss with sadness and gratitude. I share a poem with you called This Sacred Thread:
This Sacred Thread
They who once dwelled among us, the people of memory.
They who knew us, they who taught us,
They who hurt us, they who loved us.
They touch our lives time and again,
Through their presence and their absence.
Through familiar scents and favorite songs,
Through old stories and renewed sorrow.
As the earth turns and leaves fall,
We reach back to renew the bonds between us.
With hearts and hands open
We hold on to love,
Ever stronger than death.
We reach back in gratitude and understanding,
without out time together,
The pain and the Joy,
We would never be who we are today:
We would have little to pass on ourselves.
Without fear, with thanksgiving
and with hope for all that awaits,
We remember those who have gone before,
We honor the circle of life and death,
And our place within this sacred thread.
I invite you to read through this out loud and then again in your head. Notice what word or image feels alive for you. Ask what that word or image has to say to you today. Take your word with you today and through to Sunday!
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.
Lost!
Our wonderful, faithful plow guy is moving away! We need to replace this person before our winter sets in – and it will come! The snow remover must have a snow blower in order to do our walkway. Please send any names you have to annesarahd43@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Ongoing activities
Share the Plate: October
Portland Treatment Center
At Portland Treatment near Portland, Maine, we understand that every individual’s path to recovery is unique. Whether you or your loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency or a substance use disorder, our compassionate team is here to guide you toward lasting hope and healing. From day one, our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment where you feel empowered to take the first step toward a healthier future. With programs tailored to your needs—like our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and referrals for detox services —we’re committed to helping you reclaim control of your life.
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
Highlights this week:
This Saturday! - B&G is reviving an old tradition on Oct. 25 from 9 to noon. Come join us for a congregational workday. We will have jobs listed. You decide what you’d like to work on. There will be jobs for all skills and abilities. No need to sign up; just show up! FMI – Anne D. 282-6600
November Highlights:
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!
