The Messenger: April 2026
This month’s packed edition includes:
Notes from Rev. Lori, Ellie R. with Music Notes, Randa T. for the Board, and your Caring Connection Committee.
Calls to service: SURJ Friday Actions & request for 501c3 help.
Tips on how to find and use the Congregant’s Portal.
Exciting community events coming up this month including 2 Coffeehouse offerings, the return of Wellness Wednesday, and a chance to sign up for May’s Circle Supper!
A new Messenger section called “Celebrations, Reflections, and Helpful Info.”
And More!
April’s Theme: Embracing Possibility
Worship Services Sundays at 10 a.m. EST:
April 5th: Rolling Away the Stone: Easter and the Courage to Begin Again with Rev. Lori & Rev. Niki
April 12th: Anything Is Possible When You Are A UU! with Rev. Lori & Sam R.
April 19th: Earth Day in a Time of Political Denial with Rev. Lori & Charlie
April 26th: MOFA Sunday
If you can’t join us in person, please tune in via our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@uucsb
Hello Wonderful People~
This month's theme is embracing possibility. It is a perfectly placed theme given all of the holidays and seasonal changes taking place. April invites us into a season where possibility is not abstract—it is visible everywhere. Buds swell on branches, light lingers longer in the evening, snow hopefully has permanently melted for the season, and traditions across cultures remind us that transformation is always underway. This month holds a quiet but powerful invitation: to trust that change is possible, even when the world feels uncertain.
Passover: The Possibility of Liberation
Passover tells the story of a people stepping into freedom before they were fully ready—leaving quickly, carrying only what they could. It reminds us that liberation rarely arrives when conditions are perfect. It comes when courage meets necessity. To embrace possibility in the spirit of Passover is to ask:
What am I ready to leave behind?
What freedom is calling my name?
Sometimes possibility begins with a single step into the unknown.
Easter: The Possibility of Renewal
Easter speaks in the language of resurrection—not only in theological terms, but in the deep human experience of beginning again. It is the reminder that endings are not always endings.
There are seasons in our lives when hope feels buried. Easter whispers that hope has roots deeper than despair.Possibility here sounds like: Life is not finished with you yet.
Ramadan: The Possibility of Transformation
When Ramadan falls within April, it brings a sacred rhythm of fasting, reflection, generosity, and prayer. It teaches that transformation is not loud or sudden—it grows through intention practiced daily.
Possibility lives in small disciplines:
a pause before speaking,
a moment of gratitude,
an act of generosity unseen by others.
Change begins quietly, and then reshapes everything.
Earth Day: The Possibility of Repair
Earth Day reminds us that possibility is not only personal—it is collective. Even in a time of climate uncertainty, the earth continues to offer resilience, beauty, and invitation. Each act of care becomes a declaration: the future is still being written. Planting something, protecting something, loving something fragile—these are acts of faith in tomorrow.
April’s holidays do not promise that change is easy. They promise that change is real.
Freedom is possible.
Renewal is possible.
Transformation is possible.
Repair is possible.
And perhaps most importantly:
You/we are still becoming.
While we are abuzz with activities, I invite you to take some time, hopefully in nature, to consider what becoming means for you in your life. What closed off pieces of yourself would benefit from a re blossuming? What things are already re emerging? Reflect on this as you enter into April with us. Join us for Easter and Earth Day and all the in between days. Reach out to someone, raise a hand a hand to help, enjoy time with each other! Rev. Michelle Collins,UU Minister writes, "Our flame burns for all the things that might be.” Our chalice shines a light on possibility. Embrace the ambiguity about what that means for community and for yourself. I invite you to show up in April knowing that all things are possible and dream big dreams!
Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Lori
(She/Her/Hers)
“Music begins where the possibilities of language end.”
~ Jean Sibelius
Embracing Possibilities - as I think about how music has transformed over thousands of years it boggles my mind. The history of music began when the mathematician Pythagoras recognized that if a string of a certain length was plucked, it made a sound. If the string was halved, it made the same sound but an octave higher. He further described the components of that octave by varying the size of the string. Music is simply math. What isn’t mathematical, however, is the possibilities of where that octave could go: from Gregorian chant in Medieval times to Classical Music (Renaissance, Baroque, Opera) to Folk song, Ragtime, Jazz, Musical theater, Big Band, Rock and Roll, Rock in its many iterations and more recently Hip Hop and Rap. All through the ages the contemporaries of these genres probably thought ‘it can’t get any better than this!’ and of course, how many parents have said ‘how can you listen to that noise?’ when their child was listening to Rock and Roll instead of appreciating the sounds of the Big Bands. Each generation wants to express itself in its own unique way. We have 2 hymnals with about 500 songs. Is that all that’s possible? Do those songs represent the UU spirit today? The Virtual Hymnal, ‘Sing out Love’, is proving that is not the case. It currently boasts almost 90 new hymns and is ultimately expected to reach 300. We all have our favorites (we proved that with our Hymn Sing) but perhaps we can express ourselves musically in new and different ways in 2026. Who knows what’s possible!
Rehearsals: Pick Up Choir typically rehearses on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month followed by singing in church on that day. We gather in the Parish Hall at 8:45 to start. Want to help with set-up? Arrive at 8:30.
April 5* (Easter), 26
May 3*, 24
June 21*
*= Not a 2nd or 4th Sunday.
Participation: ‘Pick up Choir’ means that you do not need to commit to every Sunday that we sing but if I can know in advance that you’ll be there it helps me plan for appropriate music.
Special Music: Do you like to sing solo or play an instrument? Special music is always a welcome addition to a service.
All are welcome who love to sing or who want to be involved with our Music Ministry!
Special Music for April
April 5th: UUCSB Pick-Up Choir with special guests Nathan Caron on Trumpet & Alex Caron on Piano
The UUCSB Pick Up Choir – Our choir, directed by Ellie Rolnick, will offer special music and often supports the congregational singing. Make a joyful noise with us!
April 12th: Patrick Freeman
Patrick was born in Fort Kent, Maine in 1948. He lived with foster care from the ages 3 to 18. He had some music lessons when he was young but at about the age of 9 he did not have a piano at the house so had to discontinue the lessons. Around age 20 he had private music lessons for about a year. In his late twenties he moved to Bangor and found employment selling organs, receiving free music lessons from the owner for a year. He continued to play organs and became self-taught. Patrick graduated from UMaine in 1976 with a teaching degree. After several teaching and other jobs he settled in Portland working at Maine Medical Center for 16 years. He continued playing the organ and keyboard during those times. He retired from MMC in 2013 and started playing music in Nursing Homes throughout Southern Maine. He usually plays music from way back in early 1900 to the present day. He has started a music recording studio in his apartment which continues to be a learning process. Patrick says “I enjoy playing music. I have been playing music by ear for many years. I guess that is a God gift.”
April 19th: Anne Wilkinson
Anne’s primary instrument is Cello. She has been a member of our congregation since 1990. As a teacher she developed and headed up the strings program in Saco schools and Thornton Academy. She has directed summer youth string programs as well as honors programs. Now retired, she enjoys improving her abilities and playing in small ensembles whenever she can. She is an ephemeral ‘Church Lady’ and can be found helping in RE, the church fair and as a Special Musician, among other things. She lives in Saco with her husband Charles. She has 3 daughters and several grandchildren.
April 26th: UUCSB Pick-Up Choir
The UUCSB Pick Up Choir – Our choir, directed by Ellie Rolnick, will offer special music and often supports the congregational singing. Make a joyful noise with us!
Caring Connection Doings
Is it Spring yet? Almost there!
We would like to welcome our newest CC member, Birdie Garrity. She and Anna Flanagan have both jumped right in bringing suggestions and offering to help in any way needed. Paula has been busy creating the comforting shawls that Rev. Lori blesses and we give them those in need of a warm, cuddly reminder that our church family is there for them.
We have been meeting every month and keeping up with all the Joys and Concerns involving our beloved church members and friends of the church. It seems several of us have had medical issues this winter or have lost dear family and friends or are experiencing other life problems. Been kinda gloomy. We have a renewed form for folks who want to help others in their times of need. Some of you have already utilized the forms and we are so grateful for your offers of help. We will be calling on you as requests arise. On the bright side, we have fun, new members, new families with little ones, fresh children’s education program, and a determined and energetic Board of Trustees.
We have been discussing the possible revival of Circle Suppers and will attend a meeting in March with others who are interested in bringing back this fun event.
As you all know, our church has joined with other community members to help with the homeless and other folks in need. We are willing to help in any capacity that we can.
The Tree of Hope, out in front of our church, has been a place where we hung gloves, mittens, scarves, hats etc. free for the taking by anyone. We have done this once a year for several years, in December for several weeks. As the need of our community has grown, we too, have expanded our outreach to others. The donations of warming items are now serving a greater group of folks via other avenues, and so we are retiring the Tree of Hope which only served a small, close community near us.
On the first Sunday of March we did a celebratory Coffee Hour honoring Al and Marilyn Casad’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. A good time was had by all.
We hope you all are comfortable and well. Please let any of us know if you know of someone that could use some cheering up or has any other need so we can try and help.
Your Caring Connection, Marilyn, Rosemary, Paula, Pat, Anna & Birdie
The Return of Circle Suppers!
Want to join a fun evening of community and great food? Join the Circle Supper on Saturday, May 30th!
What are Circle Suppers? They are small (6+) potluck dinners, held in members’ homes, which bring friends, newcomers, and members of our congregation together to share food and get acquainted. These dinners are a good way to bring people closer, to get to know people in ways that we cannot on Sunday mornings or at committee meetings, and to get a mix of diKerent people than we might normally encounter.
But, April 5th is the deadline to sign up!
Learn more and sign up over here!
Celebrations, Reflections, & Helpful Info
This month’s celebrations, reflections, and helpful info submitted by Sonja G. Would you like to share a celebration, reflection, or helpful note on UUCSB goings on? Just send them here for next month’s Messenger.
RE Program
Our UU Principles and Values provide the basis for our Religious Exploration program for youth. It provides a safe place for children while their adults are a short walk away in the Sanctuary. You are welcome to stay as well! There are always 2 adults present who assist the children and are happy to bring them to you in the Sanctuary should the need arise. Of course, children are also welcome to stay with their adults during the service.
Commissioning of UUCSB Web Team
Long before someone walks through our doors, they meet our community online. During the March 8, 2026 service Rev. Dr. Lori Whittemore reflected on how compassion, justice and radical welcome are shared through screens and signals. We officially recognized and commissioned videographer Ryun G., social media coordinator Elicia C. & webmaster Rev. Morgan R. because they help to carry our message into the digital world. Here at UUCSB we celebrate this growing edge of ministry and the many ways love reaches beyond our physical walls.
No Kings Day!
Several UUCSB members and friends turned out to Side With Love and show support for peace, justice and democracy.
April Outreach
SURJ Biddeford Saco Social Justice Demonstration
Join others in ongoing demonstrations supporting social justice! Every Friday 4-5:30pm on Main St. Saco Transportation Center.
Share the Plate: April 2026
Each month, UUCSB chooses an organization to split weekly donations made by congregants during the course of Sunday services. As many of you attend virtually, we are providing an online venue for these donations.
This month, we ask for donations to be split between UUCSB's general fund and MUUSAN. From their website:
What is MUUSAN?
The Maine Unitarian Universalist State Advocacy Network (MUUSAN) is a statewide advocacy and public policy network anchored in our Unitarian Universalist faith and animated by its principles. This legislative ministry links Maine's 26 Unitarian Universalist congregations to promote just, humane laws and policies in keeping with our UUA Seven Principles. We welcome as partners and collaborators all those who share our values.In 2012, Maine became the 17th state to create a State Advocacy Network. At work today in 25 states, SANs are the fastest-growing arm of Unitarian Universalism nationwide, and for good reason.UU congregations and individuals are creating Advocacy Networks, including MUUSAN, because they realize that, vital as they are, worship services, good works, and study groups are not enough. In a denomination that is characterized by social activism, we are called to bring our values to bear in the public arena: in the State Legislature, the news media, the development of policy, and the pursuit of justice.
From Your "Let's Try It!" Board of Trustees
By the time you read this, we will have had the first of three planned Congregation Forums. The first is called "Tips ad Tools from the Let's Try It! Board."
All this church year, when faced with problems that we weren't sure how to resolve, we hav just plunged in to try something, reminding ourselves and you that we'll just try it to see how it goes. This is to keep us from getting stuck trying to find a perfect solution when we all know that is not usually possible. We hope this "Let's Try It!" approach will remind us all not to fear change or making mistakes.
The first "Let's try it!" was when we moved the coffee hour refreshments ito the Green Room. We were responding to feedback that Anne W., our indefatigable finder of coffee hour hosts, was hearing. That the coffee urns were to heavy. We knew not everyone would be excited about the change, so we said we'd try it for a month. So far, it seems to be working.
We moved the Religious Exploration Classroom to the former Nursery so the kids could be closer to parents and bathrooms. We're trying some different options for the old RE room, including storage for Coffeehouse equipment, a cabinet with craft and office supplies for general usage, a freezer for PB&J's and a comfy chair for Lucas to read in! The room can be used for meetings and overflow seating for the Coffeehouse. We'll try it. If it's not working, we can try something else.
One of the biggest has been new ways of communicating. Communicating is always a challenge in organizations like ours. We're have Morgan, our Web Chaplain who designed our beautiful website and is now publishing the Messenger and Friday Flyer. You can find all kinds of church documents in the Congregant Portal of the website as well as on the bulletin board by the office. We can now complete myriad forms online and communicate with her about upcoming events. She has designed flow charts for how to reserve a church space (see last month’s Messenger) and, in this month’s messenger, she gives tips on how to use the congregant portal. We know it takes practice to get used to new tools, and we're trying hard find or build communication methods that work for all of us.
We're going through a growth spurt and we need to accommodate new people, new ideas. Let's agree to be patient with each other and excited for the growth that trying new things can bring.
Love, Randa Thomas
President, Board of Trustees
Hello!
First of all, I want to say how incredibly moving it was to be officially welcomed into the UUCSB community last month. What a gorgeous group of humans you all are. I left not only wishing I lived in Southern Maine, but I literally told my sweetheart that we needed to move there to be close to the church!
Now, onto this month’s helpful info:
Upcoming UUCSB Dates To Take Notice Of
April 3rd: Brown Bag Lunch
Bring your lunch and share a few hours of connection and community!
April 8th: The Return of Wellness Wednesday
April 19th: The Coffeehouse presents Dan Blakeslee
Read all about Dan and get your tickets over here.
Open Mic Night: April 26th!
You can sign up now to perform, support, or become a member! Click here!
Scroll through to see other upcoming UUCSB meetings and events. Click on an event to learn more about it.
Ways to Support Our Vibrant UUCSB Community
Help Us Create a 501c3!!!
We need someone to take the lead on filing the paperwork for our church to obtain full 501c3 status. We are inherently a nonprofit as a church, but not able to apply for many grant programs because of our religious status.
Creating a separate 501c3 will enable us to seek grants to grow our programing and support ourselves and the local community. We could apply for money with full non-profit status for such things as restoring our organ, updating our kitchen so that we can provide community meals, oil assistance or being granted a generator for offering warming services, or adapting our building for handicapped accessibility to name just a very few ways this could benefit us.
Prior Boards have set aside funding for this important task and we have yet to complete it. Right now, while we are considering future activities, programs, and updates, it is imperative to get this going. If you have interest, time or experience with this, please contact Rev Lori. She has set up 2 non-profits from scratch and is happy to coach, consult, and support!
So CLOSE!
We are less than a few hundred shy of our goal! You can donate directly online without incurring a fee and get a tax deductible receipt in the process! Donate here!
Ways to Support UUCSB’s Bottom Line
By Mail: Send donations and pledge payments to: UU Church of Saco & Biddeford, 60 School Street, Saco, ME 04072
Two Ways to Donate to the General Operating Fund Without Spending an Extra Dime!
Are You Thinking About Becoming a Member of UUCSB?
To learn more about our congregation:
Please speak to any member or someone from the Membership Welcoming Committee. Plan to attend a Sharing Your Spiritual Journey orientation.
To learn more about our faith and practice:
Various aspects of Unitarian Universalism are explained in brochures kept in a rack as you enter the sanctuary. You are welcome to take these home. You can also talk with members of our congregation.
Our Church:
We are a voluntary association of those committed to this special religious community. We share common values, but we do not require or expect conformity to any specific religious beliefs. We welcome each person’s spiritual exploration and expression.
Our Church Administrator is Brian Dustin
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
8 to 10 am
(207) 282-0062 or (207) 632-4512
Congregants of UUCSB can find forms to add, change, or recommend items on the website in the Congregant Portal found in the footer of our website. Stop by and see Brian if you need the password.