A man walks by a mural of a rainbow. In the cloud it reads "stay alert." — **March’s Theme: Paying Attention**

**Worship Services Sundays at 10 a.m. EST:**
March 1st: **Wake Up!** with Rev. Lori
March 8th: **The Wider Pulpit-Ministry in the Digital Commons!** with Rev. Lori & Hayley
March 15th: **Are We Listening?** with Rev. Niki & Anne D.
March 22nd: **Hymn Sing** with The Pick-Up Choir
March 29th: **Palm Sunday and Passover: Branches of Hope, Doors of Freedom** with Rev. Lori
If you can’t join us in person, please tune in via our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@uucsb

Hello Good People,

“We are not seeing the world end

We are seeing the world wake up.

We are living in the collapse of illusion of a system that only works for a few…it is being exposed.

Do not numb yourself.

Do not harden your heart.

What feels like breaking is actually waking.

Choose joy and peace that isn’t found in power.

That is found in taking care of one another and living into our full human potential.”

That is what I came across last week while doom scrolling! I put down the phone and copied the passage. For those lost to doom and gloom and to the message that all is already lost, it is not. The false world that we have been accepting is cracking open and there is yet more truth and light to break free!

We are a part of a living tradition that holds fast that the Gospel or Good News is not a one and done. The Canon is not closed, the Creator not fully revealed. That it is being revealed in you and I and us and in creation and in all the gifts given to us by the Source! It is ever revealing itself in living relationship. It is ever revealing itself in Love.

As horrific the news may be, it is not the last word. And the hope in the horror for me right now is that what we thought was good or on the right path was an illusion and we needed to know what was going on behind the curtain. Now we do, very clearly.

It is like when The Jerry Springer talkshow enraged the daytime viewers by having neo nazis on and allowing them to speak their beliefs out loud. There is the shock of knowing that people believe such hateful, wrong things. But I guess it is also better to know that there are in fact those people out there and that is what they believe and that is what they are spending their waking energy pursuing. We now know beyond a shadow of a doubt what the halls of power have systematically been doing to young girls. It is being played out against innocent and law abiding people; for those lawfully in the immigration process and citizens alike. It is playing out against US citizens who try to protect others.

Paying attention means waking up to the new possibilities that come in and from strife. It is in March that the clocks springs ahead, when we hopefully see more green on the ground that’s currently snow covered, when the sap starts running and when there is an earthy smell in the air from the mud emerging. It is inviting our senses and bodies to wake up. To wake up to the new possibilities that we have yet to even imagine. Every moment we are living in holds the collapse of the illusions of our past. Choose joy and peace that can be found in taking care of one another and taking care of the earth! Pay attention so that we can help each other live into our full human potential. This day and all days!

With Love and Gratitude!

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Lori

(She/Her/Hers)

Ellie in a red sweater with a salmon colored shawl sits beaming at the piano.

“I’m thinking about how music can keep us in the here and now, how a good choir piece can bring singers into the same mind, how a hymn can center a room... Music draws our attention, not just to itself, but to the subject of its art. It can shine a light on the people, places, and causes that suffer in the darkness of ignorance. Where might we shine our lights during this time?”

– Soul Matters Music Resources Coordinator, Adam O’Dell

This month’s theme is ‘Paying Attention’. Our congregation uses ‘Soul Matters’ to give us our monthly themes and resources for worship services. Adam O’Dell creates a music packet with ideas for hymns and choral music to fit the theme. I love his take on how music helps us ‘pay attention’ so I chose that as my music quote this month. With our annual ‘Hymn Sing’ on 3/22 we’ll have a great opportunity to pay attention to the words and music that are most meaningful to us as a community. As we gather together in song we can consider, for example, why ‘Blue Boat Home’ has been the most popular choice several years running, followed by ‘This is My Song’.

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.

March 8, 22
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!

Email Ellie for more information

Special Music for March

March 1st: Doug Kolmar

With a voice as warm and inviting as your favorite old flannel shirt, Singer/songwriter, Doug Kolmar, explores the light and dark of humanity through a lens of compassion, with and insightful observation. He has released five full-length solo albums, and his songs have been recognized with awards from The Music to Life foundation, International Acoustic Music Awards, American Songwriter and Maine Songwriters Association. His latest record, ‘We’ll Be Fine’, was released in October 2025.

Members of the UUCSB Pick-Up Choir beam at the camera. — March 8th: 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!

March Outreach

Kit Making: March 22nd at 4:00 PM

We have made a huge impact making kits and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the unhoused. We have made over 500 sandwiches to both support the hope squad and to send out to the encampments in Biddeford. Those sandwiches have been so helpful and well received!
As of February 22, we have made 394 kits. Approximately 200 of those have been distributed already. The kits contain hand warmers, chapsticks, gloves and socks, candy and soft snacks and some contain protein drinks and toothbrushes and toothpaste. For those who remain in tents, these make such a difference!
We have used almost all of the supplies we have collected and are waiting to hear from Britt Lashier, outreach coordinator for Biddeford to learn about what the specific needs are in this moment. However **we already know we will need ziplock sandwich bags, hand creams, hand warmers, hats and gloves and soft snacks.** Please feel free to start dropping those off at the church in the designated area. Donna B. suggested for those who buy Hannaford Cards to support the church, perhaps you could contribute your cards that have 10$ or less on them for us to stick in some of the bags.
Laurie S. has made wonderful notes to put in the kits based on consultation with Justice, that include well wishes and statements of support and encouragement. We are planning our next kit making/sandwich making event for **March 22 at 4:00**. Please put that on your calendar! And let the collecting begin!

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: March 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 **Age Friendly Saco.** From their website, https://agefriendlysaco.org/
Age Friendly Saco’s mission, “A Community for a Lifetime”, is to promote active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, engagement, and safety while removing barriers that prevent our citizens from remaining in their homes as they age. This will be accomplished through engagement with community organizations as well as collaboration with the City of Saco and the recruitment of community volunteers for the delivery of services that will empower residents to remain in and engaged in their community as they age.

Donate Now to Support both UUCSB & Age Friendly Saco

Beloved Congregation:

After three sessions of the training program from the New England Region (NER) of the UUA called “UU Board Foundations 105”, we on the Board are making some changes in how we conduct our meetings and our business outside of meetings. Here is a peek into how we run our board meetings.

Since July, we have been following a “consent model”, without necessarily knowing its name. We discuss business, and come to an agreement on whichever issue is before us. If everyone can live with a decision rather than objecting to it, we move forward. If there is an outright objection (so far this hasn’t happened!) we would have more discussion, compromise, or find another solution. No making and seconding motions, or having a majority vote.
At each meeting we finish with “Like and Wishes” to reflect on the meeting processes. Although some were uncomfortable with “criticizing” at first, this element has ensured that we have an environment of respect for each person’s needs and has built the trust that enables us to have frank conversations and to express divergent opinions.
We have incorporated a “Sacred Pause” option where anyone can call, “Pause!” for any reason. We stop for 30 seconds to silently settle ourselves, then move on with no discussion. This practice will give us an easy way to reset if tensions get high or even if someone’s mind needs to get called back into presence.
I feel a bit embarrassed that we haven’t incorporated a check-in, something that is pretty basic to a church-y meeting. We’re starting this this month. It will be a simple question like, “What’s on your heart?” to answer very briefly. We’ll share, then get to the agenda.
Foundations 105 advises us to give 15-25 minutes to a “Powerful Question” at each meeting! These are questions for deep reflection about church or spiritual matters. The idea is that by allowing this time for thinking deeply together about issues, our direction may be clearer and our decision-making process will be as well.

Most of us agree that many of the practices we are engaging inas a boardwould be valuable to most other church meetingsand we continue to discuss if and how toencourage new practices.

We welcome your questions and answers! Contact any Board member (pictured above* and wearing green name tags on Sundays). BoT Meetings are the 1st Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall. You are welcome!

Love, Randa Thomas

President, Board of Trustees

Learn more about your Board of Trustees

Hello!

As UUCSB continues to update and improve its online presence, things have been changing pretty quickly. With all these updates, it’s completely understandable that there’s been some confusion about how to reserve space for church-related events — and how to share information about those events and meetings with others.

To help make things clearer, I’d like to share some simple guidelines on how congregants should reserve a space and then submit event information for the website, Friday Flyers, social media, and of course, this monthly Messenger. I hope this will make the process easier and more straightforward for everyone.

First of all…the TLDR version: an infographic!

For anyone who’d like a little more clarity, here’s a step-by-step guide with links & emails:

1️⃣ Reserve Your Space First

Brian D. in the church office maintains the official church calendar. If you’re planning a church-related event or a meeting for a church-affiliated group, you’ll need to contact Brian to reserve your space. Please wait for his confirmation before announcing your event to the congregation.

You can reach Brian:

In person or by phone on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 8:00–10:00 a.m. at (207) 282-0062
By email at admin@uuchurchsacobiddeford.org

Please note: Reserving the church for personal (non–church-related) use is a separate process. You can find information about that here on the website.

2️⃣ Share the Details

Once your space and time are confirmed, it’s your responsibility to submit the information for publication on:

The website calendar
Friday Flyers
The monthly Messenger
Social media (if appropriate)

For most events, you only need to submit your information once to reach all these outlets.

You can:

Fill out the online form on the website, or
Email uucsb.webchaplain@gmail.com

No special formatting is needed — just include:

The name of the event (or series)
The date(s) and time(s)
Any details you’d like people to know
Any relevant links
Any graphics (if you don’t have one, I will create a simple graphic for you!)

If you’re emailing me and would also like your event shared on social media, please CC Elisha C., our Social Media Coordinator, at uucsbsocial@gmail.com. Easy peasy!

3️⃣ After the Event

If appropriate, Elisha and I would love to celebrate your work and community spirit! Please send any updates, photos, or good news stories to both:

We’re always glad to help share the light and love happening here at UUCSB!

In other news, I’m excited to be joining you all in person on Sunday, March 8th at the Sunday service titled: The Wider Pulpit ~ Ministry in the Digital Commons. I look forward to meeting so many of you whom I’ve only known through your photos and messages. I’ll be hanging out during coffee hour, please say hello!

~ Morgan

Upcoming UUCSB Dates To Take Notice Of

**Pop up Pancake Breakfast: March 7th**

We will have a pancake breakfast in the Parish Hall on Saturday March 7 from 8:00am-10:00am There will be pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice and coffee. Join us for some food and conversation! Please bring items for our kits if you can. Soft snacks, gloves, socks, hats, hand warmers, protein drinks are all most welcome!
Please RSVP to Rev. Lori at revlori@uuchurchsacobiddeford.org

Open Mic Night: March 15th!

You can sign up now to perform, support, or become a member! Click here!
Read more about the Coffeehouse on our website.

Passover Seder: March 28th, 4 PM!

Join us in the Parish Hall to share the elements of a Passover dinner and read from the Haggadah, the Sacred text that tells the story of the Jews flight from Egypt. Our youth will make Seder plates the week before in RE to help us learn more about the elements of the feast! Join us for kinship and learning and fun! Please RSVP to Rev Niki! revniki.uucsb@gmail.com

**Yoga Ti Band**, March 29th, 6:30!

Tickets are $10, unless you are a mug carrying Coffeehouse member in which case your mug is your ticket!
To reserve your ticket, buy a membership mug, or reserve your free seat, click here. Please note, that if you are member and you don’t reserve your seat in advance, night of show is first come first served and your mug is not a guarantee of admission.
Read about the band: Here.

Scroll through to see other upcoming UUCSB meetings and events. Click on an event to learn more about it.

Community Events

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!

Ways to Support UUCSB’s Bottom Line

Make a Donation online to our General Operating Fund

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.