The Messenger: October 2026
This month’s edition is packed with goodies:
Regular Features:
Sunday Service Information
Rev. Lori’s Message to the Congregation & an invitation to celebrate the passing of a UUCSB legend.
Music Notes from Ellie R.
News from the Board of Trustees
The Wonder Box, Religious Exploration Notes for upcoming Sunday RE events
Calendar Highlights for the Month and a look ahead to the fall/winter Coffeehouse offerings
Plus, lots of news to share and several invitations to chip in and be of service!
October’s Theme: Courage
Worship Services Sundays at 10 a.m. EST:
October 4th: Blessing of our Sacred Companions - An Intergenerational Service with Rev. Lori & Anne W.
October 11th: Opinionated But Not Convinced with Rev. Lori & Sarah W.
October 18th: The Tupperware Lid Dilemna with Rev. Lori & Teague C.
October 25th: Spiritual Work of Transliberation with Rev. Niki and Sarah W.
If you can’t join us in person, please tune in via our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@uucsb
Hello Dear Friends,
It is a strange day to sit down and write this article for me. I have spent the week with Edite and Keith and then Keith. I had visions about writing wonderfully excited things about all that is going on in our church and the wonders and beauties of the fall. All of which are still true and there and present. But I now find myself contemplating the liminal nature of nature this time of year. The space between flourishing, brilliant life and the transition to what comes next on the journey into and through autumn. I share these words from Thich Nhat Hanh:
One autumn day I was in the park. absorbed in the contemplations of a very small, beautiful leaf, shaped like a heart and it was barely hanging on the branch, nearly ready to fall down. I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling.
The leaf told me, “No. During the whole spring and summer I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, ‘I will see you again very soon.’
That day there was a wind blowing and, after a while, I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully, because as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree. It was so happy. I bowed my head, knowing that I have a lot to learn from the leaf.
Yes indeed! A lot to learn from a leaf. A lot to learn from autumn. A lot to learn from each other. That is of course the beauty of an intergenerational community. We walk with each other through the years. We serve on committees together, bake cookies and make soups for one another, share our burdens and joys together, argue with one another sometimes. We laugh together and we love together. Each of us is not limited to our form. We are not limited to a person who does this thing or that. In our most energetic years we may dance through the RE room in a tutu, paint a rock or floor, lead a committee, sing brilliantly from out front. And in the autumn our time and existence has integrated and absorbed and embedded into each other and into the community. That is the beautiful lesson of the leaf for all of us to contemplate as I invite you into contemplation.
Read this passage again.
Ask what it has to tell you this day.
Reflect on that message.
Take it with you into October.
With Peace and Many Blessings,
Rev. Lori
(She/Her/Hers)
The Passing of a Legend!
I am sharing the news of the death of Edite Kroll. She died on September 23rd. She was surrounded by love! It was a very peaceful death! We will remember Edite for her fierce love of this community, her strong opinions readily shared, her extraordinary ability to organize that get things done, and her commitment to all things that mattered to her!
There will be a celebration of Edite on October 17 at 11:00am at our church followed by a time in the Parish Hall to share memories!
“The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.””
–Bruce Springsteen
Our October theme is Courage.
Sing Out Love: You’ll find me talking a lot about our new virtual hymnal, Sing Out Love. Here’s a link so you can check it out for yourself: https://www.singoutlove.org/
Every member of our congregation is entitled to access the hymnal as part of our congregation’s subscription. If you’re interested, just send me an email requesting access and I’ll arrange for you to receive a link.
Each week that I’m in the sanctuary, we’ll sing a hymn or song from Sing Out Love. Printing music for everyone in the congregation would be cost prohibitive, but projection slides are already available that include both the melody line and the words. Some people may also want to look at the music in advance or follow along on their phones (the one time I’ll encourage you to have your phone out in church!).
It takes a little courage to introduce new music to our congregation. I’m being brave, and I hope you’ll be brave and sing along with me.
Singing the Children Out: At least once a month, the children will join us in church for the first 15 minutes, and we’ll “sing them out” as they leave for their Religious Exploration session. We’ll introduce a new song approximately every three months, giving everyone plenty of time to become familiar with it.
Our first song is Know That You Are Loved, which the choir sang as our closing piece on September 13. It’s simple, lovely, and has just a few words: “As you leave this space, know that you belong; know that you are not alone; know that you are loved.”
On October 18, we’ll sing it to the children together. Paul will play it through once, and then we’ll sing it twice.
Rehearsals: Pick Up Choir typically rehearses on the 2 nd and 4 th Sundays of each month followed by singing in church on that day. Upcoming Dates: October 11, 25; November 8, 22
Time: 8:45 – 9:45 We meet in the Parish Hall to start and we begin on time. Helpers arriving at 8:30 are appreciated.
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.
For more information please contact me directly at uucsbchoir@gmail.com
Special Music for October
October 4th
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.
October 11th & 25th
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!
October 18th
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.”
Beloved Congregation,
Last month I mentioned the priorities the Board named at our retreat in August. We are already making progress.
A top priority is to organize our financial systems to better support Brian and to be sure we are dotting our i's. Toward that end, Brian and our web chaplain Morgan have been hard at work to get the latest version of the QuickBooks finance manager up and running. This will enable us to do electronic payments for services and allow for easy viewing by our Treasurer Mogens and the outside reviewer we will soon contract with. We are contracting with a consultant to help us understand what else we will need to do to maximize transparency and efficiency.
We recognize the need to examine our leadership structures to understand how we can best meet the needs and wishes of our congregation and community.
Our reconstituted Membership Committee, now named "Welcoming Ministry" is already making progress on a third priority– creating opportunities for deeper connections within our congregation– by taking on Circle Suppers and building a network of "buddies" to get know newcomers. We hope you will consider your needs for connection as well as your ability to create an affinity group, lead a small group ministry group, start a book study or other opportunity for us to know each other better.
Conversations with the Board and in our first monthly Congregational Forum conclude that our fourth priority– discerning the parameters of how we will "serve our community and world with Love"– can't really be defined. We will do our best to support the passions of our members and to be responsive to the ever changing calls for action.
We will continue to explore these and other topics in Congregational Forums to be held on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Please let a Board member know if you have a topic that you would like to see discussed and we will do our best to make it happen!
October's Form Topic: "UUCSB Bicentennial- How can our past and present prepare our future?" Presented by Rev Lori and Tim B.
With Love and Gratitude,
Randa T.
Congregational News and Requests
Volunteers Needed
This years holiday fair will be happening December 5 from 8am-2pm. We are planning to have the old favorites; grammy’s attic, soup luncheon, bake sale, jewelry sales, kiddos craft table,various tables of crafty items, a gift basket raffle and music. I am seeking volunteers to help in an all the ways. A sign up sheet for volunteers will go up on the activities/events bulletin board this week. Looking for folks to take on each individual element so that we can make this a huge and wonderful success! Any questions or ideas, please contact Pieter Whittemore at hamwhitt@gmail.com.
Kit making continues with an event on October 12 at 5:30-6:30. Current items needed:
individually wrapped wet wipes
chapstick
travel sized hand lotion, shampoos and soap
throat lozenges
first aid kit supplies
protein bars and drinks
1 gallon plastic bags
socks & underwear
We will also be making sandwiches but have plenty of supplies for those. There are tubs in the closet in the hallway for collection. Please feel free to drop things off on Sunday or bring them to the kit making evening. It is a great opportunity for fellowship in service to our community! For questions, contact Rev. Lori.
The Welcoming Ministry (formerly known as Membership Committee) has come together for the 2026-27 church year.
L to R Pat C., Sonja G., Anne W., Donna B. & Cathy V.
We'll be teaming up with the Caring Connection to offer Circle Suppers/Brunches and recognizing new members when they sign the Membership Book.
We hope that members & friends will buddy up with newcomers for the Punch Card Scavenger Hunt as a way to create fellowship as they get to know their way around our historical building.
The Welcoming Ministry bulletin board is getting a refresh this fall and we hope to revive our informative "Who's Who in the Pews" notebook with more up-to-date photos and bios as a way to get to know each other!
Lastly, we hope all newcomers will feel your warmth and kindness by introducing yourself and having a chat.
If any members or friends have interest in joining our ministry we'd love to hear from you!
The Punch Cards Are Here!
Pick up the sheet with the punch card attached at the end of service at the front door. This UUCSB treasure hunt is a fun way to get acquainted with UUism, UUCSB and our folks. It will probably take a few weeks, even months to complete.
There is no rush! Get to know us as we get to know you by finding our treasures!
Room Changes
If you haven't yet had a chance to stick your head into the RE Room (formerly the Nursery), near the main entrance, please do then compliment Cricket on the massive changes. This room will be locked when not in use for RE programming.
Meeting Room (near the Sanctuary):
storage of for Music Ministry, Caring Connection, and Welcoming Ministry materials
upholstered chairs for meetings or sitting quietly
Future home of a chapel for small weddings and pre-event quiet time.
Resource Room, formerly RE Room, just beyond the Green Room, has 4 purposes:
Storage and workspace for School Street Coffeehouse
Storage of folding tables and chairs
Extra meeting space (move the tables and chairs to the Parish Hall)
Storage of materials and items for public use.
Public Use Resources in the Resource Room:
In order to avoid invading the RE room or work closet, we have gathered frequently needed items in one place.
In the brown cabinet you can find materials for running meetings and preparing displays and posters. Some newsprint tablets are stored behind the cabinet and easels are nearby. There is paper, tape, markers, pens and pencils, measuring tape, small display stands, a paper cutter, scissors, glue gun, binders and clipboards
In the white cabinet find games for games nights and a shelf of favorite art supplies for children to use when the RE room is locked.
Other items you can find there include a wheelchair, a dolly, TV on cart, AV cart, microphone and speaker for Parish Hall meetings.
Use what you need, then return items when you're done so others can find them.
Contact Randa T if you have questions or suggestions.
October Special Events at UUCSB
October 2nd: First Friday Brown Bag Lunch
October 2 is our first brown bag lunch of the church year. Please bring a lunch and drink and a snack to share if you wish. We meet at 12:00 in the green room…or in the parish hall if we can’t all squeeze in! Come by for some together time!
October 12th: Kit Making for the Unhoused from 5:30 - 7 PM
See current needs above.
October 27th: Women’s Songwriting Circle
6:30 - 8 PM
School Street Coffeehouse: Upcoming Shows
The School Street Coffeehouse team has been busy putting together an incredible line-up for Fall in Winter 2027! Read more about upcoming shows below, click on an event to learn more and help keep the energy and momentum growing by getting your tickets now and saving the dates on your calendars!
Scroll through to see other upcoming UUCSB meetings and events.
Click on an event to learn more about it. For the calendar view, click here.
A Very Special Share The Plate
September & October 2026
These next 2 months we will be sharing our plate with Seeds of Hope, one of the only remaining centers to provide shelter for our unhoused citizens.
When the County shelters closed in Alfred, York County was left in a difficult situation. Seeds has stepped in and stepped up to take over these spaces and run them with little to no federal funding. They recently assumed full operation of the Family Center, the only shelter in york County dedicated to families with children and recently gotten involved with the Maine Way.
We support them every year with between $500-$800 in a share the plate.
This year their board has asked us to offer a leadership donation to the efforts to create viable shelter options for families and warming options for others. The ask to us is for $2,000-$4,000. Our stretch goal is between $1500-$2,000 for September - October.
Help us support an organization that is responsibly, thoughtfully and lovingly supporting our most vulnerable citizens right now!
Support UUCSB’s Bottom Line
By Mail: Send donations and pledge payments to: UU Church of Saco & Biddeford, 60 School Street, Saco, ME 04072
Anne W. has been working diligently to create the new UUCSB Pop-Up Shop! This unique venture is a unique way to support UUCSB’s bottom line while also having a bespoke boutique at your fingertips. This is a place to look for those hard to buy for friends or the hostesses with the mostesses when you’d rather not bring flowers or wine! The aim is to keep this store refreshing and growing so that it’s less “Pop-up” and more “favored standby” so, if you have some wonderful, gently used treasures that are ready for a change of scenery, you can contact Anne W. and she will gladly collect them and add them to the inventory.
The link check out what’s currently on sale is: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/unitarian-universalist-church-of-saco-and-biddefords-shop-2
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
Brian will be on vacation July 18th to the 26th!
(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.