Worship This Week
10 a.m. January 11, 2026
Jan 11th: Those Who Came Before
Led by Rev. Lori & Sam R.
Music by 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 an 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 lates record, “We’ll Be Fine”, was released in October 2025.
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.
Friday, Jan. 9th @ 10:00 - Worship Ministry Meeting
Sunday, Jan. 11th @ 10:00 AM - Worship (Click Here to Live Stream)
Sunday, Jan. 11th @ 5:00 PM - Saco/Biddeford Kit Making for the Unhoused
Tuesday, Jan. 13th @ 2:30 PM - Membership Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 14th @ 9:30 AM - From Aging to Saging. This group is closed to new members.
Thursday, Jan. 15th @ 5:15 PM SBGM EQME-NOA
Office Hours
Administrator
Brian Dustin
Mon/Wed/Fri 8-10 AM
Caring Needs
Message from Rev. Lori
Hello Good People!
This Sunday offers us sacred time together to reflect on our fore people. Of course I will frame this theologically and communally, referencing the founders and shapers of our tradition and UUCSB. In thinking about them and sharing sacred space while doing so, we join ourselves in covenant with them and with one another to embody the values and principles people worked for and towards. We own it on a deeper level and we weave our thread into the unbroken rope of our tradition and to our society. Our tradition and the principles come part and parcel from folks who shaped and continue to shape this country and who shaped Saco. Remembering them, reflecting on them, and honoring them together, we can open our hearts and minds to what is ours to do (N)now.
What will help us ground ourselves in this reflection is to consider our principles and values. So in preparation for Sunday please read these and click on the link for an updated articulation of our values.
1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
This link brings you to our updated statement of values. https://www.uuchurchsacobiddeford.org/unitarian-universalists. These speak to a free society that thrives together, that strives for growth through discourse and always respect. We point to this often in our services.
This Sunday we will consider a few folks and how they have specifically shaped our world. We will also take a moment to reflect on what is ours to do to preserve, protect and advance the world and society we live in. I invite you to read the principles and values out loud and in your head. Notice which one(s) really speak to you right now. I invite you to take a few moments to answer these questions in writing or in your head.
Why is this principle important to me?
Where does it show up in my life right now?
How do I live into it each day?
What is my role in protecting or preserving it right now?
Discuss amongst yourselves! And see you Sunday!
Peace and Blessings,
Rev Lori Whittemore
(she, her, hers)
Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco Biddeford
Outreach Opportunities
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.
REMINDER: We will be making kits on the 11th & 25th.
Share the Plate: January
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 The Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center in Biddeford, Maine. From their website, https://www.seedsofhope4me.org/
At Seeds of Hope, we believe in the power of community and compassion. Our mission is to provide support, resources, and hope to those in need. Join us in making a difference, one seed at a time.
Save the Date! Upcoming Events
Interested in becoming a member of UUCSB?
Join Rev. Lori and members of the Membership Committee after church on January 25 in the Parlor for a cup of coffee and conversation about what it means to “officially” become a member of our community. We would love to meet and get to know you, share about our church and answer any questions. We can’t wait to have a cup of coffee or tea with you! Please RSVP to Edite at edite.kroll@gmail.com.
These other 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!
Ongoing activities
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.
Please note: Each Friday, the current Friday Flyer posts at 9 AM and the previous week’s Flyer is archived. Rev. Lori’s weekly messages remain online in the form of reflections. You can find the archive here.