The FS report asks: “What wouldit be like to see this Space Needsexperience as a successful experi-ment where everybody is just fol-lowing an energy without knowingthe outcome.” Over the last threeyears we have evaluated and dis-cussed and dreamed and designed,and discussed it all some more. Ithas pushed us to think about whowe are and what we want to be,what we give our community andeach other, and what we hope to.We created a covenant to ensure welive in right relation with oneanother, and we crafted a missionstatement to guide our ministries. And now is the time to take abreath to think and talk some moreabout what is truly important to us,who we want to be, but also whowe are. What are our biggest chal-lenges but also, and more impor-tantly, what are our greatest assets?This is our 20th anniversary year-what a fitting moment for thisfocus! Based on our discussions withPeter and Susan and the findings ofthe FS, the Space Needs Team isrecommending that we assume thepossible capital campaign will beconducted in the fall, which givesthe congregation time to celebrateand explore. There are already sev-eral events focused on this, includ-ing the congregational conversationthat was held the week after thepresentation, and a wonderful serv-ice planned for January 11 that will

Sarah Nicholson“Gratitude is a good place to start!”concluded Peter Heinrichs andSusan Lewis in their report out ofthe UUCB Feasibility Study (FS)they recently completed. Their pre -sentation two weeks ago is anotheramazing milestone for our belovedcongregation. That we have thecap acity to conduct a capital cam-paign of at least $600,000 is in -credible, and sets us up for the pos-sibility of a significant buildingpro ject. Further, they agree we willneed to have the architects go fur-ther with the design before wecould launch a capital campaign toensure we have congregation-wideexcitement about the specific proj-ect we choose to launch.Importantly, as an example of thebroader value of conducting theFeasibility Study, they are recom-mending that the congregationspend ample time before we planthe launch of a capital campaign toreflect on what we have learnedthrough the Space Needs process sofar “to deepen the discovery of whoyou are and what you really want.Along with this, they suggest wespend some time on gratitude: “Ex -press gratitude and celebration foryour congregation’s courage, imag-ination, time, money, vulnerabilityand willingness! You may evenwish to set aside a way to acknowl-edge to each other what is beingnoticed.”

bring together some of our belovedformer ministers, along withDeane, to celebrate us! We wanteveryone to get in on the act, toplay and dream and connect. Not to lose momentum on thebuilding project itself, we plan tomove forward with our architects tobegin the next phase of the designprocess. Design is not a linear activity, andit is normal, to review our assump-tions and priorities, and, knowingnow the right size for our project,to hone our vision so we get thebest possible project for ourresources. In January, we will be holdinganother congregational vote torequest permission to proceed withthe next phase of design with Barba+ Wheelock. It will be anotheropportunity to decide what is thebest approach for us and to moveforward together. Watch for moredetails in the coming weeks!

Vol. 21, No. 1JANUARY • 2015

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF BELFAST37 MILLER ST. • PO BOX 452 • BELFAST, MAINE 04915 • (207) 338-4482 • UUBELFAST. ORG

N WSLETTERUUB E L FA

S TUSE OUR WEBSITE:

uubelfast.org

WE ARE A VIBRANT, inter-generational faith community, inspired by thoughtand spirit and grounded in love. Our mission is to honor differences and to

foster peace, justice, and sustainability in ourselves and in our world.

Feasibility Report

January 11th isAnniversary Sunday!Life of the Churchby Chris LeGore, presidentOn Sunday, January 11th we willcelebrate our 20th Anniversary withRev. Deane and special guests JillSaxby, Pam Gross and RichardSnyder. We will also recognize UUBelfast congregants who wereamong the 48 founding members.

Spark your creativity in the newyear by drawing one face a day, for100 days. The drawing can be anystyle, any face, sketch or detailed,ink or color. All ages, all abilitiesinvited to join in the fun. At the end of 100 days, we willhave an art show at church to pres-ent our favorite drawings, orbiggest, or craziest, or funniest, ormost colorful! Contact CherylRichardson at 342-4649 or acrini-

Jill Saxby was our first part-timeminister, joining us just ten monthsafter November, 1994, when ourfounders formally declared theirintent to gather as a UU Con gre -gation. With her loving guidance, westrengthened our sense of commu-nity while building our church sup-port structures. For 20 years Jillhas remained a treasured friend.Pam Gross was our first half-timeminister, joining us in the summerof 2000 and guiding us throughnine years of profound develop-ment and growth. Pam faced the challenge of com-pleting her seminary work whilehelping us navigate our early ado-lescence – no easy task! What ajoy it was to sponsor Pam’s ordina-tion into the UU ministry 10 yearsafter she first joined us. Her jour-ney and ours are forever joined inlove.When Cassie Snyder joined ourchurch in 2002 her husband, Rev.T. Richard Snyder, came to us, aswell. A retired Presbyterian minis-ter, Dick brought his lifelong com-mitment to justice with him. As leader of the Social ActionCom mittee, Dick and UU Belfastwere key to the birth of theRestorative Justice Project of theMidCoast. Although the Snydershave since moved to Camden, Dickand Cassie are lifelong friends ofUU Belfast, where Dick willalways be a valued guest in ourpulpit.All three guests will be speakingon the 11th, sharing their stories ofthis church that we love. We hopethat they will be able to join all usat a potluck luncheon immediatelyfollowing the service. Let us all – old friends and new -celebrate together!

taly@yahoo.com of congregationallife to sign up for reminders andinspirations for the 100 days. For those who like to talk abouttheir art, we will have a gatheringmid-way to share and discuss ourprocesses. How creative will you be in 2015?Let this project help get you in thegroove. (and a sketch book is agreat gift!)

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January Sunday ServicesServices start at 10:00 AM at the UU Church of Belfast, 37 Miller St., be -hind the Belfast Free Library. Please call 338-4482 for more information.Children, infants and new faces are always welcome. Please join us!

JAN 4 Rev. Deane PerkinsJAN 11 Celebrate!As a way to acknowledge our 20th Anniversary as a church, past min-isters of UUCB Jill Saxby and Pam Gross, along with our friend DickSnyder, will join Deane in a worship service of celebration and grati-tude. JAN 18 The Duality of Faith: The Pagan

UU Legacy of Margot Adler Gemma ScottBorn of Jewish heritage, raised in an atheist household, Margot Adler'sspiritual path led her to great attainment as a Pagan Priestess andrenowned Unitarian Universalist leader. Through a tribute to Adler'sgreat life and work, this service will honor and explore some of thehistorical and contemporary ways in which our faith supports many tra-ditions including women and earth-centered spirituality.JAN 25 Jeffrey MabeeJoin me for an exploration of the spiritual practice of love in an age ofpop culture. FEB 1 Rising in Love

Lane FisherAs part of a graduate course, Lane ran a survey last fall to learn whatmembers have valued (or not) in their experiences as volunteers withinour congregation. This Sunday she will go beyond results that sheshared with our Church and Program councils to reflect on someimplicit challenges to us as a congregation and individuals. Lane is along-time member of this church and a second year M.Div. candidateat Starr King School for the Ministry.

Get ready! • Get Set! • Get creative! • Draw in 2015!

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MinisterRev. Deane Perkins 338-4482

minister@uubelfast.orgAdministrative Assistant Maret Knight 338-4482

Email: office@uubelfast.orgoffice hrs: Mon. & Thurs. 8:30-12:30

Church Council Chris LeGore 589-4421Marty Daniels 338-0129LifeSpan EducationSusan Coe 691-5153Children’s ReligiousExplorationDanielle Bannister 505-5383MusicLila Nation 338-5002FinancesRoger Lee (treas) 338-6837

Sunday ServicesJessie Gower 525-4427Membership ChairMarje Stickler 338-5059Social ActionCathy Mink 338-4920Congregational LifeChip Curry 930-3590Green SanctuaryJasmine Fowler 342-3260Corliss Davis 930-3562Buddhist SanghaJudith Simpson 338-0579 Caring CirclePatty Smith 338-5802Safe CongregationTera Kennedy 342-5470Stewardship Committee ChairScott Denman 342-4246

LGBT Welcoming CongregationPatty Smith 338-5802Sound CoordinatorCary Bradford 338-8448Hospitality

Cheryl & Arthur Richardson 342-4649Nominating Committee chair-

Endowment CommitteeMargie Shannon 218-4033GreetersJennifer Kirchoff 975-1913NewsletterDouglas M. Coffin 567-3707To change address, tel. no., email,

news letter status, or to subscribe to theUUBB or UUCC, emailoffice@uubelfast.org

WHO’S WHO AND WHO TO CALL

Adult Life SpanThe elves on the Adult Life SpanCommittee have been preparingnew (and re-cycled) programs forthe Winter/Spring semester. Moredetails for each will be providedlater. If you have any questions orto register, contact the ProgramFacilitator directly.Here’s what we’ve cooked up:“The Spirituality of Silence.”Continuing: Tuesdays; 12:00–1:00.(Jan Anderson, jdanders@gmail .com)“Beyond Resolutions: Visions,Dreams & Intentions.” Saturday;January 3, 1:00–4:00. (Linda Buck -master, lsbuck1@gmail.com)

“Where Do UU's Come From?” Atwo-part video series in collabora-tion with the Membership Com -mittee. Saturdays; January 10 & 17,10:00–12:00. (Ian Howard,iannhoward35@gmail.com) “The Gnostic Gospels. Book Dis -cussion about early Christianity.”Tuesdays; March 3 – April 14,6:30–8:30 PM. (Deane Perkins,deane.perkins@gmail.com)“How Good People Make ToughChoices. The Dilemmas of EthicalLiving.” Late spring: dates andtimes to be announced. (DebbieBailey, debbiebailly@gmail.com)

spend an afternoon in our beautifulMaine winter wonderland and havesome family fun in the great out-doors.Date: Saturday, January 10(inclement weather date: Saturday,January 17)Time: 3:00 pmPlace: 93 Kaler Rd. BelfastWhat to bring: sleds, snowshoes,

Congregational Lifeevents for the next threemonths! January 10, 2015: Winter FrolicDay! There will be sledding,snow shoeing, cross-country skiing,a bonfire, hot cocoa, snacks, and ofcourse, marshmallows! The eventwill be held at Dean and Jan And -erson's home. They have a great

Fresh and Clean!!The church entryway and hospitali-ty room are looking fresh and cleanthanks to our new building andgrounds point person, Jan Ander -son. Jan has spent weeks cleaning andpainting at church, brightening upour most used spaces. Thank you,Jan. Now it is up to US to keep itlooking good, by NOT using tapeon the walls, using just the bulletinboards for flyers and placing tablescarefully against the walls in thehospitality room. Maret (for the management team)

sledding hill and live next to theriver where hearty souls can havean exciting snowshoe adventure.In addition, they are very close tothe rail trail that is great for a funcross-country ski jaunt. Whenyou've had enough fun or need towarm up, there will be a blazingbonfire, snacks and hot cocoa (withor without marshmallows). Come

cross-country skis, warm clothes,headlamps (since it gets dark early)and smiles

February 1, 2015: "Souper" BowlSunday, after the service. Bringyour favorite soup or chili, somebread or cornbread, and join every-one in the sanctuary for a Pre-Super Bowl party. We will also becelebrating UUCB's 21st Birthday.Do you have any photos from over

the years? We want to display pho-tos of our amazing 21 years asUUCB (please leave any photos inthe kitchen). AND prepare a toastfor your favorite UUCB milestoneor fond memory over the past 21years!

March 7, 2015: "Call Back theSun." As Daylight Saving Timebegins, and the days are gettinglonger and longer, we'll get togeth-

er to celebrate the return of the"SUN!" More information to fol-low.Check the Order of Worship andUU Website for more informationthroughout the first quarter of2015!Please see Jen Wendell, TeresaPiper, Chip Curry or CherylRichardson for more information!They are your Congregational LifeCommittee

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DEAR FRIENDS,I was recently given a gift that consisted of a largemason jar and a note on it that said: “Starting on Jan.1st, I challenge you (and your family) to write downsomething good that happened each day. (It doesn’thave to be groundbreaking, just good.) At the follow-ing New Year’s Eve, open the jar and rejoice over theawesome year you had.”I like it a lot. Simple. Thoughtful. Consistent with

Susan and Peter’s advice to feel gratitude and cele-brate (as individuals and as a faith community). Anda form of spiritual discipline.I know there has been some discussion among someof our members about family worship at home. Agratitude jar is a great start. And maybe a gratitudejar in the foyer of our church as well?With gratitude and much fondness to you all,Deane

Minister’s Report

Don't forget, R.E.relies on your ClynkBag money for ourallergen free snacks(which are COSTLY!)Remember to take afew home during theholiday season! Bagscan be found in boxesmarked CLYNK in thekitchen and in the hos-pitality room. Each areright next to a door.

Have YOU fed the Guest At Your Table? This year, the UUSC did not give out boxes in aneffort to save money, but we have envelopes if youneed them and a Guest At Your Table box for the

entire church will be downstairs for your spare pock-et change. Your coins will help feed the bellies and

lives of countless people.

Five new members were welcomed at ourDecember 14th Welcome Sunday. Joining our Unitarian Universalist Belfast Church are:Erda Grass, Jane Morgan, Betsy Reed, Joe Watts, andJanneke Zaadstra. After welcoming words by Rev -erend Deane Perkins and President Chris LeGore, ourjoiners were presented with certificates, chalice pins, ared rose and a UU Booklet. Their commitment to UUvalues and the congregants’ acknowledgement of themto our midst is a strong bond. We hope they will findhere friendship, warmth, love and concern and a placewhere they can live these values. A special cake madeby Mandy Thomas was thoroughly enjoyed. The Membership Committee wishes to thank IanHoward for leading this interesting New-to-UU Class.The next series will begin in March. MembershipCommittee: Patty Heath, Teresa Piper and MarjeStickler, chair

WELCOME TO UU BELFAST: BETSY REED ALONG WITH BOB OLSONMajory SticklerMeet Betsy Reed who comes to Belfast by way of

Enosburg Falls, Vermont. Growing up in that greenstate and part of a Methodist tradition, she says shefeels now as if her family was "a UU one at heart."Her experiences encompass raising a family and that ofschool administrator in Woodstock, VT. The sixtieswere "an interesting time" to be there, she says know-ingly. Volunteer work includes Habitat, the library,community meals and starting a thrift store. Welcome to Main Street, Belfast, Betsy, where weknow you will be nearer daughters and able to walk toUU Belfast!

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