Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Augusta, Maine

Worship Services

Sundays at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

March 7^th Let This Be Our Prayer Rev. Carie Johnsen

Dr. Laurel Coleman has recently returned from her work in Haiti.  She will share her experience and talk about the ongoing needs of the Haitian people.

March 14^th The Privilege of Stewardship Rev. Carie Johnsen

Every year in Unitarian Universalist churches across the country the annual pledge drive is launched with celebration and worship.  This service will follow the Pacesetters Reception and the Kick-off Celebration.  It is a privilege to be stewards.  It is a privilege to prepare a service celebrating stewardship.  Let the celebrations begin.

March 21^st A Path to Happiness – The Five Mindfulness Trainings Peaceful Heart Sangha

In our stress and anxiety filled world, it is sometimes hard to find the energy to function at all, let alone be happy. Two thousand six hundred years ago a young man discovered a path through the pain of life that led to peace. Members of the UUCC Peaceful Heart Sangha will share some of their experiences exploring their own footsteps on that path.

Those participating will include: Lorna Doone, Greg Fahy, Pam Robson, Christine Little, Marty Soule, and Vendean Vafiades

March 28^th The  Auction Sermon Rev. Carie Johnsen

In the 2009 UUCC Spring Auction, the high bid for a sermon title went to Jane Gilbert and Nancy Fritz.
The auction item included dinner for four.  Thus Rev. Carie will prepare dinner and the sermon title and content will be discussed over seafood lasagna.  May we all be surprised by their choice.

On Sunday, September 13^th, Debbie Mattson, Unitarian Universalist Community Church President           welcomed me to the congregation by telling the congregation, she had experienced me as being both gentle and bold.  Thank you Debbie.

But what I experience as truly bold is the membership of this congregation speaking out publicly for        inclusive practices and for marriage equality.

So let me join the long line of Maine citizens who are bravely and boldly planning to make history on Nov. 3, 2009.  This week I acquired my Maine driver’s license and turned in my voter registration card.  As a resident of Maine, I will vote for marriage equality at the voting booth.  I am late on the scene here.  Others have paved the road, I now travel with relative ease.

On March 1, 2009, after three years of congregational discussions, workshops and retreats, the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Augusta voted unanimously to become a welcoming congregation.  The following May, the Unitarian Universalist Association officially recognized UUCC as a Welcoming             Congregation committed to being more inclusive towards gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender      people.

On May 6, 2009, Governor John Baldacci signed into law a freedom to marry bill approved by the Maine Senate and House.

On Sept. 14, 2009, UUCC Board of Trustees followed their long standing inclusive practice of speaking out for equality.  They voted unanimously to become a public voice in the fight for marriage equality in Maine.

Unitarian Universalism is a bold faith tradition with a long history of justice seeking.  Faith in action is a vital part of our living tradition.  Our faith values call us to “Stand on the Side of Love.”  Our faith principles call us to fight for justice, equality and compassion in human relations.

On November 3, 2009, the citizens of this state will vote to uphold the civil rights of the gay, lesbian,         bisexual and transgender couples to marry.  Now is not the time to be complacent.  Now is the time to stand boldly with the Vote NO on 1 – Protect Maine Equality Campaign.  The undecided votes need us to humanize this issue and make it about real Mainers.

Our faith principles also call us to a free and responsible search for truth, the right of conscience and the use of democratic process.  Whatever your position is on this ballot question, I encourage you to search deeply in your heart as you approach the voting booth this next November.

In faith,

Rev. Carie Johnsen