First Parish is active in our local community. Some ways that we give back are through fundraisers and other community events which bring people from around to gather either at our church building or virtually.
Expanding our Community Involvement
Blueberry Fair
The entire congregation pitches in on the Blueberry Fair, an annual event that usually takes place on the church lawn toward the end of July. It attracts many from the local community as well as tourists. Features include 45 artists, artisans and crafters; blueberry baked goods, luncheon, games, books and jewelry for sale, and a raffle.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Community members flock to this evening service, which celebrates the Winter Solstice on or close to December 21. It honors the dark and welcomes the return of the light. All are welcome.
Services Auction
The services auction is an annual silent auction -- an important fundraising and social event. Items being auctioned off include a variety of choices from trips to parties -- artwork to window washing -- homemade chocolate sauce to elegant or informal dinners. Volunteers offer items or solicit them from local businesses. Once in-person, this event has found a more natural home online.
Yard & Rummage Sales
Outdoors or in, First Parish sales are high on bargain hunters’ lists. They feature household goods, clothing, art work, and surprises. People come from all over southern Maine for terrific buys. They save money, and the church raises funds.
♫♫♫ Song Swop ♫♫♫
The purpose of the Song Swop is to have fun sharing music together. We meet on the second Friday of every month from 7 - 9pm, now back in person AND via church Zoom! Both performers and listeners of all ages are welcome. Acoustic instruments only please. For more information Please Contact Bruce Childress bruce@bcpipes.com or Chris Wells christopher.j.wells@gmail.com for technical information, or Rich Gaito captgaito@gmail.com for general information.
Dinner & Theater
Often sold-out, a “gourmet” dinner followed by a creative show offers a glimmer of warmth in the cold of winter. The congregation’s best cooks create a masterpiece, including dietary substitutes, while sultry singers, energetic dancers, and stand-up comics take the stage. Sometimes in the form of a cabaret, other times reminiscent of vaudeville, recent events were called: The Olde Time Radio Hour and Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang Extravaganza.
Concerts
The Music Committee sponsors community concerts in our historic sanctuary inviting professional musicians to perform. Some showcase our Hook & Hastings organ or grand piano. Pianists such as Dr. Hsiang Tu, Anna Han, Molly Petrik and Chris Staknys as well as cellist Leland Ko have recently brought enthusiastic audiences to their feet.
Potluck Suppers
Congregational Potluck Suppers provide informal opportunities to socialize with other FPUU friends, members, and newcomers. Friendships deepen as we break bread and do dishes together.
Science Workshops
Modeling workshops are carefully planned and presented in the summer to high school teachers. They offer a cutting edge approach to science instruction. The chemistry workshop develops the model of the atom. The Modeling approach to physics instruction is based on the description of motion. Biology and Energy courses are sometimes included. This program is a substantial fundraiser for the church and offers an excellent deal for teachers. It also supports the Unitarian Universalist belief in the scientific method.
Science Workshops have found a new home online.
