Rev Pamela Barz began her ministry serving the UU Church of Saco-Biddeford and now has returned to Maine where she offers coaching to help clergy and others get "unstuck" and live from deep gladness. Contact her at: .
Proceed as Way Opens
Proceed as way opens is a Quaker understanding of patience, faith and an appreciation for uncertainty. This Sunday we will reflect on all of these as we each proceed as way opens.
Speaker: Rev Dr. Elaine Beth Peresluha
Rev Dr. Elaine Beth Peresluha is a retired Accredited Interim Minister. Ordained in 1995, Elaine served two settled ministries, in Woodstock VT and Bangor ME, before finishing her doctorate and becoming an accredited interim minister. Elaine retired July 2023 after serving First Parish in Portland Maine for her 9th and final interim minister.
Elaine’s PhD in Social Science/ Appreciative Inquiry was inspired by her passion for inspiring social change through an anti-oppression, anti-racism lens, work she continues consulting with Beloved Conversations, and other DEI initiatives. Elaine lives on Islesboro with her fur babies, Gussie, an 11 year old Minnie Aussie, and Tig, her Highlander feline. Her other retirement devotions include three grown daughters, their spouses, three grandchildren, gardening, bikes, skis and yoga.
Fire! Blood! Death!
As a nurse urgent was defined by fire, blood, or death. My triage of priorities moved from urgent, to important to “if I have time”. These days, so much feels urgent. Knowing how to prioritize our time and attention is essential to be able to maintain self care while we also contribute to the greater … Continue reading Fire! Blood! Death!
Easter Sermon: We Rise!
For Christians Easter is the high holy day celebrating the lamb of God dying for humanity’s sins then rising from the dead. The stages of the cross and that victory of life over death are powerful and inspiring messages for Trinitarians faith. For Unitarians and Universalists not so much. For us the powerful imagery and … Continue reading Easter Sermon: We Rise!
Growing Up or Growing Old?
As the political chaos swirls about us it is important to grow our spiritual centers to serve us. How do we grow our spirits? How do we know if we are responding from a grounded, informed center or reacting out of fear or judgement? Spiritual maturity is a source of calm, connection and strength. Today … Continue reading Growing Up or Growing Old?
Courageous Love
2025 – 63 years have passed since the Rev. Martin Luther King delivered his I Have A Dream speech and 57 years have passed since he gave his life for that dream. What have we learned as a nation? What does the national holiday in his name ask of us this new year? On Jan … Continue reading Courageous Love
Calling All Angels
Our expectations at Christmas reflect our expectations of life. If we are seduced by false expectations rather than joy, hope, peace or love, we may find disappointment, self-indulgence, and self-recrimination. If you find yourself in a season of stressful doing, try watching for the angels. “…and so the angels come”, reminding us of the truth … Continue reading Calling All Angels
Appreciating What Is
I am writing this sermon description working/ waiting for the outcome of the most historic and consequential election in most of our lives. I will be meeting the members of The Midcoast U.U. Fellowship for the first time when we may or may not know the outcome of that election. While I write this we … Continue reading Appreciating What Is