Pastor's Message

      Posted on: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Dear UUCB,

As I sit here on the porch of a family cabin in Aroostook County at 7pm still feeling the sticky warmth of 94 degrees, I find myself coming back to a poem that’s been on my mind all week.

It is titled, “July Is Too Hot to Work” by my friend and colleague Alix Klingenberg. It makes me smile to think of the way summer heat invites savoring and slowness, a luxurious stretch, like a cat in a slice of sunshine.

It’s always been important to me to take time in the summer to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another. In many ways this “school schedule break feels more like a fresh start and a new beginning that our actual New Year on January 1 st . I love that our church lets go of all unnecessary work during July. The committees don’t meet and we lighten our volunteer responsibilities. We listen to each other share stories of spiritual journeys and life experiences on Sunday mornings and we share the bounty of gardens and the treasures of good walks and ocean swims. It’s a beautiful and important thing to create space, to let go of anything not urgent or required and to allow ourselves time to sink into the warmth and the beauty of summer. I look forward to being with you all on Sunday July 5 and then I will take my own summer break, returning on July 28 . I remain available for any urgent pastoral care needs, and anything else that feels necessary and time sensitive.

I won’t be going far but just making space for whatever may arise. I’ll return to you ready for my 8 th year as your minister. I already have plans for new groups and discussions and events. I feel excited for this next chapter in our shared ministry and energized for the work ahead and knowing we will co create important and meaningful moments.

For now, in this blistering hot early July, I leave you with Alix’s poem. It is my hope and my invitation for each of you.

July is Too Hot to Work

July isn't for production.
It's for fresh plums and bare feet.
It's for rope swings over glistening lakes, for laughter and freshly laundered
towels.

July is for lemonade and late-night strolls, large-brimmed hats,
and the scent of sunscreen and roses.
July would like you to take five things off your to-do list,
make a space in your calendar so large you could drive through it,
windows down, playlist on, and a lazy dog panting in the passenger seat.

-Alix Klingenberg

Be well beloveds,

Rev. Amy

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New Council President, Anna Wood-Cox

      Posted on: Saturday, July 4, 2026

Dear Friends, As we begin a new church year, I wanted to introduce myself as your new Council President. Over my 28 years as a member of this church, I've had the privilege of serving in many different ways. I've been Council secretary, chaired the Nominating Committee and the Welcoming Congregation Committee, co-chaired the Fundraising Committee, and for the past seven years have served on the Committee on Ministry (CoM). But, most of you probably know me as the "Hannaford cards and Dinner Anywhere in the World" lady at the high table outside the hospitality room every Sunday! Each of these experiences has deepened my love for this church and this community, and I look forward to drawing on them as I step into this new role. My time on CoM has especially strengthened my appreciation for our covenant and mission statement. These are more than words on a page—they are the values that will continue to guide me as Council President. I hope you'll always feel comfortable reaching out to me with questions, ideas, or concerns. You can email me (below), call or text me at 207-930-9399, or simply stop by and say hello at my usual spot outside the hospitality room before or after worship. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to continuing to grow this amazing community, and its shared ministry, together. Fondly, Anna

Email Anna

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Shared Plate in July

      Posted on: Saturday, July 4, 2026

      It is our practice to give away 100% of the riches collected in each week's offering.

      In June, 50% of our plate split goes to The Belfast Maskers, which provides theatre experiences to all ages and abilities. For more, check their website (link below).

     Each week of this church year, the other half goes to Niweskok - a collaboration of native food and medicine providers with a goal of re-matriating Wabanaki lifeways through engaging with their kinship responsibilities, and reclaiming traditional foods and healing. They prioritize restoring the Penobscot Bay region as a Wabanaki food hub.

Belfast Maskers Website

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Ordination - The Rev. Cayla Miller

      Posted on: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
      On Sunday, June 7, our own Cayla Miller was ordained at a service held by The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine. ChiME is an interfaith wisdom school that educates and ordains community chaplains and interfaith ministers. The 2-3 year program combines 500 hours of academic study with 300 hours of volunteer service. Ordination is a deeply celebrated culmination of this intensive inner and outer work. Congratulations to Cayla for her dedication and commitment!
> View the Ordination Service on YouTube

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