First Universalist Church of Auburn, Unitarian Universalist

09/07/2026

Come support Choir Dire actor Pam Weeks' band T-Acadie!
-------------
Tuesday, Sept 8, 6:00-7:30, Rain or Shine,"Music for Mavis"- at the Turner Gazebo- hosts Pam Weeks and T-ACADIE.
------------
Pam's raw energy and clean playing on fiddle and the popping rhythmic playing of Jim Joseph on Acadian accordion, gives dancers goosebumps and is inspired and joyful. Their style draws heavily on traditional Quebeqois music, but is not limited to the genre. Any step dancer could never keep their feet still. ( I sure can't!) Bill Olson, who doubles as both caller and guitarist, is a pleasure to learn from and dance to. His folksy New England whimsy is both charming and disarming. He makes the dances accessible and the dancers comfortable, while still maintaining a distinctive New England posture.
Mavis passes the hat to pay the musicians. Suggested donation is per person $10. Bring a chair, bring a blanket, bring a picnic, bring an umbrella, bring FRIENDS. See you at the Gazebo.
LET"S SUPPORT PAM AND THE BAND!

09/06/2026

08/27/2026

Auburn UU Welcomes New Religious Education Coordinator

The First Universalist Church of Auburn welcomes Suzanna Leighton as its new Religious Education (RE) Coordinator. Suzanna is a new member of the church, who works with youth in the Gray-New Gloucester school system.

In her new role at Auburn UU as Religious Education (RE) Coordinator, Leighton will work closely with Paula Spruill as she grows into the position. She will be implementing the Soul Matters curriculum. Registration information will be coming in the fall.

Meet Suzanna at Sunday worship! FMI, call 783-0461 or contact [email protected].

08/04/2026

The First Universalist Church of Auburn, Unitarian Universalist, will mark its 150th ANNIVERSARY on Sunday, September 20. The congregation and honored guests will gather to honor Auburn UU's past, its present, and the future it wishes to build together.

"It's humbling and inspiring,” remarks Board President Angela Foss, "to know that for 150 years people have gathered in this space to seek meaning, be in community, and work for a more just world. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone in our history, we also celebrate the vibrant congregation that lives out our Unitarian Universalist values every day. May our building and our people continue to inspire and serve our community for generations to come!"

Program of events
The festivities include a special worship service from 10am-12 noon. Rev. DC Fortune will lead a rededication to the denomination’s values, featuring luminary speakers. Rev. Johanna Nichols, the church’s first female minister, will speak about transitions in the congregation over time; Rev. Charlotte Lehmann will represent the many members who heard their call to ministry at Auburn UU and have become ordained pastors; Rev. Erica Baron, Congregational Life Consultant for the New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), will offer prayers; and Rev. Ashley Horan, UUA Vice President for Programs and Ministries, will speak on the role of the denomination in meeting this moment in history.

Acclaimed organist Phil House, beloved Choir Director Pam Weeks, and our outstanding church choir will offer music to befit the occasion. A reception and luncheon will follow. Guests will see captivating displays of historic materials, and take a tour of the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 150th Anniversary Task Force has assembled an historical timeline of events in the spiritual community, including a collection of all 32 ministers who have served the congregation.

Inclusive faith
Since the early 1800s, Universalism in Central Maine has been a beacon for an inclusive faith, and commitment to liberal religious values, embracing a living tradition that continues to unfold. This celebration honors Auburn UU's evolution in its historic church building, dedicated in 1876. The Unitarian Universalist covenant is centered in love, and expressed through the inseparable values of interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity.

Inherent worth as radical idea
“Being a Universalist in the 1800s was fairly radical,” notes Rev. DC Fortune, "considering the popular understandings of Christian theology and doctrine at the time. Around the time our church building was dedicated in 1876, most doctrine viewed humans as utterly flawed and sinful. Conversely, Universalists argued that humans have the capacity to know right from wrong, acting in godly ways without threats or coercion,” says Fortune. “Our Universalist heritage calls us to value the inherent worth and dignity of all people."

First Universalist Church of Auburn is located at 169 Pleasant St. (accessible entrance on Spring St. across from Dairy Joy). Parking available. FMI, call 783-0461, see www.auburn.org, or contact [email protected].