First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist

08/31/2026

Join us for this Friday for the kick-off event for the 200th anniversary of our beloved Meeting House! We will have historical displays and activities, including a model of “Old Jerusalem” (the Meeting House’s predecessor), tours of the gardens and Meeting House, and, for those willing and able, a climb up to the historic bell tower steeple that holds the 1802 Simon Willard clock.

08/23/2026

A huge thanks to the musical artists, worship leaders, and flower arrangers who made our third annual Baseball Theology Sunday such a rousing success. Go Sea Dogs!

07/23/2026

Rev. Norm and clergy colleagues from across the state gathered this morning in solidarity with faith leaders in Texas and Florida to call for an end to government sanctioned violence against our neighbors. Check the link for powerful testimony from the multi faith gathering, including Quaker, Christian, and Muslim voices.

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/maine-faith-leaders-call-out-pattern-ice-violence-south-portland-maine/97-b0986f7b-af0a-4618-b02a-036ea705e299?tbref=hp

07/14/2026

Drawing on the named values of the Unitarian Universalist tradition, including Justice and Interdependence, First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Portland denounces the techniques of terror implemented by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which led to the murder of Joan Sebastian Guerrero on July 13, 2026, in Biddeford. At the same time, First Parish celebrates, with deep gratitude, all that the immigrant community brings to the state of Maine. The congregation is committed to continuing its work as good and faithful allies. (Pictured quote from the Portland Press Herald.)

07/01/2026

We're proud to partner with Preble Street and others for this important work. Please share with those in need that food and beverage distribution is 12:30-2pm on Cotton Street, diagonally across from Cross Arena.

06/30/2026

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued decisions in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J., upholding laws in Idaho and West Virginia that restrict transgender student athletes from participating on school sports teams that align with their gender identities.

The UUA decries these decisions and remains steadfast in affirming the inherent worthiness and dignity of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people. We will continue advocating for a world where every person can live authentically and belong fully.

Read the full UUA statement at the link in the comments.

06/28/2026

During our worship service with Faith in Action Coordinator, Jake Fahey, Rev. Norm emphasized, "There’s nothing wrong with loving our country, as long as we do it honestly – knowing and naming its flaws – making reparations for the past – correcting course as we learn and evolve. There’s nothing wrong with some good, old fashioned hero worship but, maybe, let’s not worship the enslavers. Maybe, let’s think less about the Jeffersons and Washingtons and more about the millions whose names we’ll never know. Maybe, let’s not worship Independence so much as Interdependence."

Rev. Norm's sermon, the congregational prayer, and full service may be heard on a recording at a link on our website (www.firstparishportland.org) .

06/25/2026

First Parish and its MultiFaith Partners in the News! Check out this in-depth story on the powerful, faith-based work happening in Maine thanks to cross-congregation collaborations.

"Roughly 50 people decked out in rainbow garb streamed out of First Parish Unitarian Universalist in downtown Portland last Saturday morning as music director Benjamin Holbrook led them in song. “I believe in the power of equality,” the attendees sang as they gathered on the church steps. “I believe in the power of love.”

Many of the faith leaders who participated in Portland’s recent Pride parade have been working collectively to support immigrants and advocate for transgender rights since the start of the second Trump administration.

06/21/2026

In a joyous service inspired by Summer Solstice and LGBTQ+ Pride, Rev. Norm asked…

“If existence itself is a cosmic convergence of wildly divergent beings, how might *you* summon the courage to live more fully – more honestly – to more fully embark on that free and responsible – and challenging – and scary – search for truth and meaning?”

A recording of the sermon and service (which includes a recreation of Saturday’s Pride Parade!) is available through a link on our homepage at www.firstparishportland.org.