First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist

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.

06/21/2026

It was a great blessing to gather in worship before this morning's Pride Parade, joined by the Greater Portland Multi-Faith Community and the Maine Unitarian Universalist State Advocacy Network. Thanks to all who joined us and to all who shared words of wisdom and prayer.

06/20/2026

Worth a thousand words.

It was a glorious day at Portland Pride as we joined with faith communities from across the region to march boldly into the future.

06/18/2026

Join First Parish and its interfaith partners on Saturday, June 20, as we march in Portland’s annual Pride Parade. The doors to the Meeting House will open at 10:00, with an informal worship service at 10:30. At 11:00, we'll head to our assigned starting point in Zone E on Brown Street between Congress Street and Cumberland Ave. The parade begins at 11:30. Come prepared with sunscreen and water for this joyous celebration! Thanks to our RE kiddos for our welcoming signs!

06/17/2026

Members of First Parish's Climate Justice Team and Wabanaki Ally Team attended the BTS Center's Green Teams Gathering on May 30, 2026 at Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment. This year's theme was "Ceding Conquest - Seeding Justice" and focused on the intersection of Indigenous Sovereignty and Ecological Well-Being.

06/15/2026

Rev. Norm looks on at the Annual Meeting as First Parish members unanimously approve the 2026-2027 Vision Goal: Upholding Equity, Safety, and Justice for Transgender and Nonbinary People.

“Rooted in Unitarian Universalist shared values, First Parish Church will intentionally cultivate respect, safety, and justice for transgender and nonbinary people by further implementing affirming congregational practices and engaging in focused, sustainable support and advocacy within the wider community.”

06/15/2026

“Here at First Parish, we know these gifts - these acts - to be among the greatest we have to offer: the gift of grace, the gift of community, the gift of a covenant that reminds us that the world we create, we create together.”

The First Parish choir presented a lovely Music Sunday service on the Languages of Love which may be heard on a recording at a link on our website (www.firstparishportland.org) .

06/08/2026

In focusing on Pluralism - one of our six named values - Rev. Norm reminded us that "we grow and evolve and make change in the world, by bringing our different perspectives, beliefs, and passions into conversation with each other, unveiling the principles that lie at the core of our beloved Unitarian Universalist faith."

A recording of Rev. Norm's sermon and our Flower Communion service is available through a link on our website (www.firstparishportland.org) .