All are welcome to this non-partisan, media-free hour of music, word and sacred silence
PORTLAND – First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Portland will open its doors for an Election Eve Vigil from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2 to offer the public a non-partisan, media-free, worshipful space where they can rest in the midst of a tense election cycle. Visitors are invited to come and go as they please, to light a candle, say a prayer and enjoy intervals of readings and music. Musical interludes will be provided by pianist Sara Sturdivant and vocal quartet Una Voce.
Rev. Norman Allen commented, “We hope that people of all political persuasions – and none – will join us during this quiet, contemplative time. It’s a chance to escape the media coverage, campaign ads, and political pundits and to remember everything that connects us. Our beautiful old Meeting House is the perfect place to experience the truth that we’re all in this together, that we’ve come through tough times in the past, and that we’ll come through them again.”
First Parish has a long tradition of serving the greater public. Among its many social justice endeavors, it hosted the city’s emergency warming shelter for two years and currently works with community partners to distribute meals to the unhoused twice a week, while also offering a monthly community dinner. The congregation is a proud participant in the Greater Portland Multi-Faith Organizing Group and the Unitarian Universalist Association. It practices a liberal faith that affirms the “inherent dignity and worthiness” of all people and advocates for a “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Worship services are offered every Sunday at 10 a.m., with vespers held on second Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., October through May. For more information, visit www.firstparishportland.org or call 207-773-5747.