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Our Sanctuary at 524 Allen Avenue
in Portland, Maine
Our building’s appearance can be surprising. Set well back from the road, surrounded by marsh and wilderness, it is a single-level building, far from the standard image of a church. The sanctuary does not have pews, but rather movable chairs to allow for flexible use. Decoration is spare but for several beautiful cloth banners and a carved wooden chalice hanging on the front wall, all lovingly crafted by members.
Appearances can be deceiving, however, and anyone walking into the church will immediately feel the energy that turns this modest building into a spiritual home and place of worship. Those waiting by the door will greet you with a warm smile and cheerful good morning, and the sense of community that binds the members is obvious as everyone gathers in the foyer before the worship service. Worship itself will often include contributions by our uniquely talented members and friends, as lay-led worship is a treasured part of our tradition.
Children and the Religious Education Wing
The Religious Education wing is filled with children full of wonderful energy and exuberance. Whether in their rooms, in the playground behind the church, or participating in part of the service, they are effective reminders of the goals we teach and the lessons we hope to bring to the larger community.
Award Winning Social Action Committee
The church boasts an award-winning Social Action Committee, which is testament to the fact that promoting social justice is a high priority among many of our members. We are deeply passionate about our beliefs and are willing to put them into practice, whether by recycling, using hybrid cars, and working in the Soup Kitchen, attending demonstrations and marches, or raising funds to help those who need us at home and abroad.
Coffee hour following the Sunday service is always filled with lively conversations. But the sense of community is not limited to Sunday mornings. Our aim, in addition to following the UU principles, is to have fun! It might be at an evening coffeehouse, intergenerational potluck event, or prom. It might be at the Holiday Fair, or in the spirited bidding at the Fundraising Auction. Whatever the occasion, that sense of fellowship and friendship persists and is open to all who attend. We hope that you will come witness it firsthand and be pleasantly surprised by all that the Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church (A2U2 ) has to offer.