Women of Spirit, Volume Three to be launched in March 2025!!
Women of Spirit Series
One Billion Rising – VDAY
Where ever you are on the planet today, I ask that you be aware of the domestic violence epidemic. And, I pray that you take steps in whatever way you can to help heal the survivors and eradicate domestic violence from your communities. In prior years I was very active in the One Billion Rising Events. Coordinating several with the amazing C. C. King . The links below take you to a glimpse of two of our prior gatherings. And, the video reminds us that music and dance are beneficial to be present in all we do, especially when we are taking a stand for justice and love.
No More Excuses
We were blessed in January to have as our guests Colby African Music Jan Plan Students Led by Jordan Benissan. Each year on the Sunday closest to Martin Luther King Jr Day, Jordan brings his new students to our church and they share with us traditional African songs. They sing and they drum and we join in with them.
The theme of our service that day was “No More Excuses” – it was a service about Time and our place in it. Members in our congregation spoke and sang about the passage of time and how essential it is for us to mindfully distribute it towards that which brings us joy and a sense of purpose.
To open the service, I read my poem, entitled, “Borrowed Time.” Today that poem was posted on the 365 Days of Poetry Podcast.
Intentional Communities
Would you want to live in one?
I am curious how everyone feels about Intentional Communities? There are so many different kinds to choose from! I would love to know if you would want to live in one?
Why or why not?
If no, what are your reservations to these kinds of living arrangements?
If yes, what would your ideal intentional community be?
https://piecesofpeaceonearth.substack.com/p/intentional-communities
Introducing 365 Days of Poetry
Friends, I started a little poetry podcast this month!
Please “Follow” 365 Days of Poetry on Spotify.
Why a poetry podcast? People have been suggesting I launch a podcast for a while. When I took a close look at the kinds of podcasts that exist, and the kinds I’d like to listen to, I realized, as Jimmy Buffet did, there was a “poet shortage” 😉
At least in representation in Podcast Land! If you have a favorite poem you’d like to send for me to read or an audio of YOU reading it, please do so!
Ongoing list of featured poems and poets, click HERE!
Additional details, including how to support this ministry, click HERE!
Design Life Sermon
Sunday, January 11th, 2026, UU Church of Waterville, Maine
Theme: Design Life
Service Leader: Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning
Thought for contemplation:
“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the
future.”
— Robert L. Peters, Designer & Environmentalist
This service explores how Integrative Thinking, specifically the Design Thinking Model, can be utilized to strategically problem-solve and achieve goals in a variety of aspects of our lives. From fundraising for key projects and long-term planning for nonprofits, to creating a thriving personal life, Design Thinking offers a key to success.
New Year’s Sermon: “The Answer, My Friend”
Inspired by song lyrics, informed by spirit!
New Year’s Blessing:
“May you hold sacred the lessons of 2025.
Treasure it’s joys,
and to the extent possible release its sorrows.
And, allow yourself room to Relax as you greet the new year.
May you cherish every moment you are gifted with.
Soul-deep that you are a blessing to this world!”
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
~ Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning
Winter Solstice 2025
Join us in-person or online to celebrate the Winter Solstice!
December 21, 2025
10:00 am in-person and via Zoom
Universalist Unitarian Church of Waterville
69 Silver Street
Waterville, Maine
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88049341762?pwd=bzZTMjUwQjcrMDFzdWo5VWtqYVBJQT09
Throughout this service consider what your greatest wish is for the New Year!
Worship Leaders: Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning, Alexis Burbank, Rachel Marsh-Sachs
Worship Associate: Linda Lee
Special thanks to Solstice Service Participants + Musicians:
Beth Schiller
Harry Vayo
Margaret J. O’Connell
Melissa Mckenzie
Maili Bailey
Allane Ball
Mark Jose
Mary McCann
Linda Seekins
Richard Thomas
Steph Trapnell
Marsha Turner
#LivingLifeAsAPrayer
#PulpitOfPeace
Video of Twinkle’s Thanksgiving Service
Poetry Reading: at Millinocket Memorial Library November 14th, 2025
“Twinkle” Marie Manning was the featured poet Millinocket Memorial Library in Maine on November 14th, 2025. Special thanks to Ben Barr and Nicole Brennan. Much of the poetry she read can be found in her first poetry book entitled: “Accompanied.” Additional works can be found in the “Rivers of Ink” anthology by 12 Willow Press. www.TwinklesPlace.org #livinglifeasaprayer#pulpitofpeace#poetry#Mainepoet The music at the beginning and end of this video is by a very special musician. Eternal gratitude and love.