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

Small colorful cottages on Swedish beach.

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

https://youtu.be/A3gLPTdq21w

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

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.

Cardinal Magic Online Book Launch!

Join us for the book Launch of Cardinal Magic: A Mora Mulberry Story. We begin promptly at 7:00pm. 

NOTE: Everyone who joins this Live Online Event has the opportunity to Buy 1 Book Get 1 Free!! 

ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86202930035?pwd=FyS0UaD4gyaWXTKtN7Pmzd04RG2spy.1

Cardinal Magic is the first book in the Mora Mulberry series.
Mora Mulberry is a little girl who lives by the ocean on a farm in Maine with her mother.
Cardinal Magic is about kindness, curiosity and welcoming new friends.
This story also offers strategies to help overcome stress.
Mora and her friends are so happy to share their adventures and lessons with you!

This inspirational book is written and designed by Storyteller:
“Twinkle” Marie Manning.

Twinkle is an award-winning television producer, poet, artist and minister! 

For more information about Twinkle and her work, visit:
http://twinklesplace.org/about-twinkle/
http://www.empoweringwomentv.org/founder/

For more information about the Mora Mulberry book series, visit:
www.RSOTDE.org/MoraMulberry

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TwinklesPlaceStudio