Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

David Dreyfus, Lay Worship Leader, preaching

Worship service given August 2, 2026 Prayer by David Dreyfus, Lay Worship Leader https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

Climate change may bring disruptions that reshape regions and ways of life within a generation or two. How will this affect my children and grandchildren? To explore this question, we must first ask what yardstick we are using to measure the worth of a life. Join First Parish member David Dreyfus as he reflects on these ideas this Sunday on Zoom.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching

Worship service given July 26, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister Minister https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

In a society where apologies are seen as weaknesses and all roads lead to a lawsuit, Interim Lead Minister Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong asks: how do we take responsibility for our actions and their impact on others? Join us in-person at the Meetinghouse, or on Zoom, for a special summer hybrid service, the second of three this summer.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Elizabeth Hunter, Lay Worship Leader, preaching

Worship service given July 19, 2026 Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter, Lay Worship Leader https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

Lay Worship Leader Elizabeth Hunter asks: what does it mean to worship? Our world is a vibrant tapestry of different traditions and faiths, many of which have influenced our UU practice. Witnessing other places and forms of worship can illuminate our values, what we hold worthy, and what we mean when we use that word.

Elizabeth Hunter and her husband, Jason Merrill, have been members of First Parish since 2010 and their child, Alice, has grown up in this community. Elizabeth has previously served as a Worship Associate and Youth Advisor and on the Committee on Ministry and Shared Ministry Committees. The family recently spent six months traveling together around the world during Alice's Gap Year, exploring and making connections through seventeen countries.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are.. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching

Worship service given July 12, 2026 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

Rev. Erica returns from part one of her Sabbatical! Join us this Sunday as she preaches about something she rediscovered (but hadn't felt in ages) during her time away …. boredom! What can boredom teach us? When does spiritual itchiness require action? When does it invite us to sink deeper?

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are.. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Loren Gomez, Lay Worship Leader, preaching

Worship service given July 5, 2026 Prayer by Mary Babic, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

The idea of being there for children, listening to them and accepting their gifts, is crucial to parenting, in classrooms and in schools. But it does not need to end there. Join this week's Lay Worship Leader Loren Gomez to explore how listening and acknowledging others with skillfulness is a transformative two-way street that can pave the way for a life of Faithing.

Loren recently retired from 32 years in public schools as a school psychologist. She continually runs into former students and families. Loren is spending her time in the mountains and in the yoga studio and creating connections in community. At First Parish she is a Worship Associate and a member of the LGBTQIA+ Affirming Committee.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are.. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching

Worship service given June 28, 2026 Prayer by Mary Breen, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

In an individualistic society, it may be tempting to focus on one's own identity and one's own issues. Dominant forces are more than happy to oblige by pitting one group against another. Join Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, in person and online this Sunday to explore how we might we use our collective forces to advocate for each other during these difficult times.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are.. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Diane Taraz, Lay Worship Leader, preaching

Worship service given June 21, 2026 Prayer by David Klingsberg, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

Inspired by John Lewis' urging to make waves, First Parish member Diane Taraz explores times in our history when resistance to injustice was aided by uplifting songs, including "Wade in the Water," "Bread and Roses," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." As we face our own time of crisis, we hear how others have troubled the waters and hoped for the rise of justice.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are.. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister, preaching

Worship service given June 7, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

Join us for our final in-person worship service of the program year as Rev. Carolyn Patierno asks: How does faith carry us to higher ground especially in times when we feel we are desperately treading water? What does that mean as UUs? The First Parish Intergenerational Orchestra and the First Parish Choir, with accompanist Ken Seitz, will offer music as we bid farewell to this program year.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are.. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching

Worship service given June 7, 2026 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

How do we claim and own our gender as it is? During Pride month, let's take time to celebrate all the ways we are seen and known in the fullest expression of our gender!

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August of 2026, the Pink Haven Coalition will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Pink Haven is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers who are working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are.. We know that liberation is a group project and that no one is free until everyone is free. We proclaim that trans lives are sacred. Pink Havens' work centers trans lives and experiences, particularly the lives and experiences of BIPOC trans and gender expansive people. Learn more at their website: https://www.pinkhaven.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

COA Youth & Mentors, with Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education

Worship service given May 31, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister https://firstparish.info/

First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739

At First Parish, we honor the passage from childhood towards adulthood through our Coming of Age program for 8th graders. Join us to hear them share their Credo ("I believe") statements. As another cohort passes through the "Arch of Love," we celebrate all the people who have contributed to our multigenerational community. The service will be accompanied by music from the First Parish Bell Choir and First Parish Choir.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For May 2026, The First Pioneer Valley Dream Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The First Pioneer Valley Dream Center, based in Springfield, MA, provides essential services like food and clothing at no cost to struggling families and individuals from all walks of life. Living their call to love and serve God and others, their goal is to inspire hope and empower lives. One of their services is to provide purpose-driven volunteer work to the residents of the local correctional facility where one of our First Parish members was housed recently. This member nominated the organization in recognition of their excellent work and in gratitude for the care and support they offered her during her service at the Dream Center. Learn more at their website: https://firstpvdreamcenter.org/.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.