Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

Worship service given July 14, 2024 Prayer by Wendy Page, Affiliate Minister https://firstparish.info/

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

Join the First Parish Welcoming Congregation Committee to hear a personal story of discovering joy and learning to cultivate an enlivened life no matter your age or circumstance in life. Willa Taber is a resident of Arlington and was a speaker on the Trans Day of Visibility panel this past March. We are delighted to welcome her back to First Parish.

During the summer our worship is led each week by a person or group from within our congregation. The Welcoming Congregation Committee (WCC) was appointed in 2023 to provide guidance and leadership on maintaining FPUU's designation as a Welcoming Congregation. Members are long-standing members of FPUU that include several individuals who have identities within the larger LGBTQ+ umbrella as well as members who are allies of those communities. We have been working for nearly two years on bringing opportunities for our congregation to become more intentionally inclusive of and aware of LGBTQ+ people and concerns in every aspect of congregational and community life. As part of our ongoing efforts to fully integrate LGBTQ+ people concerns, and lives into the worshipping aspect of the congregation as well, we are honored to lead an online summer service.

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 2024, the Giving First recipients are the ArCs Cluster, a local refugee support group, and the Immigrant Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization in Malden, MA.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish.

To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu offering" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Worship service given July 7, 2024 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

The job of a union organizer has many aspects, but at its core, it is about helping people find their voice and advocate for themselves and others. It is about being with people in hard moments. It is about creating community. In this summer session, I will talk about lessons learned from my five years as a union president and relate that to how that both informs and was informed by my UU beliefs

During the summer our worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Avon Lewis has been a secondary science educator for more than 25 years and active in her local union for the last 15, first on the negotiating team, and then later as a board member and finally as president. She has been a member of FP for about 20 years, and with her wife has raised their three daughters in this community. 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 2024, the Giving First recipients are the ArCs Cluster, a local refugee support group, and the Immigrant Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization in Malden, MA.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish.

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

Worship service given June 30, 2024 Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

Why in tarnation would anyone (P)reach across the aisle? 1. Characters in other bubbles are more entertaining. 2. It keeps America from splitting in two. 3. Realistic math. Horse trading or stalemate. 4. Ponder my values, I'll ponder yours. 5. Certainty is sanctuary. Crossing the aisle is lonely.

During the summer our worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Steve Kropper leverages a Cornell MBA as a start-up entrepreneur in telecom and clean energy. The product of a mixed marriage between one family of Republican Vermonter engineer-entrepreneurs and the other with a union organizing grandfather who won 40,000 votes for Congress on the Socialist ticket,. A former AMC hut boy on Mt. Washington, Steve has hopped freight trains and hitchhiked across the US. He has worked on Democratic presidential campaigns since 1976 and helped to retire the last GOP House member in New England. Steve makes his home in Lincoln and hais two adult daughters who endured his parenting messages that they are 'confident, assertive and independent," until it's true!

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 2024, the Giving First recipients are the ArCs Cluster, a local refugee support group, and the Immigrant Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization in Malden, MA.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish.

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

Worship service given June 23, 2024 Prayer by Ebonié Smith-Cooper, Worship Leader https://firstparish.info/

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

For many years Ebonié has used prayer as a tool in their spiritual practice toolkit. The idea of prayer may not be at the top of everyone's centering exercise. Ebonié is hoping to invite you to reconsider this tool through their storytelling and passion of this spiritual practice. Ebonié has been a member of FPUUA for almost 10 years. They have taught RE, made a bounty of pies for the Pie Palace fundraiser, and currently serves as a member of the Committee on Ministry. When Ebonié is not coaching and cheering on their beloved soccer team you can find them cooking a hearty meal for their family and friends.

During the summer our worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Ebonié Smith-Cooper shares her life with her spouse, their son, and our Goldendoodle. She has been a member of First Parish for almost 10 years. Ebonié feels called to a life of service and works everyday to move in that direction. In her free time she enjoys coaching in-town sports, listening to audiobooks, and playing card games with her family.

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 2024, the Giving First recipients are the ArCs Cluster, a local refugee support group, and the Immigrant Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization in Malden, MA.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish.

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

Worship service given June 16, 2024 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

Sometimes we've tried so hard that we've given up trying and even when the possibility is there, we no longer trust it to be real. How do we find faith to try again?

During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Jo Guthrie is a curious thinker and professional program manager, as well as a participant and leader in community theatre and the Society of Creative Anachronism. After a childhood of eclectic and erratic religious practice, she has been a member of First Parish since 2012, singing in the choir and previously serving as a Worship Associate and on the Music Committee. In her spare moments she enjoys a variety of crafting, gardening, decorating and creating spreadsheets.

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 2024, the Giving First recipients are the ArCs Cluster, a local refugee support group, and the Immigrant Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization in Malden, MA.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish.

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

Worship service given June 9, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/

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

Join us for a fun and unique intergenerational service on June 9th. Revs. Erica Richmond and Stevie Carmody will lead us in playful yet poignant reflections celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, allyship, flower communion, and one another. Bring flowers for our annual flower communion and plan on staying after worship for our end-of-year picnic.

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 2024, the Giving First recipients are the ArCs Cluster, a local refugee support group, and the Immigrant Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization in Malden, MA.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish.

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

Worship service given June 2, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish 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. This Sunday we celebrate seven of our 8th grade youth! Our service will include Credo ("I Believe") statements from the Coming of Age class. And as another cohort passes through the "Arch of Love," we celebrate all the people who have contributed to our multigenerational community. After the service, in-person attendees are invited to participate in the "Story of Religious Education at First Parish" activity in the Parlor. Come share memories and help shape the future!

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 2024, the Giving First recipients are the ArCs Cluster, a local refugee support group, and the Immigrant Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization in Malden, MA.

The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish.

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

Worship service given May 26, 2024 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

Yvette McDonnell, Interfaith Chaplain and Spiritual Companion Ritualist, inspires with stories of sowing seeds of change and nurturing a summer garden.

Yvette (she/her) is an Interfaith Chaplain who has dedicated her life to helping others. She earned her Master's degree in Social Change from Starr King School for Ministry, with certificates in Chaplaincy and Interfaith Studies. Yvette's ministry is centered around love, healing, and an intuitive understanding of ancestral wisdom that honors the many ways of knowing in the world. Her background in Social Justice helps her support those who have been marginalized by society and companion those who are interested in exploring their biases. Yvette is an educator, Spiritual Companion Ritualist and proprietor of Soul Tapestry LLC. She encourages people to breathe slowly and savor each moment, so that they can bring integrated awareness into their lives. Yvette specializes in guiding people who are interested in creating rituals to guide, protect, celebrate, and mourn the many aspects of life.

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 2024, the Giving First recipient is Neighborhood Birth Center.

This Sunday half of the offering supports the Neighborhood Birth Center, which offers comprehensive midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period by integrating an independent community birth center in Boston's healthcare and community landscape.

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

Worship service given May 19, 2024 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

This Sunday after worship is the annual congregational meeting. Members will vote on the budget, elect officers and consider two justice-based resolutions. One concerns indigenous justice and the other concerns our acknowledging and repairs the involvement of half of the Frist Parish founders who were slaveholders. Each of the justice based resolutions has been in the works for two years with numerous forums, workshops and meetings leading up to these votes. Many opinions have been expressed. Many changes have been made to the proposals. We have listened and we have discussed. Still we do not expect unanimity. In her sermon this Sunday before the annual meeting, Marta will consider what it is to disagree well.

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 2024, the Giving First recipient is Neighborhood Birth Center.

This Sunday half of the offering supports the Neighborhood Birth Center, which offers comprehensive midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period by integrating an independent community birth center in Boston's healthcare and community landscape.

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

Worship service given May 12, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/

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

This coming Sunday, Rev. Erica Richmond will preach on love- how imperfect, vulnerable and messy it can be. It is this type of love that makes us real and allows us to be our real selves. Our high school seniors will delight us with a reenactment of the Velveteen Rabbit and then, as they prepare for their next chapters, we bless them as a faith community! Join us for this very special Sunday.

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 2024, the Giving First recipient is Neighborhood Birth Center.

This Sunday half of the offering supports the Neighborhood Birth Center, which offers comprehensive midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period by integrating an independent community birth center in Boston's healthcare and community landscape.

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