Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister, preaching

Worship service given May 24, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister https://firstparish.info/

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

As the nation honors the war-dead, it is as important to honor the way of peace, especially in this war-torn time. Join us this Memorial Day weekend as Adjunct Minister Rev. Carolyn Patierno reflects on peace in this moment.

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.

Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education, preaching

Worship service given May 17, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister https://firstparish.info/

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

Join Rev. Stevie K Carmody--our Minister of Religious Education--to explore a core aspect of how Unitarian Universalists navigate the big stuff of community: covenant. As you reflect this week, consider: what do you attune to when the going gets tough? Our worship also includes a blessing for our graduating high schoolers, and music from the 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.

Jordan T. Clark, Executive Director, Harvard University Native American Program, preaching

Worship service given May 10, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister https://firstparish.info/

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

Jordan Clark will talk will speak about the fundamental principles of balancing Wampanoag spiritual practice and western/Christian practice. He will share how that duality and complexity inform how he navigates the world around him and how it manifests in his life and work. Jordan will explore his core fundamental beliefs, the braided histories of the region, and the intersection of colonial and Christian structures on Regional Native Nations.

Jordan Clark is an enrolled member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, located on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Jordan has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and an M.A. in International Affairs with a focus in Governance and Rights. In his role as the Executive Director of the Harvard University Native American Program, Jordan oversees an administrative team that is focused on recruitment and outreach, direct support of students, faculty, and staff, University programming, public programming, and tribal diplomacy.

The Annual Shinn Service honors Barbara Shinn (1912-1976) and her commitment to justice. Barbara served as chair of what was then known as the Social Responsibility Committee. An educator and leader, she had a passion for teaching children with disabilities. She displayed personal courage in the face of a debilitating illness, arthritis of the spine.

Each year the Social Justice Committee selects a speaker for the Shinn Service to address a matter of public concern. Shinn speakers have focused on a variety of social justice issues such as racism, capital punishment, urban poverty and violence, the war in Iraq, marriage equality, economic and climate 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 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.

Led by Dr. Daniel Parsley, Music Director

Worship service given May 3, 2026 Prayer by David Klingsberg, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

Each spring, the First Parish choir, accompanist Ken Seitz and special musical guests, led by Music Director Dr. Daniel Parsley, delight us with a service of music and reflections. Join us to celebrate First Parish's music ministry.

This edited version of the service includes the following musical pieces:

Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Et in terra pax, and Laudamus Te by Antonio Vivaldi, featuring the First Parish Choir and Music Sunday Orchestra with Zoe Bennet, choral scholar soprano and Jennifer Kobayashi, soprano.

Hostias from Requiem by Gabriel Fauré featuring Andrew Leonard, tenor, and Kenneth Seitz, piano.

Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, Quoniam tu solus sanctus, and Cum Sancto Spiritu by Antonio Vivaldi, featuring the First Parish Choir & Music Sunday Orchestra with Sinead O'Mahoney, choral scholar/student conductor and Roshan Sivaraman, choral scholar.

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.

Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister, preaching

Worship service given April 26, 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

In honor of Earth Day, we'll consider the ways that Love is centered in the natural world. Guest Musician Alaistair Moock will offer music, along with accompanist Ken Seitz and the 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 April 2026, The Cambridge Women's Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The Cambridge Women's Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. They offer a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination. Learn more at their website: https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.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 April 19, 2026 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

Thich Nhat Hahn says these are the three most powerful words we can ask whenever we are confronted with a heated moment or believe our belief/values are being assaulted. How can humility become a spiritual practice? As Adam Grant asks in his book "Think Again," is it possible for us to reframe and shift our thinking?

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 April 2026, The Cambridge Women's Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The Cambridge Women's Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. They offer a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination. Learn more at their website: https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.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.

Guest Speaker Dr. Alexandria Russell, Founder, Black Women Legacies

Worship service given April 12, 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

When you look around our First Parish buildings, who and what do you see memorialized in some tangible way? What do these commemorative objects or spaces tell us about our congregation's history, values, and the evolution of those values? Dr. Alexandria Russell, guest preacher for Alliance Sunday, will help us reflect on how we commemorate community. The First Parish Choir will perform two works by visiting guest composer and conductor B.E. Boykin alongside music director Dr. Daniel Parsley and accompanist and music director emeritus Ken Seitz.

Dr. Alexandria Russell is a historian, public history practitioner, and digital humanities scholar who is passionate about making African American history accessible to people of all backgrounds. Her recent book, Black Women Legacies: Public History Sites Seen & Unseen, examines the evolution of African American women's memorialization in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present.

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 April 2026, The Cambridge Women's Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The Cambridge Women's Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. They offer a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination. Learn more at their website: https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.org/.

Led by Rev. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education, and Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister

Worship service given April 5, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education https://firstparish.info/

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

Join us for a multigenerational Easter service exploring the question of what happens with seeds we plant? Who is responsible for the work, how do we enjoy the harvest, and what happens after we die? This is also our annual communion service, and we will welcome Adjunct Minister Rev. Carolyn Patierno. The First Parish Choir will sing selections from Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria, accompanied by Ken Seitz and guest organist Mark Nelson. Children and families are invited after the service to join our annual Easter Egg Hunt.

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 April 2026, The Cambridge Women's Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The Cambridge Women's Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. They offer a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination. Learn more at their website: https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.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.

Led by the First Parish Worship Associates and Lay Ministers

Worship service given March 29, 2026 Prayer by Cathy Modica, Chair, Shared Ministry Committee https://firstparish.info/

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

What does it mean to be a leader in today's world? Come hear the perspectives of our lay leaders on what it means to lead with love. This is also the Sunday when we welcome new members! The First Parish Choir and Bell Choir will offer music along with accompanist Ken Seitz.

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 March 2026, Boston Women's Fund will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Boston Women's Fund uplifts, advocates for, and invests in women, girls, and gender-expansive people who are leading grassroots organizations and systems-change efforts across Greater Boston. BWF provides flexible funding, leadership and youth development, and educational programming that strengthen movements led by those most impacted by injustice. We prioritize BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving grassroots organizations with annual budgets under $500,000, helping build power, opportunity, and lasting community impact.

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.

Led by the First Parish Youth Group

Worship service given March 22, 2026 https://firstparish.info/

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

Come join the Youth Group for our annual Youth Worship Service! This year, we are slowing down and turning toward the natural world. Through song, story, and reflection, we'll explore the wonder that grounds us and the question of how we give back to a world that gives us so much. The youth craft and lead every element of the service, and reflections are given by graduating seniors. Come join us for this celebration of our interconnected world.

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 March 2026, Boston Women's Fund will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. Boston Women's Fund uplifts, advocates for, and invests in women, girls, and gender-expansive people who are leading grassroots organizations and systems-change efforts across Greater Boston. BWF provides flexible funding, leadership and youth development, and educational programming that strengthen movements led by those most impacted by injustice. We prioritize BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving grassroots organizations with annual budgets under $500,000, helping build power, opportunity, and lasting community impact.

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.