Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

Each day we encounter many reasons to give up, data that makes it hard to hope, and the pressures of our own personal lives. How do we answer the call of love and justice while the world burns? Poet Joy Harjo writes, "Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite." How do we keep on the path to justice while savoring all of the sweetness?

For Indigenous Peoples' weekend, Rev. Erica will be exploring the theological connections to reparations and how stories of repair might call us forward.

This Sunday features interpretations of the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel from the Book of Genesis. 

I'm Glad I am not Perfect- I'd be Bored to Death: Lessons from Harriet the Spy. Rev. Erica Richmond explores lessons from the children's book, Harriet the Spy. Literature and other worlds of make-believe can provide needed outlets of creativity and possibility when we are feeling stuck or that we have lost all control in this wild world.

Marta considers how we might manage our time and our days from a religious perspective.

A Sermon Dialogue between Ministers Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan and Rev. Erica Richmond.

Note: This sermon dialogue references the following art works:

1. "Along the Shore" by Trost Richards
2. "The Long Leg" by Hopper
3. "Racing Off Sandy Hook" by Butterworth
4. "Pertaining to Yachts and Yachting" by Sheeler'
5. "Mid-Ocean" by Woodbury

Viewing the video of this sermon is recommended: youtu.be/ANgAyQgaaKc

From being displaced from their home centuries ago to the vast health inequities brought to light during the COVID pandemic, the indigenous people of Massachusetts have experienced and continue to experience a number of grave injustices. The members of the Indigenous Justice Working Group share what draws them to this work and raise ideas about how we at First Parish might learn about, acknowledge, and confront these injustices in order to heal and move forward together toward a more just future.

Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;"
number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.

Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan.

Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter.

Reflections shared by Sara Whitford, Greg Ruccio, and Lissa McBurney.

Special music played by Paul Franzosa, guitar and David Whitford, violin. Songs include traditional tunes, "Death and the Sinner" and "Star of the County Down".

Featuring a reading from Quippet, the Shaman’s Apprentice by Ursula Vernon.

Imposter syndrome hits us all and sometimes the right person for the job isn't the perfect person, it's you.

Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;"
number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.

Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan.

In 1993, autistic self-advocate Jim Sinclair authored a groundbreaking plea to parents to embrace their autistic children with joy and acceptance. Twenty-eight years on, join Sarah Barton in exploring the impact of Jim’s advice, and of the neurodiversity movement that has followed, on her own experience of parenting, familial relationships, and love.

Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;"
number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.

Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan.