Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

You come upon the scene as the Samaritan is walking the person she found on the road to the inn to be cared for. You decide to join her as she continues on her journey. What would she say to you about what had just transpired? What would you think about all of it? Let’s dive deeper in to the story in terms of who we are today, and what’s being asked of us.

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.

Many people equate anger and violence, but they are not the same. What would change if we recognized that in some contexts, anger is appropriate and useful?

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.

Drawing on decades of correspondence with friends and family and the recent acquisition of boxes and bundles of letters from ancestors, Lida Junghans explores this common practice as a portal to spiritual experience.

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 this service Tony Siddall shares his "huaka'i" (purposeful journey) from the shores of Hawai'i into his own family's Confederate history, exploring how relationships with ancestors known and unknown can bring strength, shame, identity - and ultimately, purpose and responsibility.

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.

From the touch of the earth, to awe of the sky. Feeling connected with the physical world can comfort the spirit as well as provide perspective and inspiration.

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.

Even over 150 years later, Frederick Douglass's famous speech asks hard questions of those of us in liberal religious communities. This service features a community reading of an abridged version of Douglass's powerful words from July 5, 1852, which demand that we reckon with the national sin of slavery and its enduring legacy.

Prayer by Amy Anderson.

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.

Lay leader Anne Quaadgras says, "Lectio Divina has been an important spiritual practice for me for almost ten years. Moving this centuries old practice online has led me to unexpected insights: about community, the ability of old texts to inspire in new times, and the power of getting to try again."

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.

Come and join us for worship on Pride Sunday! We will lift up our unique identities and the beauty of our community. Rev. Erica Richmond is preaching and together we will recall our annual flower ceremony.

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.

Must faith be a serious endeavor? This Sunday Rev. Marta Flanagan Muses about the lighter side of the religious life.

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.

Humans are learning more and more how trees, plants, animals and mammals take care of each other through complex systems of care. Aisha Hauser will give examples from nature and offer lessons that humans would do well to learn from.

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.