Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

Worship Associate Elizabeth Hunter leads us in an appreciation of poetry and a sharing of the truths we find in our favorites. Parishioners share original and favorite poems in this annual end of the year episode.

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.

Share the Spirt of Christmas Eve with others! This special Christmas Eve episode contains music by our choir – recorded this month in a drive-in choir session, readings of the Gospel by First Parish children and features music by the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra Brass & Percussion, and Diane Taraz.

Just as the earth turns, so do we, we turn towards the solstice and to what is next. How do we connect with the earth during the winter season? As we move towards the end of Advent and towards Christmas, what might the earth teach 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.

Join Rev. Erica for an evening of worship and meditation. This vespers service is a chance for evening contemplation as we make our way through Advent. Listenfor a quiet evening of community and sacred connection.

Readings: 

Blessing for Traveling in the Dark by Jan Richardson

Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit

Psalm 23 for This Moment by Kevin Tarsa

Don’t Hesitate by Mary Oliver

You Have to Know your Body as the Home of God by Rebecca Parker

Some say it is their favorite service of the entire year. There is something intimate and magical about worshiping at night. For the last ten years, we have offered a service on a Friday evening in December we call “Embrace the Darkness.” This worship service provides a contemplative approach amidst the holiday season. It acknowledges our losses and concerns as well as naming our hopes and consolations. This episode includes poetry, prayer, and the lighting of candles.

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.

On the third Sunday in Advent and the third day of Hanukkah, we consider the question of what we to do when met with what is improbable, irrational, frightful and perhaps wonderful.

This episode's sermon references three paintings. You may view these paintings by simultaneously watching the supplemental video downloadable at https://bit.ly/38pyl51

1. "The Annunciation" by Matthias Stom
2. "Annunciation" by John Collier
3.  "Annunciation" by Raphael Soyer
4.  "The Annunciation" by Henry Ossawa Tanner

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.

Rev. Erica Richmond explores the second Sunday of Advent during this worship service. This time invites us into uncomfortable waiting- how do we sit with disquieting anticipation? How might we connect to the grace and stillness of the season?

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.

Credo means "I believe" in Latin. Periodically, Worship Associates ask First Parish members to offer personal statements of belief. Based on their personal experience, members speak of what they trust to be true.

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.

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.

Featuring guest harpist, Charles Overton. With reflections by parishioners Julius Pereli, Adam MacNeill, and Alice Austin

I. Magnificat
From Magnificat, BWV 243
By J.S. Bach
First Parish Choir & Orchestra
Music Sunday March 13, 2016 

Andante
from Violin Sonata No.2 in A minor, BWV 1003
By J.S. Bach
Charles Overton
Guest Harpist

“Going Home”
From Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”
By Antonin Dvorak
First Parish Bell Choir, Jenifer Kobayashi, Director
Recorded November 8, 2020

“Serenade” & “Villa d’Este”
By Wilhelm Peterson-Berger
Kenneth Seitz, piano
Recorded November 12, 2020

Autumn Departs
By Kenneth Seitz
Kenneth Seitz, piano
Recorded November 11, 2020

My Life Flows On in Endless Song
#108 from Singing the Living Tradition
Early Quaker Song / American Gospel Tune
First Parish Choir & Congregation, April 2, 2017