Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

As we all take a collective breath, as we make sense of this election week, how do we move forward? What are we called to say yes to next? We will continue to build the world we are aching for and all of us have a unique part to play. Let us take care of ourselves for the long-haul, celebrating and mourning, all the while taking risks to position our tiny boat, on an expansive sea, towards justice.

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. Marta Morris Flanagan preaches on exploring the spiritual underpinnings needed for this moment.

Thumbnail art is a pictured VOTE sculpture by Arlington High School graduate Griffin Gould installed on the meetinghouse front lawn.

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 Dark Times the Eye Begins to See"* For many of us darkness has fallen into our soul and we feel exiled in a strange land waiting for the elections to save us. We lament with Langston Hughes: O, let America be America again. The land that never has been yet. And yet must be. What do we do in this darkness? Do we begin to see more clearly the wisdom in our living tradition of faith, hope and love? Or, do we let the darkness enfold us in fear and anger? Together, through stories, poetry and conversation we will explore what spiritual practices can help us thrive in dark times like these. *The title is from a poem by Theodore Roethke

The 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 to address a matter of public concern. Shinn speakers have focused on a variety of social justice issues including racism, capital punishment, urban poverty and violence, the war in Iraq, marriage equality, economic justice and climate justice.

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 a time when so much feels uncertain in our world, it is important for us to remember and to honor the children and youth. At Frist Parish, we do that by listening to their experiences and insights during our annual Coming of Age service. This year the participants are freshmen in high school. After months of intensive study and reflection with volunteer adult mentors they have crafted credos, or faith statements of belief, which they will share with the congregation virtually. Please join us to share their journeys.

Permission has been given by youth and their parents to share on today's podcast 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.

Many religious traditions the world over honor their ancestors during the autumn months. It is time to reflect on death, loss, and how we honor the memories of those who have passed. Join us for this worship service as we come together in collective grief and hope.

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 preaches on our new month’s theme, Deep Listening. When we truly listen, what new truths emerge? About our history, about our feelings, about how we proceed in the current climate? Ideas that felt permanent are perhaps more transmutable than we originally thought possible.

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.

September's Theme in worship and religious education is Renewal. This Sunday Rev. Marta Flanagan preaches the second of a two part sermon series in conjunction with the Jewish High Holidays. This Sunday she asks: “In these times of pandemic and turmoil, how do we renew our commitments to what is god and right?”

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.

September’s theme in worship and religious education is renewal. This week and the next Rev. Marta Flanagan preaches a sermon series in conjunction with the Jewish High Holidays. This Sunday she asks, “How in our times of pandemic and turmoil do we renew and awaken our sense of the sweetness of 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.

As we come together, we will honor the complexity of the season, how each of us might be struggling with renewal in a time of metaphorical and literal drought. What spiritual resources can be draw from when the well feels empty? How can we still connect to sweetness 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.

What faith-related insights do you have from the pandemic, the protests against police violence against Black people, and the effect on society of these concurrent crises? What societal or political/economic changes do you see, imagine or hope for?