Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching

Worship service given January 4, 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

Come join us for worship as we kick off 2026. As we turn towards a new year, we are invited to take stock, maybe do a spiritual tune-up. Rev. Erica Richmond will be preaching and Accompanist and Music Director Emeritus Ken Seitz will offer music.

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 January 2026, The Network / LA Red will share half the plate. The Network/La Red is a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, kink, polyamorous, and queer communities. Rooted in anti-oppression principles, their work aims to create a world where all people are free from oppression. They strengthen the communities they serve through organizing, education, and the provision of support services. The Network/La Red is recognized nationwide for supporting survivors and engaging LGBT, kink, poly, and queer communities in organizing to end partner abuse and oppression. Their services are free, confidential, available in English and Spanish, and accessible by wheelchair, TTY, and public transportation. They are committed to honoring the experiences and choices of survivors in every aspect of their work.

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 Lillian Povey, Mary Breen, and David Klingsberg, Worship Associates

Worship service given December 28, 2025 Prayer by David Klingsberg, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

Join us for our annual Poetry Sunday as Worship Associates Lillian Povey, Mary Breen, and David Klingsberg create space for us to share the words that have moved us over the past year and celebrating the coming year. Bring a poem to share – one you've found, or one you've written. Online participants are invited to share poetry together after the service. Ken Seitz, pianist and Music Director Emeritus, will offer music for this special annual service.

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 December 2025, The Welcome Project will share half the plate. The Welcome Project, founded in 1987 in Somerville's Mystic Public Housing Development, now provides programming citywide that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults, and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions that shape their lives. TWP's culturally responsive approach builds on immigrants' existing strengths to forge connections across language and culture. The organization provides essential services to the vast and increasingly diverse immigrant community, including Brazilians, Haitians, individuals from the Northern Triangle of Central America, and so many others worldwide who strive to find success and community in their new city.

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 December 24, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister Reading of "Each Night a Child is Born," by Sophia Lyon Fahs, read by Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education https://firstparish.info/

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

The Christmas Eve services, a highlight of the season, occur twice due to the number of people attending. The service features the lighting of candles, organ fanfares and children reading the ancient tale. Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong offers a homily. As is our annual tradition, we welcome musical guests - Brendan Mathieson, trumpet, Mark Nelson, organist, and Lucas Fernandez, vocalist. ASL interpretation provided by Rachel Judelson and Rebecca Kranz.

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 Christmas Eve, the full amount of gifts given supported the work of Renewal House, a domestic violence shelter for individuals in crisis and their children. Since 1980 Renewal House has provided temporary emergency shelter and advocacy services as part of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry.

Led by Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education

Worship service given December 21, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister Performance by the First Parish Carol Players Narrated by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, and Rev. Stevie Carmody https://firstparish.info/

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

Join Rev. Jonipher, Rev. Erica, Rev. Stevie, and our "Carol Players" of all ages for a retelling of the old Dickens' story, A Christmas Carol. Gather together as we explore values of generosity and transformation, and close out by decorating our giant evergreen! Music from the First Parish Choir, Bell Choir, and Holiday Children's Choir adorn the service.

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 December 2025, The Welcome Project will share half the plate. The Welcome Project, founded in 1987 in Somerville's Mystic Public Housing Development, now provides programming citywide that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults, and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions that shape their lives. TWP's culturally responsive approach builds on immigrants' existing strengths to forge connections across language and culture. The organization provides essential services to the vast and increasingly diverse immigrant community, including Brazilians, Haitians, individuals from the Northern Triangle of Central America, and so many others worldwide who strive to find success and community in their new city.

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 December 14, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/

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

Who doesn't want to get on Santa's "Nice" list? But can our behavior really be reduced to these binary options, or is there another way of being that would make the world a better place? Or even the holiday get togethers just a tad more tolerable?

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 December 2025, The Welcome Project will share half the plate.

The Welcome Project, founded in 1987 in Somerville's Mystic Public Housing Development, now provides programming citywide that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults, and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions that shape their lives. TWP's culturally responsive approach builds on immigrants' existing strengths to forge connections across language and culture. The organization provides essential services to the vast and increasingly diverse immigrant community, including Brazilians, Haitians, individuals from the Northern Triangle of Central America, and so many others worldwide who strive to find success and community in their new city.

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. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching

Worship service given December 12, 2025 Readings by First Parish congregants Music by Diane Taraz Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/

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

For the 17th year at First Parish we offer a special evening worship service during the holiday season, a worship service to "Embrace the Darkness." Parish Minister Rev. Erica Richmond will lead us in worship and Diane Taraz will offer music . This service will be an opportunity to acknowledge the darkness that surrounds the light of this festive season. This contemplative service of solace is a reminder that our sorrows matter and that we are not alone.

Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and New Years are thought to be jolly, merry and happy. And sometimes they are. We are reunited with loved ones. We sing. We pull out decorations bringing us memories of other good times flood us with delight. We linger over sumptuous meals. We give and receive gifts which remind us we are known and understood.

Other times the holidays remind us of who or what isn't at the table. We feel keenly a death or an estrangement. Love lost, health lost, job loss may feel more present than joy. We are aware of the poignancy of changes felt or soon to come: children growing older or elders who will not be long with us. This poignancy is part of "Embracing the Darkness." Many say this worship service is their favorite of the year. All are welcome 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 December 2025, The Welcome Project will share half the plate. The Welcome Project, founded in 1987 in Somerville's Mystic Public Housing Development, now provides programming citywide that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults, and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions that shape their lives. TWP's culturally responsive approach builds on immigrants' existing strengths to forge connections across language and culture. The organization provides essential services to the vast and increasingly diverse immigrant community, including Brazilians, Haitians, individuals from the Northern Triangle of Central America, and so many others worldwide who strive to find success and community in their new city.

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 December 7, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister Reflections by Bev Morse and Cheri Minton, Choir Members https://firstparish.info/

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

Join us for our annual Winter Music Service, led by First Parish Music Director Dr. Daniel Parsley and featuring the First Parish Choir, accompanist and Music Director Emeritus Kenneth Seitz, flutist Robin Baker, guest harpist Colleen Murray, alongside reflective vignettes from congregation and staff members. This year's theme—memory—invites us to reflect on how shared remembrance shapes the holiday season and why we are drawn, year after year, to the singing of carols. The service weaves together Benjamin Britten's iconic A Ceremony of Carols, Stephen Paulus's A Savior on High, and beloved congregational carols and hymns from across traditions, creating a musical space where memory, meaning, and community meet.

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 December 2025, The Welcome Project will share half the plate. The Welcome Project, founded in 1987 in Somerville's Mystic Public Housing Development, now provides programming citywide that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults, and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions that shape their lives. TWP's culturally responsive approach builds on immigrants' existing strengths to forge connections across language and culture. The organization provides essential services to the vast and increasingly diverse immigrant community, including Brazilians, Haitians, individuals from the Northern Triangle of Central America, and so many others worldwide who strive to find success and community in their new city. 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. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching

Worship service given November 30, 2025 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate Reading: "Prayer Chain" by Tim Nolan https://firstparish.info/

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

What is prayer to a Unitarian Universalist? Come join us for worship as we talk about different approaches to prayer and how the spiritual practice might work across different theologies. Rev. Erica Richmond is preaching.

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 November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community.

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 November 23, 2025 Prayer by Lillian Povey, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

With First Parish's Harvest Moon Fair wrapped up, and Thanksgiving Day before us, it's time to make Stone Soup together! Rev. Stevie will explore the radical wisdom found in the old European folktale, and the ghosts that haunt it. If you can, bring a single vegetable to share–this isn't a trick!

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 November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community.

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 November 16, 2025 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/

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

What is the difference between looking back at history and what we can learn from it versus nostalgia? Were things really as good as we thought it was or have certain versions of the past romanticized in our own minds? How does history affect our present reality, thereby shaping our future?

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 November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community.

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.