Grounded: Staying on Course During Turbulent Times, by Rev. Mary Margaret Earl, UU Urban Ministry, worship service Sunday, January 25, 2026

Rev. Mary Margaret Earl, Executive Director and Senior Minister of UU Urban Ministry, preaching

Worship service given January 25, 2026
Prayer by Lyn Fulton-John, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

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

Join Guest Minister Rev. Mary Margaret Earl from UU Urban Ministry in a reflection on navigating the overwhelming noise and news without losing sight of our work for justice. Music offered by the First Parish Choir and accompanist Ken Seitz.

The Rev. Mary Margaret Earl has served as Executive Director and Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry for 11 years. In this ministry, she works for racial justice and to strengthen connections between UUs and the Roxbury neighborhood where the UUUM operates. She has served on the leadership team of Moral Movement Massachusetts, the Roxbury Cultural Network, and the search committee for the Roxbury Community College president. Prior to her arrival at the UU Urban Ministry, she spent 10 years at a faith-based nonprofit in RI serving the homeless community, She is past president of the Board of the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, recipient of the Heroes of Faith Award from the Rhode Island State Council of Churches for her interfaith work, and received a Courage of Conscience award from the Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Ma. She is a longtime vegan committed to standing up for nonhuman animals.

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.