Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

Recorded sermons from worship at First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Arlington, Massachusetts

Complexity and Balance in Spirituality - Shinn Service, by Jordan T. Clark, Executive Director, Harvard University Native American Program, worship service, Sunday, May 10, 2026 05/15/2026

Complexity and Balance in Spirituality - Shinn Service, by Jordan T. Clark, Executive Director, Harvard University Native American Program, worship service, Sunday, May 10, 2026 Jordan T. Clark, Executive Director, Harvard University Native American Program, preaching Worship service given May 10, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Jordan Clark will talk will speak about the fundamental principles of balancing Wampanoag spiritual practice and western/Christian practice. He will share how that duality and complexity inform how he navigates the world around him and how it manifests in his life and work. Jordan will explore his core fundamental beliefs, the braided histories of the region, and the intersection of colonial and Christian structures on Regional Native Nations. Jordan Clark is an enrolled member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, located on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Jordan has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and an M.A. in International Affairs with a focus in Governance and Rights. In his role as the Executive Director of the Harvard University Native American Program, Jordan oversees an administrative team that is focused on recruitment and outreach, direct support of students, faculty, and staff, University programming, public programming, and tribal diplomacy. The Annual 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 for the Shinn Service to address a matter of public concern. Shinn speakers have focused on a variety of social justice issues such as racism, capital punishment, urban poverty and violence, the war in Iraq, marriage equality, economic and climate justice. 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 May 2026, The First Pioneer Valley Dream Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The First Pioneer Valley Dream Center, based in Springfield, MA, provides essential services like food and clothing at no cost to struggling families and individuals from all walks of life. Living their call to love and serve God and others, their goal is to inspire hope and empower lives. One of their services is to provide purpose-driven volunteer work to the residents of the local correctional facility where one of our First Parish members was housed recently. This member nominated the organization in recognition of their excellent work and in gratitude for the care and support they offered her during her service at the Dream Center. Learn more at their website: https://firstpvdreamcenter.org/. 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/41337045

Music Sunday, by Dr. Daniel Parsley, Music Director, worship service, Sunday, May 3, 2026 05/08/2026

Music Sunday, by Dr. Daniel Parsley, Music Director, worship service, Sunday, May 3, 2026 Led by Dr. Daniel Parsley, Music Director Worship service given May 3, 2026 Prayer by David Klingsberg, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Each spring, the First Parish choir, accompanist Ken Seitz and special musical guests, led by Music Director Dr. Daniel Parsley, delight us with a service of music and reflections. Join us to celebrate First Parish’s music ministry. This edited version of the service includes the following musical pieces: Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Et in terra pax, and Laudamus Te by Antonio Vivaldi, featuring the First Parish Choir and Music Sunday Orchestra with Zoe Bennet, choral scholar soprano and Jennifer Kobayashi, soprano. Hostias from Requiem by Gabriel Fauré featuring Andrew Leonard, tenor, and Kenneth Seitz, piano. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, Quoniam tu solus sanctus, and Cum Sancto Spiritu by Antonio Vivaldi, featuring the First Parish Choir & Music Sunday Orchestra with Sinead O’Mahoney, choral scholar/student conductor and Roshan Sivaraman, choral scholar. 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 May 2026, The First Pioneer Valley Dream Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The First Pioneer Valley Dream Center, based in Springfield, MA, provides essential services like food and clothing at no cost to struggling families and individuals from all walks of life. Living their call to love and serve God and others, their goal is to inspire hope and empower lives. One of their services is to provide purpose-driven volunteer work to the residents of the local correctional facility where one of our First Parish members was housed recently. This member nominated the organization in recognition of their excellent work and in gratitude for the care and support they offered her during her service at the Dream Center. Learn more at their website: https://firstpvdreamcenter.org/. 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/41336325

We Call These Things Love, by Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister, worship service, Sunday, April 26, 2026 05/01/2026

Are You Sure? by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service, Sunday, April 19, 2026 04/24/2026

Commemorating Community: Reflecting Our Values Through Memorials, by Dr. Alexandria Russell, Founder, Black Women Legacies, worship service, Alliance Sunday, April 12, 2026 04/17/2026

Commemorating Community: Reflecting Our Values Through Memorials, by Dr. Alexandria Russell, Founder, Black Women Legacies, worship service, Alliance Sunday, April 12, 2026 Guest Speaker Dr. Alexandria Russell, Founder, Black Women Legacies Worship service given April 12, 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 When you look around our First Parish buildings, who and what do you see memorialized in some tangible way? What do these commemorative objects or spaces tell us about our congregation’s history, values, and the evolution of those values? Dr. Alexandria Russell, guest preacher for Alliance Sunday, will help us reflect on how we commemorate community. The First Parish Choir will perform two works by visiting guest composer and conductor B.E. Boykin alongside music director Dr. Daniel Parsley and accompanist and music director emeritus Ken Seitz. Dr. Alexandria Russell is a historian, public history practitioner, and digital humanities scholar who is passionate about making African American history accessible to people of all backgrounds. Her recent book, Black Women Legacies: Public History Sites Seen & Unseen, examines the evolution of African American women’s memorialization in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present. 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 April 2026, The Cambridge Women's Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The Cambridge Women's Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. They offer a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination. Learn more at their website: https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.org/. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/41311260

Planting Trees We'll Never See, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Rev. Stevie Carmody, and Rev. Carolyn Patierno, worship service Sunday, April 5, 2026 04/10/2026

Planting Trees We'll Never See, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Rev. Stevie Carmody, and Rev. Carolyn Patierno, worship service Sunday, April 5, 2026 Led by Rev. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education, and Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister Worship service given April 5, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Join us for a multigenerational Easter service exploring the question of what happens with seeds we plant? Who is responsible for the work, how do we enjoy the harvest, and what happens after we die? This is also our annual communion service, and we will welcome Adjunct Minister Rev. Carolyn Patierno. The First Parish Choir will sing selections from Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria, accompanied by Ken Seitz and guest organist Mark Nelson. Children and families are invited after the service to join our annual Easter Egg Hunt. 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 April 2026, The Cambridge Women's Center will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The Cambridge Women's Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. They offer a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination. Learn more at their website: https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.org/. 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/41294800

Leading with Love, by the First Parish Worship Associates and Lay Ministers, worship service, Sunday, March 29, 2026 04/03/2026

Youth Worship Service - An Exploration of Nature, by the First Parish Youth Group, worship service Sunday, March 22, 2026 03/27/2026

Don’t Set an Alarm, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service given Sunday, March 15, 2026 03/16/2026

The People Speak of Faith, Credo Service, worship service given Sunday, March 8, 2026 03/13/2026

The People Speak of Faith, Credo Service, worship service given Sunday, March 8, 2026 Credo Service featuring First Parish members James Hall, Sarah Quick, and Annette Sawyer Worship service given Sunday, March 8, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Credo means “I believe” in Latin. Periodically, First Parish invites members to offer personal statements of belief. Based on their personal experience, members speak of what they trust to be true. Worship this Sunday features the credo statements of FIrst Parish Members James Hall, Sarah Quick, and Annette Sawyer. Please join us. Guest musician David Stern will offer music on the piano this week, in addition to First Parish accommpanist Ken Seitz. 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 March 2026, Boston Women’s Fund will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. uplifts, advocates for, and invests in women, girls, and gender-expansive people who are leading grassroots organizations and systems-change efforts across Greater Boston. BWF provides flexible funding, leadership and youth development, and educational programming that strengthen movements led by those most impacted by injustice. We prioritize BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving grassroots organizations with annual budgets under $500,000, helping build power, opportunity, and lasting community impact. 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/40505225

A Covenantal Take on Stewardship, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service given Sunday, March 1, 2026 03/06/2026

We Need One Another, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Sunday, February 22, 2026 02/27/2026

Moving from Grief to Justice, by Rev. Jo Murphy, UU Mass Action, worship service Sunday, February 15, 2026 02/20/2026

Moving from Grief to Justice, by Rev. Jo Murphy, UU Mass Action, worship service Sunday, February 15, 2026 Rev. Jo Murphy, UU Mass Action, preaching Worship service given February 15, 2026 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 In a world where devastation is palpable every day, it is often difficult not to default to despair and fear. Though this despair is so present, I find there is hope in letting yourself grieve. Join me in investigating the importance of not defaulting to fear and despair, but to find space to grieve and then move from grief to justice work, finding joy and wonder in it all, sustaining ourselves and our communities. The First Parish Choir, accompanied by Kenneth Seitz, will offer music. Rev. Jo Murphy is the Executive Director for UU Mass Action and with passion and zest mobilizes and organizes with the many UU Mass Action campaigns. Jo is also kept busy as a chaplain at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and caring for her 1 year old. She loves liberation, the ocean, and a fine chicken dinner. 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 February 2026, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless will share half the offering collected during Sunday worship at First Parish. The mission of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is to provide or assure access to the highest quality health care for all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community. BHCHP is an integrated team of over 600 medical and behavioral health staff, social service providers, and support staff committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality health care for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Boston and beyond. Learn more at their website: https://www.bhchp.org/. 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/40177580

Part of the Larger Whole, by Rev. Emily Conger, Adjunct Minister of Religious Education, worship service Sunday, February 8, 2026 02/10/2026

Healthy Boundaries equal Healthy Beings, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service Sunday, February 1, 2026 02/03/2026

Grounded: Staying on Course During Turbulent Times, by Rev. Mary Margaret Earl, UU Urban Ministry, worship service Sunday, January 25, 2026 02/02/2026

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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/39956355

Inescapable Web, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Sunday, January 18, 2026 02/02/2026

Inescapable Web, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Sunday, January 18, 2026 Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching Worship service given January 18, 2026 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate Reading: "The Low Road," by Marge Piercy, read by Joanne Pohl, Chair, First Parish Defending Democracy Working Group Reflection by Eric Segal, Founder, ArCS Cluster First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Come join us for worship! What does it mean to live out a commitment to immigration justice as Unitarian Universalists? Come hear from congregant Eric Segal and Parish Minister Rev. Erica Richmond. Music by the First Parish Choir and accompanist Ken Seitz. 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/39956120

BRAVING Trust, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service Sunday, January 11, 2026 02/01/2026

BRAVING Trust, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service Sunday, January 11, 2026 Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given January 11, 2026 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 The word 'trust' has been used frequently, but it's often difficult to wrap your hand around. Brené Brown breaks it down to the BRAVING acronym. Come find out what it means to begin 2026 with plenty of marbles in the trust jar. Music by the First Parish Choir and accompanist Kenneth Seitz. 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/39955960

Spiritual Dial-Up, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Sunday, January 4, 2026 01/21/2026

Spiritual Dial-Up, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Sunday, January 4, 2026 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/39812715

Poetry Service, led by Lillian Povey, Mary Breen, and David Klingsberg, Worship Associates, worship service Sunday, December 28, 2025 01/21/2026

Poetry Service, led by Lillian Povey, Mary Breen, and David Klingsberg, Worship Associates, worship service Sunday, December 28, 2025 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/39812575

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service Wednesday, December 24, 2025 01/21/2026

Multigenerational Christmas Service, led by Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education, worship service Sunday, December 21, 2025 12/22/2025

Multigenerational Christmas Service, led by Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education, worship service Sunday, December 21, 2025 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/39703225

Who's Naughty or Nice, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service Sunday, December 14, 2025 12/16/2025

Embracing the Darkness, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Friday, December 12, 2025 12/15/2025

Embracing the Darkness, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Friday, December 12, 2025 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/39701770

Music Sunday, by Dr. Daniel Parsley, Music Director, worship service Sunday, December 7, 2025 12/15/2025

Music Sunday, by Dr. Daniel Parsley, Music Director, worship service Sunday, December 7, 2025 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 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. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/39649145

Living on a Prayer, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Sunday, November 30, 2025 12/05/2025

Making Stone Soup, by Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education, worship service Sunday, November 23, 2025 11/24/2025

History vs. Nostalgia, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service Sunday, November 16, 2025 11/17/2025

Institutional Embodiment, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Sunday, November 9, 2025 11/17/2025

Finding Comfort in a State of Perpetual Perishing, by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, worship service Sunday, November 2, 2025 11/17/2025

Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

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