Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

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

Reflections on Facing History and Ourselves, by Lara James, Guest Speaker, worship service April 28, 2024 04/29/2024

Reflections on Facing History and Ourselves, by Lara James, Guest Speaker, worship service April 28, 2024 Worship service given April 28, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 The Alliance of First Parish supports those who have given much. This Sunday, Lara James, of the organization Facing History and Ourselves, reflects on looking backward and looking forward and what we each can do to make communities more inclusive, resilient and hopeful. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is the Living Legacy Project. The mission of the Living Legacy Project (https://www.livinglegacypilgrimage.org/) is to provide experiential education about the American Civil Rights Movement that challenges, inspires, and equips people from diverse backgrounds and identities for justice work in their communities and beyond. Despite gains made by the American Civil Rights Movement to ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or color, have access to human and civil rights, much work remains. Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) continued to be imprisoned at a higher rate than white people, subjected to police overreach, experienced more poverty, and had fewer opportunities. Protecting voting rights to eliminate mass incarceration takes committed activists and organizers willing to take stands against injustice. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/31033543

Parting the Waters and Traversing the Wilderness, by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister worship service April 21, 2024 04/22/2024

Parting the Waters and Traversing the Wilderness, by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister worship service April 21, 2024 Worship service given April 21, 2024 Prayer by Ruben Hopwood, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 On the first day of Passover, Marta ponders the meaning of the Exodus for us today. In the ancient tale lies lessons for us as we make our way through our tight places. In worship we also formally welcome all those who have joined First Parish this year in a New Member Ceremony. In addition, Jeff Keffer offers a testimonial on participating in community at First Parish. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is the Living Legacy Project. The mission of the Living Legacy Project (https://www.livinglegacypilgrimage.org/) is to provide experiential education about the American Civil Rights Movement that challenges, inspires, and equips people from diverse backgrounds and identities for justice work in their communities and beyond. Despite gains made by the American Civil Rights Movement to ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or color, have access to human and civil rights, much work remains. Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) continued to be imprisoned at a higher rate than white people, subjected to police overreach, experienced more poverty, and had fewer opportunities. Protecting voting rights to eliminate mass incarceration takes committed activists and organizers willing to take stands against injustice. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30933933

The Stories We Tell: Living the Beloved Community, by Rev. Christana Wille McKnight, Guest Minister worship service April 14, 2024 04/16/2024

The Stories We Tell: Living the Beloved Community, by Rev. Christana Wille McKnight, Guest Minister worship service April 14, 2024 Worship service given April 14, 2024 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 The Beloved Community is a dream that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King made famous, but it is also an inspiration to who we can become - individually and together. This Sunday we will be reflecting on how the stories we tell shape our understandings of where we have come from, and how we can bring our values more fully into the communities we are building for the 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 April 2024, the Giving First recipient is the Living Legacy Project. The mission of the Living Legacy Project (https://www.livinglegacypilgrimage.org/) is to provide experiential education about the American Civil Rights Movement that challenges, inspires, and equips people from diverse backgrounds and identities for justice work in their communities and beyond. Despite gains made by the American Civil Rights Movement to ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or color, have access to human and civil rights, much work remains. Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) continued to be imprisoned at a higher rate than white people, subjected to police overreach, experienced more poverty, and had fewer opportunities. Protecting voting rights to eliminate mass incarceration takes committed activists and organizers willing to take stands against injustice. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30846338

Theological Basis for Democracy, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister worship service April 7, 2024 04/08/2024

Theological Basis for Democracy, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister worship service April 7, 2024 Worship service given April 7, 2024 Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Join Rev. Erica Richmond this coming Sunday as she preaches about congregational governance, dissent, and communion. Don’t worry, she promises to make it interesting. As Unitarian Universalists we have a long standing commitment to democracy, what does that look like in our congregation? What does that teach us about community? We will also be blessing our new set of teachers for religious education! 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is the Living Legacy Project. The mission of the Living Legacy Project (https://www.livinglegacypilgrimage.org/) is to provide experiential education about the American Civil Rights Movement that challenges, inspires, and equips people from diverse backgrounds and identities for justice work in their communities and beyond. Despite gains made by the American Civil Rights Movement to ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or color, have access to human and civil rights, much work remains. Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) continued to be imprisoned at a higher rate than white people, subjected to police overreach, experienced more poverty, and had fewer opportunities. Protecting voting rights to eliminate mass incarceration takes committed activists and organizers willing to take stands against injustice. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30730763

Cast Your Nets and Other Faithful Acts, by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister Easter worship service March 31, 2024 04/01/2024

Cast Your Nets and Other Faithful Acts, by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister Easter worship service March 31, 2024 Worship service given March 31, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Easter worship features Rev. Marta Flanagan preaching and Rev. Stevie Carmody offering a story. Join the First Parish Choir and a brass quintet of Boston University students in a joyous morning of music by Pavel Chesenekov, Jacob Narverud, and more. As in the past, communion will be offered during our Easter service. First Parish has no creedal tests for involvement. Our communion is an open table. All are welcome. We each bring our own interpretations of the sharing of bread and wine. Our blessings will be translations of the Hebrew spoken every Friday Shabbat in Jewish homes. In keeping with Passover, the elements of our communion will be matzah and grape juice. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is ZUMIX. (https://www.zumix.org/) ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to building a community through music and creative technology. We believe music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX also provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, historically underserved neighborhood. The Engine Company 40 Firehouse renovations transformed a long-abandoned building into a beautiful, functional and inspiring cultural and performance space for ZUMIX programs, participants and the East Boston community at large. Renovations with the latest green technology have saved a historic site that contributes to a healthier environment, creates educational opportunities for our youth, and strengthens our financial sustainability by reducing energy costs and attracting funders who support “green” organizations. The Firehouse received Gold LEED Certification, an impressive accomplishment for a renovation project. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30623848

Going to the Garden, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister worship service March 24, 2024 03/25/2024

Going to the Garden, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister worship service March 24, 2024 Worship service given March 24, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 On Palm Sunday, join Rev. Erica Richmond and the worship team as we talk about the spiritual themes of Palm Sunday. Holy Weeks teaches us about sitting with pain before rebirth. How does this show up in our individual lives? How do we wrestle with messy transformation? Come join us for worship and enjoy our featured musicians- Sam Fleishman, Paul Franzosa, Heather Mumford, and David Whitford! 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is ZUMIX. (https://www.zumix.org/) ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to building a community through music and creative technology. We believe music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX also provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, historically underserved neighborhood. The Engine Company 40 Firehouse renovations transformed a long-abandoned building into a beautiful, functional and inspiring cultural and performance space for ZUMIX programs, participants and the East Boston community at large. Renovations with the latest green technology have saved a historic site that contributes to a healthier environment, creates educational opportunities for our youth, and strengthens our financial sustainability by reducing energy costs and attracting funders who support “green” organizations. The Firehouse received Gold LEED Certification, an impressive accomplishment for a renovation project. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30533418

Growth and Change: Youth Group Sunday Service, worship service March 17, 2024 03/18/2024

Growth and Change: Youth Group Sunday Service, worship service March 17, 2024 Worship service given March 17, 2024 Prayer by Alice Hunter, Worship Coordinator https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Come join the youth in their exploration of growth and change. Witness our youth reflect on their time at First Parish and consider the next stages of their journeys. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is ZUMIX. (https://www.zumix.org/) ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to building a community through music and creative technology. We believe music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX also provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, historically underserved neighborhood. The Engine Company 40 Firehouse renovations transformed a long-abandoned building into a beautiful, functional and inspiring cultural and performance space for ZUMIX programs, participants and the East Boston community at large. Renovations with the latest green technology have saved a historic site that contributes to a healthier environment, creates educational opportunities for our youth, and strengthens our financial sustainability by reducing energy costs and attracting funders who support “green” organizations. The Firehouse received Gold LEED Certification, an impressive accomplishment for a renovation project. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30420843

Painting with Sound: Vignettes of Beauty, Daniel Parsley, Interim Music Director, worship service March 10, 2024 03/11/2024

Painting with Sound: Vignettes of Beauty, Daniel Parsley, Interim Music Director, worship service March 10, 2024 Worship service given March 10, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 As we gather together in worship, we are reminded of the power of community music to paint vivid images and evoke deep emotions within our hearts. Just as an artist uses a brush to create a masterpiece, musicians use the notes and rhythms of their instruments to craft a melody that touches the soul. Join the First Parish Choir and chamber orchestra as we delve into harmonies and melodies that paint a vibrant, complex portrait of beauty in our communal life. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is ZUMIX. (https://www.zumix.org/) ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to building a community through music and creative technology. We believe music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX also provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, historically underserved neighborhood. The Engine Company 40 Firehouse renovations transformed a long-abandoned building into a beautiful, functional and inspiring cultural and performance space for ZUMIX programs, participants and the East Boston community at large. Renovations with the latest green technology have saved a historic site that contributes to a healthier environment, creates educational opportunities for our youth, and strengthens our financial sustainability by reducing energy costs and attracting funders who support “green” organizations. The Firehouse received Gold LEED Certification, an impressive accomplishment for a renovation project. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30321963

Good for what Ails You!, Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister, worship service March 3, 2024 03/05/2024

Good for what Ails You!, Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister, worship service March 3, 2024 Worship service given March 3, 2024 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 A Stewardship Sunday Celebration! We’re pulling out the musical stops with the Bell Choir, our C Winds and the First Parish Choir This Sunday kicks off our annual Stewardship Campaign: Investing in a Vibrant Community Once a year members and friends are asked to make a “pledge,” our financial commitment to First Parish in the year ahead. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is ZUMIX. (https://www.zumix.org/) ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to building a community through music and creative technology. We believe music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX also provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, historically underserved neighborhood. The Engine Company 40 Firehouse renovations transformed a long-abandoned building into a beautiful, functional and inspiring cultural and performance space for ZUMIX programs, participants and the East Boston community at large. Renovations with the latest green technology have saved a historic site that contributes to a healthier environment, creates educational opportunities for our youth, and strengthens our financial sustainability by reducing energy costs and attracting funders who support “green” organizations. The Firehouse received Gold LEED Certification, an impressive accomplishment for a renovation project. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30238858

The Lost Art of Play, Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service February 25, 2024 02/26/2024

Remaining Human, Dr. Marc Roscoe Loustau, Guest Preacher, worship service February 18, 2024 02/19/2024

Remaining Human, Dr. Marc Roscoe Loustau, Guest Preacher, worship service February 18, 2024 Worship service given February 18, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 What is at stake when we support humanitarian programs in Ukraine? Marc Loustau will reflect on his recent trip to Ukraine to report on humanitarian psychotherapy programs for people displaced by the war. Dr. Marc Roscoe Loustau is a cultural anthropologist and journalist who specializes in Eastern Europe after living in Hungary and Romania for four years. He is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and member of First Church Boston, received a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and completed a two-year ministerial internship at King’s Chapel in Boston, MA. He has appeared on the BBC News and France 24, and has published articles in the Christian Science Monitor, the Christian Century, La Croix International, The Tablet, and other magazines and newspapers. He lives in Roslindale MA with his wife Amy, son Sebastian, and dog Ramona. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is VoteRiders. VoteRiders’ mission is to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from casting a ballot that counts due to voter ID laws, either directly from lack of acceptable ID or indirectly because of voter confusion. VoteRiders educates voters and assists citizens to secure their voter ID. They inspire and support organizations, volunteers, and communities to sustain such voter ID education and assistance efforts. Learn more at the VoteRiders website, https://www.voteriders.org/. The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/30015528

How to Be in Right Relation, by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister, worship service February 11, 2024 02/12/2024

The After Death Knitters, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service February 4, 2024 02/05/2024

The People Speak of Faith, by David Whitford, Worship Associate, credo worship service January 28, 2024 01/29/2024

The Fine Art of Being Wrong, by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister, worship service January 21, 2024 01/22/2024

October 15, 1969 and an Ode to Librarians, by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service January 14, 2024 01/16/2024

How to Live Well, by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister, worship service January 7, 2024 01/08/2024

Poetry Sunday, by Elizabeth Hunter, Worship Associate, service December 31, 2023 01/02/2024

Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve, by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister, sermon December 24, 2023 12/27/2023

You Can’t Always Get What You Want, by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister, sermon December 17, 2023 12/18/2023

You Can’t Always Get What You Want, by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister, sermon December 17, 2023 Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education Worship service given December 17, 2023 Prayer by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the service: Ponder the giving and receiving of gifts. Decorate the tree! Behold four pieces by our choir under the direction of our new interim Music Director Daniel Parsley! A service for all ages led by Rev. Stevie Carmody, our Minister of Religious Education and Rev. Marta Flanagan, our Lead Minister. All who took gift tags for children will be invited forward during worship to place their gifts and wrapping under the tree. Offering and Giving First The Cole Resource Center is our Giving First recipient for December 2023. CRC offers custom support for individuals and family members facing mental challenges. CRC’s staff have both lived experience and expertise in navigating the mental healthcare system. There is something special about the understanding and guidance offered by those who have traveled similar paths. CRC’s clients learn that they are not alone. They welcome the hope and resilience they discover through the CRC community. CRC navigators listen and provide relevant and accessible Resource Referrals. CRC’s Women’s Support Group gathers family caregivers who come together to share their concerns and celebrate their successes. CRC’s Workforce Development Program assists job seekers with mental health issues who are looking for work, through its online Job Club and individual coaching. The non-clinical support offered by the Cole Resource Center has proven an invaluable complement to clinical care, especially during this time of intense community need for mental health services. For more information, please see https://www.coleresourcecenter.org/ The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/29129773

Peace and a Few of Our Favorite Things, by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister, sermon December 10, 2023 12/11/2023

Peace and a Few of Our Favorite Things, by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister, sermon December 10, 2023 Worship service given December 10, 2023 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the service: On the third day of Hanukkah, Parish Minister Rev. Erica Richmond preaches on what ancient and modern texts reveal about peace. Peace is not a passive stance but a hard-won salve to an aching world. And hear how Eleanor Roosevelt connects to all of this! Worship includes the installation of our New Lay Ministers and accompaniment by our own “C-Winds” on wind instruments. Offering and Giving First The Cole Resource Center is our Giving First recipient for December 2023. CRC offers custom support for individuals and family members facing mental challenges. CRC’s staff have both lived experience and expertise in navigating the mental healthcare system. There is something special about the understanding and guidance offered by those who have traveled similar paths. CRC’s clients learn that they are not alone. They welcome the hope and resilience they discover through the CRC community. CRC navigators listen and provide relevant and accessible Resource Referrals. CRC’s Women’s Support Group gathers family caregivers who come together to share their concerns and celebrate their successes. CRC’s Workforce Development Program assists job seekers with mental health issues who are looking for work, through its online Job Club and individual coaching. The non-clinical support offered by the Cole Resource Center has proven an invaluable complement to clinical care, especially during this time of intense community need for mental health services. For more information, please see https://www.coleresourcecenter.org/ The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/29022193

Embrace the Darkness, by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister, sermon December 8, 2023 12/11/2023

Comfort, Comfort My People, by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister, sermon December 3, 2023 12/04/2023

Family Farm Stories, by Rev. Wendy Page, sermon November 26, 2023 11/27/2023

Family Farm Stories, by Rev. Wendy Page, sermon November 26, 2023 Sunday sermon given November 26, 2023 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the service: An exploration of family land ownership, changing perspective, and reckoning. About Rev. Wendy Page: The Reverend Wendy Page is an Affiliate Minister of First Parish Arlington. She has been a member of First Parish since 1999 and First Parish supported her on her journey into ministry. She is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School and was ordained in the First Parish Sanctuary in 2017. She is now serving as a Hospice Chaplain for All Care Hospice. She also serves as a per diem chaplain at Mass General Hospital. Previous to her ministry, Wendy was a Software Engineer and Manager. She is an avid cyclist and has participated for 23 years in the annual Pan Mass Challenge fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She also is a quilter and gardener and sings in the FP choir. Offering and Giving First For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens. The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/28805238

Helping Hands: Thanksgiving, by Rev. Erica Richmond, November 19, 2023 11/20/2023

Helping Hands: Thanksgiving, by Rev. Erica Richmond, November 19, 2023 Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister Sunday sermon given November 19, 2023 Prayer by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the service: In this intergenerational Thanksgiving service, let's explore the flipside of Gratitude: asking for help. Scary! Humbling! We know. But the good news is that asking for help opens us up to an interdependence that can change the world. Children grades kindergarten and older are welcome to stay through the whole service---the service is designed to include them. And look forward to our annual cornbread communion! Offering and Giving First For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens. The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/28721458

Living Our Faith service, November 12, 2023 11/13/2023

Living Our Faith service, November 12, 2023 Sunday service given November 12, 2023 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the service: Join us on Sunday to hear from three First Parish congregants, Stephanie Franzosa, Anna McMaken-Marsh, and Andy Winslow, about how they live out their spiritual commitments in the world. How do each of us live our faith? What do our values call us to do? This is a special annual service that is sure to be inspiring, join us on Sunday! Musical guest: violist and FP youth group alum Molly Aronson-Breen! Offering and Giving First For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens. The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/28616388

The Center of Our Faith: Part II sermon, by Reverend Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister November 5, 2023 11/06/2023

The Center of Our Faith: Part II sermon, by Reverend Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister November 5, 2023 Sunday Sermon given November 5, 2023 Prayer by Ruben Hopwood, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the service: Unitarian Universalism is a living faith, honoring tradition and evolving over time. The Unitarian Universalist Principles are stated in Article 2 of the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The UUA is currently in the process of amending Article 2. Perhaps questions of faith should always be considered and tested by war and peace, life and death, love and loss. Amidst the poignancy and complexity of war in the Middle East this week, Rev. Marta Flanagan will consider what is central to our faith. This Sunday is the second sermon in a two part series. Part I was delivered on October 15 and is available on YouTube. Offering and Giving First For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens. The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. /episode/index/show/fpuuarl/id/28529162

Hello? Answering Grief's Call sermon, by Reverend Erica Richmond, Parish Minister October 29, 2023 10/30/2023

A Musical Celebration! service honoring Jonathan Colby, October 22, 2023 10/23/2023

The Center of Our Faith: Part I by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister, October 15, 2023 10/16/2023

Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

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