Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Worship service given February 25, 2024 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Join us this Sunday as Rev. Erica Richmond explores the theology of play and its importance in our lives. What might reconnect us to childlike wonder? Don't worry, it's not all talk, we will have a chance to play with markers, clay, and other crafts during worship! 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.

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.

Worship service given February 11, 2024 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 This Sunday Marta ponders what we can do to be in right relation with others, with ourselves, with creation and with the Spirit of Creation. Marta will consider the pitfalls and benefits of giving up and making sacrifices. Listen to her romp through sacrificial theology, atonement and Lent and what it has to do with us today. 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.

Worship service given February 4, 2024 Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 As we take stock of our lives and these times, it can be challenging but sacred work to consider what the world will look like for future generations. How do we make sense of our legacies? Join parish minister, Rev. Erica, as she shares wisdom from a group called the Loose Ends – knitters who finish projects for other sewers after they die. 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.

Worship service given January 28, 2024 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate 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 Mary Fusoni, Aaron Kitzmiller and Lillian Povey. Please join us. Offering and Giving First Each month we divide our morning offering between First Parish and an organization chosen by our Social Justice Committee. This month we are funding the work of Harbor Camps (Harborcamps.org). Harbor Camps mission is to build confidence, resilience, and community for transgender and non-binary youth and their families through camp experiences. Camp is about having fun, playing outside, trying new things, growing, and making lifelong memories. Specifically for transgender and non-binary youth, it is about being in a place where you can truly be yourself, appreciated, and supported. To ensure that camp is an option for all families and youth, regardless of financial means, Harbor Camps provides scholarships each year without a limit. Programs such as “Giving First” help fund this guarantee. To learn more about camp, including upcoming sessions, or how to support in additional ways, visit www.harborcamps.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.

Worship service given January 21, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 As religious liberals we trust that people are first and foremost good and worthy. We also know we have slipped, stumbled and erred both as individuals and as a people. This Sunday Marta will consider forgiveness, repair, and responsibility in our time. During worship we will also send our children off to a new term in our Sunday morning religious education program. This is a good Sunday for kids to check out the program, teachers and the other kids in their classes! Offering and Giving First Each month we divide our morning offering between First Parish and an organization chosen by our Social Justice Committee. This month we are funding the work of Harbor Camps (Harborcamps.org). Harbor Camps mission is to build confidence, resilience, and community for transgender and non-binary youth and their families through camp experiences. Camp is about having fun, playing outside, trying new things, growing, and making lifelong memories. Specifically for transgender and non-binary youth, it is about being in a place where you can truly be yourself, appreciated, and supported. To ensure that camp is an option for all families and youth, regardless of financial means, Harbor Camps provides scholarships each year without a limit. Programs such as “Giving First” help fund this guarantee. To learn more about camp, including upcoming sessions, or how to support in additional ways, visit www.harborcamps.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.

Worship service given January 14, 2024 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Join Rev. Erica Richmond and our worship team for this special MLK weekend. Our homily will explore Rev. Dr. King's controversial messages of peace and look at how our own congregation navigated the anti-war movement in the 1960s. Offering and Giving First Each month we divide our morning offering between First Parish and an organization chosen by our Social Justice Committee. This month we are funding the work of Harbor Camps (Harborcamps.org). Harbor Camps mission is to build confidence, resilience, and community for transgender and non-binary youth and their families through camp experiences. Camp is about having fun, playing outside, trying new things, growing, and making lifelong memories. Specifically for transgender and non-binary youth, it is about being in a place where you can truly be yourself, appreciated, and supported. To ensure that camp is an option for all families and youth, regardless of financial means, Harbor Camps provides scholarships each year without a limit. Programs such as “Giving First” help fund this guarantee. To learn more about camp, including upcoming sessions, or how to support in additional ways, visit www.harborcamps.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.

Worship service given January 7, 2024 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 For the first Sunday of the New Year, Rev. Marta Flanagan explores the question of what it means to live well. Perhaps that is the theme of nearly every sermon. But this time Marta draws on the experiences and memoirs of several people facing their death to tackle this eternal question. Come hear what those for whom death feels close, have to say about living well. Offering and Giving First Each month we divide our morning offering between First Parish and an organization chosen by our Social Justice Committee. This month we are funding the work of Harbor Camps (Harborcamps.org). Harbor Camps mission is to build confidence, resilience, and community for transgender and non-binary youth and their families through camp experiences. Camp is about having fun, playing outside, trying new things, growing, and making lifelong memories. Specifically for transgender and non-binary youth, it is about being in a place where you can truly be yourself, appreciated, and supported. To ensure that camp is an option for all families and youth, regardless of financial means, Harbor Camps provides scholarships each year without a limit. Programs such as “Giving First” help fund this guarantee. To learn more about camp, including upcoming sessions, or how to support in additional ways, visit www.harborcamps.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.

Worship service given December 31, 2023 Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter, 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 Associate Elizabeth Hunter leads us in lifting up words that have moved us 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. 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.

Worship service given December 24, 2023 Prayer by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister 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 services feature the lighting of candles, organ fanfares and children reading the ancient tale. Rev. Erica Richmond offers a homily. We welcome special musical guests the Worcester Brass Consort, and also Nancy Timmerman on the organ. Offering and Giving First The full amount of your gifts will support 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. To donate by credit card, debit card, or bank account using your smartphone text: FPUU RENEWAL to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

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.

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.