Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

Worship service given June 2, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 At First Parish, we honor the passage from childhood towards adulthood through our Coming of Age program. This Sunday we celebrate seven of our 8th grade youth! Our service will include Credo (“I Believe”) statements from the Coming of Age class. And as another cohort passes through the “Arch of Love,” we celebrate all the people who have contributed to our multigenerational community. After the service, in-person attendees are invited to participate in the "Story of Religious Education at First Parish" activity in the Parlor. Come share memories and help shape 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 June, July and August 2024, the Giving First recipients are the ArCs Cluster, a local refugee support group, and the Immigrant Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization in Malden, MA. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. 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 May 26, 2024 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Yvette McDonnell, Interfaith Chaplain and Spiritual Companion Ritualist, inspires with stories of sowing seeds of change and nurturing a summer garden. Yvette (she/her) is an Interfaith Chaplain who has dedicated her life to helping others. She earned her Master's degree in Social Change from Starr King School for Ministry, with certificates in Chaplaincy and Interfaith Studies. Yvette's ministry is centered around love, healing, and an intuitive understanding of ancestral wisdom that honors the many ways of knowing in the world. Her background in Social Justice helps her support those who have been marginalized by society and companion those who are interested in exploring their biases. Yvette is an educator, Spiritual Companion Ritualist and proprietor of Soul Tapestry LLC. She encourages people to breathe slowly and savor each moment, so that they can bring integrated awareness into their lives. Yvette specializes in guiding people who are interested in creating rituals to guide, protect, celebrate, and mourn the many aspects of 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 May 2024, the Giving First recipient is Neighborhood Birth Center. This Sunday half of the offering supports the Neighborhood Birth Center, which offers comprehensive midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period by integrating an independent community birth center in Boston’s healthcare and community landscape.  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 May 19, 2024 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 This Sunday after worship is the annual congregational meeting. Members will vote on the budget, elect officers and consider two justice-based resolutions. One concerns indigenous justice and the other concerns our acknowledging and repairs the involvement of half of the Frist Parish founders who were slaveholders. Each of the justice based resolutions has been in the works for two years with numerous forums, workshops and meetings leading up to these votes. Many opinions have been expressed. Many changes have been made to the proposals. We have listened and we have discussed. Still we do not expect unanimity. In her sermon this Sunday before the annual meeting, Marta will consider what it is to disagree well. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is Neighborhood Birth Center. This Sunday half of the offering supports the Neighborhood Birth Center, which offers comprehensive midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period by integrating an independent community birth center in Boston’s healthcare and community landscape.  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 May 12, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 This coming Sunday, Rev. Erica Richmond will preach on love- how imperfect, vulnerable and messy it can be. It is this type of love that makes us real and allows us to be our real selves. Our high school seniors will delight us with a reenactment of the Velveteen Rabbit and then, as they prepare for their next chapters, we bless them as a faith community! Join us for this very special Sunday. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is Neighborhood Birth Center. This Sunday half of the offering supports the Neighborhood Birth Center, which offers comprehensive midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period by integrating an independent community birth center in Boston’s healthcare and community landscape.  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 May 5, 2024 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Each year, one Sunday is devoted to the social-justice-themed Shinn Service, with a guest providing the sermon related to their own social justice work and interests. Dr. Michael Curry is currently the President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, which represents 52 health centers, serving over one million patients out of over 300 practice sites. He plans to stay and participate in “Reverberations” on Sunday, the after-service event that will dive a bit deeper into his sermon. Dr. Curry has received numerous local and national awards for leadership and advocacy and is frequently requested as a keynote speaker and panelist on a wide range of civil rights and health policy issues. In 2022, he received the Trailblazer Award from the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association (MBLA), as well as a leadership award from the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action. He is a regular commentator on the local Public Radio Broadcast/WBUR Boston, WGBH Radio, as well as on television with WGBH, WBZ, and New England Cable News/NBC Boston, on a wide range of political, cultural, and social issues. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from New England School of Law, and later graduated from the inaugural class of the Executive Leadership Council’s Pipeline to Leadership Program. 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 2024, the Giving First recipient is Neighborhood Birth Center. This Sunday half of the offering supports the Neighborhood Birth Center, which offers comprehensive midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period by integrating an independent community birth center in Boston’s healthcare and community landscape.  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 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.

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.