Aug 19

 "Two Perspectives on Christianity"
Led by parishioners Lori Locascio and Pat Bonnet

Aug 26

A Service of Silence and Chant
Led by summer minister, Alisa Conner

Sept 2

"Covenant Groups:  Stories of Community"
Led by parishioners Wendy Page and Christine Conroy.

Sept 9

Ingathering Service 
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, preaching;
Rev. Kathy Huff and Ministerial Intern Ananda Robinson

Wednesday
Sept 12

Memorial Service following September 11th Attack
Participants: Rev. Barbara Whitaker Johns, Rev. Kathy Huff, Parish Committee Chair, David Terkla and Parishioners Dick King and David Whitford

Sept 16

Reflections on the Tragedy of September 11
Worship Leaders: Rev. Kathy Huff, preaching
Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns
A service of memorium and consideration, with time for parishioners to share their own experiences of loss.

Sept 23

Blessed Are the Poor
Worship Leaders: Ananda Robinson, Ministerial Intern, preaching
Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns
In the spirit of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, this sermon will focus on notions of poverty as found in the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament.

Sept 30

The Sacred Dimensions of Technology
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, preaching
Rev. Kathy Huff

Oct 7

Healing our Brokenness
Because of racism there is a brokenness in our nation, our faith community, and our personal lives. The spiritual work of antiracism is to heal this brokenness and to work for right relationship and justice.
Guest Preacher Rev. Bill Gardiner, director for Anti-Racism and Social Justice Empowerment Training Programs at the UUA's Department for Faith in Action
Worship leaders Rev. Kathy Huff and members of the Anti-Racism Committee

Oct 14

Blessed Are the Poor
Who were "the poor" that Jesus was addressing? How can we use this revolutionary statement nearly 2,000 years later to find blessing in our own poverty, that is, in our own physical frailty and emotional fragility?
Ministerial intern Ananda Robinson will turn to the "Sermon on the plain" in the Book of Luke to look at what Jesus meant by "blessed are you poor."

Oct
12-14

Our Third Annual Weekend Retreat at Ferry Beach.

Saturday
Oct 13

Middlesex Fells Hike

Oct 21

Seeking Purpose -- Can We Help It?
Worship Leader and Sermon Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns
Sermon Sharing follows service at noon in the Parlor.

Oct 28

Los Dias de los Muertos
(Day of the Dead) Celebration
In the chilly mists of autumn we pause to think about the people we have loved who have died. We remember our ancestors through song, story, and ritual. This intergenerational service will feature the children's choirs and the youth string ensemble. A memorial table to honor the dead will be created.

Nov 4

Growing Wisdom
The service will include the Ceremony of Child Dedication.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, preaching; Rev. Kathy Huff.

Nov 11

Affirming the Good Worship leader and sermon: Rev. Kathy Huff.

Nov 18

Life Is So Generous a Giver
The service will include the Ceremony of New Member Recognition and musical offerings from the Children's Choirs.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, preaching; Rev. Kathy Huff.
*** An opportunity to say farewell and best wishes
to Cora Styles and Pat Wakely! ***

Nov 25

Considering "Disabilities"
Thinking about everyday issues and attitudes towards "disabilities" and how they relate to spirituality and to our daily lives.
Worship Leaders: Alisa Conner and Chris Jones

Dec 2

"Praising the Ordinary: Odes of Pablo Neruda."
This sermon will reflect on one of Latin America's most beloved poets, highlighting aspects of religiousness embedded in his poetry.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Ananda Robinson; Co-Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers: Louise Hauser and Sheila Reynolds, in loving memory of Marie Schaffer.

Dec 9

"The Season of Our Joy"
Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 9, and our service's music and readings will celebrate this holiday. All of the winter season's Holy Days seek peace, justice, and a healing of the earth as a path to joy. At the same time, the stories of these winter Holy Days are rooted, historically or symbolically, in paths of struggle-including the struggle of war or revolution. How do we reconcile these two paths and take joy during the season's Holy Days?
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker- Johns; Co-Leader: Ananda Robinson.
A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service.
Flowers: John and Carol Chamberlain, in loving memory of Carol's parents, Jack and Emily Saunders.

Dec 16

Choir Sunday

Worship Leader: Rev. Barbara W h i t t a k e r - J o h n s .
Flowers: Ken Stone and Maureen Curley, in loving memory of Alda Curley and Victoria and Howard Stone.

Dec 23

"Saturn and the Dragons "
This midwinter intergenerational service is a pageant play that weaves together the pagan Roman celebration of Saturnalia with the Christmas miracle story. This joyful service features original music composed by Ken Seitz, singing from the children and adult choirs, performances by the Youth String Ensemble, and a cast of players from our Sunday School.
Pageant Directors: Anne Goodwin and Mary Bourquin.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Kathy Huff and Rev. Barbara W h i t t a k e r - J o h n s .
Flowers: First Parish Church c o n g r e g a t i o n .

Five p.m.
Monday
Evening
Dec 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
This is an intergenerational service of readings, carols, and special music.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Kathy Huff. Flowers: First Parish Church c o n g r e g a t i o n .

Dec 30

"Singing in the New Year" - with Alisa Connor
Simple, meditative songs and silent prayer/meditation to express the hopes and prayers we have for the new year that go deeper than and beyond words.
(Note: There is no RE, but a storyteller will entertain the children. Older children who enjoying singing and can sit through ten minutes of silence are welcome to join the service.)

Jan 6

Credo Service: "I Believe/Epiphanies"
The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known." This service, coincidentally on the Christian day of Epiphany, three parishoners-Andrew Leonard, Emily Randall, and Debi Milligan-will share their spiritual beliefs with the congregation.
Worship Leaders: Celebrations and Services Committee members Christine Conroy and Lori Locascio.

Jan 13

Is Nature Enough: The Thirst for Transcendence
How would you describe and reflect upon any experiences you have had that you would call an encounter with the transcendent dimensions of life?
A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker- Johns; Ananda Robinson, C o - L e a d e r .

Wednesday
January 16
;7:30 p.m.

P rogram Series Following the Events of September 11
Our newly-elected UUA President, the Rev. William Sinkford, has accepted an invitation to discuss our denomination's response to the terrorism of September 11 and its aftermath
Following his address, President Sinkford will take questions on any topic related to Unitarian Universalist faith, then join us for a reception and informal conversation. The Reverend Sinkford is the first black person to head a historically white American denomination. Be sure to put this very special event on your calendar!

Jan 20

Fifth Annual "Journey Toward Wholeness Sunday"
The service will focus on how racism shapes our lives as individuals and as a congregation. What steps can we take to dismantle racism? This is an annual event, observed by First Parish along with many other UU congregations, and a special opportunity to contribute toward anti-racism work. A portion of the contributions go to the UUA's JourneyToward Wholeness, and the remainder helps to fund our parish's ongoing anti-racism efforts.
Worship Leaders, members of the Anti-Racism Committee; Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, Co-Leader.

Jan 27

"Pink and Blue"
The service will explore changing sex roles through the lives of several First Parish members and youth.
Service led by the Welcoming Congregation and the Youth Group with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, Co-Leader.

Feb 3

"Helping Each Other Through Times of Transition"
This service will be a time for remembering and encouraging all the ways we can and do help one another through times of transition in our religious community, as well as with family members and friends. We will touch upon the spiritual, emotional, and practical aspects of such helping. We will explore the wisdom that a time of transition sometimes can offer opportunities for transformation. The Children's Choirs will sing for this service.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns; Ananda Robinson, Co-Leader.
This service will lead into an afternoon symposium organized and led by members of the Lay Ministry Program.

Feb 10

"A Good Enough Self"
The theme of this service will draw on the book, Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart-A Buddhist Perspective on Wholeness, by Mark Epstein, who is a psychiatrist, writer, and teacher.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service, in the Parlor.

Feb 17

"Violence Against Women -- Visions for a Future of Justice"
The sermon topic will focus on the issue of domestic violence: how far we have come, and how much farther we have yet to go
Guest Speakers: Caitlin O'Brien (head of Renewal House) and Craig Norberg-Bohm (chairperson for Men's Initiative for Jane Doe)
Worship Leader: Ananda Robinson, Ministerial Intern.

Feb 24

"Stone Soup-What Gifts Do We Bring?"
Faith communities are places where we come to give and receive gifts from each other. We will reflect on how we come to, remain at, and receive from our congregations.
Intergenerational sharing will be the story of "Stone Soup", with cameo acting appearances by the church staff.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Butch Redding, with testimonials by several First Parish members.

March 3

"Do You Know Where My Mother Is?"
Reflections on the multifaceted nature of clergy, staff, and volunteer roles at First Parish and on the surprises and spirituality to be found in these.
The Children's Choir will be singing at this service.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker- Johns, with a little help from her friends.

March 10

Barbara Shinn Conference
"Getting Out of Homelessness Permanently"
The main speaker, for this service will be Macy DeLong, Executive Director of Solutions at Work. Homelessness is increasing at an alarming rate. Macy and others who have faced homelessness will tell us their stories. The discussion will be tied to our involvement with affordable housing in Arlington and what can be done about homelessness.
A Sermon talk-back with Macy and members of the Arlington Affordable Housing group will follow at 11:45am in the s a n c t u a r y .
Worship Leaders: Social Action Committee and Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.

March 17

"Turning Toward César Chavez: Lessons of Non- Violence and Compassion"
This service will look at the life of César Chavez whose non-violent struggle against the giant fruit corporations succeeded in advancing the rights of migrant workers in California. In a time when we feel discouraged by such words as "war," "evildoers," and "military might," we will examine how we can regain our hope, courage, and compassion through the example of César Chavez.
Worship Leaders: Ananda Robinson, Ministerial Intern, and Rev. Dr. Barbara W h i t t a k e r - J o h n s .

March 24

"I Can But Trust That Good Shall Fall"
This line is from Tennyson's poem "In Memoriam," written upon the death of his close friend. The service will be a reflection upon the intertwining of situations in which we face death-our own or another's-and upon the possibilities of growing a faith to sustain us in these situations.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.

March 31

Intergenerational Easter Service
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
The Children's Choir will be singing for this service.

Sunday, April 7

Choir Sunday
The First Parish Choir, directed by Kenneth Seitz and accompanied by Wendy Covell, will present a program of sacred and secular music as part of this year’s Spring Music Service. The music of Hammerschmidt, Handel, Rogers, Muczynski, Cui, Foote, and Seitz will fill the sanctuary. The silver flutes of Mies Boet-Whitaker and Willemien Insinger, the oboe of Carl Schlaikjer, and the voices of Diane Shriver and Cheri Minton will be heard. There will be a bird or two, a field of daisies, a Russian serenade, and a meteorological celebration of the seasons.

April 14

“In the Spirit of Liberation”
We will explore what it means to be truly free. How can we accomplish this? What efforts can we make as individuals to liberate others and ourselves from the chains of “mental slavery,” considering that many of these chains are connected with an identity based on ownership and position?
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. John Gilmore.
Dr. John Gilmore received his Doctor of Ministry from the University of Creation Spirituality in Oakland, CA. His dissertation was on “Reclaiming Your Identity.” John is a Community Minister in Lowell, MA and with the Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC). This year he is also serving as a half- time interim minister at the UU Society of Gardner.
Sponsored by the Anti-Racism Committee.

April 21, 2002

Alliance Sunday
For many years, the Alliance of First Parish has assumed responsibility for one service a year, presenting a variety of topics of interest, especially to women. Frequently we invite an outside speaker. This year we have invited Jan Turnquist of InterAct Performances and director of Orchard House in Concord to bring us Louisa May Alcott for the day. A very special part of her presentation will be directed to the children. Our youth who no longer are involved in Sunday morning classes are particularly invited to attend the service.

Sunday
Apr 21

Spring Roundtable:
Committee chairs and leaders will be engaging in "Gifts Discovery" techniques to understand how we can all learn what gifts we bring to share with the First Parish community.

April 28

“The Adventure of Identity”
See reflections in Kaleidoscope.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, sermon, and Rev. Kathy Huff.
This service will include the Ceremony of New Member Recognition.

May 5

"Further Reflections on the Adventure of Identity"
This service will continue to explore the same theme as the service on April 28: "What does it mean to have a sense of self, of identity as a religious community and as a person?" Creating an identity, whether for us as a religious community or for ourselves as individuals, will be understood as the adventure of living in a time of rapid change, pluralism, and frightening global issues. What sort of courage and spiritual center are needed for this adventure?
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.

NB Beltane Ceremony at noon after this service.

May 12

"The Blessings of Imperfection"
The sermon will focus on what we can gain from learning to love ourselves despite our imperfections.
Service leaders: Ananda Robinson with her father Rev. Jim Robinson, Senior Minister of First Parish, Brewster; and Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.

May 19

"Take Me to Savin' Rock"
Reflections will focus on the importance of longing. The service will include the Ceremony of Child Dedication.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, sermon; Rev. Kathy Huff; and Ananda Robinson, Ministerial Intern.
NB Annual meeting after this service.

May 26

Credo Service: "Themes of Belief and Stories of Meaning"
Organized by the Celebrations and Services Committee.
Worship Leader: Wendy Page.
Credos offered by: Christopher Jones, Carolyn Hodges, & Arlene Kulin

Friday
May 31

Bon Voyage Party for Kathy Huff!

June 2

"Callings"
Since accepting a new call to ministry in Oakland, California, I have been reflecting on the nature of callings and what it means to live an authentic life. In my last sermon at First Parish, I will take this opportunity, not only to say goodbye, but to explore how listening and responding to the callings in our lives - whatever they may
Sermon: Rev. Kathy Huff.

Sunday
June 2

The Organ Show will be presented in the sanctuary, after our June 2 church service. You will hear "Peter and the Wolf" played on First Parish's 1870 Hook organ and learn how the organ works. Everyone is invited.

Sunday
June 9

Immediately following the service, there will be an all church potluck picnic in the Courtyard or the Vestry, depending on the weather. Please bring something to share.

Friday
June 21
Five a.m.

a celebration of Litha/Summer Solstice at sunrise on the tennis courts at Robbins Farm. Bring something for the alter, and, if you like, something to "break fast" after.

June 9

"Coming of Age and Flower Communion"

Please bring flowers to share.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Kathy Huff, Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, and Director of Religious Education, Tina Schultz.

June 16

"Gifts of the Fathers"
Worship Leader and Sermon: Alisa Conner.

June 23

"Celebration of Silence"
Quaker-style worship
Worship Leaders: Celebrations and Services Committee.

Sunday
June 23

Summer Afternoon Poetry Reading
Bring a blanket or a chair to the courtyard between 2 - 4 p.m. to hear Virginia Thayer reading from her new book Gloves and other Lost Things.

Thursday
June 27

We are hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive here from 3 to 8 p.m.

June 30

"Labyrinth"
Worship Leader: Jan Blodgett.
We will walk an actual labyrinth set up in the sanctuary.

July 7

"Adventures at General Assembly,"
contributers include Tom Hogan, Cecile Strugnell, Rachael Stark, Chris Cirker - Connect with the UU movement! Delegates at General Assembly will de-mystify this event and will share their experiences

July 14

"Stone and Star: Poetry in Our Lives,"
Suzanne Berger & Christine Conroy, worship leaders - An exploration of the spiritual dimensions of poetry.

July 21

"Everyday HEROES,"
Ron Hersom, sermon & worship leader - Exploring the everyday Heroes we have today and have had in our lives.

July 28

"Lammas: Pagan Harvest Celebration,"
led by members of First Parish who regularly create and lead pagan worship - Come celebrate the first fruits of the late summer harvest and celebrate our spiritual connection to nature

August 4

"Learning to Belong,"
John Chapin, sermon, Alisa Conner, worship leader - Belonging to a family, a group, or a community, is not something that just happens; it is something you work at, something you have to learn how to do. We will celebrate the joys and reflect on the work of learning to belong.

August 11

"Tasting Buddhist Practice,"
Tom Hogan, sermon, Alisa Conner, worship leader - Reflections on and experiences in one member's Buddhist practice

August 18

"Let Me See You Dance and Sing,"
Alisa Conner, worship leader - An exploration of worship and connection to the divine through dance and movement; we will both witness and participate in liturgical dance

August 25

"Native American Spirituality in the Lakota Tradition,"
Alisa Conner, worship leader

Sept. 1

"Spiritual Leadership and ME?"
Ron Hersom, sermon, Alisa Conner, worship leader - Are we all called to be a Spiritual Leader in church, at home at work, in all aspects of our lives?