Service Summaries from the year 2004/2005

Sunday, September 12

Service of In-Gathering--Water Ceremony

As we begin our new program year, our worship will include a ritual of in-gathering commonly used in UU churches--the Water Ceremony. Please bring to the service a small container of water which is a reflection of a meaningful story from your summer weeks. The source of the water might be almost anything--let your imagination have wings. We will blend our offerings of water as symbolic of our joining ourselves in community to begin a new program year and then will save the water for use in other ceremonies during the year. The words about water in our Ceremony of Child Dedication suggest the meaning of this ritual. "The water we use in our ceremony is an age-old symbol of the blessings of life itself, a reminder of the ties that bind our children, ourselves, and every other living creature to each other and to the earth which is our nurturing home."

Our service will end with a Ceremony of Dedication of the Rainbow Squares. The Children's Choir will perform at the service. The children will remain throughout the entire service.

Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, Rev. Carlton E. Smith and Tina Schultz

The service will be followed by the pot luck In-gathering Potluck Brunch, sponsored by the Membership Committee

Flowers given by Debi Milligan in loving memory of her mother, Phyllis Carleton.

Sunday, September 19

"Thou Art with Me"

See Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-John's "Kaleidescope" article in our September newsletter on this service theme. The article begins "A recognition of the meaning of the Jewish Days of Awe. We can consider the meaning of what those Holy Days suggest for how we live our lives in the present. But at the moment I am still dwelling in a newfound appreciation for the long and difficult history of the Jewish experience."

Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) and Rev. Carlton E. Smith

Flowers given by Ed, Nicola, and Andrew Cuoco and Jan Sullivan in loving memory of their daughter and sister, Gabrielle Louisa.

Sunday, September 26, 2004

"Failures of Imagination"

When the 9/11 Commission issued its report this summer, it proposed that of all the failures surrounding the attacks on the United States that day, the biggest was our "failure of imagination" -- our inability as a nation to even conceive that such disaster could happen. In our individual and collective lives, where are we blissfully unaware of what's possible, and what might we put in place to stay awake?

Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith

Sunday, October 3

"The Wisdom of Listening as a Pathway to Peace"

Intra-Religious Dialogue is a 1999 book written by the Hindu/Christian philosopher and theologian Raimon Panikkar. Currently, Panikkar lives in a secluded area of Spain and was a featured speaker at last July’s Parliament of the World ‘s Religions in Barcelona. A major focus of his life is peace work through interfaith dialogue, which was the theme of the Parliament. I had the opportunity to hear him speak after having read his book. The significance of his term "intra-religious dialogue," as opposed to "inter-religious dialogue," is that he believes peace and understanding grow when we can listen and converse in a way that goes beyond rational or emotional discourse, when we can listen deeply enough to open our hearts to the ultimate questions of meaning with which the other is wrestling.

Our service will include reflection on how we might embrace this approach to listening as applied both to world and interpersonal peace. The Children’s Choir will sing at this service.

Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.

Flowers given by Butch Redding in loving memory of friends lost to AIDS: Russell, Fred, Bob, Ian, Michael, George, Sean, Ken, David, David, and Mark.

Sunday, October 10

"Wal-Mart and Other 'Persons'''

In 1886, corporations in the United States gained the status of "persons"-- a distinction previously only held by human beings. As a result, the legal protections once afforded only to people are now available to national and multinational business enterprises that undercut our democracy. As we approach Election Day and defense contractors make millions from the war in Iraq, we will consider how we might affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations in the face of capitalism gone wild.

Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton E. Smith and the Social Justice Committee.

Flowers given by Julie Dunn and Paul Rovinelli in memory of Julie's brother, Jeffrey Edwards Dunn.

Sunday, October 17

"Take Back Your Time"

Citizens across the United States and Canada will observe "Take Back Your Time" day on October 24. This initiative challenges the overworking and over-scheduling that affects the well-being of our families, relationships, and environment. On the weekend when several members of First Parish will be on retreat together at Ferry Beach in Maine, we will take time to consider the value of resting our minds and bodies, reconnecting with our families and our communities, and recreating balance in our lives.

Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton E. Smith (sermon) with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.

Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in loving memory of her husband, Bob Spence.

Sunday, October 24, 2004

"We Are All Kinds of Minds"

In this service we will revisit the theme I explored in a service four years ago: "Special Needs, Special Gifts." That service led to a greeting line that lasted almost an hour and a half, as many of you shared the "special needs" of children in your midst, and your own "special needs." That service also led to the ongoing support group we have by the same name. Many of you will recognize All Kinds of Minds as a book title and philosophy originating with the educator, Mel
Levine. We celebrate religious diversity at First Parish. May we also recognize and celebrate the neurobiological diversity of our minds as manifested in both children and adults. May we have compassion for the children and youth in our midst, for each other, and for ourselves as we live the joys and struggles of having a particular, and sacred, kind of mind.

This service will include the Ceremony of Child Dedication.

Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) and Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education.

Flowers given by Tina and Neil Schultz in loving memory of their grandmothers.

Sunday, October 31, 2004

"Everything Possible"

For the past several years, First Parish's observance of "Halloween Sunday" has centered on a procession of costumed adults and children. This year, we continue that intergenerational tradition. We will also affirm the power to create from nothing, free from the constraints of the past. If indeed everything were possible, who or what would you choose to be? Regardless of your age, you are welcome to come dressed extraordinarily, as an expression of who you are or who you are becoming!

The children's choirs will sing at this service. The children will remain throughout the entire service.

Worship Leader, Rev. Carlton E. Smith (sermon) with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.

Flowers TBA

Sunday, December 5

" What Gift Will You Bring?"

Since I can’t think of anything I need (at least not anything that anyone I know would give me!), my thoughts have turned to what gift I might offer. Of course some of this musing has been touched off by my recent face-to-face with my mortality in the form of a mild heart attack. We don’t have forever to figure out what gifts we are born to bear to the world.

Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns
Flowers given by Jane Fitzpatrick in memory of her father, Mark Fitzpatrick

Sunday, December 12

Choir Sunday: Advent Service

Included in this service will be sections from Antonio Vivaldi's "Gloria" and seasonal brass music. During this Advent service of lessons and carols, the choir will intersperse sections of Vivaldi's masterpiece with readings and Advent hymns from our UU Hymnal.

Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns
Flowers given by Martha and Dick Pereli

Sunday, December 19

Holiday Pageant: "Old Belfana and the Holy Child"

Our annual celebration of theatre, dance and music will include more than 50 of our children in a production based on a traditional Italian Christmas story about the holiness of every child. This event is one of the highlights of the church year. Come early, to be sure you have a seat!

Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns

Friday, December 24

Christmas Eve Service

Please join together for our traditional intergenerational candlelight service of readings, carols, and special music. You are invited to bring three things: a candle in a holder to help light the service; goodies for the Wassail Table offered by the Membership Committee following the service; and a generous offering for our annual contribution to Renewal House, a shelter for battered women and children, which is a project of the UU Urban Ministry.

Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Carlton E. Smith

Sunday, December 26

Rev Dorothy Emerson on Social and Economic Justice

Sunday, January 2

"Tolling of the Bell"

This moving service is an occasion to light candles in remembrance of those loved ones we have lost in the 2004 calendar year and to share their names and a sentence about them with the community. We will also be recognizing the Lay Ministers who work in tandem with the professional ministers as they offer pastoral care to members and friends of the congregation.

Worship leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith with Ron Hersom

Sunday, January 9, 2005

"The Search for Truth and Meaning''

Our third Unitarian Universalist principle is to "affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning." How can we do that for one another? Where are some of the places that we might look? What are the barriers to ever discovering what is true, and what life might mean for us?

Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Ron Hersom.

Flowers given by Liz Murphy in memory of her father, David Francis Leahy, and her brother, David Barry Leahy.

Sunday, January 16, 2005

Credos " Dr. King and I "

A credo is a statement of belief. In the first of this month's two credo services, three members of the First Parish community (Donna Sharff, Nassir Ghaemi, and Marie Raduazzo) will share the beliefs that have emerged for them related to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday is today.

Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith

Flowers given by Barbara and Al Tosti in loving memory of Barbara's parents and sister and Al's parents.

Sunday, January 23, 2005

Credos "Creating Meaning in Our Lives"

As human beings, we choose the value and significance of what we encounter from day to day. In this second of two credo services, three members of the congregation (Martha Comfort, Charlotte Sanford, and Beth Miller) will each share an experience from their lives, and the insight they gained from it for the enrichment of us all.

Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith

Sunday, January 30, 2005 "The Varieties of Spiritual Transformation—Scientific and Religious Perspectives"
As President of IRAS—the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science, Barbara is hosting the IRAS Council's midwinter meeting that weekend and so members of the Council will be in town and able to speak on the theme of next summer's IRAS' conference on Star Island, out of Portsmouth, NH.
Worship Leader: Dr. Rev. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with two or three speakers from IRAS

Sunday, February 6 "The Treasure of Consciousness"
Following the service there will be a time of "Sermon Sharing" in the parlor, 12-1:15pm. With Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Dick King as facilitators, this is a time to share reflections on the theme of the morning's service. A light lunch will be offered for a small donation, and help with child care may be requested by calling the office a week ahead of time.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns. This service will include the Children's Choirs.

Sunday, February 13 "Falling in Love as Spiritual and Social Transformation"
"Sermon Sharing" in the parlor, 12-1:15pm. (See note above.)
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.

Sunday, February 20 "Journey Toward Wholeness"
The Journey Toward Wholeness" Sunday Program is an annual opportunity for UU congregations to begin, celebrate, reflect upon and recommit to anti-racism work. This year's speaker is Summer Finnell, Director of Advocacy and Communication at Partakers, a faith-based non-profit organization that strives for reconciliation between prisoners and society. Her sermon, entitled "Facing the Music," will examine the Massachusetts criminal justice system through an anti-racist lens, and share strategies and opportunities for citizens and communities to create change.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, the Anti-Racism Committee, the Partakers Team of First Parish Arlington, and Summer Finnell (sermon).

Sunday, February 27 "Bringing Consciousness to Life"
This morning's service is for our fifth Unitarian Universalist principle, in which we affirm and promote the right of conscience and use of the democratic process. Together we will look at places where we might be unconscious -- as individuals, as a congregation, as a community, as a nation -- and consider what might be in our reach when we bring intention to our lives. Sermon sharing in the parlor after the worship service.
Worship Leaders: Chris Jones of the Financial Education Committee (reflection) and Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith (homily).

Sunday, March 6, 2005
"Thirty Years after the Fire: Remembering the Church That Was"
On the day before the 30th anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed the fourth meeting house of First Parish, Arlington, we will hear those who were there tell their stories of that critical time in the life of our community. At the start of this year's Stewardship Drive, we will celebrate the congregation's recovery and rebuilding in the face of that loss, and consider how we might "keep on moving forward" with the legacy of service and caring we have inherited.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Smith and Sandy King with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Andrew Leonard in loving memory of his mother, Nathalie Leonard.

Sunday, March 13, 2005
"You Are the Salt of the Earth"
From the Sermon on the Mount comes this phrase which is a reminder of the blessings that arise from entering into a covenant in community. Using this phrase we will remember that our Unitarian Universalist ancestors go back to Biblical times, and we will recall those that stood out in the days of the Protestant Reformation and during the Transcendentalist movement of the 19th century. How will we keep on moving forward in being the salt of the earth?
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns..
The Chalice Singers and the Chalice Flames will sing at this service.
Flowers given by Laura Brewer in loving memory of her parents, Marjorie and Ted Brewer.

Sunday, March 20, 2005
"Bicentennial Commemoration of First Parish Choir"
On March 20, 1805, the new church building (the second meeting house) was dedicated, and William Cutter was chosen to lead parish singing. Two seats in the front gallery were set apart for singers. This will be the traditional Spring Choir Sunday, featuring the First Parish Choir, under the direction of Music Director Laura Prichard, instrumentalists, and Wendy Covell, organist, performing spring sections from Carl Orff's Carmina burana for choir, strings, and symphonic band.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Cheri Minton, who has been singing with the First Parish Choir for 32+ years.
Flowers given by Peggy and Bill Gardiner in loving memory of Peggy's mother, Ericka Grimmeisen and Bill's father, William Gardiner.

Sunday, March 27, 2005: Easter Sunday
"Intergenerational Easter Sunday Service"
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith The Chalice Sparks, Chalice Singers, and Chalice Flames will be singing at this service.
If you are bringing bread for our Easter Bread and Juice communion, please bring it to the kitchen that day no later than 9:45 a.m., already cut or broken into bite-sized pieces, so that the youth have adequate time to prepare it for sharing during the service.
Flowers given by Sue Morse in memory of her sister-in-law Spindle Corey, her father Mark Morse, and her oldest brother James Morse.

Sunday, April 3, 2005
“Say I Am You”
Using as point of reference the poem by this title, as well as others, written by the 13th century Sufi mystic Rumi, the service will explore a few threads of the religion of Islam. These are chosen because of their potential to serve interfaith understanding on a one to one basis, as well as in the world. They will include Islam’s central faith orientation that God is one, the not so well known understanding of jihad as an inner spiritual journey, and the Sufi tradition.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Barbara Whittaker-Johns
A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service at 12 noon in the Parlor, with Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Dick King. This is a time to share reflections on the service and a light lunch will be offered for a small donation.
Flowers given by Jo Ann Kaplan and Zach, Noah, Ali, and Ricky Becker in loving memory of Stuart K. Becker.

Sunday, April 10, 2005
“When We Choose Change”
The only thing that never changes in life is the persistence of change itself. If then we are so used to change, why does self-transformation often seem out of reach? What is this power within us to be “made new”? And what does it take to awaken it? We will consider these questions through the lens of the homeless individuals with whom I work in my community ministry at “Project Place” in Boston. “Project Place” provides paid employment and training to homeless individuals who are ready to choose change.
Worship Leader: Rev. Caitlin O’Brien.
Flowers given by. Dave, Anne, Andrew, and Conor Quemere in loving memory of Donna Byrne Q u e m e r e .

Sunday, April 17, 2005
“Respecting the Interdependent Web”
This service will provide a large opening for us as Unitarian Universalists to consider our responsibility to those animals who, unlike us, are unable to speak for themselves. Our speaker will be Dr. Sondra Crosby, a UU physician who works at Boston University Medical Center/Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights. Her essay on the suffering of farm animals, Lessons from My Pig W i n n i e, was published in the March 19 Boston Globe.
Worship Leaders: Ellen Duranceau and Helene Martel.
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in loving memory of the Yerrington s i s t e r s .

Sunday, April 24, 2005: Alliance Sunday
“Change and Growth in a Lay-Led U.U. Society”
Each year the First Parish Alliance sponsors a special service. This year we are delighted to have former First Parish member, Ann Nozawa, sharing her experiences as a U.U. leader in Stuart, Florida. She was an Arlington congregation for many years before moving to Florida. In addition she was an Alliance Trustee for three years from 1997 to 2000 and chairperson for the Ferry Beach Board. She will be the nurse for the Ferry Beach program this summer.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with members of the Alliance.
Flowers given by Carolyn Stevens in celebration of the strength and grace of single women, including Susan B. Anthony, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Sylvia Pankhurst.

Sunday, May 1, 2005
"The Questions Faith Asks"
The service will explore faith as the process of meaning-making, almost as a verb, how it is likely to develop from our childhood days to our adulthood, and how we bring our "faithing" into our work in the world. This service will include the First Parish Jazz Orchestra and the First Parish Adult Choir with younger singers.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) and Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education.
Flowers given by Christine Conroy in memory of her parents, Mary and Walt Zywiak, on their anniversary.

Sunday, May 8, 2005
"Shinn Conference"
The Annual Shinn Service will be held this year on Mother's Day. Jim Austin will offer some thoughts on the Shinn family history and their contribution to the life of First Parish. The speakers will be Susan Retik and Patti Quigley, co-founders of the non-profit group Beyond the 11th. After they lost their husbands on 9/11/01, these two women sought to overcome their own grief by reaching out to women and children in Afghanistan affected by war and poverty. Their grassroots group has raised money to provide direct aid and foster self-sufficiency for Afghani women. Their talk will focus on the personal journey that led them to choose a response rooted in compassion rather than retribution.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Smith, Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and members of the Social Justice Committee.
After the service, a talkback with the speakers will offer further opportunity for questions and discussion.
Flowers given by Janet and Chick Abbott in honor of mothers, past, present, and future, the keepers and teachers of much practical knowledge and wisdom.

Sunday, May 15, 2005
"The Faith We Inherit from First Parish"
The service will feature parting words from some of our graduating high-school seniors on the faith they have inherited from their time at First Parish, and what that might mean to them as they move into a wider world. We will have a Ceremony of Recognition for all graduating seniors. At the same time, the service will begin with a Ceremony of Recognition of New Members, acknowledging what they anticipate will be their heritage from belonging to this community of faith.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education, and Krista Ernewein, Youth Advisor
A brunch, offered by the Membership Committee, will be held following the service for new members and their significant others.
Flowers given by Oakes and Pat Plimpton-Magee in loving memory of their parents, John and Dorothy Magee and Francis and Pauline Plimpton.

Sunday, May 22, 2005
"On Being Carried"
The sermon will be the reflective portion of Barbara's Annual Report. The Children's Choirs- the Chalice Sparks, Lights, and Flames- will sing at this service.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns. The Annual Meeting follows the service.
Flowers given by Susan Jordan and Dick Sargent in loving memory of their parents.

Sunday, May 29, 2005
"In the Footprints of History"
I will be reflecting this day on our sixth Unitarian Universalist principle, in which we affirm and promote the "goal of world community, with peace, liberty and justice for all," with a deeper understanding of past genocides and a commitment to ending current ones.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
This will be my first Sunday back at the church after being away ten days (May 13-22) as chaplain to 40 Arlington High-School students visiting Holocaust memorial sites in Eastern Europe with our own Marie Raduazzo and Rick Eastwick.
Flowers given by Dick Terry in memory of his brother, John Davis Terry.

June 5, 2005 – “Questions for the Ministers, Part I”
The service will attempt to answer the questions you've always wanted to ask the ministers, such as any related to spiritual or theological issues; personal struggles common among human beings; "big" questions related to suffering, inequality, death, justice, being of use in one's life; what it means to be part of a religious community, of First Parish; questions about church life, the ministers' roles; roles of volunteers, staff and ministers; our views on social/political issues, etc.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.

June 12, 2005 – “Coming of Age Ceremony and Flower Communion”
This, our last Sunday of the program year, will include our traditional Flower Communion and Coming of Age Ceremony. Come celebrate our eighth–grade youth as they share their credo stories. Seventh graders and up are invited to stay for the whole service. As is our custom, there will be no spoken announcements or candles during this service. Please bring flowers to share.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton E. Smith and Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

"Questions for the Ministers, Part II"

See description on June 5.

Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Rev. Caitlin O’Brien

Sunday, June 26, 2005

"See How the Way Lies Open"

Like all people of faith, UUs generally aspire to live by their principles and put their faith into action. The impulse to be of use and work towards positive change in the world is widespread among us. But exactly how to go about it may not be obvious. It is all too easy to become discouraged, frustrated or complacent.

For the First Parish Auction, Carlton Smith offered guidance in personal transformation through worship and in realizing a vision. In this morning’s service Janet Abbott (high bidder at the auction) and Carlton will share something of their process of exploration and transformation as Janet embarked on a search for a way to make a positive difference in the lives of recent immigrants.

Flowers given by Janet and Chick Abbott in honor of mothers, past, present, and future, the keepers and teachers of much practical knowledge and wisdom.

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Summaries of Previous Services:
2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006

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