Sunday, September 4, 2005
"Partakers at First Parish Where We Are and What's Ahead!"

Partakers, Inc. is a local faith-based organization that strives for reconciliation between prisoners and society. Members of the Partakers Group at First Parish will share experiences from their first year of sponsoring two inmates as they complete a college degree while incarcerated, and will discuss the groups plans for the future, such as legislative initiatives.
Led by Ann Abbott, Susan Jordan, Dick Sargent, Donna Sharff, and other members of the First Parish Partakers Group.

Sunday, September 11
Intergenerational Service of Ingathering-Water Ceremony
As we begin our new program year, our worship will include a ritual of ingathering 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."
The Children's Choir will perform at the service.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
The service will be followed by the potluck Ingathering Lunch, sponsored by the Membership Committee.
Flowers given by Gwen Hooper in celebration of the beginning of a new church year.

Sunday, September 18
"A Faith for Being Both Right and in Relationship"
In terms of world-view, "liberals" can be as self-righteous at times as "conservatives." Is there a faith perspective which would encourage even the most self-righteous among us to listen with empathy? In terms of personal identity, it might be said that liberals have a broader view than conservatives of what are "acceptable" human characteristics and behaviors, and tend to be more flexible in relationships. Is there a faith perspective that would enable even the most understanding and flexible among us to know when relationship requires the courageous assertion of our own sacred truths?
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service and be held 12-1:15pm in the Parlor (see separate article for details).
Flowers given by Jan Sullivan, Ed , Nicola and Andrew Cuoco in loving memory of their daughter and sister Gabrielle.

Sunday, September 25

During the month of August, Carlton went to Crawford, Texas, to participate in a vigil with Cindy Sheehan to ask President Bush what was the just cause for which Cindy's son Casey and so many others had died. This Sunday, as protestors of the war converge on Washington, Carlton will be talking about his 12 hour pilgrimage to Crawford.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers TBD.

Sunday, October 2
"Sacred Dialogue"
During this service, we will reflect on how the Jewish Holy Days remind us not to despair in our efforts to create more "I-Thou" dialogue and relationships in places of conflict in the world. Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
A time of sermon sharing with Barbara and Dick King will follow the service in the Parlor from 12 to 1:15pm. This is a time for reflection on the theme of the service, with light refreshments available for a small donation. Childcare may be arranged by calling the office five days ahead of time.
Flowers given by Meera Dash and Paul Williams in memory of Betty Pollock, an old family friend who died recently.

Sunday, October 9
"After the Storm"
Michelle Deakin will share how her trip to Texas and Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina transformed her life. On assignment for an upcoming feature in UUWorld Magazine, she witnessed the incredible devastation visited upon the evacuees and their kin, as well as Unitarian Universalists making a difference throughout the region- donating money, working in shelters, reconnecting families, and helping to rebuild.
Krista Ernewein, a soprano at First Parish Choir and a native of New Orleans, will share her remembrances of growing up there and a song from her youth that has given her comfort.
Worship Leaders: Michelle Bates Deakin, a member of First Parish, and Krista Ernewein, Youth Advisor. By vote of the Parish Committee, a special offering today will add to what we have already raised for the UUAUUSC Gulf Coast Relief Fund. Please come to service prepared to give generously both to our regular offering, as well as to the UUA-UUSC Gulf Coast Relief Fund.
Flowers given by Butch Redding in loving memory of friends lost to AIDS: Russell, Fred, Bob, Ian, Michael, George, Sean, Ken, David, Mark, and David.

Sunday, October 16
"From the Barrel"
Note excerpted from Kaleidoscope section of October Spire:
Well, Sunday, October 16, From the Barrel, is Ferry Beach Sunday, when many of you will be away on retreat together. I thought it might be an opportune time to try out reusing one of my sermons, especially since they now go back some twenty years. I have always been reluctant to dip in the barrel, as they say, though I have repeated anecdotes (not always intentionally) and often repeat themes (intentionally). As for choosing from the barrel, Im not so sure I do know which sermons are the good ones. In spite of these reservations, since there may be more old-timers than newcomers away on retreat together, and therefore more newcomers (and newcomers to my sermons) in the congregation, and since one of you issued the challenge, I thought Id give dipping in the barrel a try. Any requests??
In the midst of researching online this dipping practice among clergy, I was stunned to find that dipping in the barrel does not necessarily mean dipping in the barrel of ones own work. All sorts of Barrel sites are full of prepackaged sermons, stories, and even humorous anecdotes for clergy to use as is. I was shocked by the questionable ethics of this rather unauthentic approach to preaching and by the injustice of some investing the minutes it takes to print out a prepackaged sermon, while others invest many hours writing one. Then I noted the website, www.desperatepreacher.com, whereupon I had a twinge of empathy for that Saturday night panic which can grip us all. However, I assure you the dipping I do will be from my own barrel.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in loving memory of her husband, Robert Spence.

Sunday, October 23
"Blessing the World"
We will focus on the spiritual development of children, and also on the spiritual development of the child in every person, as it is nurtured or not, by developmental, environmental, and cultural factors.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
This service will include the Ceremony of Child Dedication, led by Barbara and Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education. The Children's Choirs will sing at this service.
Flowers given by Amy Fardella and Cliff and Gabriella Hakim in celebration of their parents.

Sunday, October 30
"To Hallow Creation"
Intergenerational Service- The origins of Halloween as the Celtic festival of Samhain, and its interpretation in other traditions, will be named. There will be three themes lifted up in brief words and music: the mystery of death (and how we often use drama, costume, and play to deal with our fear of mysteries); the turning season's reminder that like the leaves, we, too, must show the true colors of our deepest selves, while there is time; and the coming of winter's reminder that we are to use our gifts to be of use to bring shelter to others. Related to this last theme, there will be a short piece on the UU Service Committee's work and their Guest at Your Table Boxes.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith, and Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education.
The Children's Choirs will be singing at this service.
Flowers given by Tina and Neil Schultz in loving memory of Tina's grandmother, Martha Hoggan.

Sunday, November 6
"Faith and a Sense of Humor in the Face of Murphy's Law, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and Chaos Theory."
This is the spring 2005 auction sermon won by Andrew Leonard. Music for the service will include original arrangements by Andrew, appropriate to the theme.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
The service will include the Ceremony of New Member Recognition and be followed by the New Member Brunch, offered by the Membership Committee.

Sunday, November 13 -- "Poverty: Who's Responsible?"
We will consider our personal impressions of homelessness, and place them alongside the truth of needless poverty in our communities. As always, I will ground my reflections in the realities that I have witnessed in my community ministry. My agency, Project Place, provides paid employment training and coaching to homeless individuals. We will consider the personal will of those struggling to leave homelessness, as well as our societal will to prevent it.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Caitlin O'Brien with Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by the Alliance in loving memory of Gudrun Howe who would have been 100 on October 30.

Sunday, November 20 -- "Blessing the World"
This sermon will focus on the Spiritual Development of Children, and of the Child in Each Person. Input for the sermon will come from several of those in attendance at the recent RE Teacher Training in which I did a program on this same theme. This service will offer a third reflective tool for engaging the question of how we might be effective in the world in the face of rising fundamentalism.
The Children's Choirs will perform at this service and the Handbell Choir will accompany hymns.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns with Rev. Carlton E. Smith. .

Sunday, November 27 "IOU ?"
As we enter the holiday season, we will explore the implications of debt in our lives. Why are we inclined to overspend as we buy gifts for loved ones? What are our obligations to ourselves, each other, and those who have gone before us regarding our time, talent, and treasure? Can we ever truly be "debt-free"?
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.

Sunday, December 4
Putting Yourself in a Position to Win: Lessons from a Lifelong Dark Horse
Our guest speaker this morning, Kenneth F. Heideman, will share from his experiences of catastrophic loss. He asserts that winning is not as important as being resilient. If we can learn to be resilient, he says, we will lead happier and more productive lives, no matter what cards we are dealt. Ken is Director of Public Relations for the American Meteorological Society and past president of the Manic Depressive and Depressive Association of Boston.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Flowers: Still available

Sunday December 11
Prophesy, Renewal and Hope Choir Sunday
How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (Romans 10:15). During this Advent service of lessons and carols, the choir will sing sections of Handels masterpiece, the Messiah.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Flowers given by Marilyn Jackson in memory of her mother, Dolores Jackson, and her sister, Carol Summers.

Pagan Celebration: December 16
Yule Celebration at 7:30pm
(Set up/organizing at 7pm)
Anyone wishing for information regarding Pagan events or wanting to take a more active role in the rituals, please contact Charlotte Sanford.

Sunday, December 18
The Longest Night Intergenerational Service
This years holiday event, created and directed by Diane Shriver, is a Solstice poem entitled The Longest Night. The young people and adults of our Sunday morning Religious Education program will lead us in this interactive service, with dramatic flourishes and lively music to illustrate the story of two children on a mystical journey to bring sunlight back to the world.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Flowers given by John, Carolyn, and Coletta Hodges in memory of Marie Coletta Clowe.

Saturday, December 24
Christmas Eve Service at 5pm
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; treats 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 their children, which is a project of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by the congregation.

Sunday, December 25
Service of Music and Lessons
This Sunday, when Christmas and Hanukkah coincide, we will have a service for all ages, honoring the traditions that inspire our faith.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.

Sunday, January 1
"Announcing an Engagement"
In the first of our series on the theme of joy, we will consider interconnectedness - our relationship to one another, the natural world, the universe - as a source of joy in our lives. Each day presents an opportunity for us to find renewal in our relationship to all that is.
Worship Leaders: Ron Hersom and Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith

Sunday January 8
"Fear Not"
When something unusual happens, our natural tendency as human beings is to be intimidated. Yet it is often the case that what we would shrink from has the potential to bring gladness. Today we will ask the question, "What would it be like to enjoy life, even when it is full of surprises?"
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith

Sunday, January 15
"Let Justice Roll"
A key demand in Dr. King's I Have a Dream speech was for a "national minimum wage act that will give all Americans a decent standard of living." On this weekend when we celebrate his birth, our service will be part of a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of establishing such fair compensation. The Unitarian Universalist Association and the UU Service Committee are among more than 50 faith-based/community organizations in this effort.
Worship Leaders: Revs. Dorothy Emerson and Carlton Elliott Smith.

Sunday, January 22
"Joy in the Midst of Life"
As we have done in recent years, we will hear this month from members and friends of First Parish who will share what they have seen, heard and understood through their life experiences. The guiding question is, "How can joy be found in the middle of hectic, overwhelming, tragic, messy life?" Organized with the support of the Celebrations & Services Committee.
Worship Leader: Wendy Page, Celebrations and Services Committee

Sunday, January 29
"The Joy of Spiritual Housekeeping"
In this service, we will explore the powerful impact tending to the buildings and grounds of First Parish can have on the well-being of our congregation, and all the individuals within it. Anne Goodwin of the Property Committee shared a version of this service last summer. Organized with the support of the Celebrations and Services Committee.
Worship Leaders: Anne Goodwin and Jack Duranceau Sunday, February 5   --   Welcoming the Stranger
We talk a lot about welcoming and hospitality. We want our churches to grow and we want to share the blessings we have found with others. Why is it so hard? Is it worth keeping at it, even when it is difficult? What would happen if we were more than just friendly? What would happen if we were radically hospitable?
Worship leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith, and Andy Pakula, student minister.
Flowers given by Pauline and Jerry Hallee in memory of their parents, daughter, and nephew.

Sunday February 12   --   Living a Transformed Life
Much of the world encourages us to be on the receiving end of our circumstances, not to be creative participants in life. Today we consider what it means to engage powerfully with others and the events of our times.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Flowers given by Peggy and William Gardiner in loving memory of Peggys mother, Ericka Grinmeisen, and Bills parents, Florence and William Gardiner.

Sunday, February 19   --   Sojourner
In 1826, after years of bondage, an African-American woman decided to be the agent of her own freedom. She set out from her home to travel the roads of America to advocate for the equal rights of all people. In 2004, after years of bondage, an African-American woman decided to be the agent of her own freedom. She set out from her home to travel the roads of America in search of community. Sojourner explores the parallels and contrasts between the life of Alex Mercedes, a contemporary African-American woman, and the life of Sojourner Truth. Alex Mercedes will bring us highlights from this work-in-progress.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Alex Mercedes. Alex is a performing artist and educator who resides in New Orleans, one of thousands who have come to the Gulf Coast to do relief work in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Sunday, February 26   --   Faith Matters
How much does our faith matter to us as Unitarian Universalists? Is it a hobby, a personal identification, a way of being in the world? Our new District Executive will talk about what a difference Unitarian Universalism can make in our lives and in the world.
Worship leaders: Rev. Carlton E. Smith and Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley. Before becoming the District Executive for Mass Bay this summer, Rev. Cooley served congregations in Detroit, Chicago, and Hartford. She earned her MDIV from Harvard Divinity School and her Doctor of Ministry from Hartford Seminary.
Flowers given by Janet and Chick Abbott in anticipation of new quests and adventures for us all.

Sunday, March 5
Title: To Be Announced
Rev. Karen Foley is Minister of Pastoral Care at First Parish in Concord, where she previously served as interim associate minister. She has also been parish minister in Monson and Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Remembering that her original call to ministry grew out of the desire to nurture the communal and spiritual lives of others, she studied spiritual direction at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, and offers spiritual direction and retreats through the Wright Tavern. Rev. Foley is a graduate of the Master of Divinity program at Harvard and was ordained in 1988.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Karen Foley and Rev. Carlton Smith

Sunday, March 12 -- "Love & Help"
This service marks the beginning of this year's Stewardship Drive. This year, the theme is "Celebrate First Parish!" and we will consider many of the ways our congregation makes a difference in the lives of its members and in the wider world.
In the first part of our service, Carlton will award First Parish's own Carl Dawson with his recently earned Cub Scout emblem for the Unitarian Universalist faith, "Love & Help."
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith

Sunday, March 19: Journey Toward Wholeness "Not in My Backyard! "
Each year, First Parish's Racial Justice Committee offers a "Journey Toward Wholeness" service that focuses on the opportunities and challenges of working to undo racial oppression in ourselves and in our communities.
This year the guest speaker will be Gene Benson, staff attorney for ACE, an agency dedicated to working for environmental justice. He will be addressing issues around the controversial bio-terrorism research laboratory, which Boston University is about to build in Roxbury, with federal approval. This lab will work with the most lethal substances known to mankind.
The Chalice Singers and Flames will sing at this service.
Worship Leaders: Racial Justice Committee and Gene Benson

Sunday, March 26 -- "Credos"

Once again, members of the First Parish community will offer their experience, strength, and hope as they share from their lives for our shared spiritual growth. These credos, or statements of belief, will center around the question, "How did you get inspired to do social justice work?" and will be jointly presented by members of the Social Justice Committee and the Celebrations & Services Committee.
Worship Leaders: Social Justice Committee and Celebrations & Services Committee

Sunday, April 2 -- "Mystery at Walden Pond"
This service tells the story of a community coming together to explore a mystery. Their exploration begins when Henry David Thoreau walks into a detective agency and reports, "I long ago lost a hound, a bay horse, and a turtle dove and have been on their trail ever since." Our guest speaker this morning, the Rev. Dr. Ken Reeves, is a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California, and has served congregations in Ohio and Delaware. He has also earned a masters in pastoral counseling and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He is a clinical psychologist with a therapy practice, a consulting psychologist with the Center for Career Development and Ministry in Dedham, and an adjunct professor at Andover Newton Theological School.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Ken Reeves and Rev. Carlton E. Smith
Flowers given by Joanne Kaplan, Noah, Ali and Ricky Becker in loving memory of Stuart K. Becker

Sunday, April 9 -- Spring Music Service: Handel's Israel in Egypt, Part I
In anticipation of Passover, the First Parish Adult Choir, Festival Choir, and Orchestra will present a portion of Handel's 1738 oratorio, composed three years before the better-known Messiah. Under the direction of Dr. Laura Prichard, our musical director, the choirs will sing of the Exodus story, including God's call to Moses, the plagues upon the Egyptians, and the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea.
Worship Leaders: The Choirs and Orchestra of First Parish, and Rev. Carlton E. Smith
Flowers given by Sandy and Dick King in loving memory of their parents.

Sunday, April 16 -- Intergenerational Easter Sunday Service
The Chalice Singers and Chalice Flames will be singing this morning, and Carlton will offer reflections on this day of celebrating renewal and rebirth. Easter Egg Hunt immediately following the service.
In a departure from previous years, this year the bread and matzoh will be waiting for all who choose to participate in our Bread and Juice Communion, which is open to all who come with "faith in the Spirit of Life, hope for the community of Earth, and love of the sacred in one another," as we say weekly in our Benediction.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith
There will be a chance for folks to pre-order Easter plants (lilies, tulips, hyacinth, daffodils) to decorate the Sanctuary; flowers may later be taken home. Specific information will be announced.

Sunday, April 23 -- "What Do UU Women Want?"
Linda Lu Burciaga, member of the board of the UU Women's Federation and chairwoman of the UUWF funding panel, will be the guest speaker for our annual Alliance Sunday service. Linda Lu signed Arlington First Parish membership book in 1970 and became active as chairwoman of our Denominational Affairs Committee. She is retired from her Department of Mental Health social work with children and adolescents and recently resettled in New England with her husband, John Burciaga, who is interim minister of the Portsmouth UU Church. In addition to her work with the UUWF, Linda is working with the Church of the Larger Fellowship and the Partner Church Council.
Members of the Alliance will participate in leading the Alliance Sunday service, and a specially gathered chorus of women will join Wendy Covell in providing music for the service.
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in loving memory of the Yerrington sisters.

Sunday, April 30 -- "Universalism: A Fantastic Faith"
Harmon M. Gehr said in his 1955 collection of Lenten meditations: "Universalism claims that God is above the narrow divisiveness of human rivalries. Universalism asserts that every great leader is a savior and the way to be 'saved' is to follow in the footsteps of all those who have taught love, righteousness, and truth We cannot stand aside and live as if there were no supreme challenge. Which shall it be - Partialism or Universalism?" Today, we celebrate our Universalist heritage and consider what this legacy means for us in the 21st century.
We will also dedicate several young people in our Child Dedication Ceremony this morning!
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith

Sunday, May 7
"Celebrating Membership"
This Sunday, we will welcome more than a dozen people into membership of First Parish Arlington, and hear from others marking milestones in their membership this winter/spring: Andrea Winslow, a member for five years; Cecile Strugnell, ten years; Josh Davis, ten years, and; Carl Schlaikjer, 35 years.
Worship Leader: Carlton Smith, with Members of First Parish

Sunday, May 14: The Shinn Service
"Unitarian Universalist Visions for Peace"
The annual Shinn Service is specifically set aside to address an issue related to social justice and is named in honor of Barbara Shinn, a late church member and activist. This year, members of the First Parish Peace Group will speak about their activities to promote our faith's goal of "world community with peace, liberty and justice for all."
Worship Leaders: Members of the Peace Group

Sunday, May 21
"Here's to Life"
"No complaints and no regrets / I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets "
So begins the song "Here's to Life," sung by the late jazz legend Shirley Horn. On the day of our annual meeting, when we have occasion to reflect on the all that has happened over the past year in the life of our community and in our individual lives, Carlton will offer a message of acceptance and hope. This is also the Sunday we will recognize our graduating high school seniors.
The Chalice Singers and Flames will sing for the last time at this service.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith

Sunday, May 28
"The Message of Music"
This Sundays service explores how we as humans learn from each other and connect with one another through the medium of music. How do we use music to tell our stories, share our wisdom and pass on our history? Our pulpit guest, Matt Meyer is a longtime drummer and lifelong UU. He is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and has studied abroad in Cuba, Ghana, and Central America. He works as a performer, educator and traveling worship leader and is always seeking new and better ways to combine music, spirituality and social justice work.
Worship Leaders: Matt Meyer and Jack Duranceau

Summer Services
The Celebrations and Services Committee is looking for people willing to offer a summer service with the help of the committee. Please fill out the insert included in the Sunday Order of Service. C& S is also interested in ideas for services, musicians willing to perform during the summer, and new members for the committee.
-Jacques Duranceau, Co-Chair of C&S Committee

Services This Month and through the Summer -- Sunday Services at 10 AM

Sunday, June 4 -- "Founders' Day: "What Are We Starting Now?"
In January 1933, First Parish celebrated its 200th anniversary and began its observance of Founders' Day, an occasion to commemorate those who started and those who brought forward First Parish as an ongoing community in Arlington. In the 1970s, the day was switched to the first (or second) Sunday in June, to coincide with the merger of the Unitarian and the Universalist churches in Arlington, which consolidated June 9, 1965. Today, in addition to honoring our ancestors, we will consider what we are initiating today, as individuals and as a congregation, that we might leave for others to inherit. This is also the day that we recognize the teachers and children in our extraordinary religious education program.
Worship leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Tina Schultz, director of religious education
Flowers given by Jean Rosenberg, Peter Southwick and family, in loving memory of Jean's mother, Barbara Schwab Rosenberg, and her brother, John.

Sunday, June 11 -- Coming of Age Ceremony and Flower Communion
This, our last Sunday service 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. All children will be present for the Flower Communion portion of the service. Children in Pre-K will have a regular class, and grades K through 6 are invited to join us for a special program in the Bailey Room. As is our custom, there will be no spoken announcements or candles during this service. Please bring flowers to share.
Worship leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Tina Schultz, director of religious education
Flowers given by Andrea Winslow, in loving memory of her father, Andrew Pelosi

Summer services are planned by our Celebrations and Services Committee
Ten A.M. services will be held each Sunday during late June, and all of July and August.
Warm thanks to the C&S Committee for this fine schedule.

June 18th: Meditation as the Buddhist Path.
Led by Tom Hogan and Members of First Parish Meditation Group
Practicing Meditators share their experiences and their connection to the Buddhist Path.

June 25th: What's On Your Shirt?
Led by Jan Blodgett.
Most UU's are involved in social action; what's your cause? Peace, affordable housing, the Red Cross, or bringing joy to others through music, art or gardening? Please participate with us by offering a few words about your action in the greater community; and, wear your cause's shirt if you wish!

July 2nd: Contemplating the Tarot.
Led by Jacques Duranceau.
The Tarot cards are used for many things - we are going to contemplate them in order to provide insight into the path of spiritual growth.

July 9th: Blessing of the Animals.
Led by Ellen Duranceau and Helene Martel.
This service will offer the opportunity to bring pets to church for a special blessing and celebration of the inter-species bond, reflecting the 7th UU principle: the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.

July 16th: The Status Quo.
Led by Ron Hersom.
Where is certainty and faith in the 21st Century? Ron Hersom returns from Transylvania with insights inspired by the life and work of Francis David, the Founder of Unitarianism in that region.

July 23rd: Our Favorite Hymns and Poems.
Led by Jim Hall, Marilyn Jackson, Jim Austin, and Diane Shriver.
We'll meet in the round to sing our favorite UU hymns and recite and listen to our favorite poems of any stripe. But come early! The first five congregants to arrive for the service with their favorite poem will read their choice. And our 10 favorite hymns will be selected by vote of attendees at earlier summer services. If time allows, we'll do more.

July 30th: Iveria Sings Led by John Burt and Iveria
Iveria is a male a capella ensemble that sings folk songs and religious music from the Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus mountains. We have been singing together since 1984 in the Boston area. You should feel free to visit our web site at http://www.iveria.org

August 6th: Egoless Relationships.
Led by Christine Rafal and Brian Dooley
This service includes a discussion about relating more through the Spirit-self and less through the ego-ic self. Also, a look at how relationships can serve as a spiritual path.

August 13th: Sexuality and Spirituality.
Led by Linda Marks and Glenn Koenig
Fundamentalist religions all over the world seem to have definite ideas about how to treat our sexuality. What do we, as UU's, use as a guide? Perhaps we can consider sexuality in a positive, life affirming light, as a spiritual exchange of energy, the source of life itself and fuel for passionate and creative pursuits in life. Join us as we explore the spirituality of sexuality, something to be respected as a natural and wonderful gift, part of what it means to be human.

August 20th: Emerson Live!
Led by Wendall Refior.
First Parish welcomes a visit from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who recalls his days as a young pastor at his first parish and his life since then. Reenactor Wendell Refior portrays Emerson, appearing in costume.

August 27th: The Urban Suburban Connection.
Led by Ruth Kolbe and Cathy Livingston, from First Parish in Needham
They will speak on a new initiative from our UU Urban Ministry, called the Action for Justice Project. The Action for Justice Project is an exciting new program designed to expand the reach of our urban ministry by deepening the connections with existing programs serving youth and families. It will cover the full spectrum of social justice activities supporting the urban ministry including advocacy, education, service, worship and action. (Sponsored by our Urban Suburban Connections social justice working group).

As in other locations on our website, any email contacts given here simply as "name" should have our "firstparish.info" added to complete a full address, e.g. "name" would be used as "name@firstparish.info" in your mailer's "To" line.

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