Service Summaries from the year 2006/2007

September 3rd: Music and Words as Acts of Compassion
Led by Larry Osgood and Friends
Musicians: Steve Carmody and Frank Toppa with contributions by Friends of Mystic.
Sue Streeter will lead a presentation drawn from her summer workshop based on Marshall B. Rosenberg's book "Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life."

Sunday, September 10
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, Water Communion. Please bring to the service a small container of water that represents a meaningful story from your summer weeks.
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.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Dick Sargent and Susan Jordan, in celebration of Nicolas's "Gotcha Day," with love from his mom and dad.

Sunday, September 17
"Be Not Afraid"
See Kaleidoscope for theme details. A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service, 12-1:15pm, in the Parlor, with light refreshments offered for a small donation.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Lydia Thayer, in memory of her husband, Edward Landreth.

Sunday, September 24
"Mother Ann's Closet"
Mother Ann Lee came to this country from England with eight "believers" in 1774 to establish the Shaker religion in America. This narrative, augmented by Shaker spirituals, tells the story of this transcendentalist sect's growth and decline in America. The title refers to where "Mother" hid in a house at the settlement in Shirley, Mass., to escape persecution and mob violence. The presenters will be dressed in authentic period costumes and the set will include antiques and reproduction Shaker furniture.
Worship Leaders: Nancy McDowell, Emily Browder, Andrew Leonard and Jean Ward, along with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Oakes Plimpton and Pat Magee, in honor of their families.

Sunday, October 1, 2006
  "Forgiveness, Mechilah, Yom Kippur"
The Hebrew word for forgiveness is mechilah, which is related to the word "machol", meaning circle.  On the eve of Yom Kippur the service will explore the ways we can restore the circle of life by seeking and offering forgiveness.  
Worship Leader and Sermon:  Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with members of the Jewish Connections Group.      
A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service in the Parlor, 12-1:15, with Barbara and Members of the Jewish Connections Group.  Light refreshments will be offered for a small donation.

Sunday, October 8, 2006
"God Makes No Mistakes: Creating Beloved Community for All Our Children"

"The notion that God makes no mistakes has profound implications for children with special challenges," says Sally Patton, today’s guest worship leader and the author of Welcoming Children with Special Needs: A Guide for Faith Communities. "We must be able to see wholeness of spirit instead of only brokenness or deficits. Otherwise, we lose sight of the whole child and his or her unique gift to the world. This shift in awareness allows us to create a beloved community for all our children."
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Sally Patton
Flowers given by Marilyn Jackson, in loving memory of her mother, Dolores W. Jackson, and her sister, Carol Sommers

Sunday, October 15, 2006
"When Bigger is Better"

"Always design a thing by considering it in its next largest context — a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan." This quote comes to us from designer Eliel Saarinen, the father of Eero Saarinen, the designer of the soaring "Gateway Arch" in St. Louis, Missouri. This morning, we will consider the next largest contexts of our nation, our religious movement, our church, and our lives, as we design them with eyes on the broader view.
Note: Michael Friedman will read this sermon at the Sunday service for First Parish members and friends on retreat at Ferry Beach in Maine this weekend.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Carlton Elliot Smith.
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in loving memory of her husband, Bob Spence

Sunday, October 22, 2006
"Ordinary Heroes"

The Rev. Waitstill Sharp, a Unitarian minister, and his wife, Martha, who left their family, church, and community to help rescue victims of Nazi persecution, were memorialized earlier this year at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. They, with others, founded what is now the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Today, Charlie Clements, the UUSC’s CEO and President, comes to remind us of the Sharps’ legacy, particularly in relationship to our responsibility to those at risk of extermination in the Darfur province of Sudan, where tens of thousands have already been slain.
Following the service, there will be a screening of a 23-minute documentary about the Sharps entitled "Heroes of the Spirit," which premiered recently at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Dr. Charlie Clements
Flowers given by Frank Toppa in appreciation for the recent outpouring of support to his wife, Barbara, following her medical leave

Sunday, October 29, 2006
"To Hallow Creation"

This is an intergenerational service and children of all ages (adults too!) are invited to come in costume for our traditional Halloween processional. As is typical in this service we will recall the various religious origins and themes of the holiday, such as: how we use drama, costume, and play to deal with the mystery of death; how the turning season reminds us that, like the leaves, we, too, must show the true colors of our deepest selves while there is time; and how winter reminds that we are to use our gifts to be of use in bringing shelter to others.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with Rev. Carlton Elliot Smith.
Flowers given by Neil and Tina Schultz in loving memory of Tina's grandmother, Martha Hoggan

Sunday, November 5, 2006

"A Spiritual Framework for the Left, or How the Progressives Can Cure Their Hypocognition"
Worship Leader and Sermon, Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns; with Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education
Coming just a few days before Election Day, this service will explore, first, how progressives might use the power of language more effectively to create a framework for the deep dedication they have to their values and beliefs, a framework that asks conservatives to consider what they really care about most, and which does not rely on logic alone. Second, the service will explore how a more linguistically powerful framework of progressive beliefs and values would draw in more and more people if it were cast as a liberal, interfaith, spiritual framework, which acknowledges the human need for ultimate meaning.
The service will include the Ceremony of Child Dedication, where we name our hopes for the children in our midst to grow up in a world of peace and spiritual wisdom. The service will be followed by a time of Sermon Sharing in the parlor from noon to 1:15pm, with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns. Pizza and water are offered for a small donation and child-care may be arranged by calling the office early in the week.
Two books that will inform this service are "The Left Hand of God: Taking Back Our Country from the Religious Right" by Rabbi Michael Lerner, and "Don't Think of an Elephant – Know Your Values and Frame the Debate" by George Lakoff, professor of cognitive science and linguistics at the University of California.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Carole Bohn in memory of her mother, Doris Bohn.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Our pulpit guest today is the Rev. John Hickey, senior minister and executive director of Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, headquartered at First Church in Roxbury. First Parish Arlington is a member congregation of Urban Ministry, and most regularly contributes to it through its annual Christmas Eve offering for Renewal House (a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence), and the holiday "Mitten Tree," where we gather specific items needed by Renewal House residents and staff. Established in 1834, Urban Ministry seeks to build bridges of understanding and mutuality so that people in various economic circumstances can work together to effect change. Its goal is to create a peaceful and just community.
Worship Leaders: Rev. John Hickey, assisted by Rev, Carlton Elliott Smith
Flowers given by Andrew and Sharen Leonard in memory of William F. Leonard.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

"Can the Journey Be Taken All Alone?"
The service will include the Ceremony of New Member Recognition and reflections from Barbara and a few members of First Parish on how personal and congregational spiritual journeys enhance each other.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns with Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Flowers given by Gwen Hooper in celebration of the wedding today of Natalie Hooper Rowe and Tom Zani.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

"Welcome to Kenya"
Or, in Kiswahili, "Karibu Kenya." This summer, I (Carlton) made my first visit to Africa, and in particular, to Kenya, the home country of our own Awinja Otiato and her family. During that time, I also had a chance to meet relatives of our sexton, Mayuen Angara. This Sunday, Awinja and I will share our experiences of Kenya. I will reflect on the grace and generosity I encountered there, and the possibility of being at home anywhere in the world. After the service, I will share a small selection of photos and videos from my three-week sojourn.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Awinja Otiato
Flowers given by Mary Young in memory of her mother, whose birthday is today.

Sunday, December 3, 2006

"Who is Born, Who Lives, Who Dies?"
See "kaleidoscope" in the December Spire for the theme of the service.
The service will include the Christmas Story "Golden Slippers" and the song "Golden Slippers," accompanied by fiddle and accordion – Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Frank Toppa.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Kendall Dudley in celebration of all who bring us alive.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Winter Music Service
The centerpiece of the service will be the Daniel Pinkham Christmas Cantata with Brass. Daniel Pinkham, born in 1923, is a graduate of Harvard and has studied under a distinguished roster of composers that includes Walter Piston, Aaron Copland, Artur Honegger, Samuel Barber, and Nadia Boulanger. His mastery of the keyboard owes much to his studies with Wanda Landowska on the harpsichord and E. Power Biggs on the organ. He was appointed director of the King's Chapel, Boston, a position he held until 2000; concurrently he also served as a member of the faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music.
His Christmas Cantata, subtitled Sinfonia Sacra, a 20th century homage to the Baroque, recalls the brilliance of the Venetian school of chorus-and-brass music, particularly as embodied in the works of Giovanni Gabrieli. The Cantata is cast in the form of three contrasting short movements and is scored for chorus and double brass choir. The first movement, "Quem Vidistis?" ("Whom did you see, shepherds?"), relates how the shepherds learned of the newborn Christ child. The text is drawn from the antiphon verses sung at Christmas Midnight Mass. The second movement, "O Magnum Mysterium" ("Oh great mystery"), tells how the animals in the stable observed Christ's birth, further extolling the mystery of the virgin birth.
This text is drawn from one of the responses sung in monasteries at matins, or daybreak, on Christmas day. The final movement, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" ("Glory to God in the highest"), a hymn of praise that the angels sing, is derived in part from a passage in the gospel of Luke. It is sung or recited as part of the Proper of the High Mass. Pinkham's setting is particularly felicitous in its alteration of energetic brass sections with a cappella choral passages.
Other special music will include "Good Swing Wenceslas" by Sammy Nestico (for the Boston Pops) and "In Ecclesiis" by Giovanni Gabrieli.
Featuring the First Parish Choir with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns as Worship Leader.
Flowers given by Barbara and Al Tosti in memory of Nora Catherine Tosti.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

"WinterLight: An Intergenerational Celebration of Holidays"
One thing common to the many holidays celebrated during this season is light — its growth, fragility and power in the midst of darkness and deep shadows. This year, we will have a service for all, recognizing Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice and Kwanzaa — traditions all represented in the midst of our diverse community.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith, with members and friends of First Parish
Flowers given by Jim Austin in memory of his father, James Austin, Sr.

Sunday, December 24, 2006 (10am)

"Lessons and Carols"
This abbreviated service will combine stories and music as we celebrate themes of renewal and hope in the depth of winter. Musical selections will include Durufle's Tota Pulchra Es, op. 10, no. 2, Mendelssohn's There Shall Be a Star and Leontovich's Ukranian Bell Carol. Candles of joy and concern will be part of the service.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliot Smith

Sunday, December 24, 2006 (5pm)

Christmas Eve Service
Please join together for our traditional intergenerational candlelight service of readings and 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 Elliot Smith
Everyone is invited to order a poinsettia plant (see accompanying article concerning Christmas flowers)

Sunday, December 31, 2006

"Just in Time"
"To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) During this service on the last day of the year, we will reflect on how we measure time, and how God might measure time. As the song "Seasons of Love" asks in the Broadway musical Rent, "How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?" This will be the pulpit debut of ministerial aspirant Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, who began studies at Harvard Divinity School and became a member of First Parish Arlington this fall.
Worship Leaders: Rebecca Benefiel Bijur and Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
To give flowers for this service, contact Mary Young by emailing "flowers".

Sunday, January 7, 2007
"The Art of Leadership"

"There is essentially nothing to leadership but to carefully observe people’s conditions and to know them all, in both upper and lower echelons. When people’s inner conditions are thoroughly understood, then inside and outside are in harmony. When above and below communicate, all affairs are set in order. This is how leadership is made secure." So the philosopher Caotang is quoted as saying in Zen Lessons: The Art of Leadership. Starting with perspectives, we will enter into an exploration of the dimensions of leadership in our congregation and in other areas of our lives.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by Bea Shriver in memory of her mother, Ruth Meirowitz.

Sunday, January 14, 2007
"Dr. King, the Leader"

What lessons can we learn from the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? In this sermon, I will propose that his strength as a leader was the quality of his conversations with others. Whether one- on-one, in groups or before thousands, as at the 1963 March on Washington, where he gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, we can see again and again his commitment to love, peace, equality, justice and unity among humankind. We will also consider what he didn’t say that distinguished him as a leader among leaders, and caused him to be admired and respected around the globe to this day.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by Wendy Page in memory of her mother, Eleanor Page.

Sunday, January 21, 2007
"Questions for a Minister"

In this transitional time in the life of First Parish of Arlington, many of you may have questions that you have wanted to ask and not known how or when to do so. Today is an opportunity to ask those questions well as others, regarding spiritual or theological issues; personal struggles common to us as human beings; larger questions related to life and death, justice and being of use in one’s life; what it means to be part of a religious community like First Parish; and roles of leaders within the congregation. Please submit your questions via email to "carlton"** or leave them in the box marked "Questions for a Minister" in the back of the sanctuary either January 7 or January 14. While I am certain I will not be able to respond as fully as I would like to all the questions that may be asked during this service, I will at least begin, and your questions will provide the material for future services and writings. Note: There will be another opportunity to ask questions of our affiliate minister, Rev. Caitlin O’Brien, later in the church year.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by Kiki Giatis to celebrate our vibrant Youth Group, particularly those involved in the New Orleans Service Project and our exceptional youth group advisor, Krista Ernewein.

Sunday, January 28, 2007
"Sunday Morning with Gini Courter"

A Sermon by Gini Courter, the Moderator of the UUA. First Parish of Arlington is one of over a thousand member congregations in the Unitarian Universalist Association. As moderator of the UUA, Gini Courter holds the highest volunteer position in the Association. Her chief role is presiding at General Assemblies and at meetings of the Board of Trustees. She served as interim moderator for most of the 2003­04 church year, was elected to complete the term of her predecessor at the 2004 General Assembly, and was elected to a full four-year term as moderator at the 2005 General Assembly. A native of Flint, Michigan, Courter was raised a Methodist but left the church at age 14. Late in her 20's, a friend suggested she visit a Unitarian Universalist Church. In 1985 she joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint, and quickly became active, serving on the board and the building committee. She is a dynamic and inspiring speaker who addressed our Massachusetts Bay District Annual Meeting last spring. Let us welcome her gladly into our midst. Note: We will have a sermon discussion with Gini following the service.
Worship Leaders: Gini Courter and Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by Robbie Rinearson and Bob Fowkes in memory of
Robbie’s father, Bud Rinearson, and Bob’s mother, Jean Fowkes.

February 4, - "The Changing Meanings of Marriage"

What is marriage? No simple answer suffices. Marriage is an emotional relationship, but also an economic one. It is an intensely personal relationship, but it is also regulated by the government. And marriage is in flux: people's hopes and expectations for marriage have changed dramatically over the last two centuries, not always in coherent ways. This service will offer an opportunity to reflect on our own images of marriage, our society's hopes and fears around marriage (which affect us whether or not we are married), and why same-sex marriage has become such a prominent and heated issue in our generation.
Worship Leader: Dr. Lori Kenschaft

February 11 - "Still Standing on Higher Ground, Year 2"

Mardi Gras, and more! Join us for an early Mardi Gras celebration as we welcome Rev. Marta I. Valentin from First UU Church in New Orleans. We'll hear some MG history juxtaposed against the city' s insistence on continuing that history at a time when they need it the most. And afterwards we'll second line our way to the fellowship hall for some King cake, so please bring a handkerchief (preferably white).

Sunday, February 18, 2007 -- "Lessons from Sudbury"

The week after the fatal stabbing of one student at Sudbury-Lincoln High School, I was a guest at a study retreat of 20 venerable Unitarian Universalist ministers, that has met at the historic Wayside Inn in Sudbury for the past 105 years. Many in this group were part of the Unitarian Church of America before it merged with the American Unitarian Association to form the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1961. This Sunday, I will share what I learned about myself, our faith and our mission in the presence of so many senior colleagues. What difference does our faith make? What difference can it make?
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Flowers given by Jan Sullivan and Ed Cuoco, in celebration of the birth of Oliver Sullivan Burns

Sunday, February 25, 2007 -- "Questions for a Minister"

Services where congregants can hear ministers respond to their questions have been fruitful in the past at First Parish of Arlington. This Sunday, Rev. Tricia Brennan, our initial interim minister, welcomes your questions early in her time with us. Your questions will give a sense of the desires, fears, uncertainties, and hopes that exist in our congregation at this moment. Please email your questions to Tricia at revtbfparl@covad.net or leave them in the box marked "Questions for a Minister" at the back of the sanctuary. She will respond to as many as the allotted time allows and appreciates them all.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Tricia Brennan and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Robin Schoenthaler, dedicated to hard workers everywhere.

Sunday, April 1, 2007
Music Sunday, "Waging Peace Through Song"

Today's service features movements from Dona Nobis Pacem by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) and the poetry of Walt Whitman (1819-1892). Both Whitman and Vaughan Williams volunteered during the defining wars of their lifetimes, World War I and the American Civil War.
Worship Leaders: the First Parish Choir, Dr. Laura Prichard, Music Director and Rev. Carlton E. Smith. Guest organist: Gregory Flynn.
Flowers given by Adrienne Austin in memory of her parents, Kenneth and Barbara Goldfarb.

Sunday, April 8, 2007
Intergenerational Easter Sunday Service

We gather in celebration of spring and the cycle of rebirth and renewal. We will have bread and matzoh available for those who choose to participate in our Bread and Juice Communion, which is open to all members and friends. The Chalice Singers and Sparks will provide accompaniment on bells for some songs, and our annual Easter Egg Hunt will immediately follow the service.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Tricia Brennan and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Easter flowers given by members of the congregation.

Sunday, April 15, 2007
"Why Forgive?"

Why forgive is the title of a book on forgiveness by Johann Arnold. And it is a question we human beings ask ourselves when faced with injuries large and small caused by others. We cannot go thru life without being hurt nor, sadly, hurting others. What role does forgiveness have in healing these hurts? What helps us to forgive? What happens when we don’t forgive? How do we ask for forgiveness? Join us as we explore some themes arising from this important topic.
Worship Leader: Rev. Tricia Brennan.
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in memory of the Yarrintons.

Sunday, April 22, 2007
"Field Notes: My UU Window on Capitol Hill"

On this Alliance Sunday, we are joined by Meredith Schonfeld-Hicks, UUWF Clara Barton Intern for Women's Issues.
As the second Clara Barton Intern, Meredith Schonfeld-Hicks works as a legislative assistant, representing UU perspectives to Congress and the US administration on issues of concern to women: reproductive rights, comprehensive sexuality education, domestic violence, and more.
Music for the April 22 service will be provided by a specially gathered group of women and girls.
Worship Leader: Rev. Tricia Brennan.
Flowers given by Sandy and Dick King in memory of their parents.

Sunday, April 29, 2007
"The Journey Through Hopelessness"

"The secret is not to give up hope," according to film director George Lucas. "It's very hard not to, because if you're really doing something worthwhile I think you will be pushed to the brink of hopelessness before you come through the other side." This Sunday, in the midst of all that seems intractable in our interdependent webs of existence, we will consider the paths that lead us into the temptations of despair and ways we might emerge from them.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Marlene Hobel in memory of her father.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

"Celebrating Membership"
This Sunday, we will welcome more than a dozen people into membership, and hear the reflections of others marking milestones in their membership this winter/spring.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Rev. Patricia Brennan.
Flowers given by Christine and Howie Rafal in celebration of their anniversary.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

"As the World Warms"
For this year's Shinn Service, the Social Justice Committee welcomes Arlington resident and president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, Kevin Knobloch, to speak to us about the urgency of climate change and what we can do to influence the sustainability of our world.
After the service, a talk-back session with Kevin Knobloch will offer further opportunity for questions, as well as discussion of ways that we as a church community can make a difference.
Worship leaders: Rev. Caitlin O'Brien, Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith, and members of the Social Justice Committee.
Flowers given by Louise Strayhorn with thanks to her mom and all mothers.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

"Celebrating Leadership"
Before the Annual Meeting in the afternoon, we will take time to acknowledge and affirm the many women and men in our congregation who give their time and talent in service of our shared life and work in the wider world. Today's intergenerational sharing will be a ritual of recognition for our graduating seniors, and our service will conclude with the dedication of the memorial garden plaque in the Elizabeth Abbott Smith Courtyard.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Patricia Brennan and Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Flowers given by Jan Blodgett and Glen Koenig, in celebration of their seventh anniversary and all the people who have supported their marriage.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

"Holy Remembrance"
On this Memorial Day weekend, let us examine the place of memory in our personal, communal, and spiritual lives. What is the place of memory in the fast-paced, future-forward lives we lead? What is lost when we do not, cannot, or choose not to remember? How is remembering an act of love, power, and gratitude?
Worship leader: Rev. Patricia Brennan.
Flowers given by Susan Jordan and Dick Sargent to celebrate their daughter, Lucy, on her "Gotcha Day."

Sunday, June 3, 2007
Founders Sunday, "Building from Compassion"
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 have sustained First Parish as a vibrant religious 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 forebears and those who have faithfully served the church in more recent years, we will also consider compassion as the foundation from which our best work emerges, in the middle of the church-sponsored "Communicating with Compassion" workshop led by Jerry Koch-Gonzalez (www.communicatingwithcompassion.org). We will also have our annual recognition of the teachers and children in our outstanding RE program.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith, Rev. Patricia M. Brennan, and Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education.
Flowers given by Gwen Hooper.

Sunday, June 10, 2007
Coming of Age Ceremony and Flower Communion
Come celebrate our eighth grade youth as they articulate a portion of what they understand about life in their credo stories and receive blessings from their families and our faith community. Seventh-graders and up are invited to stay for the whole service. All children will be present for the Flower Communion portion of our service, which is particular to our collective Unitarian heritage. Children in Pre-K will have a regular class, and grades K-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. Patricia M. Brennan, Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith, and Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education.
Flowers given by Jean Rosenberg and Peter Southwick in loving memory of Jean's mother, Barbara Schwab Rosenberg, and brother John.

Sunday, June 17, 2007
"Gratitude as a Way of Life"
Rev. Galen Guengerich, minister of All Souls Unitarian Church in New York City, has written recently on gratitude as the unifying theology in the broad mix of theologies that constitute Unitarian-Universalism. He may be right. This Sunday, we will explore the spiritual practice of gratitude and look at how living in gratitude enriches us all.
Worship Leaders: Revs. Carlton Elliott Smith and Patricia M. Brennan (on her last Sunday at First Parish).

2007 Lay Led Summer Services

Sunday, June 24, 2007
"Insurance and Civic Depletion"
Commercial insurance drains money, information, and the opportunity for mutual aid from our local civic lives, including church life. Religious groups are organized around people and ideas, usually with a theme of unity. Insurance groups are organized around numbers. Commercial insurance has produced a trend toward segregating groups of people according to their risk profile; this is the opposite of unity, a kind of risk-based separatism, instead of ethnic separatism. For example, consumer-driven health insurance plans have the effect of increasing out-of-pocket health costs for women by $1,000 per year. This service attempts to create an entirely different perspective from which to examine insurance.
Worship Leader: Andrew Fischer

Sunday, July 1, 2007
"The Art of Communication"
Communication dramatically affects our relationships, institutions, communities, and the world. Focusing on Marshall Rosenberg's work on compassionate communication, Sue Streeter, Glenn Koenig, Esther Kingston-Mann, and possibly others will share their thoughts and experiences in applying Rosenberg's and similar methods to everyday interactions. The service features musicians Laura and Michael Prichard, hymns, and a reading from Rosenberg's Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Life.
Worship Leader: Carolyn Stevens

Sunday, July 8, 2007
"Our Varied Credos and Favorite Hymns"
We'll reprise the "favorite hymns" we selected last year as our church's "Top 10," interspersed with three-minute testaments to the UU faith and beliefs of five of our fellow parishioners: Laura Prichard, Robin Schoenthaler, Dick King, Tina Schultz, and Jim Austin. Instead of spoken candles, we will, as time permits, hear your succinct credo, so come prepared to deliver your one-minute testament to your faith and beliefs.
Worship Leader: Jim Hall

Sunday, July 15, 2007
"The Church of Our Dreams"
What does the distinctive architectural style of our church say about our community? An exploration of controversy and creativity, the service will include a short walking tour of the building.
Worship Leader: Rebecca Benefiel Bijur

Sunday, July 22, 2007
"Creating Positive Visions for Change"
Come on down for a service and discussion on getting from negative visions for change ("No more war") to positive visions ("Peace Now") in our church, communities, and hearts. This service draws on liberal Jewish, UU, pop culture, and other visions of change. Be prepared to think positively! An optional activity on writing and articulating positive visions for change will take place immediately following the service.
Worship Leader: Jonathan Markowitz Bijur

Sunday, July 29, 2007
"Grace-How Amazing!"
In our lives, with all our trials, tribulations, joys, and triumphs, where is grace? What is grace, and how may it be made manifest to us? Please join our former member, Rev Ronald A. Hersom, as he reflects with us on his journey toward ministry.
Worship Leader: Rev. Ronald Hersom

Sunday, August 5, 2007
"Modern Lessons in Classical Myths"
Join us as we celebrate the first harvest of summer. We will discover what modern lessons are held in classical myths and in the Celtic festival of Lughnassadh.
Worship Leader: Krista Ernewein

Sunday, August 12, 2007
"The Meditative Path"
In this service, members of the First Parish Buddhist Sangha will share how they integrate meditation practice into their spiritual lives. They will lead us in a quiet service that will include short periods for learning some simple meditation techniques.
Worship Leader: Jim Austin

Sunday, August 19, 2007
"Youth Spirituality in a UU Community"
Drawing from the thoughts and experiences of teens around the UU community, especially with our youth group returning from a service trip to New Orleans, this service will seek to address the place of youth spirituality in our greater community at First Parish. Adults and youth attending will consider the role of youth involvement in the community, the disconnect between our age groups, and the shared spirituality that can help us grow stronger.
Worship Leaders: Steve Carmody and Emma Whitford

Sunday, August 26, 2007
"Iveria Sings"
Iveria is a male a cappella ensemble that sings folk songs and religious music from the Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus mountains. The group has been singing together since 1984 in the Boston area. More information is available on Iveria's website, http://www.iveria.org.
Worship Leader: John Burt

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Summaries of Previous Services:
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