First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
Service Summaries from the year 2007/2008
Sunday, September 2, 2007
"Encounters with the Qur'an"
This service will offer an encounter with the Qur'an, the holy book
of Islam: its words, its images, its values. The worship leader will also share
some stories of her own personal encounter with the Qur'an and the changing
ways she has perceived this multifaceted and controversial book. Together,
we will explore aspects of the Qur'an that many UUs can sympathize with and
affirm, as well as aspects that many of us find more troubling.
Worship Leader: Lori Kenschaft
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Intergenerational Service of Ingathering: Water Ceremony
As we begin our new program year, our worship will include a ritual common
in Unitarian Universalist worship services, know as the Water Ceremony or
Water Communion. Please bring to the service a small container of water that
represents something meaningful from your summer weeks.
We will blend our offerings of water in a single vessel, symbolic of our
joining together again as a community. The water will be treated and used
for other sacred occasions during the year.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh, assisted by Rev. Caitlin O'Brien
and Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Sunday, September 16, 2007
"Where Does Ministry Come From"
We will mark Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Days of Awe, the Jewish
high holy days, and consider the question of what ministry is and how it is
accomplished. This will be our first Sunday of the new church year for monthly
memorials, which will also include remembrances from the summer months (see
the Lay Ministry column in this edition of The Spire).
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh, assisted by Rev. Carlton Elliott
Smith
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Yom Kippur
At the close of the Days of Awe, it is a time to remember the story of Jonah
and extend our good wishes to one another.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh, assisted by Rev. Caitlin O'Brien
Sunday, September 30, 2007
"The Writing on the Wall"
If these walls could talk . . . Well, with your help, they can and will!
We will look back in order to look forward, making use of insights gathered
from our time with our District Ministerial Settlement representative.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh, assisted by Rev. Carlton Elliott
Smith
Sunday, October 7, 2007 — "Stories
from Sudan"
We will reflect on the genocide and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, including
the firsthand experience of a person in our own community who escaped from
Sudan in the 1990s. We will also have our monthly memorials this Sunday. If
you would like to remember the name of a lost loved one during the service,
please email layministry@firstparish.info or
phone (781) 648-3799, ext. 18.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by Kiki Giatis to recognize lay leadership, both past and present.
Sunday, October 14, 2007 — Association
Sunday
First Parish celebrates the gifts of our faith and raises funds to support
the growth of the Unitarian Universalist Association. (Please see "Something
to Celebrate" in this edition of The Spire.) Cherisse Haakonsen, Congregational
Giving Assistant at the UUA, will be part of the day's service in Arlington.
A similar service will also be given at the Sunday Service of the Ferry Beach
Weekend.
Worship Leaders: Rev. John Marsh and Cherisse Haakonsen (in Arlington); Rev.
Carlton Elliott Smith (at Ferry Beach).
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in memory of her husband, Bob Spence.
Sunday, October 21, 2007 — "Going
to Guatemala"
Assistant Minister Carlton Smith will be part of an observance delegation
of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee going to Guatemala for the
November 4 runoff of the presidential election. In this service, he will share
his preparations and hopes for his October 27–November 6 journey.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by Jane Fitzpatrick in celebration of the courage of her brother,
Duross Fitzpatrick, in the face of his disease.
Sunday, October 28, 2007 — Intergenerational
Halloween Service
For the past several years, First Parish's observance of the Sunday before
Halloween has centered on a procession of costumed children and adults—and
we will continue that tradition. The service will include selections by the
First Parish Family Orchestra.
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Andrea Winslow in memory of her father, Andrew Pelosi.
Sunday, November 4, 2007 — "Considering
Time" and
The Ceremony of Child Dedication
On this day when we dedicate the newborn amongst us, and we get an extra hour
in our day, let's pause to consider how we regard time and how that defines who
we are.
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Cheryl Dressler in memory of her mother, Pauline Hurley.
Sunday, November 11, 2007 — "The Perfect
Teacher"
"The book that I am taking with me to Guatemala while I serve as an observer
of the presidential election," writes Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith, "is
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron. This choice emerges out of conversations
I've had recently with members and friends of the Parish who ask questions
like, How do we support one another in crises when we don't share a common
religious language? and, With so much trouble in the world, how do I know when
I've done enough to help? This service will be my humble contribution to these
important inquiries. I invite you to join me in reading this book, in which
Chodron asserts, 'This very moment is the perfect teacher.' The service this
day will be followed by a conversation about my journey to Guatemala in the
Sanctuary, noon to 1pm."
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by Bea Shriver in memory of her sister, Rosalyn Collens.
Sunday, November 18, 2007 — "Thanksgiving"
Thanksgiving is a civic holiday, a religious holiday, and an attitude. Celebrating
together helps keep us mindful of our customs and helps keep our attitude
fresh.
Flowers given by Wendy Page in memory of her father, Lester Page.
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
Sunday, November 25, 2007 — "Over the
Years"
In recent years, we have provided an opportunity for a sampling of members
observing their anniversaries of membership to speak about what being a member
of First Parish of Arlington has meant to them. Among those we will hear from
today are Jim Ptacek, who signed the Membership Book 5 years ago this fall,
and Dick Terry, who signed 35 years ago. This service anticipates our New
Member Recognition, Sunday, December 2. There will be an opportunity for those
who wish to join the Parish to sign the Membership Book following this service,
so they may be part of the recognition ceremony the following Sunday.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
Flowers given by Josh and Lisa Davis in Thanksgiving!
Sunday, December 2, 2007 “Advent” and
New Member Recognition
Advent is a period of waiting, pondering, imagining. It is a time
to plan, but not a time to take charge. It is a time to prepare ourselves,
to get ready for whatever might happen next. It is an apt metaphor for
an interim period, such as First Parish is experiencing, and for anyone who is
going through a transition. The choir and UUlations will sing Advent music
from the European Medieval and Renaissance periods.
Worship Leaders: John N. Marsh, Carlton E. Smith
Sunday, December 9, 2007 "Vespers
and Fanfares" Our annual winter music
service features festive music by Monteverdi and Rachmaninoff and a lovely
Christmas waltz newly arranged by Kenneth Seitz. Claudio Monteverdi's sacred
music has been a favorite in Venice for the last 400 years, when he was
the Maestro di cappella for St. Mark's Cathedral. Sergei Rachmaninoff excelled
both as the most talented pianist of his generation and as the leading modernist
to augment the Russian Orthodox cathedral tradition.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Sunday, December 16, 2007 "Amahl
and the Night Visitors"
Our intergenerational cast presents a fully staged and costumed version of
Gian Carlo Menotti's beloved light opera. This story follows a shepherd boy
and his mother as they host three mysterious strangers on a quest for an unknown
child. But who is the child? Each night a child is born is a holy night .
. .
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Brian Dooley in memory of George Dooley.
Sunday, December 23, 2007 "Winter
Solstice Celebration"
This intergenerational service will feature music and stories of praise and
celebration for the enveloping dark and the glorious sun.
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers: Everyone is invited to order a poinsettia plant -- contact Mary
Young via flowers@firstparish.info
Monday, December 24, 2007 "Christmas
Eve"
5pm, Family Christmas Eve
Carols will be sung, and the story of the birth of Jesus will be told. Everyone
is invited to bring a candle to add to a special altar. A collection to benefit
Renewal House (a shelter for victims of domestic violence) will be received.
6pm, Wassail
A light supper will be served for a nominal fee. Soup, salad,
bread, cider, wassail, and good company will be enjoyed. Everyone attending
the early service is invited to stay. Everyone attending the later
service is invited to come early.
7:30pm, Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols
Everyone is invited to bring a candle to add to a special altar. A collection
to benefit Renewal House (a shelter for victims of domestic violence) will
be received. Everyone will be invited to join in singing the Hallelujah Chorus
from Handel's Messiah. If you wish to practice in advance, speak to any member
of the choir, and he or she can help you with music for your part as well
as information about a website you can sing along with. Those who do not
wish to sing the chorus will be welcome to simply enjoy the experience.
Worship Leaders: Rev. John Marsh, Rev. Carlton E. Smith, and Christina Schultz.
Sunday, December 30, 2007 "Practicing
Friendship"
"Faithful friends are beyond price: No amount can balance their
worth" (Sirach 6:15). First Parish is a place where innumerable friendships
have been forged over almost 300 years, yet how much thought do we give to
how we do friendship? This Sunday, on the cusp of the promise of a new year,
we will consider what it means to be a friend and at least one context in
which friendships emerge here: covenant groups and small-group ministries.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Sunday, January 6, 2008 — "Getting
Organized"
According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, one of the
top five New Year's resolutions is to get organized. The need for order has become
more acute for me lately, as I will be vacating my residence of the past 4½ years
by the end of the month. What to keep? What to discard, and why? Professional
organizer Anne Goodwin, who has led Spiritual Housekeeping events here at First
Parish, will join me as we look at the secret life of possessions, including
the hidden benefits of disorder.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith and Anne Goodwin.
Flowers given by Wendy Page in memory of her mother, Eleanor Page.
Sunday, January 13, 2008 — "Why
the Stork Stands On One Leg"
Rev. John Buehrens, scholar, author, and former president of the Unitarian
Universalist Association, will be our morning guest speaker and afternoon
workshop presenter. During the morning service, he will speak on why the
Bible is still important for Unitarian Universalists. After the service,
a light luncheon will be served and those who wish may stay for a workshop
on the basics of a liberal and liberating approach to the Bible.
Flowers given by Robbie Rinearson and Bob Fowkes in memory of Robbie's father,
Bud, and Bob's mother, Jean.
Sunday, January 20, 2008 — "When
Martin Luther King Spoke About God"
Dr. King seemed more comfortable talking about God than many Unitarian Universalists
are. However, his understanding of God, the power that "made a way where
there was no way," may not be that far from the understanding most of
us share.
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Carol Orme-Johnson in memory of Bill Orme-Johnson.
Sunday, January 27, 2008 — "The
Great Public Education Conspiracy"
Public education was born just a few miles down the road from here, by
Unitarian reformers. It was controversial then, and remains so today.
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Valerie Rhoades in celebration of Janis Fleishman's
birthday.
February 3 -- What the Bible told Me
The two ministers of the congregation will hold a dialogue sermon reflecting
on how the Bible has influenced them, and to what degree it informs their
current understandings.
Worship Leaders: Carlton Elliott Smith and John N. Marsh
February 10 -- "Once Upon a Time"
In his final sermon to the congregation, our Assistant MInister will
reflect upon his experience at First Parish and share his wishes for
the congregation as their ways diverge.
Worship Leader: Carlton Elliott Smith
February 17 -- On Doing What Needs to be Done
Thoughts on the evolving role of the volunteer in our congregations and
elsewhere.
Worship Leader: John N. Marsh
February 24 -- On Racing and Dancing
In one of his letters the Apostle Paul compares his life to a footrace,
and congratulates himself on having finished the course. At least he
did not claim to have won the race. Is it possible that with this metaphor
Paul has done more damage to western culture than with his assumptions
about sex?
Worship Leader: John N. Marsh
March 2 — Reading as a Spiritual Discipline
For most of human history
reading was considered a spiritual discipline. In our lifetimes most people
consider it as a secular activity. As we verge on the brink of becoming
a post literate society, perhaps it is time to think again.
Worship Leader: John Marsh
Sunday, March 2, 2008 — "Reading
as a Spiritual Discipline"
For most of human history, reading was considered a spiritual discipline. In
our lifetimes most people consider it as a secular activity. As we verge on the
brink of becoming a post-literate society, perhaps it is time to think again.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Flip Sharff in memory of his father, Adrian Grant Sharff.
Sunday, March 9, 2008— "Comedy
and Tragedy"
(Go to bed early so that you can Spring Forward — spring into Daylight
Savings. Set your clocks ahead one hour and get to church on time.)
Our lives have elements of both tragedy and comedy. Understanding both,
embracing both leads to the fuller living.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Arlene Kulin in memory of her father, Louis Kulin.
Memorial Service for Everett W "Butch" Redding, 2 PM, Sunday, March 9
Sunday, March 16, 2008— "Resilience
for the Activist"
The gospel stories related to the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday
describe Jesus' frustration with the imperfect world that he endeavored
to save. With Jesus' story as a springboard, we will consider our own
struggle to both save and enjoy this world.
Worship Leader: Rev. Caitlin O’Brien.
Flowers given by Marlene and India Hobel in celebration of their 20th
anniversary.
Friday, March 21, 2008— Good Friday service, 6pm
Sunday, March 23, 2008— Easter
Communion, 8am
We will retell the story of Jesus’ coming to life in his community
of friends after being put to death by the government of Rome, and how
we ourselves might be most fully alive. Bread and wine will be shared
as part of an ancient ritual. It is always sunrise somewhere.
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
"Harry Potter and the Great Code," 10am
A reflection on Harry Potter and a few other Christ figures.
Followed by the greatest Easter Egg Hunt ever!
Worship Leader: Rev. John Marsh.
Easter flowers given by friends and members of the congregation.
Sunday, March 30, 2008— “In a
Heart-Shaped Box’’
Reflections on Love and Chocolate.
Worship service led by the Youth Group.
Flowers given by Ann Abbott in memory of her parents, Lawrence and Pearl
Abbott.
Sunday Shinn Service, April 6, "From Powerlessness
to Privilege"
The Urban Connections group is sponsoring this year's Shinn Service, named after
First Parish social activist Barbara Shinn, who left a bequest to fund a yearly
conference or service on a social justice topic. On Sunday, April 6, Sam Williams,
chief operating officer of the UU Urban Ministry in Roxbury, will speak about
the work of the Urban Ministry and his own journey from street kid to his current
position - "From Powerlessness to Privilege." We hope you'll also
join us for a talk-back in the Parlor after the service; food and refreshments
will be served.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
— Spring Music Service
Featuring music of Aaron Copland, our service will include "Quiet
City" for oboe and English horn, Clarinet Concertos 1 and 2, Work
for Flute and Harp, and "In the Beginning" for choir and soprano
soloist, and "The Promise of Living" from The Tender Land.
Service Leaders: Dr. Laura Prichard and First Parish musicians and guests.
Flowers given by Arne Gronningsater in memory of his parents, Arne and
Ann Gronningsater.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
— "A Passover of Praise"
A parishioner once objected to me requesting the congregation to sing
the hymn "I Wish I Knew How It Felt to Be Free." "I am
already free," she declared; "I don't have to imagine that." I
confess that while I often feel elated, I seldom feel free. Perhaps while
anyone still lives in bondage, we are not meant to feel free. Passover
invites us to reflect on what freedom means to us. And yes, I will invite
you to sing the song.
Worship Leaders: Rev. John Marsh and others.
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in memory of the Yerrrington Sisters.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
— Alliance Sunday
Our service features broad participation from women of First Parish.
At the heart of the service, Lori Kenschaft, a fourth-generation gardener
who specializes in earth-friendly, low-maintenance gardening, will offer
reflections on "Gardening as a Spiritual Practice." Lori will
consider such questions as, How does developing a real relationship with
one small bit of earth change us? and, What do we learn about life and
death, power and powerlessness, through the practice of gardening? In
addition, several women will offer brief comments on the Alliance and
its role at First Parish and in their lives, and a specially gathered
women's chorus will join Sarah Tocco in providing music for the service.
Service Leaders: Members of the Alliance.
Flowers given by the Alliance in memory of former members.
Sunday, May 4, 2008 -- "Universalism Today"
We will consider the Universalist contribution to Unitarian Universalism,
welcome new members to the First Parish congregation, and perhaps let
out a yell for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Dick Terry in memory of his brother, John Terry.
Sunday, May 11, 2008 -- Mother’s Day
Celebrating a bond that may not always seem ideal, but is always real.
We will dedicate some of the most recent arrivals to our community.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Louise Strayhorn, in honor of all mothers.
Sunday, May 18, 2008 -- Recognition of High School Seniors
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh and Tina Schulz.
Flowers given by Flip Sharff, in memory of Jean McKane Sharff.
Sunday, May 25 2008 -- Memorial Day
We will remember those who have died in wars past and present, and dedicate
ourselves anew to the things that make for lasting peace.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. John Marsh.
Flowers given by Sandy and Dick King in celebration of their children,
who grew up in this church.
Sunday, June 22, 2008 — "Celebration
of Summer"
Come celebrate the freedom and abundance of summer. We will also take a historical
look at school vacations, summer homes, epidemic diseases, and the Unitarian
tradition of putting church on hold for the summer. Please come prepared to reflect
on all the many aspects of summer, and to enjoy a fresh garden strawberry.
Worship Leader: Lori Kenschaft
Sunday, June 29, 2008 — "UU
Perspectives on the Presidential Election"
Presentations on:
³Gender and the Presidential Election," by Sue Sheffler.
"Race and the Presidential Election," by Bill Hamilton.
"Of Course, A UU Can Never Be Elected President," by Jim Hall.
"Why Any Or All of the Above Speakers Is Wrong (Or Right)," by you.
July 6 – Reflections on Buddhist Meditation
Practice.
Presentations by members of the First Parish Buddhist meditation group
and sanghas.
Led by Donna Sharff.
July 13 – How Non-Violence Changed the
World in My Lifetime: USA, South Africa, Poland.
Non-violence is changing the course of history. This service will explore
the lunch-counter sit-ins in the American South in 1960, the defeat of
apartheid in South Africa, and the fall of the Soviet Union, which have
all had significant spiritual components.
Led by Carolyn Stevens
July 20 – The Day After Tomorrow.
Jon Markowitz Bijur and Rebecca Benefiel Bijur will reflect on visions
of the future offered in diverse sources, from the Christian Bible to
Science News, and what they tell us about the present.
Led by Rebecca Benefiel Bijur and Jon Markowitz Bijur
July 27 – Creating
a culture of peace: The hidden roots of war and injustice.
Dr. Tuttle, author of The World Peace Diet,
will make explicit the invisible connections between our culturally-mandated
food choices and psychological, social, spiritual, health and environmental
problems. He will explore how our meals have ramifications especially
for peace and social justice. He will also be providing the music
for the service. Led by Rev. Will Tuttle.
August 3 – The Spirit of Water.
This service will lift up the sacred element of water. An exploration
of both the healing and destructive energy of water as well as the emerging
water crisis in the world including the right to water.
Led by Christina Sillari
August 10 – Fun as a Spiritual Path.
In this unusual service, we will explore the roles of joy and enjoyment,
light-hearted pursuits and the ridiculous in our spiritual growth. Through
experiential exercises, readings and music we will have fun together
and come away with a deeper appreciation for the importance of fun and
laughter in our lives and spirits. No previous experience with fun necessary;
all welcome. Please wear something fun.
Led by Emily Randall and Marlene Hobel.
August 17 – On Gardens and Relationships – from
Carolina to the banks of the Volga.
Not a gardener at all, Cheri Minton has reflections on her brushes with
gardens and gardeners over the years and the special lessons they have
brought her.
Led by Cheri Minton
August 24 – Regret Reduction.
Using real and cinematic events Christine Rafal will illustrate the benefits
of using the inner, psychological strategies of non-violent communication.
Led by Christine Rafal
August 31 – Forgiveness in the age of Climate
Change.
Do you think about melting ice caps and disappearing forests when you
start your car or sit down to dinner? How can we know if we are doing "enough" for
our planet? How can we deal with our feelings about living with dire predictions
for the future?
Led by Glenn Koenig. (See also Glenn's
developing web site on the topic.)
Summaries of Previous Services:
2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
2004 | 2005 | 2006| 2007
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