Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

Worship service given March 10, 2024
Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

As we gather together in worship, we are reminded of the power of community music to paint vivid images and evoke deep emotions within our hearts. Just as an artist uses a brush to create a masterpiece, musicians use the notes and rhythms of their instruments to craft a melody that touches the soul. Join the First Parish Choir and chamber orchestra as we delve into harmonies and melodies that paint a vibrant, complex portrait of beauty in our communal life.  

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For March 2024, the Giving First recipient is ZUMIX. (https://www.zumix.org/)

ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to building a community through music and creative technology. We believe music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX also provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, historically underserved neighborhood.
The Engine Company 40 Firehouse renovations transformed a long-abandoned building into a beautiful, functional and inspiring cultural and performance space for ZUMIX programs, participants and the East Boston community at large. Renovations with the latest green technology have saved a historic site that contributes to a healthier environment, creates educational opportunities for our youth, and strengthens our financial sustainability by reducing energy costs and attracting funders who support “green” organizations. The Firehouse received Gold LEED Certification, an impressive accomplishment for a renovation project.

The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given March 3, 2024
Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

A Stewardship Sunday Celebration!
We’re pulling out the musical stops with the Bell Choir, our C Winds and the First Parish Choir
This Sunday kicks off our annual Stewardship Campaign: Investing in a Vibrant Community
Once a year members and friends are asked to make a “pledge,” our financial commitment to First Parish in the year ahead.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For March 2024, the Giving First recipient is ZUMIX. (https://www.zumix.org/)

ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to building a community through music and creative technology. We believe music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX also provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, historically underserved neighborhood.
The Engine Company 40 Firehouse renovations transformed a long-abandoned building into a beautiful, functional and inspiring cultural and performance space for ZUMIX programs, participants and the East Boston community at large. Renovations with the latest green technology have saved a historic site that contributes to a healthier environment, creates educational opportunities for our youth, and strengthens our financial sustainability by reducing energy costs and attracting funders who support “green” organizations. The Firehouse received Gold LEED Certification, an impressive accomplishment for a renovation project.

The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given February 25, 2024
Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

Join us this Sunday as Rev. Erica Richmond explores the theology of play and its importance in our lives. What might reconnect us to childlike wonder? Don't worry, it's not all talk, we will have a chance to play with markers, clay, and other crafts during worship!

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For February 2024, the Giving First recipient is VoteRiders.

VoteRiders’ mission is to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from casting a ballot that counts due to voter ID laws, either directly from lack of acceptable ID or indirectly because of voter confusion. VoteRiders educates voters and assists citizens to secure their voter ID. They inspire and support organizations, volunteers, and communities to sustain such voter ID education and assistance efforts.

Learn more at the VoteRiders website, https://www.voteriders.org/.

The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given February 18, 2024
Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

What is at stake when we support humanitarian programs in Ukraine? Marc Loustau will reflect on his recent trip to Ukraine to report on humanitarian psychotherapy programs for people displaced by the war.

Dr. Marc Roscoe Loustau is a cultural anthropologist and journalist who specializes in Eastern Europe after living in Hungary and Romania for four years. He is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and member of First Church Boston, received a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and completed a two-year ministerial internship at King’s Chapel in Boston, MA. He has appeared on the BBC News and France 24, and has published articles in the Christian Science Monitor, the Christian Century, La Croix International, The Tablet, and other magazines and newspapers. He lives in Roslindale MA with his wife Amy, son Sebastian, and dog Ramona.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For February 2024, the Giving First recipient is VoteRiders.

VoteRiders’ mission is to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from casting a ballot that counts due to voter ID laws, either directly from lack of acceptable ID or indirectly because of voter confusion. VoteRiders educates voters and assists citizens to secure their voter ID. They inspire and support organizations, volunteers, and communities to sustain such voter ID education and assistance efforts.

Learn more at the VoteRiders website, https://www.voteriders.org/.

The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given February 11, 2024
Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

This Sunday Marta ponders what we can do to be in right relation with others, with ourselves, with creation and with the Spirit of Creation. Marta will consider the pitfalls and benefits of giving up and making sacrifices. Listen to her romp through sacrificial theology, atonement and Lent and what it has to do with us today.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For February 2024, the Giving First recipient is VoteRiders.

VoteRiders’ mission is to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from casting a ballot that counts due to voter ID laws, either directly from lack of acceptable ID or indirectly because of voter confusion. VoteRiders educates voters and assists citizens to secure their voter ID. They inspire and support organizations, volunteers, and communities to sustain such voter ID education and assistance efforts.

Learn more at the VoteRiders website, https://www.voteriders.org/.

The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given February 4, 2024
Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

As we take stock of our lives and these times, it can be challenging but sacred work to consider what the world will look like for future generations. How do we make sense of our legacies? Join parish minister, Rev. Erica, as she shares wisdom from a group called the Loose Ends – knitters who finish projects for other sewers after they die.

Offering and Giving First

The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For February 2024, the Giving First recipient is VoteRiders.

VoteRiders’ mission is to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from casting a ballot that counts due to voter ID laws, either directly from lack of acceptable ID or indirectly because of voter confusion. VoteRiders educates voters and assists citizens to secure their voter ID. They inspire and support organizations, volunteers, and communities to sustain such voter ID education and assistance efforts.

Learn more at the VoteRiders website, https://www.voteriders.org/.

The remaining half of the offering supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given January 28, 2024
Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

Credo means “I believe" in Latin. Periodically, First Parish invites members to offer personal statements of belief. Based on their personal experience, members speak of what they trust to be true. Worship this Sunday features the credo statements of First Parish Members Mary Fusoni, Aaron Kitzmiller and Lillian Povey. Please join us.

Offering and Giving First

Each month we divide our morning offering between First Parish and an organization chosen by our Social Justice Committee. This month we are funding the work of Harbor Camps (Harborcamps.org).

Harbor Camps mission is to build confidence, resilience, and community for transgender and non-binary youth and their families through camp experiences. Camp is about having fun, playing outside, trying new things, growing, and making lifelong memories. Specifically for transgender and non-binary youth, it is about being in a place where you can truly be yourself, appreciated, and supported.
To ensure that camp is an option for all families and youth, regardless of financial means, Harbor Camps provides scholarships each year without a limit. Programs such as “Giving First” help fund this guarantee.
To learn more about camp, including upcoming sessions, or how to support in additional ways, visit www.harborcamps.org.

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given January 21, 2024
Prayer by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

As religious liberals we trust that people are first and foremost good and worthy. We also know we have slipped, stumbled and erred both as individuals and as a people. This Sunday Marta will consider forgiveness, repair, and responsibility in our time. During worship we will also send our children off to a new term in our Sunday morning religious education program. This is a good Sunday for kids to check out the program, teachers and the other kids in their classes!

Offering and Giving First

Each month we divide our morning offering between First Parish and an organization chosen by our Social Justice Committee. This month we are funding the work of Harbor Camps (Harborcamps.org).

Harbor Camps mission is to build confidence, resilience, and community for transgender and non-binary youth and their families through camp experiences. Camp is about having fun, playing outside, trying new things, growing, and making lifelong memories. Specifically for transgender and non-binary youth, it is about being in a place where you can truly be yourself, appreciated, and supported.
To ensure that camp is an option for all families and youth, regardless of financial means, Harbor Camps provides scholarships each year without a limit. Programs such as “Giving First” help fund this guarantee.
To learn more about camp, including upcoming sessions, or how to support in additional ways, visit www.harborcamps.org.

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given January 14, 2024
Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

Join Rev. Erica Richmond and our worship team for this special MLK weekend. Our homily will explore Rev. Dr. King's controversial messages of peace and look at how our own congregation navigated the anti-war movement in the 1960s.

Offering and Giving First

Each month we divide our morning offering between First Parish and an organization chosen by our Social Justice Committee. This month we are funding the work of Harbor Camps (Harborcamps.org).

Harbor Camps mission is to build confidence, resilience, and community for transgender and non-binary youth and their families through camp experiences. Camp is about having fun, playing outside, trying new things, growing, and making lifelong memories. Specifically for transgender and non-binary youth, it is about being in a place where you can truly be yourself, appreciated, and supported.
To ensure that camp is an option for all families and youth, regardless of financial means, Harbor Camps provides scholarships each year without a limit. Programs such as “Giving First” help fund this guarantee.
To learn more about camp, including upcoming sessions, or how to support in additional ways, visit www.harborcamps.org.

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given January 7, 2024
Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

For the first Sunday of the New Year, Rev. Marta Flanagan explores the question of what it means to live well. Perhaps that is the theme of nearly every sermon. But this time Marta draws on the experiences and memoirs of several people facing their death to tackle this eternal question. Come hear what those for whom death feels close, have to say about living well.

Offering and Giving First

Each month we divide our morning offering between First Parish and an organization chosen by our Social Justice Committee. This month we are funding the work of Harbor Camps (Harborcamps.org).

Harbor Camps mission is to build confidence, resilience, and community for transgender and non-binary youth and their families through camp experiences. Camp is about having fun, playing outside, trying new things, growing, and making lifelong memories. Specifically for transgender and non-binary youth, it is about being in a place where you can truly be yourself, appreciated, and supported.
To ensure that camp is an option for all families and youth, regardless of financial means, Harbor Camps provides scholarships each year without a limit. Programs such as “Giving First” help fund this guarantee.
To learn more about camp, including upcoming sessions, or how to support in additional ways, visit www.harborcamps.org.

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given December 31, 2023
Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

Join us for our annual Poetry Sunday as Worship Associate Elizabeth Hunter leads us in lifting up words that have moved us and celebrating the coming year. Bring a poem to share–one you’ve found, or one you’ve written. Online participants are invited to share poetry together after the service.

Offering and Giving First

The Cole Resource Center is our Giving First recipient for December 2023. CRC offers custom support for individuals and family members facing mental challenges. CRC’s staff have both lived experience and expertise in navigating the mental healthcare system. There is something special about the understanding and guidance offered by those who have traveled similar paths. CRC’s clients learn that they are not alone. They welcome the hope and resilience they discover through the CRC community.

CRC navigators listen and provide relevant and accessible Resource Referrals. CRC’s Women’s Support Group gathers family caregivers who come together to share their concerns and celebrate their successes. CRC’s Workforce Development Program assists job seekers with mental health issues who are looking for work, through its online Job Club and individual coaching. The non-clinical support offered by the Cole Resource Center has proven an invaluable complement to clinical care, especially during this time of intense community need for mental health services. For more information, please see https://www.coleresourcecenter.org/

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given December 24, 2023
Prayer by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

The Christmas Eve services, a highlight of the season, occur twice due to the number of people attending. The services feature the lighting of candles, organ fanfares and children reading the ancient tale. Rev. Erica Richmond offers a homily. We welcome special musical guests the Worcester Brass Consort, and also Nancy Timmerman on the organ.

Offering and Giving First

The full amount of your gifts will support the work of Renewal House, a domestic violence shelter for individuals in crisis and their children. Since 1980 Renewal House has provided temporary emergency shelter and advocacy services as part of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry.

To donate by credit card, debit card, or bank account using your smartphone text:

FPUU RENEWAL to 73256.

Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister
Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education

Worship service given December 17, 2023
Prayer by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

About the service: Ponder the giving and receiving of gifts. Decorate the tree! Behold four pieces by our choir under the direction of our new interim Music Director Daniel Parsley! A service for all ages led by Rev. Stevie Carmody, our Minister of Religious Education and Rev. Marta Flanagan, our Lead Minister. All who took gift tags for children will be invited forward during worship to place their gifts and wrapping under the tree.

Offering and Giving First
The Cole Resource Center is our Giving First recipient for December 2023. CRC offers custom support for individuals and family members facing mental challenges. CRC’s staff have both lived experience and expertise in navigating the mental healthcare system. There is something special about the understanding and guidance offered by those who have traveled similar paths. CRC’s clients learn that they are not alone. They welcome the hope and resilience they discover through the CRC community.

CRC navigators listen and provide relevant and accessible Resource Referrals. CRC’s Women’s Support Group gathers family caregivers who come together to share their concerns and celebrate their successes. CRC’s Workforce Development Program assists job seekers with mental health issues who are looking for work, through its online Job Club and individual coaching. The non-clinical support offered by the Cole Resource Center has proven an invaluable complement to clinical care, especially during this time of intense community need for mental health services. For more information, please see https://www.coleresourcecenter.org/

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given December 10, 2023
Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

About the service: On the third day of Hanukkah, Parish Minister Rev. Erica Richmond preaches on what ancient and modern texts reveal about peace. Peace is not a passive stance but a hard-won salve to an aching world. And hear how Eleanor Roosevelt connects to all of this! Worship includes the installation of our New Lay Ministers and accompaniment by our own “C-Winds” on wind instruments.

Offering and Giving First
The Cole Resource Center is our Giving First recipient for December 2023. CRC offers custom support for individuals and family members facing mental challenges. CRC’s staff have both lived experience and expertise in navigating the mental healthcare system. There is something special about the understanding and guidance offered by those who have traveled similar paths. CRC’s clients learn that they are not alone. They welcome the hope and resilience they discover through the CRC community.

CRC navigators listen and provide relevant and accessible Resource Referrals. CRC’s Women’s Support Group gathers family caregivers who come together to share their concerns and celebrate their successes. CRC’s Workforce Development Program assists job seekers with mental health issues who are looking for work, through its online Job Club and individual coaching. The non-clinical support offered by the Cole Resource Center has proven an invaluable complement to clinical care, especially during this time of intense community need for mental health services. For more information, please see https://www.coleresourcecenter.org/

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Worship service given December 8, 2023
Prayer by Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

About the service: For the 14th year at First Parish we offer a special evening worship service during the holiday season, a worship service to “Embrace the Darkness.”  UUlations will sing and guest pianist Anna Arazi will offer music.  This service will be an opportunity to acknowledge the darkness that surrounds the light of this festive season.   This  contemplative service of solace is a reminder that our sorrows matter and that we are not alone.

Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and New Years are thought to be jolly, merry and happy.  And sometimes they are.  We are reunited with loved ones.  We sing.  We pull out decorations bringing us memories of other good times flood us with delight.  We linger over sumptuous meals.  We give and receive gifts which remind us we are known and understood.  

Other times the holidays remind us of who or what isn’t at the table.  We feel keenly a death or an estrangement. Love lost, health lost, job loss may feel more present than joy.  We are aware of the poignancy of changes felt or soon to come: children growing older or elders who will not be long with us.  This poignancy is part of “Embracing the Darkness.”  Many say this worship service  is their favorite of the year.  All are welcome.

Sunday sermon given December 3, 2023
Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

About the service: For her sermon on the First Sunday in Advent, Lead Minister Rev. Marta Flanagan takes inspiration from the Prophet Isiash and Handel’s Messiah. Worship includes our monthly recitation of the names of dear ones who have died. The Bell Choir offers music along with accompaniment by Ken Seitz.

Offering and Giving First
The Cole Resource Center is our Giving First recipient for December 2023. CRC offers custom support for individuals and family members facing mental challenges. CRC’s staff have both lived experience and expertise in navigating the mental healthcare system. There is something special about the understanding and guidance offered by those who have traveled similar paths. CRC’s clients learn that they are not alone. They welcome the hope and resilience they discover through the CRC community.

CRC navigators listen and provide relevant and accessible Resource Referrals. CRC’s Women’s Support Group gathers family caregivers who come together to share their concerns and celebrate their successes. CRC’s Workforce Development Program assists job seekers with mental health issues who are looking for work, through its online Job Club and individual coaching. The non-clinical support offered by the Cole Resource Center has proven an invaluable complement to clinical care, especially during this time of intense community need for mental health services. For more information, please see https://www.coleresourcecenter.org/

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Sunday sermon given November 26, 2023
Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

About the service: An exploration of family land ownership, changing perspective, and reckoning.

About Rev. Wendy Page: The Reverend Wendy Page is an Affiliate Minister of First Parish Arlington. She has been a member of First Parish since 1999 and First Parish supported her on her journey into ministry. She is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School and was ordained in the First Parish Sanctuary in 2017.   She is now serving as a Hospice Chaplain for All Care Hospice.  She also serves as a per diem chaplain at Mass General Hospital.

Previous to her ministry, Wendy was a Software Engineer and Manager.  She is an avid cyclist and has participated for 23 years in the annual Pan Mass Challenge fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  She also is a quilter and gardener and sings in the FP choir.

Offering and Giving First
For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens.

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education
Rev. Erica Richmond, Parish Minister

Sunday sermon given November 19, 2023
Prayer by Rev. Marta Flanagan, Lead Minister
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

About the service: In this intergenerational Thanksgiving service, let's explore the flipside of Gratitude: asking for help. Scary! Humbling! We know. But the good news is that asking for help opens us up to an interdependence that can change the world. Children grades kindergarten and older are welcome to stay through the whole service---the service is designed to include them. And look forward to our annual cornbread communion!

Offering and Giving First
For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens.

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Sunday service given November 12, 2023
Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

About the service: Join us on Sunday to hear from three First Parish congregants, Stephanie Franzosa, Anna McMaken-Marsh, and  Andy Winslow, about how they live out their spiritual commitments in the world. How do each of us live our faith? What do our values call us to do? This is a special annual service that is sure to be inspiring, join us on Sunday!

Musical guest: violist and FP youth group alum Molly Aronson-Breen!

Offering and Giving First
For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens.

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.

Sunday Sermon given November 5, 2023
Prayer by Ruben Hopwood, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/

First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

About the service: Unitarian Universalism is a living faith, honoring tradition and evolving over time. The Unitarian Universalist Principles are stated in Article 2 of the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The UUA is currently in the process of amending Article 2. 
Perhaps questions of faith should always be considered and tested by war and peace, life and death, love and loss. Amidst the poignancy and complexity of war in the Middle East this week, Rev. Marta Flanagan will consider what is central to our faith.
This Sunday is the second sermon in a two part series. Part I was delivered on October 15 and is available on YouTube.

Offering and Giving First
For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens.

The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.