Our theme of the month is Living with Intention, and today’s service will offer reflection on prayer as intention. Can prayer be meaningful for most Unitarian Universalists? How central are beliefs, particularly theological beliefs, to prayer? Sources for reflection range as widely as the Buddha and chaos theory, while the Interim Minister’s personal journey includes … Continue reading “WEEDS IN A VACANT LOT”
Poet Mary Oliver wrote that her work was “ loving the world.” In her life, though, she struggled through some very hard experiences to reach that kind of intention. She found two sources of courage and healing that allowed her to survive. Does that tell us why her poetry has spoken to so many Unitarian … Continue reading “The Work of Loving the World”
Zora Neale Hurston wrote, ““There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” On this weekend just before Martin Luther King’s birthday, it is a time to reflect on how we answer the call of Dr. King’s faithful legacy in 2022. If we don’t answer now, it’s possible we never will. We approach this worship … Continue reading “A Year for Answering”
As a new year gets underway, we inevitably think about the future, though living through a pandemic seems to make this harder. If we approach it as a matter of living our own lives with intention, whatever the circumstances, what can help us focus on what really matters to us and how we want to … Continue reading “No Unlived Life”
What readings have inspired you? Is there a certain author, musician, composer, poet, story, dance or source that you turn to for inspiration? Have you taken the time to write in the moments that you felt truly inspired? Come bring these readings, poems, song, dance movement, quote to share at our January 2nd service. Note: … Continue reading “Ringing in the New Year”
Zoom Services will begin at 11:30 amZoom link https://zoom.us/J/92762405253 (which is posted in the upper right corner on First Parish website and will be noted on Facebook).
— A service of readings, seasonal music, and a short homily by Rev. Susan Milnor featuring a story of understanding and celebration. And, of course, we will bring light into the dark to the sound of Silent Night at the service’s end. Masks and physical distancing required at in-person service. IMPORTANT In-person Christmas Eve Service Update RSVP’s … Continue reading Christmas Eve Service
Let’s celebrate as tradition and myth meet spontaneity in our no-rehearsal pageant. Hear some of your favorite holiday carols, revisit the old story with new eyes, and find the delight in coming together. Note: We will gather in person for worship at First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot Street, at 11:30 a.m. The service will … Continue reading No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant
We are encouraged, urged, even pressured to be happy, at no time more than during the holidays. It’s not always so easy. More importantly, is happiness really the most compelling spiritual end? What’s the difference between happiness and joy? It may be that moments of joy are more available even during hard times. Note: We … Continue reading “A Place Inside”
Holy days usually involve a merger of truth (or history) with myth. What different functions do these serve for us in creating meaning or celebrating life? Do story and Myth open us to different kind of joy than truth does? How might all of this make sense in terms of Hanukkah, which the Jewish world … Continue reading “Truth and Myth”
