Speaker: Rev. Elizabeth Assenza

Breathe into Belonging

Each fall we turn with intention to our congregational covenant, to remind ourselves how we choose to be together. (You can find copies in the narthex, if you need a reminder!) This fall, we look with a lens on belonging, on making space for others as well as ourselves, and on that type of discomfort that … Continue reading Breathe into Belonging

Pride. Resistance. Joy.

It’s our annual Pride service! In 2025, the lessons of the early years of Pride are even more important. Resistance has become a tool for survival. Joy is how we care for our tender spirits. Come hear stories of resistance, joy, and queer faith as you celebrate yourself, your community, and your neighbors. 

Milestones

Join us for our celebratory annual Milestones service! This year, as we celebrate graduates and those moving to a new phase of school, we also get to honor two of our Faith Development programs. First, we’ll launch the young group of My First Chalice participants as they receive their first flaming chalices. Then, we’ll honor … Continue reading Milestones

Then and Now

In the United States, Mother’s Day traces its origins to the work of peace and public health activists of the 19th century. Today, we reflect on Julia Ward Howe’s 1870 Mother’s Day Proclamation, both in its original language and in updated context for the 21st century. With our May theme of Imagination as our guide, … Continue reading Then and Now

This Faith We Build

Come celebrate our new members of First Parish Beverly with our annual welcome ritual! One beauty of our UU faith is that we expect that it is growing and changing with us and in response to the world around us. Together we’ll explore the ways we shape and co-create Unitarian Universalism within our congregation, when … Continue reading This Faith We Build

Plan For Joy

 How do the Exodus story, Northern California, and a tambourine intersect? Come follow the traces of planning for joy, build some joy in our service, and look back on some beloved music memories of the past 65 years! 

Everyday Miracles: An Easter Sunday Service

We revisit the Easter story in this multigenerational service with three lessons about the strength of love, the blessings of community, and everyday miracles. With congregational participation, we draw from ancient stories and weave a new one; come celebrate with joy! And… discover a delightful Easter surprise!

Revolutionary Joy

 In the face of divisiveness, the act of creating and embracing joy is revolutionary! In this service, we explore how we can use joy as a tool for creating change in our world, building and sustaining community, and renewing our energy.