First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington

Service Summaries from the year 2003/2004

Sunday, September 7
Ingathering/Water Communion
We will begin our new program year by including in worship our second Water Communion ingathering ritual. Please bring to the service a small container of water that is a reflection of a meaningful story from your summer experience.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Debi Milligan in loving memory of her mother, Phyllis Carleton.
Sunday, September 14
An Angel's Advocate
This concept, which plays off the familiar phrase "Let Me Be a Devil's Advocate," has been developed by a friend of mine, Susan Holton, who teaches and works in the field of organizational development and communications. What might it mean, spiritually and practically, to be an "Angel's Advocate" in various spheres- in our religious community, in our personal lives, and in the midst of planetary and political crises?
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Jan Sullivan and Ed, Nicola, and Andrew Cuoco in loving memory of their daughter and sister Gabrielle.

Sunday, September 21
In the Beginning
At the start of the new church year, this service is an occasion to reflect on where the church is in its interim process and to consider the path it might take in the months to come. Carlton will also be discussing his goals for the year and the meanings of charting new courses.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by The Alliance in memory of former Alliance members.

Sunday, September 28
The True Meaning of Scripture
The Jewish Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are grounded in tradition and scripture. As we consider the meaning of these Days of Awe, we can also reflect on what serves as scripture for us, to aid us in being renewed, making amends, being of use, and being at one with the universe.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Amy Fardella and Cliff Hakim in celebration of their parents.

Sunday, October 5
Re-membering Uday and Qusay
This summer, US troops killed two sons and a grandson of deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. The brothers were well-known as perpetrators of violence and murder during their lives, and at the same time, they were persons, who, according to Unitarian Universalism's first principle, had "inherent worth and dignity." This morning, we will consider the implications of affirming inherent worth and dignity in a world where willful distortion and destruction of human life is everlasting.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith (sermon).
Flowers given by Gudrun Howe in honor of all parents.

Sunday, October 12
What Do You Love More Than Love?
The Beatles sing, "All you need is love," and Unitarian Universalists tend to agree. But in a culture where the idea of "love" is defined in so many ways, it can be unclear what exactly we're striving for. And in personal relationships, the desire for love and approval does not always bring out the best in us. Dar Williams sings, "When you question what your desire is for, when you don't just figure that you just want more, hey what do you love more than love?" This service will explore our religious values in light of the ins and outs of this crazy thing called love.
Worship Leader: Sarah Gibb (sermon), assisted by Jacques Duranceau from Celebrations and Services Committee.
Sarah Gibb, M. Div., is a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry, currently serving as Intern at First Parish in Needham. Before embarking on a divinity degree, Sarah worked for three years with the Unitarian Universalist Association and United Church of Christ to develop and launch the Our Whole Lives sexuality education curriculum series.
Flowers given by Julie Dunn and Paul Rovinelli in memory of Julie's brother, Jeffrey Edwards Dunn.

Sunday, October 19
I Believe
See linked Kaleidoscope article for information about this theme (10/19 and 10/26)
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) with Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
The Children's Choir will sing at this service.
A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service, in the Parlor, 12-1:15pm.
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in loving memory of her husband, Bob Spence.

Sunday, October 26
God Is Love
See linked Kaleidoscope article for information about this theme (10/19 and 10/26).
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) with Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
The Ceremony of Child Dedication will be held during this service.
A time of Sermon Sharing will follow the service, in the Parlor, 12- 1:15pm.
Flowers given by Tina Schultz in loving memory of her grandmother, Martha Hoggan.

Sunday, November 2
Everything Possible
An intergenerational worship service in observance of Halloween (after the holiday). The service theme is the ability of each of us to create lives that we imagine for ourselves, and to draw out different aspects of who we are. Adults and children alike are encouraged to come in costume, and especially to come dressed as what each would like to be or would like to affirm in his/her life.
The Children's Choirs will sing at this service.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Gladys H. Morrissey in loving memory of John Phillip Harrison.

Sunday, November 9
The Shape of Justice
In the second of a series of seven sermons on our Unitarian Universalist principles, we will consider what it means to affirm and promote "justice, equity and compassion in human relations." As we sing the hymn "Spirit of Life," we ask that Spirit to sing in our hearts "all the stirrings of compassion," and to "move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice." But when are we moved to action by compassion? And what are the forms we give to justice? Considering the freedom to marry debate and other current issues, we will challenge each other to live what we say (see also under Adult Education: "A Unique Experience").
Worship Leader, Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Karen Moore in loving memory of her parents Robert and Doris Moore.

Sunday, November 16
Prayer as Weaving Connections
This service will explore some of the ways we might understand the meaning of prayer. One meaning we will explore is the power of prayer to connect--to connect us more deeply with our deepest longings, with each other, with our response-abilities to heal places of suffering in the world and in nature.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Sermon Sharing follows the service in the Parlor, 12-1:15pm.
Flowers given by Lydia B. Thayer in loving memory of her husband, Edward B. Landreth.

Sunday, November 23
In Everything Give Thanks
Gratitude is not only a feeling. It may also be a spiritual practice in which we engage, regardless of our circumstances or feelings at the moment--a practice which makes us more open to receive life's blessings.
This service will include the Ceremony of New Member Recognition. New Member Brunch follows the service.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Lisa Heisterkamp-Davis in memory of her grandmother and great aunt, Arlene and Henrietta.

Sunday, November 30
Covenanting with One Another
This service will explore the transforming power of Small Group Ministry, or Covenant Groups, in our UU congregations. Members of our congregation will share how their experience in a Covenant Group at First Parish has supported their spiritual growth and deepened their connections to others in our religious community.
Worship Leaders: Covenant Group Members with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Lyman G. Judd, Jr. in honor of his mother Hilda Judd and in memory of his father Lyman G. Judd, Sr.

Sunday, December 7
Imagine the Golden Rule
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Not many would deny the value of this approach to human relatedness, but who among us can live according to this rule with any consistency? Perhaps we can imagine how we might do unto others as we would have others do unto us. Perhaps it is this practice of imagining that leads us into living a future larger and closer to who we really are.
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers to be announced.

Sunday, December 14
Mary, Mothers, and Births
This Annual Winter Music Service is drawn from a wide variety of traditions and countries. The service will be followed by a reception in the vestry.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers to be announced.

Sunday, December 21
Holiday Pageant: The Quiltmaker's Gift
Our annual intergenerational celebration of music, dance and theatre will include more than 50 of our children in a story about a selfish king who learns the joy of giving from a wise and magical seamstress who quilts only for people in need. This production, adapted from a book of the same name by Jeff Blumel, is one of the highlights of the church year. Come early, to be sure to have a seat!
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by members of the congregation for the holidays.
Christmas Eve,
December 24 5 pm
Intergenerational Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Our traditional service of readings and carols will also include various special musical selections. The offering, as is our custom, will go to Renewal House, a project of the UU Urban Ministry. Gifts for the Mitten Tree, which also go to the women and children of Renewal House, may be brought through Christmas Eve.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by members of the congregation for the holidays.
The Membership Committee will host a Wassail following the service.
Please bring a candle to help light the service and goodies for the Wassail Table.

Sunday, December 28
Some Assembly Required
As another year of resolutions approaches, how can we accept that we are always a work-in-progress with "missing pieces"?
The Rev. Robin L. Zucker was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 2000 and served as the parish minister at the UU Church of Reading, MA, until August 2003. Robin is currently serving as a spiritual care resident/chaplain at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston. She lives in Concord, MA, with her two teenaged children.
Flowers given by Michael Lynch and Susam Moyle in celegration new beginnings.

Sunday, January 4, 2004
Tolling of the Bell
Adapted from a tradition in other UU congregations, this special service will be an occasion to light candles in remembrance of those loved ones we have lost in the 2003 calendar year and to share their names and a sentence about them with the community. We will also be recognizing the Lay Ministers who support the ministerial staff in tending to the pastoral needs of the congregation.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith
Flowers given by Robin Schoenthaler for Kenzie Schoenthaler, the one and only!

Sunday, January 11
Telling Stories
At the start of our month of stories and credos, we will lift up the power of sharing from our experiences in community. Our third Unitarian Universalist principle is to affirm and promote "acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations." Today we consider what it means to accept someone else, even in the face of disagreement and disappointment.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith (preaching).
Flowers given by Liz Murphy in memory of her father, David Francis Leahy and her brother, David Barry Leahy.

Sunday, January 18
Calling: Finding One's Work in the World
How do we arrive at a sense of purpose in our lives? What are the events and situations in which we find meaning and navigation toward the future? This morning three members of First Parish tell of the paths that led them to satisfying work.
Service includes art and music from First Parish members along with credo statements by Kendall Dudley, Peter Southwick and Robin Schoenthaler.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton E. Smith and Kendall Dudley
Flowers given by Barbara and Al Tosti in loving memory of Barbara's sister and father and Al's parents.

Sunday, January 25
Learning from the Unexpected
Being blindsided by unforeseen events can be very distressing. At the same time, such experiences allow us a chance to understand more about ourselves, about others, and about our very existence. In the conclusion of our series of credos, listen as three members describe transitions that led to growth: John Hodges, Sara Whitford and Wendy Page.
Worship Leaders: Members of the Celebrations & Services Committee
Flowers given by the Sharff family in loving memory of Donna's parents, Mickey and Jack Smith.

Sunday, February 1, 2004
"Journey toward Wholeness"
The "Journey Toward Wholeness" Sunday Program is an annual opportunity for UU congregations to enter into or to celebrate, reflect on, and recommit to antiracism work. This year's program features Becky Thompson, a sociologist at Simmons College and a white antiracist activist. She is the author of A Promise and a Way of Life: White Antiracist Activism; Names We Call Home: Autobiography on Racial Identity; and Mothering Without a Compass: White Mother's Love, Black Son's Courage.
There will be a talk-back following the service from 12-2pm to give us all an opportunity to discuss the journey towards an antiracist, multicultural congregation.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton E. Smith,the Anti-Racism Committee, and Becky Thompson (sermon).
Flowers given by Pauline and Jerry Hallee in loving memory of their parents and daughter.
Sunday, February 8, 2004
"You Never Know…"
We are used to hearing these words as an expression of a cautionary view of life that informs those of us who, say, never go anywhere without an umbrella. However, recently I have noticed myself uttering these words and noticed others voicing them in a context of spiritual reflection, with an intonation and emphasis that seem to welcome life as an adventure of unknown possibilities, even in the face of death. How do you understand the meaning of this casual expression of uncertainty, and what are the implications of that meaning for what you take to be ultimate?
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) and Rev. Carlton E. Smith
The Children's Choir will be singing at this service.
Flowers given by Ken Goode, Leslie Kirwan and family to help warm the mid-winter blues.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
"The Price of Freedom"
Liberty is rarely a goal unto itself. We seek freedom so that we might achieve some end, such as to determine our own destinies. But, if our freedom comes at someone else's expense, how free are we, really? In this service, we continue our exploration of our seven Unitarian Universalist principles with the Fourth Principle, affirming and promoting a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning."
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith
Flowers given by Susanna Adams in memory of Mabel Hartwell Winn, George Albert Winn and Barbara Winn Adams.
Sunday, February 22, 2004
"Addictions and Ministry"
While drugs and alcohol may be the first to come to mind, many other forms of dependency are part of the world of addiction. In this service, some members of First Parish who are concerned about addiction and its impact raise the issue as one for all of us to consider. Along with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Denis Meacham, who heads the Addictions Ministry at First Parish in Brewster, they will offer themselves as sources of information about coping with addictions in ourselves and in our families.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Carlton E. Smith
Sunday, February 29, 2004
"Is There a Life After Life?"
This is the First Parish Auction sermon which went to Sara and David Whitford. Life as we know it is routinely disrupted or redirected in a major way--childbirth, divorce, job-loss, diagnoses of illness, death of a loved one; conflict or disillusionment in a beloved community; oppression and loss from cultural or political events. What enables creativity and new life to thrive in the midst of change or loss?
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Flowers given by Sandy and Dick King in loving memory of their parents.
Sunday, March 7, 2004
Shinn Service: "Freedom to Marry"
The Shinn service is an annual service that is specifically set aside to address a social justice issue. The service is named in honor of former church member Barbara Shinn.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with guest speakers David Wilson and Robert Compton.
David and Rob are one of seven couples who are plaintiffs in the Goodridge vs. the Department of Public Health lawsuit that led to the SJC decision requiring that the state allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Their sermon is entitled "What Marriage Means to Us– a Human Perspective". David and Rob had a commitment ceremony at Arlington Street Church in Boston in October 2000.
Following the service there will be a talkback with David and Rob sponsored by the Freedom- to-Marry working group and the Social Justice Committee. For more information on David and Rob, please visit the GLAD web site: http://www.glad.org/marriage/Robert&David.shtml.
David and Rob's journey this year is being documented by the ABC news program Nightline. Nightline would like to shoot some clips of David and Rob's talk to us. (This has been approved by ParCom.) We have assurances from the producer that any views of the congregants will be from a distance, as they will be focusing on David and Rob, and that they will not be disruptive of the service.
Flowers given by Andrew Leonard in loving memory of his mother, Nathalie Leonard
Sunday, March 14, 2004
"Let the People Vote?"
Our fifth Unitarian Universalist principle encourages us to affirm and promote the "right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large." Picking up a thread from last month's sermon on the fourth principle ("A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning") we will look at the implications of individual choice and the democratic process in the life of First Parish, especially in calling a new minister.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Carlton E. Smith and members of the Parish Committee.
Flowers given by Laura Brewer in loving memory of her parents, Marjorie and Ted Brewer.
Sunday, March 21, 2004: Stewardship Sunday
"Priceless"
See Kaleidoscope for thematic reflections related to this service.
Worship Leader and sermon: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns with Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
The Children's Choirs will sing at this service.
Flowers given by Peggy and Bill Gardiner in loving memory of Peggy's mother, Ericka Grimmeisen and Bill's father, William Gardiner.
Sunday, March 28, 2004
"Alliance Sunday"
Each year the First Parish Alliance sponsors a special service, which they hope, will be of interest to all. This year we are delighted to have singer/songwriter Diane Shriver, accompanying herself on guitar and lap dulcimer, share her own songs, as well as songs by others. The songs are all about love in its many varieties and designs--new, old, romantic, historic, parental, universal.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with members of the Alliance.
Flowers given by Sue Morse in memory of the life of Spindle Corey, Sue's sister-in-law, who died in November 2002 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
Sunday, April 4, 2004
"Spring Music Service"
The service will feature the music of Leonard Bernstein and other American composers, such as William Billings and Scott Joplin. Members of the Symphonic Band will play a few dances from Bernstein's "West Side Story." The adult choir will present the dramatic and beautiful "Chichester Psalms," featuring Ginger Crumb on harp and Wendy Covell on organ.
This setting of Psalm texts, in the original Hebrew, was commissioned by Walter Hussey, Dean of the Chichester Cathedral in England, for performance at the Three Choirs Festival of 1965. The work combines the musical beauty and excitement of Bernstein's stage works (like "West Side Story") with texts that demonstrate his personal support of peaceful causes and concern for oppressed peoples.
After a strong introduction ("Awake," psaltery and harp), the first movement presents Psalm 100 ("Make a joyful noise") in joyful, dance-like rhythms. In contrast, the second movement alternates the pastoral voices of the women ("The Lord is my shepherd") and the aggressive questioning of the lower voices from Psalm 2 ("Why do the nations rage at each other?"). The final movement concludes with a peacefully flowing melody and the quiet prayer: "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." We're looking forward to a moving service!
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Daylight Savings Time begins. Move your clocks forward so that 9am becomes 10am.
Flowers given by Jo Ann Kaplan and Noah, Ali, and Ricky Becker in loving memory of Stuart K. Becker.
Sunday, April 11, 2004: Easter Sunday
"Intergenerational Easter Service"
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith.
The Chalice Lights, Chalice Singers and Chalice Flames will be singing for this service.
If you are bringing bread for our Easter Bread and Juice communion, please bring it to the kitchen that day no later than 9:45am, already cut or broken into bite-sized pieces, so that the youth have adequate time to prepare it for sharing during the service.
Flowers given by Dave, Anne, Andrew, and Conor Quemere in memory of Donna Byrne-Quemere. Dave invites you to remain after the end of service to remember Donna by recognizing with a rose those of you who have survived or lost a family member or friend to cancer.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
"Holocausts: Where Was God?"
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we will consider our sixth Unitarian Universalist principle, in which we affirm and promote the "goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all." How do we advance toward that goal in the face of international grudges, escalating exploitation, and genocidal tendencies? What do our answers to the question "Where was God?" have to do with our ability to bring that goal to life daily?
Worship Leader and Sermon: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Phyllis Spence in loving memory of the Yerrington sisters.
Sunday, April 25, 2004
"Jewish Awareness"
Members of the Jewish Awareness group share from their life experiences about growing up, religion, identity, parenting, and Unitarian Universalism. This service will include musical selections, readings, and rituals from our Jewish traditional heritage.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, with members of the Jewish Awareness group.
Sunday, May 2, 2004
"Until One Is Committed"
The service will explore a quote attributed in part to the German philosopher and writer, Johann Goethe (1749-1832), and to W.H. Murray in The Scottish Himalayan Expedition, 1951. Some of the context for our exploration will be questions about commitments to other persons in our circle of close acquaintances, commitments to our life's work, and commitments to healing in the world.
This service will include the Ceremony of Child Dedication and a selection by the Children's Choir.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) with Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education.
Flowers given by Christine Conroy in memory of her parents, Mary and Walt Zywiak, on their anniversary.
Sunday, May 9, 2004
"Humans and Other Animals"
In the last of a series of sermons on our seven Unitarian Universalist Principles, we will consider what it means to affirm and promote the "interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." Specifically, we will look at our relationships with others classified as animals on our planet, and our responsibility to them, given our great capacity for creation and destruction.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Chick and Janet Abbott in honor of mothers, past, present, and future, the keepers and teachers of much practical knowledge and wisdom.
Sunday, May 16, 2004
"Mark the Flight of Time"
This service will explore what it means to step into a new part of your life, while integrating what has gone before, and the role of ceremony in such a passage. Members of the Youth Group will participate in the service. We will recognize the graduating high school seniors of First Parish, and we will hold our Ceremony of New Member Recognition.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns, Members of the Youth Group, Tina Schultz, Director of Religious Education, and Krista Ernewein, Youth Group Advisor.
Flowers given by Oakes and Pat Plimpton-Magee in loving memory of our parents, John and Dorothy Magee, and Francis and Pauline Plimpton.
Sunday, May 23, 2004
"Rest Assured"
Although this phrase serves as a source of faith in the face of loss or death, it also may encourage us to take a Sabbath, trusting that our work has been good and that we do not need to save the world, or others, or our community--alone.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns (sermon) and Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by Susan Jordan and Dick Sargent in loving memory of their parents.
Sunday, May 30, 2004
"An Extraordinary Church Year"
This Sunday, we will look back on the church year that was with an eye toward the future. It has been an extraordinary church year.... How might we build upon what has happened to cause even more miracles in the next church year? We will also take time to remember those who have fallen in battle for our Memorial weekend observance.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith.
Flowers given by (TBA).
 
Sunday, June 6, 2004 “Life’s Too Short to Drink Cheap Wine: A Salute to Friendship”
This is the title of the book upon which the service will draw. The book was written by church member Cliff Hakim, and will be available at the end of June. Cliff is also the author of We Are All Self-Employed: How to Take Control of Your Career ( r e v i s e d edition, 2003), and he is a career consultant and the founder of Rethinking Work.
This book emerged following Cliff’s experience of the death of his best friend, Vin Calia. Cliff wrote the book to pass on what he learned of the blessings of friendship and of our power to be truly with another in the process of dying.
Worship Leaders: Cliff Hakim, with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns.
Please note that the offering for this service will be the annual collection for the First Parish Founders Fund, first taken in 1933 on the 200th anniversary of the church’s organization. It was established in 1934 as a permanent fund to be used primarily for major church needs, such as construction, maintenance, or new equipment.
Flowers given by Jean Rosenberg in memory of her brother John, and her mother Barbara Schwaab-Rosenberg.
Sunday, June 13, 2004 “Coming of Age Ceremony/Flower Communion”
This, our last Sunday of the program year, will include our traditional Flower Communion and Coming of Age Ceremony. Come celebrate our eighth-grade youth as they share their credo stories. Seventh graders and up are invited to stay for the whole service. As is our custom, there will be no spoken announcements or candles during this service. Please bring flowers to share.
Worship Leader: Rev. Carlton E. Smith with Rev. Dr. Barbara Whittaker-Johns and Tina Schultz.
Flowers given by Andrea Winslow in memory of her father, Andrew Pelosi.
Sunday, June 20, 2004 “Father’s Day Service”
This service will be led by Andrew Leonard, Gene Ward, Jacques Duranceau, and others. First Parish members will share their experiences of fatherhood, and music will be provided by father and son e n s e m b l e s .
Sunday, June 27, 2004 “Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation”
This service will be led by Jan Blodgett. The sanctuary will be reconfigured as a labyrinth for us to walk silently with the alternative of a silent meditation reading for those who choose to remain seated. Summer Solstice
Sunday June 20 -- Summer Solstice Celebration
Please join the Pagan group to celebrate the coming of summer at SUNSET ( about 8:30pm or so.) We will celebrate the solstice at Robbins Farm (across from the Bracket School). We invite you to come early for a pot luck picnic at the park. If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Hodges or Wendy Page.
July Serv i c e s
Sunday 4 “Euro Dancing”
Led by Sondra Sperber, who learned this gentle technique in Finland. Exercise that leads to joy!
Sunday July 11 “Poetry Service”
Featuring the poetry of Suzanne Berger, John Burt, and Virginia Thayer.
Sunday 18 “Yoga & UU: One Woman’s Journey of Faith”
Edi Pasalis, a First Parish member, who left four years ago for Harvard Divinity School and Yoga Teacher Training, returns to share her experience of yoga as a spiritual practice and its impact on her life as a UU.
Sunday 25 “Our Faith and the Presidential Election”
Led by Jim Hall. This interactive service will feature brief presentations setting forth the “UU case” for each of the presidential candidates and the cases for and against our church choosing sides, followed by open congregational discussion.

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Summaries of Previous Services:
2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006

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