Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts

"The Zoom Where it Happens" by Anne Quaadgras, June 20, 2021

Prayer by Elizabeth Hunter. Lay leader Anne Quaadgras says, "Lectio Divina has been an important spiritual practice for me for almost ten years. Moving this centuries old practice online has led me to unexpected insights: about community, the ability of old texts to inspire in new times, and the power of getting to try again."   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songb...

"We Are Each Holy" by Rev. Erica Richmond, June 13, 2021

Come and join us for worship on Pride Sunday! We will lift up our unique identities and the beauty of our community. Rev. Erica Richmond is preaching and together we will recall our annual flower ceremony.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay...

"A Playful Faith" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, June 6, 2021

Must faith be a serious endeavor? This Sunday Rev. Marta Flanagan Muses about the lighter side of the religious life.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan.

"The Interdependent Web of Community Care" by Rev. Aisha Hauser, May 30, 2021

Humans are learning more and more how trees, plants, animals and mammals take care of each other through complex systems of care. Aisha Hauser will give examples from nature and offer lessons that humans would do well to learn from.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spok...

"Tethered to What?" by Rev. Erica Richmond, May 23, 2021

The world is rapidly reopening, we are being asked to adapt and adjust faster than anyone anticipated. How do we stay balanced in the face of this? How might we move from languishing to flourishing together? Spiritual community makes room for our whole selves and our individual voices while also inviting us draw upon the power of the collective.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the F...

"Coming of Age" by First Parish Youth, May 16, 2021

Join us for this special annual worship service and celebration in which the Coming of Age students share their personal credos. Come and be inspired by the youth growing up in our time! Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and Rev. Marta...

"Remembering Well" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, May 9, 2021

On Mother’s Day, Rev. Marta Flanagan explores the power of memory in our lives. What is good to remember? What is good to let go of? Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan.

"Who Are Your People?" by Rev. Erica Richmond, May 2, 2021

Civil Rights activist, Ella Baker, would often ask, when meeting someone new, "who are your people?" This was her way of prioritizing relationships and community in her activism. Rev. Erica explores how there is a spiritual hunger for connections even in an isolated world.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is t...

"Living Our Faith" annual lay led service, April 25, 2021

 First Parish celebrates the work of our members across a wide range of social justice initiatives in the annual Living Our Faith service. The Social Justice Committee welcomes speakers James Ptacek, Alice Austin, and Genevieve Baldwin to share how they live their faith through their work for justice in our world.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing To...

"What in God's Name?!" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, April 18, 2021

What in God’s Name?! If God is not a white man with blue eyes sitting amidst the clouds, what what might we be left with?    Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan.

"It’s Not a Card, It’s a Whole Deck; How Racism Harms Us All" by Marta Pearson, April 11, 2021

Is there anything more cringe-worthy than when people say, with disdain in their voices, “Why are they playing the race card again?” We must realize that the “cards” are a very real fact of our everyday lives and the lives of our children & grandchildren; actual events that have and continue to affect and wound us. Until then it will continue to be us vs. them, and we all pay a price. Why do UUs who are on the right side of race issues need to hear this? To gather the cards to share with pe...

"Easter Sunday: Hope Moves!" by Rev. Erica Richmond, April 4, 2021

This Easter worship, we lift up all the ways we embody hope. On this holy day, we will honor the ways hope has felt dormant and the ways we might help it come alive again. Matt Meyer is our guest musician for this special service. Matt Meyer has a degree in hand drumming and travels the country as an itinerant UU worship leader. He serves as the Director of Operations and Community Life for Sanctuary Boston, a contemporary UU worship community that gathers on Wednesday evenings. https://www....

"Moses What" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Mar 28, 2021

Following up on her sermon on the first Sunday in Lent on Jesus, this Sunday Rev. Marta Flanagan considers the life and spiritual lessons of Moses for us this year on the first day of Passover and Palm Sunday.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish...

"A Warm Breeze Blew" by Rev. Erica Richmond, March 21, 2021

As we mark a year of virtual services, Rev. Erica Richmond will reflect on the losses and lessons of COVID. Using wisdom of ancient voices, we will explore what it means to honor our pain while claiming hope. Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay ...

"Youth Sunday: Escape" Youth Led Service, Mar. 7, 2021

Come join the First Parish youth (high school aged) in their exploration of escape. Witness how our youth have navigated the past year’s challenges and how they describe the places they go to in times of joy and sorrow. This time of year, First Parish encourages good stewardship from its spiritual community. If you feel moved to contribute to the First Parish community financially, you may donate online at https://firstparish.info/give/ or text the phrase “fpuu offering” to 73256. Thank yo...

"Together, Stronger Still" by Rev. Erica Richmond, Feb. 28, 2021

This Sunday kicked off our Stewardship Campaign, our annual time of fundraising for our congregation. We reflect on the goodness of our community, the ways we sustained ourselves during an extraordinary year, and how generosity lets us build the beloved community we yearn for. If you feel moved to contribute to the First Parish community financially, you may donate online at https://firstparish.info/give/ or text the phrase “fpuu offering” to 73256. Thank you for your support and generosit...

"Jesus Who?" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Feb, 21 2021

On the First Sunday in Lent Rev. Marta Flanagan considers what we are to make of Jesus: the teacher, prophet, savior and liberator. Next month on the first day of Passover Marta will preach the second sermon in this series: “Moses What?” The art referenced in this episode is contained in the episode thumbnail and includes: Superman Jesus, Unknown Head of Christ, Warner Sallman, 1940 Christ Pantocrator of St. Catherine’s Monastery at Sinai, 6th century Forensic Rendering of Christ, R...

"What We Know About Love" Lay Led Annual Credo Service, Feb. 14, 2021

Credo Services have been a treasured part of worship at First Parish. Credo is from the Latin meaning “I Believe.” Credo statements are statements of faith or belief based on personal experiences. Members of the congregation find inspiration by the example of credo speakers to consider what they themselves may believe. In honor of the service falling on Valentine's day, we're trying a slight variation for this particular service: all "speakers" are actually couples: Mary-Beth Landy & her wif...

"Beloved Community Unfolds" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Feb 7, 2021

The Buddha spoke of enlightenment and Nirvana. The Hebrew people spoke of a “Promised Land. Jesus spoke of a “Kingdom of God.” Rev. Marta Flanagan asks: what was the dream and what should it be now?   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leader...

"Step by Step" by Rev. Wendy Page, Jan 31, 2021

On the path to healing and wholeness, we can hit obstacles and get turned around. What do we need in order to commit to the sometimes-discouraging, sometimes-confounding journey? Let's explore these twists and turns together in the ongoing commitment to justice. About our Guest Preacher: Rev. Wendy Page is a Unitarian Universalist minister who serves as a chaplain in both hospital and hospice settings. She works at MGH and St Elizabeth Hospitals and Ascend Hospice. Wendy has been a member ...

"How You and I Got Here" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Jan 24, 2021

How do you imagine you got the life you have? How do you imagine others got the life they have? Rev. Marta Flanagan considers the importance our imaginings make – in our lives and in the world.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and...

"Cultivating a Prophetic Imagination" by Rev. Erica Richmond, Jan 17, 2021

In this episode we honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King junior. As a spiritual community, we have a theological obligation to cultivate an imagination that dreams of a better and more just world. In these times, how might we learn from MLK's faithful call to act even in the face of uncertainty and even when we can't predict the outcomes?   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in th...

"A Precarious Life Well Lived" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Jan. 10, 2021

The worship theme for the month of January is imagination. We live with dangers both real and imagined. Rev. Marta Flanagan considers the precariousness of life as well as the prevalence of precarity, an idea and a reality, in our lives and times.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice. Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopt...

"A Leap of Faith" by Rev. Erica Richmond, Jan 3, 2021

Welcome to 2021! This Sunday we will be celebrating the new year and the holiday of Epiphany. We recall the ancient story of the three magi; how they followed a bright star and found the manger. But who else was there, how did they get there, how did the event change them? As we embark of individual and collective journeys, what authority do we trust and how do we make those leaps?   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “A...

"Poetry for the New Year" lay led, Dec 27, 2020

Worship Associate Elizabeth Hunter leads us in an appreciation of poetry and a sharing of the truths we find in our favorites. Parishioners share original and favorite poems in this annual end of the year episode.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First P...

"Christmas Eve Candlelight Service" led by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan and Rev. Erica Richmond, Dec 24, 2020

Share the Spirt of Christmas Eve with others! This special Christmas Eve episode contains music by our choir – recorded this month in a drive-in choir session, readings of the Gospel by First Parish children and features music by the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra Brass & Percussion, and Diane Taraz.

"Learning from the Earth" by Rev. Erica Richmond, Dec 20, 2020

Just as the earth turns, so do we, we turn towards the solstice and to what is next. How do we connect with the earth during the winter season? As we move towards the end of Advent and towards Christmas, what might the earth teach us?   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music Director Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 s...

"A Time for Contemplation" Vespers by Rev. Erica Richmond, Dec 18, 2020

Join Rev. Erica for an evening of worship and meditation. This vespers service is a chance for evening contemplation as we make our way through Advent. Listenfor a quiet evening of community and sacred connection. Readings:  Blessing for Traveling in the Dark by Jan Richardson Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit Psalm 23 for This Moment by Kevin Tarsa Don’t Hesitate by Mary Oliver You Have to Know your Body as the Home of God by Rebecca Parker

"Embrace the Darkness" Special Friday Worship Service, Dec 11, 2020

Some say it is their favorite service of the entire year. There is something intimate and magical about worshiping at night. For the last ten years, we have offered a service on a Friday evening in December we call “Embrace the Darkness.” This worship service provides a contemplative approach amidst the holiday season. It acknowledges our losses and concerns as well as naming our hopes and consolations. This episode includes poetry, prayer, and the lighting of candles.   Podcast introduc...

"Annunciations Aplenty" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Dec 13, 2020

On the third Sunday in Advent and the third day of Hanukkah, we consider the question of what we to do when met with what is improbable, irrational, frightful and perhaps wonderful. This episode's sermon references three paintings. You may view these paintings by simultaneously watching the supplemental video downloadable at https://bit.ly/38pyl51 "The Annunciation" by Matthias Stom "Annunciation" by John Collier  "Annunciation" by Raphael Soyer  "The Annunciation" by Henry Ossawa T...

"And So We Wait" by Rev. Erica Richmond, Dec 6, 2020

Rev. Erica Richmond explores the second Sunday of Advent during this worship service. This time invites us into uncomfortable waiting- how do we sit with disquieting anticipation? How might we connect to the grace and stillness of the season?   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted i...

"Credo Service" lay led, Nov 29, 2020

Credo means "I believe" in Latin. Periodically, Worship Associates ask First Parish members to offer personal statements of belief. Based on their personal experience, members speak of what they trust to be true. Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish...

"How to Give Thanks This Year of Years" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Nov 22, 2020

Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spoken here by First Parish lay leaders and Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan.

"Music Sunday: Carrying On" led by Jonathan Brennand, Nov 15, 2020

Featuring guest harpist, Charles Overton. With reflections by parishioners Julius Pereli, Adam MacNeill, and Alice Austin I. Magnificat From Magnificat, BWV 243 By J.S. Bach First Parish Choir & Orchestra Music Sunday March 13, 2016  Andante from Violin Sonata No.2 in A minor, BWV 1003 By J.S. Bach Charles Overton Guest Harpist “Going Home” From Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” By Antonin Dvorak First Parish Bell Choir, Jenifer Kobayashi, Director Recorded November 8, 202...

"Making Our Way in the Muchness" by Rev. Erica Richmond, Nov 8, 2020

As we all take a collective breath, as we make sense of this election week, how do we move forward? What are we called to say yes to next? We will continue to build the world we are aching for and all of us have a unique part to play. Let us take care of ourselves for the long-haul, celebrating and mourning, all the while taking risks to position our tiny boat, on an expansive sea, towards justice. Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenn...

"Before an Election" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Nov 1, 2020

Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan preaches on exploring the spiritual underpinnings needed for this moment. Thumbnail art is a pictured VOTE sculpture by Arlington High School graduate Griffin Gould installed on the meetinghouse front lawn. Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Introduction language is the Mission Statement adopted in 2010 spok...

"Annual Shinn Service" by Rev. Stephen Schick, Oct 25, 2020

"In Dark Times the Eye Begins to See"* For many of us darkness has fallen into our soul and we feel exiled in a strange land waiting for the elections to save us. We lament with Langston Hughes: O, let America be America again. The land that never has been yet. And yet must be. What do we do in this darkness? Do we begin to see more clearly the wisdom in our living tradition of faith, hope and love? Or, do we let the darkness enfold us in fear and anger? Together, through stories, poetry and...

"Coming of Age" credos by First Parish Youth, Oct 11, 2020

In a time when so much feels uncertain in our world, it is important for us to remember and to honor the children and youth. At Frist Parish, we do that by listening to their experiences and insights during our annual Coming of Age service. This year the participants are freshmen in high school. After months of intensive study and reflection with volunteer adult mentors they have crafted credos, or faith statements of belief, which they will share with the congregation virtually. Please join...

"The Connections Between Us" by Rev. Erica Richmond, Oct. 18, 2020

Many religious traditions the world over honor their ancestors during the autumn months. It is time to reflect on death, loss, and how we honor the memories of those who have passed. Join us for this worship service as we come together in collective grief and hope. Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Introduction language is the Mission ...

"Turning towards Emerging Truths" by Rev. Erica Richmond, Oct 4, 2020

Rev. Erica Richmond preaches on our new month’s theme, Deep Listening. When we truly listen, what new truths emerge? About our history, about our feelings, about how we proceed in the current climate? Ideas that felt permanent are perhaps more transmutable than we originally thought possible.   Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Intro...

"Awakening to Inner Truths" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Sept 27, 2020

September's Theme in worship and religious education is Renewal. This Sunday Rev. Marta Flanagan preaches the second of a two part sermon series in conjunction with the Jewish High Holidays. This Sunday she asks: “In these times of pandemic and turmoil, how do we renew our commitments to what is god and right?” Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Ju...

"Awakening to the Sweetness of Life" by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Sept 20, 2020

September’s theme in worship and religious education is renewal. This week and the next Rev. Marta Flanagan preaches a sermon series in conjunction with the Jewish High Holidays. This Sunday she asks, “How in our times of pandemic and turmoil do we renew and awaken our sense of the sweetness of life?” Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  ...

"Ingathering-When the Well Feels Empty” by Rev. Erica Richmond, Sept. 13, 2020

As we come together, we will honor the complexity of the season, how each of us might be struggling with renewal in a time of metaphorical and literal drought. What spiritual resources can be draw from when the well feels empty? How can we still connect to sweetness of the season? Podcast introduction music composed and played by First Parish Music DIrector Emeritus, Kenneth Seitz: “Amen, Blessed Be;" number 14 in the First Parish songbook, Singing Toward Justice.  Introduction language...

"Pandemic, Policing, and Possibility" led by Tom Estabrook, David Whitford, Anne Wright, Sep 6, 2020

What faith-related insights do you have from the pandemic, the protests against police violence against Black people, and the effect on society of these concurrent crises? What societal or political/economic changes do you see, imagine or hope for?

"Holding Paradox" by Tracy Walton, Aug 23, 2020

"Building Community in Challenging Times" by Lori Kenschaft

Featuring “Neighborly Love” by Peter Mayer

"Getting on a Racial Justice Journey" with Testimonials from First Parish Members

Summer lay led worship by Marilyn Downs, Mary Breen, Clarissa Rodriguez, Jim Jolley, Ellen Vliet Cohen and Alan Linov

"Giving and Receiving as a Spiritual Practice" by Melanie Cohn-Hopwood, Aug 2, 2020

"Brave Enough to Listen" by Mary Breen, July 26, 2020

"Who Are You?" by Mara Prentiss, July 19, 2020