Called by Love: The First Parish in Brookline Podcast

The full Order of Service is available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rv20O3CIJzVLS-pEB3GLiBg8KSxFRg_nS5pK5iCXSVA/edit# The service begins with a touching rendition of a song expressing gratitude and sharing, evoking strong emotional ties within the community. A significant part of the introduction is dedicated to a land acknowledgment, recognizing the Massachusetts people as the traditional custodians of the land where the congregation gathers, and acknowledging the ongoing issues of broken treaties and land extraction. Jody Leader warmly welcomes attendees, emphasizing inclusivity and openness to individuals regardless of their spiritual journey, race, or gender. The service includes an announcement about ongoing discussions regarding the interim ministry led by Reverend Joe Cherry, suggesting a three-year interim ministry plan, although it is not yet finalized. The service features a hymn, "Gather the Spirit," and a segment for sharing joys and sorrows, where congregants are invited to share their personal stories, reflecting a wide range of human experiences from joy and gratitude to grief and concern. These moments highlight the strong sense of community and support among the congregation. Rev. Joe's sermon draws from Adrienne Marie Brown's work on the importance of generosity and vulnerability in creating durable connections within the community. It also references Reverend Dr. Mark Morrison Reed's essay on the complexities of ministerial relationships, emphasizing the balance between professional obligations and personal affection within the congregational setting. The service includes hymns, a unison chalice lighting, and a benediction inspired by Archbishop Oscar Romero, focusing on the collective efforts of the congregation to plant seeds for the future, despite knowing they may not see the results themselves. It's a reflection on the transient nature of ministerial roles and the eternal aspect of the congregational community, underscoring the themes of hope, community support, and the ongoing work of love and social justice.

You can view and listen to the entire service on our website at: https://firstparishinbrookline.org/2024/02/04/the-power-of-words-february-4-2024-worship-service/

Many thanks to our Sanctuary Boston Musicians: Alex Fam – Ukulele, violin, vocals, music direction Callie Jennings – trumpet, vocals Emma Pawl – vocals Video and full worship service available here: https://firstparishinbrookline.org/2024/02/02/what-we-sow-and-what-we-reap/ From our worship service: “What We Sow and What We Reap” Sanctuary Boston January 28, 2024 Worship Service Gathering Bell Introit Words of Welcome Brad Reich Call to Worship Gathering Music We Shall Be Known – MaMuse Truth Beyond Our Knowledge Words by Matt Meyer Music by Randy Scruggs & John Thompson Unison Chalice Lighting Nos entregamos y nos comprometemos a caminar juntos como congregación, prometiendo con mucha fe cuidarnos mutuamente y deleitarnos en el amor que permanecerá entre nosotros. We give ourselves one unto another, covenanting to walk together. as a congregation, promising faithfully to watch over one another, and to delight for love to abide in our midst. 1717 Covenant (adapted) Stones of Joy and Sorrow Go Out and Love the World Reading “Affirmation” by Assata Shakur Offering Words You may text the dollar amount you wish to give to (617) 996-8956. You may also give online from the First Parish webpage through PayPal or your credit or debit card. If you are also filling part of your pledge, please write “Pledge” in the memo line (Please note that there is a QR code available on the back page). Offertory Improvisation on “Truth Beyond Our Knowledge” Blessing of the Gifts Centering Song Planted – Alex Fam Sermon What We Sow and What We Reap Anthem Sow Good Seeds – Mavis Staples Extinguishing The Chalice Unison Affirmation Apagamos esta llama pero no la luz de la verdad, Ni el calor de la comunidad ni el fuego del compromiso. Estos los llevamos con nosotros y los ofrecemos para bendecir al mundo. We extinguish this flame and not the light of truth, The warmth of community or the fire of commitment. These we carry with us and offer as gifts onto the world. Benediction Closing Song Blessed Unrest – Zo Tobi Upcoming In Our Church 2/2: First Friday Community Dinner! 6-8PM, Lyon Chapel An all ages gathering to nourish community. *Childcare and age-appropriate, lightly supervised activities for children This time we’ll celebrate Imbolc with crafts, dance, music, and conversation. and, as always, Fred Andree’s great entrée: this time it will be lasagna! If you can, please bring a side dish, drink, or dessert to share. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!* 2/10: Community Folk Dance! 7-9PM, Pierce Hall *What is happening? All kinds of folk dances to dance! When and where? FEBRUARY 10! From 7 to 9 pm in Pierce Hall at First Parish in Brookline 382 Walnut St. in Brookline Who? You, friends and family and a wonderful teacher, Marcie van Cleave from the Folk Arts Center of New England* Many thanks to our Musicians, Worship Associate, Greeters and Sanctuary Boston Musicians: Alex Fam – Ukulele, violin, vocals, music direction Callie Jennings – trumpet, vocals Emma Pawl – vocals *Flowers today are given by Eleanor Clarkson*

12 minutes of shared spiritual community, song, reflections, insights and prayer from last Sunday evening in our sanctuary with Jewish, Muslim, Christian & UU members of the Brookline Interfaith Clergy Association. Congregations who participated include: All Saints Parish, First Parish in Brookline, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brookline, TBZ Brookline, Temple Ohabei Shalom, Sinai Brookline, First Church in Chestnut Hill, United Parish in Brookline, Center Communities of Brookline, Congregation Kehillath Israel Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Brookline Muslim Friends, Brookline Church of Christ, Yusuf Mosque Brighton, 2life Communities #Thanksgiving #Brooklinema #peace #Salaam #Shalom You can view the entire Brookline Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at: https://www.facebook.com/FirstParishBrookline/videos/237691399129806 and make a donation to the Brookline Food Pantry at https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/

First Parish In Brookline November 5, 2023 Right-Sizing the Congregation Order of Service Thank You/Send Me (Amanda Udis-Kessler)Chancel Choir, Thank you for everything, all that is. Send me to love and serve and give. Thank you for all that is. As you’ve given, may I give. Thank you. Send me. Opening Hymn Woyaya (Teal Hymnal, #1020) Go Out and Love the World Go out and love the world! Vá e ame o mundo! ¡Vayan a amar al mundo! Ale e renmen tout moun! (2x) AnthemWhat Will I Do? (words: Rev. Marta I. Valentín; music: Chancel Choir Mark David Buckles; arr. Keith Kirchoff) What will I do? Where will I go? When will I know? It’s time to set sail or sow? Offertory Sunday Mornings (Susan Werner)Lisa Barone Sunday morning There is someplace that i'm supposed to be Keeps returning The feeling keeps coming over me Just like music Or like sunlight on a distant memory Sunday mornings Sunday mornings My mother choosing what to wear My father combs his jet black hair We are their little prizes In our mary janes and clip on ties We hurry down the aisle The neighbors smile because we're late again On Sunday mornings There is someplace that I'm supposed to be Keeps returning The feeling keeps coming over me Just like music Or like sunlight on a distant memory Sunday mornings Sunday mornings Daddy prays because the money's tight Mama prays she'll raise her children right And my brother prays he'll change So he won't feel so very strangely out of tune And I went back the other day Closed my eyes and tried to pray But a voice spoke loud and clear "You ask too many questions, dear" And i said, "You asked too few" That's why i still don't know quite what to do On Sunday mornings There is someplace that i'm supposed to be Sunday mornings Sunday mornings Closing Hymn We Give Thanks (Teal Hymnal, #1010)

From our Camp Service on Sunday, May 29th, the First Parish Brookline Irregular String Band, featuring Martha, Landon, Eric, and Nathan, playing "Simple Gifts" Video available at: https://fb.watch/kROe1Gqucn/

From last Sunday's Coming of Age Sunday service, Adrian Jones and Landon Rose performing a beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", as interpreted by Jeff Buckley. (Sometimes when you think you've heard enough of a very popular song, you realize that just isn't the case) Leonard Cohen explained the meaning behind the song whilst leaving it open to interpretation in his trademark poetic fashion: “Hallelujah is a Hebrew word which means ‘Glory to the Lord,” he explained. “The song explains that many kinds of Hallelujahs do exist. I say: All the perfect and broken Hallelujahs have an equal value. It’s a desire to affirm my faith in life, not in some formal religious way but with enthusiasm, with emotion.” Whereas Buckley interpreted the lyrics in his own way, the late singer referred to his voluptuous rendition of the track as being a "a song about sex, about love, about life on earth." https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/jeff-buckley-made-leonard-cohens-hallelujah-masterpiece/

Last Sunday, The Sanctuary Boston band graced our sanctuary with their music and presence. Here is a "Just the Music" edit of that lovely experience. Thanks to the Sanctuary Band Musicians: Callie Jennings, Alex Fam, Taiward Wider #unitarianuniversalist #sanctuaryboston #uumusic #worshipmusic #worship

April 30, 2023 Choir member, RE Committee Member, OWL Teacher, Youth Choir Director, and all around fun-loving human Kiara Zani shared her reflection on our Religious Exploration program in our annual "RE Service" today. She wove together the "Into the Woods" theme from the music of the Voice choir, with thoughts shared by our RE teachers, and her own insights and call to action that "We CAN make it so!".

From January 8, 2023 Rev. Tom Owens-Towle says that each of us harbors “dragons” inside of us: fear, anger, envy, hate, judgement, just to name a few. It’s the work of a lifetime to tame those dragons in ourselves and in our relationships. In the end, it is love that meets, befriends and heals, inviting us to encounter the truth of who we are, who we were meant to be: beings of love and compassion, healing ourselves and all those we meet. Rev. Lisa preaching. Songs from the service, following the sermon.

October 2022. Brookline, MA Welcome to Footprints, a neighborhood walking tour of Indigenous history in support of the reparations mission of First Parish in Brookline. It has also become a story about Susanna Backus. There isn’t a lot we know about Susanna, but what we know, and even some of what we don’t, tells a story of this neighborhood. So follow along on Footprints, and let us introduce you to Susanna Backus, who may be the only Indigenous person buried at Walnut Street Cemetery, in a neighborhood where memory of Native people has been largely erased. Walking Tour Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1yCj4vl-QoEI97pCJBNlXHYp5qkurA7U&usp=sharing You can walk the route while listening to the tour or just listen at home. Those physically taking this tour should know that it is about a mile in length, includes hills, some of them steep, and that while it is mostly on sidewalks, there are a few curbs and stairs, two short but narrow trails through the woods, and a hilly cemetery. Depending on your pace and how long you stop at each place, the tour should take about hour. The recording, played without stopping, is 34 minutes. A warning: There are brutal aspects to this story that might be uncomfortable to hear. The erasure of Native Americans here involves kidnapping, slavery, genocide, colonizing, and land theft. We won’t wallow in that language, but we can’t avoid it. This podcast tour is based on the research of Ann Gilmore, Barbara Brown and Hidden Brookline and also many Indigenous authors. It was assembled and recorded by Jody Leader and Paul McLean, members of First Parish in Brookline, Unitarian Universalist. The walk takes us through the grounds of Lincoln School, down the length of Hedge Road, and then proceeds a block west on Boylston Street, to the Brookline Reservoir. There we turn around and walk through the woods of Friedman Park, then across Walnut Street to First Parish church. We will end at the Old Burying Ground on Walnut Street. This street, long before it was paved and named for the food-producing tree, was a path used by the Massachusett and other Native people to travel east to west. Algonquian was their language. Massachusetts took its name from the tribe. More information and links here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OcydxqFDJ1m4lqxXOQ-0yBzOXA_NLLhMI95WPvElx8Q/edit?usp=sharing This is a GoodNaturedBrookline.org associated production!

"Love That Lets Go" The Reverend Elizabeth Nguyen and Sanctuary Boston http://thesanctuaryboston.org/about/

From April 3, 2022 Our Racial Justice Action Committee has spent over a year researching and working to understand the history of First Parish related to the enslavement of people of African descent and the dispossession of indigenous land. This is our collective heritage, the building, grounds, and wealth that benefit us here today. With reflections from Ann Gilmore, Ron Wilkinson, and Rev. Lisa, as well as a ritual of lamentation and healing, we will encounter the feelings, thoughts and reactions that arise when we face this history. Please join us. The Theft of Indigenous Land and The Enslavement of Indigenous and African Peoples in Brookline In preparation for this service, we invite you to view the recording of our Feb 15, 2022 presentation on our congregation’s historical connections to the theft of Indigenous land and the enslavement of Indigenous and African people. https://firstparishinbrookline.org/event/sunday-service-43/?instance_id=4412

"While everyone has made the best of our virtual spiritual world, there's nothing like coming home to church family." Elizabeth McIntire gives her Canvass Testimonial, from Sunday, March 13, 2022

When crisis strikes, our most important ministry is to help those in distress find inner reserves of strength. Learn about the UU Trauma Response Ministry and gain compassionate response techniques you can use with people you care about. Bio: Dr. Melanie Davis is a Team Lead for the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry, and she is the UUA’s Our Whole Lives Program Manager. Learn more about UU Trauma Response at: https://www.uua.org/safe/response/trauma-response Watch the service video on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/74250389498/videos/3902700106525300

Jody Leader leads a virtual worship service of stories of Resilience and Persistence, inspired by Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. We are honored to have Liberian immigrant Konah Brownell preaching. Also part of this early-summer weave: Madeline Fine’s poignant photos of resilient injured trees; Gerry Leader’s tale of persistent osprey; the Spirit Women Circle’s recitation of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” Emily Wheeler’s performance of gospel singer Merry Clayton’s searing ballad “Beautiful Scars,” and more. Susan Larrabee will be our guide as Worship Associate. Order of service: https://firstparishinbrookline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-06-20-first-parish-in-brookline-oos.pdf

Today, we are going to return to a practice called "Poetry Insights". It is also called Lectio Divina, or "divine reading". We are going to practice a secular version, but you can of course choose a passage of scripture if you like - any passage of reading that you would like to bring more focused attention to.

The Introit song from our June 13, 2021 service. Watch the full service here: https://www.facebook.com/74250389498/videos/199851225345158 "Found:Tonight" (Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben JPasek, Justin Paul) Performed by Adrian Jones & Keith Kirchoff, Music Director Lyrics and the full order of service are available at: https://firstparishinbrookline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-06-13-first-parish-in-brookline-oos.pdf

Welcome back to Tiny Spiritual Practices. A time that is just for you, to reconnect, to deepen your meditation practice, to explore new ways of being... perhaps to gain peace in your life, or simply to take a tiny break in your busy day, because you deserve it... we all do! There are no rules for our practices, you can follow along, or simply listen, and try it on your own later. This is for you. I am so glad you are here. Today we'll try a beautiful practice called "Basket of Support".

Welcome back, to Tiny Spiritual Practices... a time just for you, to reconnect, to deepen your meditation practice... to explore new ways of being... to regain peace in your life.. or simply to take a tiny break in your day, because you deserve it... we all do! We are going to try a Tapping and Focusing meditation. Tapping is an ancient healing technique, and we'll just get a small taste of this practice today.