"Where flowers bloom so does hope."

Lady Bird Johnson (1912 - 2007)

Sunday Services (Hybrid, 11am)

Mar 2   "A Wedding- The Marriage of our Values and our Resources"

..................Rev. Steve Wilson

In this Pledge service, we will using the living metaphor of a bride and groom coming together suggest that our church is a rare place where our values, or what we love, comes together in a formal way with our resources. 

Mar 9   "The Next Most Elegant Step"

.................Rev. Nannene Gowdy

The election didn't go as we had hoped. Years of working for justice have been turned on its head. Now what? 

Mar 16    "Spotlight on Clara Barton"

............... Stephanie Trudel

Please join First Parish, as we Celebrate Women's History Month with a Spotlight on Clara Barton! Clara is most well known for her work in bringing the Red Cross to the United States, as well as her work as a nurse. Did you know that she was a Universalist? Come and learn more about this amazing woman on March 16th.

Mar 23   "Spring Brunch Worship Gathering!",

............... Reb Yaakov "Trek" Reef

Join us as we celebrate the turning of the year to the Vernal Equinox once again here in the Northern Hemisphere. Our worship service will be centered around sharing a brunch meal together. This is an excellent service to invite friends or newcomers to check us out! If you would like to contribute something to brunch, please contact treef@meadville.edu

Mar 30   "Community Building",

............... Teresa English

Using building blocks, we will explore the importance of community, the roles within, and how to find (or build) the community you need. Taking inspiration from leaders operating outside European colonialism allows for greater creativity and potential. Join us, won't you?

Rev. Steve Wilson began serving UU congregations in 2003 after completing his M.Div at Boston University. He recently returned from California to be with family and is our ¼ time minister. He balances humor, spirituality, and a deep commitment to service in his sermons and deeds. In addition to preaching 2x a month, he leads a writing class and an Adult RE class each month. Rev. Steve is also serving our pastoral care needs.

Stephanie Trudel is currently serving in her third year as Lay Minister at First Church UU of Leominster. She also serves on the board of the Montachusett Martin Luther King J. Coalition and is deeply committed to Social and Racial Justice. She finds peace and connection in nature. She also enjoys reading, poetry, gardening and Taylor Swift. 

Yaakov "Trek" Reef (he/they) is a guide, student, and teacher of wilderness spirituality and deep ecology. His work includes leading workshops, directing retreats, and serving as a guest in the pulpit at churches, synagogues, and meeting houses throughout the Northeast. Trek is an NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, a SOLO Certified Wilderness First Responder, and an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Presently, they are an Aspirant Minister (sponsored by our congregation) studying for the Unitarian Universalist ministry and has begun a Masters of Divinity program at Meadville Lombard Theological School.

After 23 years in active parish ministry, Rev. Nannene Gowdy retired. For several years after that, she preached in Billerica and Pittsfield once a month, leaving Pittsfield after she sold her house in the Berkshires. She is happy to continue in Billerica and to stay in touch with this loving congregation. The rest of her time is spent with family, especially her grandson, Griffin, who everyone knows is either Mozart or Einstein.

Teresa English currently serves as the Administrator of First Parish Church, Sunday School Teacher, and hosts a monthly book club. She loves the community of First Parish Church and will be attending Meadville Lombard Theological School beginning this fall. She first began organizing communities through political action but has shifted towards building communities based on value sharing and empowerment. She lives with her husband, their two sons, nephew, dog, and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys walks in the woods, embroidery, and writing.

Church Office Hours

Mon..9 - 2pm

Thur..9 - 2pm (Virtual)

Fri.....9 - 2pm 

April Newsletter Deadline

Sunday, Mar 23

If you have anything that you would like included in the April Billerica Banner, please submit it to Teresa.

Leave a note on the desk, in the mailbox, e-mail admin@uubillerica.org or call 978-663-2293.

Early submissions are appreciated! 

Did you know we have three separate newsletters?

Monthly - Billerica Banner (this one)

Weekly - Service Information and upcoming events

Social Justice - to stay apprised of the committee's actions

If you would like to change your subscription settings, send an email to admin@uubillerica.org

Minister’s Corner

“What’s going on at your Billerica church?  A UU minister friend of mine asked me.  

It was the kind of generic question friends crossing paths might ask one another.  Not knowing exactly where to begin I uttered the following rather pathetic response… “You know… church stuff.”  This of course immediately sounded much more dismissive than I feel about what we are collectively about and disrespectful of all we do.  Realizing my flip response was inadequate, I added an urgent and apologetic but perhaps even more laughable…“Good church stuff, mostly good church stuff.”  

Knowing we deserved far more credit than that, I remember saying, “Really, the amount of things we engage in, and programming we do is impressive,”  Soon enough the conversation with my UU minister pal turned to complaints about the weather and the President.  

As the minister of our church, I could not shake how poorly I answered this simple question.  I walked away a little unsettled that I didn’t give you and us our due.  Suffering for the lack of a do-over, I decided to document all that I could and should have been said about us as a church.  The truth is, you all impress me.  

Here is what I wish I had said three weeks ago:  

We in Billerica, largely without me pushing, or even largely being involved, have a recent commitment to engaging a group of people in Lowell living around a local church.  Although this ministry rests on the shoulders of just a few, the truth of it can choke me up with pride.  Supported by many contributions from others, the thought of what Lisa, Mike, and Teresa do both shames me and chokes me up with pride. 

Speaking of service, I should and could have mentioned that we, as “First Parish” in conjunction with a small group of locals called “the Sunshine Gals”,  host not one but two weekend Community Meals.  

And the same couple who lead our church’s community meals program are also the hosts of an open mic afternoon that happens about every other month.  At present, we are looking to do better outreach around that to strengthen attendance.  

I also could have but failed to mention to my UU friend that we just hosted a great Gospel Concert, or that attendance on Sundays, particularly in regard to children, has been on the rise.  Although the numbers in our RE program are still in the single digits, the average number of kids running around on any given Sunday has doubled over the last year. 

I could have brought up to my Rev. pal that we hosted a Project 2025 workshop that we hoped would lead to some direct political action, but that fizzled.  Still, monthly we all meet and combine some practical political act like writing “get out the vote” postcards or phone banking with a conversation about what should come next.  We have a handful of people who are engaged enough politically to always drag us into something new. 

I could or should have shared with my friend that our small community regularly runs a couple of Adult Ed programs.  One a theology discussion group that I lead, alongside a generally always shifting heretical book group led by Teresa.  At present, our historic church and its small membership host a pilot program called WEAV, that in its full flower is designed to be one of the means for educating our own members nationally about how to relate to our shared values.

I could have, probably should have mentioned that annually on the Monday nights of Lent, First Parish hosts a very successful traditional egg decorating workshop, and that Belly Dancing classes and demonstrations annually gyrate through our building.  

I never raised that we are home to a UU CUPPS pagan group, or that we provide space to the Girl Scouts, a Model Makers club, and regularly rent to what I suspect are the most diverse population of short-term renters than any other building in town. 

Had I mentioned that I could/should have said that we frequently rent space to diverse groups of recent immigrants, collect and distribute clothes for recent migrants to the area, and are via the local Billerica interfaith group connected to the local Sunni Muslim mosque known as the Masjid Anjuman-e-Ezzi.  That might not seem like much, but in a quiet way it embodies the kind of inter-religious and multicultural cooperation the world needs more of.  In that spirit, we are about to host three Spring Interfaith Lunches. 

I could have shared that we are deeply involved in the local Interfaith Clergy Association, hosting many local clergy meetings and every November host an annual townwide Thanksgiving Service. 

It would have been worth sharing that we have a solid little team of people who have the thankless job of keeping our beautiful building alive, and worked to recently better insulated it. 

In an effort to create fun events for our community, I could have mentioned that we have been engaging in fun social trips, camping, canoeing, roller-skating, and bouncing around on trampolines.  

We have often without much success, but with a persistence that is admirable, hosted teen LGBTQ dances, justice themed movies, and have a cool presence at Lowell’s Pride Parade.

That is of course a far more comprehensive list than I was capable of, or even appropriately part of an answer to the passing cordial question… “What is going on at my new church?”  So, I thought I would pause to document and share it.

What would have been important to say to my friend was that I have faith that people in our church will do positive things because there are people at First Parish who can simply get things done. 

The truth is… The world needs us, and those like us gathered in small free volunteer groups to uphold the norms that although pitched to working people, we know actually undermine the well-being of the most vulnerable in our society. 

This mini-Renaissance in First Parish activities is no doubt driven by the fact that now more than ever people need a place and a community to retain their sanity.  And, I think given our size, we are providing that.

Rev. Steve

CHURCH OUTING

Sun | March 2nd | 1pm | Roller Kingdom, Tyngsboro

Join us for the second Roller Kingdom Roller skating/Blading Trip after coffee hour.

We will leave the church at 1pm and carpool to Roller Kingdom returning to the church by 3:30pm.

The normal $15 Dollar admission charge and $3 rentals for skates will be covered by the church. Waivers are required and can be filled out online, or in Tyngsboro at Roller Kingdom. Parents/Adults who wish to enter can do so at their own expense. On this outing, we will discuss the moral, cultural, and religious implications of the invention of the wheel. No. No, we won’t, just kidding. But, Yes, they rent everything you need.

Roller Kingdom, 355 Middlesex Rd in Tyngsboro, (978) 649-3439

GORDON GIBB COMMUNITY LUNCH

Sat | March 8th | 11:30 - 1 | Parish Hall

PYSANKY EGG DECORATING

Mondays during Lent | March 10th - April 14th | 7-9pm | Parish Hall

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Thursday | Mar 13 | 7pm | Zoom

The Trustees meet once monthly on Zoom to discuss a wide variety of matters concerning the running of our congregation. All members of the congregation are warmly invited to attend these monthly meetings. If you have any ideas you’d like the Trustees to consider, please let a Trustee know and we will try to place it on the next agenda for discussion.

Our next, and final, book is The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs - a fun read about strong women in New England. I found myself laughing, crying, and feeling inspired. We will meet upstairs in RM2 and we'll have bubbly beverages.

Banned Books are featured in this year's Book Club hosted by Teresa English. We meet on a Friday evening, once a month, to discuss the book and the culture of banning books. If financial concerns prevent you from participating, please let Teresa know and arrangements can be made. Reading the book in advance will allow for richer and deeper conversation, but if you do not finish, please join us anyway.

For more information, contact Teresa at 770-713-4276 or teresa.n.english@gmail.com

SPIRIT DRUM CIRCLE

Mar 15 | 1 - 3pm | Parish Hall

Join us for a Spirit Drum Circle from 1 - 3pm at First Parish Church in the Parish Hall. Spirit Drum is a unique blend of Earth-honoring ritual, meditative drumming, sacred chant and healing sound exploration.  Dave "Drumhead" Curry will teach a mini drumming instruction workshop and then lead the Spirit Drum Circle. 

Admission is free, but a $10 donation to FPC is suggested. 

There will be drums and shakers available but people are encouraged to bring their own small hand drums.  The Spirit Drum Circle is a wonderful way to calm down, relax, and be peaceful.  

Hope to see you there!

The Billerica Interfaith Association is excited for the 2025 Spring Luncheons with worship service on Wednesday afternoons during the season of Lent. This year there will be 3 luncheons with faith communities collaborating to provide the buffet lunch and worship service. Each luncheon will be held at First Parish Church in our Parish Hall and Sanctuary. The luncheons begin at 11:45 and are followed by a short worship service from 12:30 to 1:00. All are welcome to these free community gatherings and encouraged to come to any or all of these luncheons, enjoy good food and fellowship and to bring family, neighbors, and friends!

Since we are hosting three luncheons this year, our primary responsibility is set up and clean up. Volunteers should connect with Rev. Steve or Jeanne Landers.

March 19th

First Congregational,

St. Anne’s Episcopal

Temple Shalom Emeth

March 26th

St Matthews Parish,

and North Billerica Baptist

April 2nd

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

Anjuman E-Ezzi (Masjid)

The Sunshine Gals Kitchen, Inc. (a non-profit org. based in Billerica, focused on economic and social outreach for our residents) will be providing monthly luncheons for families living in Billerica. These luncheons will be homemade and served at the First Parish Church.

Everyone is welcome!

More Exciting Events!

SPRING FOREST THERAPY WALK

Sun | March 23rd | 2pm

The Association for Wilderness Engagement is presenting a Spring Forest Therapy Walk here in Billerica on Sunday, March 23rd at 2:00 PM. Led by Trek Reef, Certified Guide.

Sliding scale price: $30-50 per person. Valued at $45 per person.

No one turned away due to lack of finances - just sent an email to trek.reef@wildawe.org to request a discounted or complimentary rate.

Register here:wildawe.org/event-details/spring-forest-therapy-walk

Get ready to Meet the Moment at the 2025 General Assembly! We’re thrilled to share the first look at our schedule grid, featuring a blend of in-person and virtual programming designed to connect, inspire, and empower our Unitarian Universalist community. From transformative worship experiences to thought-provoking Learning Labs, powerful featured speakers, and the always-anticipated Ware Lecture, this year's program will have something for everyone. 

We’ll share more details in the coming months as our program takes shape! Remember, this schedule is subject to change, so stay tuned for updates and get ready to make the most of GA 2025 in Baltimore and online. We can’t wait to connect with you! 

Humorous Dessert

• The music for today’s service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.
• A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday.
• Hymn: “I Love Thee My Ford.”
• Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

Coffee Hour: We are returning to a rotating schedule of hosting. Please sign up for a Sunday in person or by letting Deirdre Leger know. 



Welcoming Committee: Greeters are needed! Greeters are often the first face visitors encounter at our church and can serve as a friendly welcome when they arrive.

Housing Forum

Thursday, April 10th from 10am to 3pm we, as members of Billerica’s Interfaith Clergy Group, are involved with a Housing Forum at the Latter-Day Saints church just down the street at 70 Concord Rd. This is a free event

Green Up Clean Up Day

Saturday, April 19th, 2025 is Billerica’s “Green-Up Clean-Up Day”. Mark your calendars

because we historically have joined in on the work and fun of cleaning up an area around town. Details TBD

St. Paul's Soup Kitchen

On the evening of April 29th we at First Parish will be preparing food for 110 people and serving them in Lowell. To sign up, talk to Teresa or Lisa O'Connor.

SAVE THE EARTH, uh, DATE!

Service of the Earth - April 27th

Join us for a celebration of our blue boat home, our beloved planet Earth. If you'd like to be involved in this worship service, please contact Trek at treef@meadville.edu

Minister Emeriti

Rev. Nannene Gowdy

Rev. Eugene “Woody” Widrick

¼ Time Minister

Rev. Steve Wilson

Music

Joohwa Parks, Organist

Liz Cardenas, Guitarist    

President, Barbara Moloney, 978.621.5732

babsmoloney1@gmail.com 

Vice President, Lisa O’Connor, 978.761.3539

loconnor466@gmail.com

Treasurer, Ann O'Connor, 508.878.4563

.anno6726@gmail.com

Clerk, Kenny English, 678.343.1133

ken_english83@yahoo.com

Matt Braga, 978.600.8015

matthieu.j.braga@gmail.com

Joyce Wilson, 978.609.5574

jawroy1111@gmail.com

Bob Leger, 978.488.8741 bob_leger@verizon.net

Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association

The Unitarian Universalist Association will devote its resources to and use its organizational powers for religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes. Its primary purposes are:

• to assist congregations in their vital ministries,
• to support and train leaders both lay and professional,
• to foster lifelong faith formation and spiritual development,
• to heal historic injustices,
• to support and encourage the creation of new Unitarian Universalist communities, and
• to advance our Unitarian Universalist values in the world. 

As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love. Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love. Inseparable from one another, these shared values are:  Interdependence, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Generosity, and Justice. 

The Mission of the First Parish Church...

is to open its doors to all people who seek a religious home where the Unitarian Universalist Principles are upheld. We respect our diversity of views, as we encourage full participation in all aspects of our parish life. 

This Congregation affirms and promotes the full participation of persons in all our activities and endeavors, including membership, programming, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals, without regard to race, color, gender, physical or mental challenge, affectional or sexual orientation, age, class, national origin, or political affiliation. Our goal is to nurture: An intergenerational sense of community; Individual responsibility; Spiritual inquiry; Moral reflection; Sensitivity to others; Personal growth; Social outreach and public service; A just world

Thus do we honor the gathering of this Church in 1658 by those who sought to walk with God.