News from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington

November 20, 2024

From Our Lead Minister

Dear Ones,

Oh my, what a hard letter this is to write. The time has come for me to retire from full time settled parish ministry.

What an honor it has been to hold your stories, your pain, and your joys these last sixteen years. What a privilege it has been to speak from your pulpit telling our stories, offering words of both comfort and challenge. How exciting it has been to chart a course with you of spiritual growth, community connection, and turning outward to the larger world!

Over the next seven months I will continue to serve you as minister. We will have plenty of time to remember, give thanks, and nurture the ongoing work of this remarkable religious community. My last day will be the last Sunday of our program year, June 9.  

The Parish Committee, in consultation with the Unitarian Universalist Association, will create a plan to hire an Interim Lead Minister after my departure in June. First Parish is a vital and attractive congregation. I have confidence that you will have a strong Interim Lead Minister in place by next fall, to support you through the next steps.

I was ordained to the ministry 38 years ago. In recent years the demands of full-time parish ministry have begun to affect my health. In retirement Charlie and I will make Vermont our home. I look forward to a more balanced life. I plan to resume work as a spiritual director, meeting one-on one with people nurturing their relationship with the Holy. And I expect that like sabbatical ministers who have served First Parish over the years, I will occasionally provide ministry to congregations in temporary need.

I approach this last chapter of our ministry together with much love for you and a deep commitment to the future of First Parish. 

With great affection and faith,  

Marta

Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan

Lead Minister

First Parish, Arlington Massachusetts



From Our Governing Board

Dear First Parish Community,

We write with both celebration and sadness at Marta’s news that she intends to retire in June, at the end of this program year. Marta has served us for almost 16 years; her ministry with us has been an enormous gift worthy of celebration. In the coming months, we look forward to honoring Marta and all she has done for First Parish.

The Parish Committee is planning steps for a smooth transition to our next ministerial team. It is normal practice, among UU Congregations, to hire an interim minister to serve the congregation during this transition. An Interim Lead Minister offers leadership during a one to two year period while we work to call a new permanent Lead Minister. We will assemble a search committee to facilitate hiring an Interim Lead Minister to begin for our next program year (August, 2025). 

We note that our Parish Minister, Reverend Erica will still observe her anticipated parental leave plans. We are excited for the arrival of her baby due January 30! We have already hired a part time Adjunct Minister to help support our community while Rev. Erica is on parental leave this spring. Our Minister for Religious Education, Stevie Carmody, will also be continuing with us.

This Sunday, November 24th, we will host a discussion following worship and religious education to hear from you and address your questions. Please plan to join us.

With Faith and Love,

Anne Quaadgras, Chair

John Anderson, Vice Chair

First Parish Committee (Governing Board): Al Tosti, Carolyn Hodges, Jeff Keffer, Joanna Pushee, Kate Tranquada, Steve McMullin, Susan Moore