eBulletin 10/1/26: "Two Storms"

The eBulletin

October 1, 2026

A weekly newsletter

Worship at the Meetinghouse and on Zoom ~~ Sunday at 10am

"Two Storms, Two Stories or You're Never Alone"

Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister, preaching

Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 10am

There are two well-known Gospel stories about Jesus in the storm. What may we learn from each of those? In what ways do we find the support we need when the storm waters churn? Rev. Carolyn Patierno, returning to serve as Adjunct Minister for the second part of Rev. Erica Richmond's sabbatical, will be preaching, and we will be joined by special musical guests VOICES 21C.

Special Musical Guests during Sunday Worship - VOICES 21C

VOICES 21C is an artists’ collective that is devoted to exercising the choral art in pursuit of human rights and justice, dedicated to a mission of global understanding through music. All are invited to observe and/or join the First Parish Choir and Voices 21C on Sunday from 9:00-9:40 am in the Sanctuary.

Join us online on Zoom and view the Order of Service Here

First Parish in Transition

Staffing Structure Discussion
Sun. October 4, 11:45am, Sanctuary

Wed. October 7, 8pm, Zoom

Join the Parish Committee and the Transition team to learn about existing and possible staffing structures and our budget constraints, and share your ideas about the needs of First Parish in the future.

Religious Education Program

Fall term continues with grade-based programming for preK through 7th grade. Nursery available for babies/toddlers (through age 3) at 9:50am.

OWL and Youth Group meet at 7pm on Sunday, and there will be Chaplainii training from 5:30-7pm, before Youth Group.

Email Rev. Stevie at mre@firstparish.info
Book a time to meet with Rev. Stevie

Rev. Erica's Sabbatical

Parish Minister Rev. Erica Richmond will be on Sabbatical from TODAY, October 1st through November 30th. During that time, Rev. Carolyn Patierno will once again be providing part-time coverage of Rev. Erica's portfolio. We are grateful for Rev. Carolyn and look forward to welcoming back Rev. Erica in December! All three ministers can be reached at theministers@firstparish.info and Rev. Carolyn at carolyn@firstparish.info.

Break Barriers, Build Beliefs Workshop

Sat. October 17, 10am - 3pm,

Vestry and Zoom

This interactive experience for the entire congregation is an important part of the ministerial search process, Led by a UUA-trained facilitator, the B4 workshop promotes inclusive thinking and helps prevent discrimination in our search for a new minister. All are welcome - please register online. Lunch and childcare will be provided if attending in-person.

Important: DEADLINE EXTENDED for Congregational Survey

The congregational survey is a first, crucial step in gathering what our congregation wants from a lead minister. Make your voice heard - we need responses from as many congregants as possible! The deadline is THIS SUNDAY, October 4.

Fill out the Survey

Upcoming Events at First Parish

Thurs, Oct. 1 - Mon. Nov. 30: Rev. Erica Richmond on sabbatical (Rev. Carolyn Patierno filling in)

Thurs. October 1, 7pm, Zoom: Women's Book Group

Sun. October 4, 11:45am, Sanctuary, OR Wed. Oct. 7, 8pm, Zoom: Staffing Structure Discussion

All are welcome - childcare available on October 4. Click here to join on Zoom.

Tues. October 6, 6pm, Vestry: Postcards and Pizza

Fri. October 9, 8:00am, Zoom: Mussar Spiritual Practice

Our cohort for this session is now full, but email STAR@firstparish.info if interested in future cohorts in this program year.

Fri. October 9, 6:00pm, Vestry: Alliance Program - Making Sense of the World: Highlights from Our Family Gap Year with Elizabeth Hunter

Sat. October 10, 11am - 12pm, Arlington Masonic Temple: Arlington Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Fun, free event for all ages!

Sat. October 10, 2pm, Sanctuary: Celebration of Life Honoring Dr. Kathleen Lentz

All are invited to a memorial service and celebration of life for Dr. Kathleen Lentz, the wife of First Parish community participant David Harvey. Reception to follow in Vestry.

Sat. October 17, 10am-3pm, Vestry and Zoom: Break Barriers, Build Beliefs Workshop

An interactive experience for the entire congregation to help prepare for ministerial search. Lunch and childcare provided.

Sun. October 18, 11:30am, Damon Room: UU History and Theology

Aimed at newcomers but open to all.

Sun. November 8, 11:30am, Sanctuary: Covenant Task Force Listening Circles

Recurring Offerings this Month

Click on the title of each event for more information and how to join.

Lectio Divina: Weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Meditation Groups: Sunday mornings on Zoom and Monday evenings in person.
First Parish Choir and Bell Choir: Thursday evenings
Spirit Talks: Weekly, Monday evenings
Men's Group: Alternating Sunday evenings
Older Men’s Lunch Group: Alternating Thursday afternoons
Grief Support Group, fourth Tuesday evenings on Zoom
Women's Book Group, first Thursday evenings on Zoom
Diversity Book Club, third Tuesday of every other month, evenings on Zoom

Featured Events

Alliance Program - Making Sense of the World: Highlights from Our Family Gap Year

Fri. October 9, 6:00pm, Vestry and Zoom

Elizabeth Hunter shares pictures and stories from six months of travel with her family around the world. All are welcome - no registration needed.

Arlington Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Sat. October 10

11:am - 12:30pm, Arlington Masonic Temple

Join us for a townwide celebration of this land’s First Peoples at the Arlington Masonic Temple. This free event for all ages will feature a fun and educational performance by the Red Hawk Singers and Dancers. Co-sponsored by the FP Indigenous Justice Working Group.

UU History and Theology Workshop
Sun. October 18

11:30am, Damon Room

New to First Parish or just want to learn more? Discover what UUs believe, where our faith comes from, and how we got here. Attending both Pathway to Membership workshops (UU History and Covenants) is highly encouraged for those considering joining our congregation. This workshop is aimed at newcomers but open to all.

SAVE THE DATE:
Covenant Task Force Listening Circles
Sun. November 8

11:30am, Sanctuary

News and Notes

ParCom Update: Heat this Winter

Our new, upgraded heating system is operational! A special Thank You to the Property Committee for all the work that went into nursing the old heating system through the last winter, researching and choosing a new system, and managing the effort to get it installed. And another Thank You to the Trustees (and all those in the past who have built up our endowment) to fund the new system with a combination gift and no-interest loan.

Newcomers - Events and Connection

Pathway To Membership Workshops

Join Pathway to Membership workshops (offered monthly, October through March) to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, First Parish, and what membership means. You don’t have to be new to UUism or join First Parish afterwards, though you will have that option.

Monthly Potlucks

(last Wednesdays, 6pm) Monthly potlucks are a great way to get to know people here at First Parish. All ages are welcome! Bring a dish if you can, but come even if you cannot bring a dish!

Connect with Us!

Fill out an online Connection form if you haven't already, and join our member database, Realm, if you choose. Stop by our Welcome Table on Sundays (or join our post-service social hour after Zoom worship)

Connection Form

First Parish Office Hours

Monday - Friday
10am - 3pm

To reach office staff outside of office hours, email office@firstparish.info; that email will reach both Ebiere and Allison, one of whom will respond when back in the office.

Connect With Us on Social Media