eBulletin 10/8/26: "The Center and the Margins"

The eBulletin

October 8, 2026

A weekly newsletter

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

"The Center and the Margins"

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching

Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 10am

How do we bring our whole selves to our sacred space, especially those with historically marginalized identities? How can we share power with one another? As we commemorate Indigenous People's Day, we explore what it means to be in right relationship with each other and our environment.

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

NOTE: The First Parish office will be closed on Monday, October 12 in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. Office staff will return and respond to emails and calls on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00am.

First Parish in Transition

Break Barriers, Build Beliefs Workshop
Sat. October 17, 10am - 3pm, Sanctuary or Zoom

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. During the lunch hour, participants may wish to join the No Kings demonstration across Mass Ave at Whittemore Park.

All congregants are encouraged to attend, but if you are unable to attend, please still fill out the B4 questionnaire online.

Religious Education Program

Grades K-7 are all together, exploring our connection to Nature. Pre-K meets as usual. Nursery available at 9:50a.

No OWL meeting Sunday evening. Youth Group meets at 7p.

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

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.

Small Group Conversations - Settled Search

October 13 - November 1, various times, in-person and on Zoom

Open groups and focus groups are small-group discussions facilitated by the Settled Search Committee to gather longer-form thoughts and needs regarding search that may not have been captured by the congregational survey. Open groups have participants from across the many spectrums of identity and modes of participation at FP, while focus groups provide space for minority communities of shared identity or relationship to the congregation to be heard clearly. Registration required - please register online via this link.

Upcoming Events at First Parish

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

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 congregant David Harvey. Reception to follow in Vestry.

Mon. October 12, 11am, UU Urban Ministry: Gathering of Resilience and Spirit

A gathering for connection, reflection, creativity and collective action, sponsored by the UUUM and UU Mass Action.

October 13 - November 1, varied times, online and in-person: Ministerial Search Committee Small Group Discussions

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

Lunch and childcare provided in-person.

Sat. October 17, 11:30am – 1pm, Whittemore Park: No Kings "Vote Early" Event (led by Charm City Indivisible)

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.

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

Congregational Covenant Update

Your Covenant Task Force - Tali Avery, Anthony Fernandez, Julie Garry, Amy Hadley and Tina Schultz - have crafted a Draft Covenant for the congregation to consider as we move forward in our search process. Over the month of October it will be shared in committees, affinity groups and other FP programs. We will also post it on the First Parish web page for all to see mid-month. Join us on November 8 for Listening Circles to share feedback about the draft covenant.

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.

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