The First Parish in Brookline Podcast: Recent Episodes
First Parish in Brookline
Sermons, meditations, reflection and more, from the Minister and members of First Parish in Brookline
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!
First Parish In Brookline
July 31st, 2022
The Honeybee Gospel: On Connection, Community, and Civic Joy
Rev. Ethan Loewi
Excerpt from the Georgics, Book IV, by Virgil
(translated by Peter McDonald)
When the last of the sunlight goes,
and shadows stretching from the shade
of trees and bushes, long hedgerows,
join up together to invade
wild grasses and the flat pasture,
turning from shadows into night,
then the bees, scattered far and near,
take notice, and start on their flight
back to those walls and roofs they know,
beehives where their small bodies rest
between dark and dawn; they go
over the threshold, noisy, fast,
massing in hundreds at the doors, [...]
they gather offspring from the leaves
and softer hearts, draw with each breath
pollen and children for the hives,
providing themselves with a fresh
ruler, and tiny citizens,
to take the place of some who crash
against the earth, onto hard stones,
brought level by their single love
for flowers and honey-vintages
(the glorious legacy they leave
behind them, in trust for the ages),
although the time that waits for them
is short enough, and not beyond
a seventh summer; yet the same
nation and race will soldier on,
deathless in spite of time’s attacks,
in cells and palaces of wax.
"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.
Welcome back!
Today we're going to try a standing meditation. Begin by standing with your arms by your sides, feet hip-width apart. For those of you who may have trouble standing, you can stand near something to put your hand on, if you need to balance, or need support.
I'm so glad you are here!
The power of "taking a pause" is well known. Not only does pausing promote relaxation, giving you a break from noise and doing, it can also refresh and energize you for hours. Taking time to just be still and quiet also gives your nervous system a chance to regain balance. It helps you renew doing your day. Now it is easy to say, "Just turn off your phone and close your door", but there is more to pausing than you might think.
Listen on to learn more, and start to "pause"...
Today, we will explore the practice of "Letting Go", with a five step practice you may want to revisit several times. You can do all five steps in one sitting, or you can just take a few minutes to focus on one of them, every day. As with all these practices, there is no right or wrong way to do them. The best way is what works for you, however that works.
Today, we will do a practice of love and self-compassion. Every single on of us, could use more love and compassion for ourselves, everyday. This practice is one we can really benefit from doing on a regular basis. Let's begin...
Today, we're going to practice something called "Poetry Insight", which is also called "Divine Reading". We are going to practice a secular version, but you can, of course, choose for yourself a passage of scripture, if you like, when you do this on your own.
The poem in today's episode is "Walk Slowly" by Danna Faulds:
https://benourished.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Walk-Slowly-by-Danna-Faulds.pdf
The music is by First Parish in Brookline's musical director, Keith Kirchoff.
http://keithkirchoff.com/
Today we're going to try out the practice of candle gazing. You will want to have a candle ready. If you don't have a candle ready, you can pull out an image of candle image or video on YouTube.
Candle gazing is an ancient meditation practice. It is thought that by channeling our thoughts and focusing our minds, we can regain wasted energy and move towards greater peace. It is also said that through consistent practice, you can increase your memory and awareness, honing your attention and focus.
Welcome back, to Tiny Spiritual Practices. This is time just for you, to let go of all those worries, upsets and news of the week, to carve out a space just for you... a space to take care of you. Find yourself a place to sit and settle in. Today, we are going to do a practice of Loving Kindness meditation, also called "Metta".
This is Tiny Spiritual Practices. A time just for you, to take a break, to nourish your spirit, to give yourself the gift of attention and rest, something we all need everyday, and especially right now. So settle back, get comfortable in your favorite chair, couch or wherever you are, and take this time for you.
You deserve it.
Today as the New Year begins, we will practice setting an intention, the "starting point to every dream..."
A weekly practice, around 5 minutes or less, to give you something to hold on to, to bring you peace... a break from news, stress and everyday life. Something that is just for you, and that you can also share with friends and family, if you like.
Today we will do a practice of walking meditation. You can do it outside your house, in your yard, or in a nature trail, or even right inside your room.
"Doxology" Music by Keith Kirchoff
http://www.keithkirchoff.com/
A weekly practice, around 5 minutes or less, to give you something to hold on to, to bring you peace... a break from news, stress and everyday life. Something that is just for you, and that you can also share with friends and family, if you like.
"Doxology" Music by Keith Kirchoff
http://www.keithkirchoff.com/
When times are hard, or we are stressed and anxious. Our bodies tense up. These are the physical signs that something is wrong. All of this has an impact on our spirit as well. When our bodies or minds are not at easy, our spirit is not at ease either.
Listen to learn ways to calm, heal and connect with Rev. Lisa.
This is for you.