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In Person & Online
ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 946 7374 0010
Passcode: FPLex
Dial in: 646-876-9923
YouTube LINK
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The Universalist Unitarian Association is considering making changes to the part of its denominational constitution which outlines Seven Principles and Six Sources. These statements have undergone revision over time, yet they are considered to be the very center of UU faith. Explore the process, who has been involved, and the roles of members of First Parish in being a part of this work. Rev. Anne Mason, Senior Minister and Rev. Helen Cohen, Minister Emerita, will share a sermon conversation exploring their responses to these important topics.
This week’s choral music features pieces by two contemporary American composers, Rene Clausen and Rollo Dilworth. Rene Clausen’s gentle “Set Me As a Seal '' is a setting of a beautiful passage from the Song of Songs in the Hebrew Bible. The piece comes from one of Clausen’s larger choral works, A New Creation, and has become one of his most-loved pieces. Rollo Dilworth’s “Hand in Hand” is a moving gospel-style work that speaks to working together as a community to create unity. For Centering Music, sabbatical music director Sarah Hager will travel backward in musical time, playing Louis Couperin’s Chaconne in d minor on harpsichord. For the Offertory, baritone David Meharry will sing “Love Divine” to Henry Purcell’s lyrical tune “Fairest Isle”, accompanied by harpsichord.
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“What?!” You ask. “You want me to actually INVITE someone to come to church with me? Isn’t that (gasp) evangelism…?”
I know, my friends. We UUs are generally so willing to share our opinions about things affecting our society, but to actually speak about the deep and personal questions which bring us to worship on Sunday morning - that feels uncomfortable. But discomfort invites intimacy.
We are a polite society of faithful people. We don’t want to over-share. We don’t want to tell other people how to think, what to believe, or what their politics should be. But here’s the thing. What we have here at First Parish may be just exactly what someone is missing in their life. And how will you find out if you don’t actually ask?
So please take time to think about it this week. Who can you invite to come with you on Sunday, February 5th? Consider that times of transition are when people are seeking community. Who do you know that is now living alone? Who on your street moved in recently? Who would you like to share your pew?
Once you identify someone, think of how you can describe our vibrant and loving congregation. How about this for starters: we are a sacred community who respect the faith traditions of the world. We gather to explore the deeper questions of life while we work to make this world a better place. No judgement - only love.
In faith,
Rev. Anne
|  |  | How do we foster a sense of racial and social justice in our schools and throughout our communities? Click on the image above for more information. This event is co-sponsored by the First Parish Racial Justice Team. |  | |
Living Our Values for the 2024 Elections
February book read: The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure, by Yascha Mounk.
In this provocative and well-reviewed book, the author explores the challenges to multi-ethnic, diverse democracies around the world, concluding that increasing ethnic diversity makes it far more difficult to govern these democracies. He argues that majority and minority groups can—and must—find ways to build common ground in order for our diverse democracies to endure. In these uncertain times, with so many threats to our U.S. democracy and to other democracies around the world, this is a timely book to read and discuss.
Come join us for this three-session discussion group: Wednesday February 8, 15, & 22 at 4:30 - 5:30p.m. on Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information good for joining all three sessions.
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Coming Soon In Religious Exploration
This Sunday, Jan. 29th: While Robi is off, Annelie will be leading the U.U. Explorers group in a Soul Matters activity about Racial Justice.
Friday, Feb. 3rd: The Voices on the Green kids program returns with Robi and Hilary (her Music Therapist colleague) leading the youth in storytelling, music, song writing, artful creating, yoga, games, and other fun activities.
Sunday, Feb. 5th: We will kick off February with Bring-a-Friend Sunday with not-to-be-missed activities for the U.U. Explorers and their friends. And Junior Youth Group and Senior Youth Group are invited to join their leaders from 5:30 to 9pm (or anytime you can make during this window) to go to the Lunar New Year Celebration in Lexington.
Feb. 10 and Feb 12th: All youth, kids, families, and your friends are invited to the special Friday evening "Celebration of ALL kinds of LOVE" event. Yes, individuals and families of all ages are invited for a Multigenerational Event festival, celebrating all kinds of love and shifting Valentine’s Day heteronormative traditions. Dress as you wish! Come enjoy pizza, crafts, a service project, dancing, games, and prizes! Sunday the 12th will bring more love and diversity affirming activities for our UU Explorers group!
Our Senior Youth Group is saving-the-dates of Sunday, June 25th to Friday, June 30th for their Youth Service Trip. The youth chose to travel to Maine to deep dive into eco-justice, witnessing some of the impacts of climate change, and caring for our natural world. Everyone, please stay tuned for news and fundraising for you to be inspired by and support their trip!
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January Friendship Potluck
Dear members and friends of First Parish Lexington,
The Members and Friends (M&F) Committee would like to invite you and your family and friends to join us for a potluck supper on Friday, January 27 starting around 6 p.m. This is a simple affair with no sign-up required, just bring what you would like to eat and some extra to share.
The thought behind this potluck is to provide a space for members and friends of our beloved community to connect. Past potlucks like this one from First Parish and other UU congregations have helped the community members to form and maintain strong bonds.
Need some inspiration on what to bring to share? Pretty much any one of the following, from a cooked entrée (crockpot offerings were favorites in the past), a tossed or other salad, a dessert, or takeouts. Please label the ingredients if homemade, so folks can check out for any allergies; and no nuts as our church is a Nut-free zone.
Members & Friends committee members will set up Parker Hall and make use of church tableware and glasses or mugs to be kind to the climate. We will provide beverages and our share of food offerings. We’ll run the dishwasher and clean up with help from the participants.
Please feel free to reach out to any of us, if you have any questions or suggestions.
We are looking forward to sharing some food and building friendship in our beloved community.
M&F Committee:
David Horton, Deborah Lawson,
Dan England, Pete Tasker,
Vicky Guo
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REDUCING OUR USE OF PLASTIC –
THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH OF PLASTICS
When you are tempted to use plastic, take a few seconds to think about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch of Plastics:
1. Either make your own bread or buy bread from bakeries that wrap it in paper.
2. When buying to-go drinks, instead use your own sustainable cup or thermos.
3. Instead of using cleaners that are packaged in plastic, clean with baking soda and vinegar.
4. When you need to wrap food, instead of using single-use plastic wraps, use wax paper or non-stick, water-resistant beeswax paper wrap which can easily be cleaned and reused several times up to one year – a great eco-alternative.
| Submissions for The Weekly Update are due by the end of day, Mondays. To submit an article or information for consideration, please use this form. | From choir rehearsals to Soul Matters, Building Bridges to Meditation Group, Soul Matters to Urban Ministry, Democracy Team to Climate Action Team and all of the other wonderful ways to get involved here at First Parish, please check the church calendar. |
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