Pastor's Blog

Living Water

This Epiphany Season (January 6-February 17) we are following the ministry of Jesus as told in the Gospel of John, alongside our Church School curriculum. I saw a meme the

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News

Dinners for 8 Hosts

Once again, it's time for a favorite United Parish tradition - Dinners for 8! These meals are a chance for us to gather and deepen our connections to one another

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Upcoming Events

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            [post_content] => Join us for the next evening of the Jazz Sanctuary series with saxophonist, composer, and educator Gregory Groover Jr., one of the most compelling emerging voices in contemporary jazz today. New York-born and Boston-bred, Groover brings his deeply expressive, song-centered approach to United Parish in Brookline for an intimate duo performance on Saturday, February 21 at 7pm in United Parish’s Sanctuary.

Praised by saxophonist Walter Smith III as a “thematic musician” who leads with heart, energy, and direction, Groover’s artistry seamlessly bridges tradition and innovation. Rooted in the lineage of jazz while boldly pushing its boundaries, his music is rich with narrative, spiritual depth, and emotional clarity.

A full scholarship graduate of Berklee College of Music, Groover studied under mentors including Terri Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, Miguel Zenón, and Dave Liebman, and emerged from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute led by Danilo Pérez. As a bandleader, he has released Negro Spiritual Songbook, Vol. 1 & 2 and will make his Criss Cross Records debut with Lovabye. In addition to performing internationally, Groover is a dedicated educator, currently serving as Assistant Chair of Ensemble at Berklee College of Music.

For this special Jazz Sanctuary performance, Groover appears in duo with acclaimed pianist Kevin Harris, whose playing has been described by Fred Hersch as having “real soul” and “flair.” Harris is known for his deeply interactive, exploratory performances that blend tradition with contemporary expression, drawing on Black Gospel and Afro-Caribbean influences. A sought-after collaborator and international performer, Harris brings a profound sense of conversation, curiosity, and play to the music.

Together, Groover and Harris will present an intimate and powerful program featuring original compositions, Negro spirituals, and selections from Thelonious Monk, creating a reflective, soulful evening that invites deep listening and shared presence.

Performers
Gregory Groover Jr. – Saxophone
Kevin Harris – Piano

About Jazz Sanctuary
Hosted in the breathtaking High Victorian Gothic setting of United Parish, Jazz Sanctuary is more than a concert series — it is a gathering of community through music and art. By attending, you are helping to revitalize the church’s historic performance spaces, preserving them as a hub for culture and connection in Brookline for generations to come.

Tickets
General Admission (Advance $20 | At the Door $30)
Student Admission (Advance $10 | At the Door $20)

BUY TICKETS


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            [post_content] => Please join us for a Mardi Gras-themed pancake Coffee hour on Sunday, February 15 after worship (around 12pm) in the Parlor! Come kick off your Lenten season with fun, fellowship, and a delicious pancake brunch.


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            [post_content] => Join us for worship on Wednesday, February 18 at 7pm in the Sanctuary and on YouTube as we celebrate this ancient ritual to help us remember that each of us is made of finite material, inspired and animated by the breath of God.


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Latest News

VIEW ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jazz Sanctuary February 21

Join us for the next evening of the Jazz Sanctuary series with saxophonist, composer, and educator Gregory Groover Jr., one of the most compelling emerging voices in contemporary jazz today.... Read More

“Fat Sunday” Pancake Coffee Hour

Please join us for a Mardi Gras-themed pancake Coffee hour on Sunday, February 15 after worship (around 12pm) in the Parlor! Come kick off your Lenten season with fun, fellowship,... Read More

Ash Wednesday Worship

Join us for worship on Wednesday, February 18 at 7pm in the Sanctuary and on YouTube as we celebrate this ancient ritual to help us remember that each of us... Read More