Pastors' Blog
Summer Worship Series: New BeginningsThis summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings.
"Morning by morning, new mercies I see," is a line we lovingly sing from the old hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness." It echoes these words from...
Summer Worship Series: New BeginningsThis summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings.
Jesus liked to eat. More than that, he liked eating with other people. His friends, followers, strangers on the road, perceived enemies, he sat down with all of them. And in the intimate act of sharing a meal, he saw into the heart of his companions and helped them see themselves and their lives in new ways.
There's...
Summer Worship Series: New BeginningsThis summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings.
One "new beginning" we're in the midst of is troubleshooting and tweaking our sound system and livestream; we're grateful for your patience and understanding as we work to have everything shored up and in ship-shape by September!
This Sunday, United Parish high-schooler Kendall B. will offer a homily she wrote...
Summer Worship Series: New BeginningsThis summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings.
One "new beginning" we're in the midst of is troubleshooting and tweaking our sound system and livestream; we're grateful for your patience and understanding as we work to have everything shored up and in ship-shape by September!
This Sunday, United Parish member Joe S. will deliver a homily he wrote with his wife,...
Summer Worship Series: New BeginningsThis summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings.
Five years ago, we embarked on a new beginning by calling Amy Norton as our Acting Associate Pastor. "Acting" meant that we wanted to be sure that it worked for her and for us. Fortunately, after one year, we affirmed that it worked very well, called her as our (settled) Associate Pastor and have been grateful to grow and...
Summer Worship Series: New BeginningsThis summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings.
Anyone who's a parent can tell you that it completely changes you. It re-orients you about what's most important in life. It can regularly challenge your preconceived notions of order and purpose. It can be exhilarating and exhausting. It can stretch your resolve and patience farther than you thought possible. It will poke...
On Sunday, we will return to the Sanctuary for 10am worship.
Summer Worship Series: New BeginningsThis summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members and guests as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings.
Have you ever wondered how mathematics and theology intersect? No?
Throughout her life, United Parish member and mathematics professor Kate H. has thought about this a lot. Particularly the power of One and the power of Zero, wondering...
THIS SUNDAY, JULY 17, we will have Worship on the Lawn.We will maximize shade under our maple trees and tents and welcome the breeze.Bring your sun hats. We invite families with young children to bring picnic blankets, if you like.In case of rain, we'll move into the Sanctuary.
Summer Worship Series: New Beginnings
Summertime is when we get to hear more about the faith lives of our members and guests. This summer, as we continue figuring out a new normal after two years of a...
On February 20, I preached alongside our sabbatical pastor, Peter Ilgenfritz, about the need for all of us to take regular breaks and the biblical mandate for a weekly sabbath rest. The next day I took that preaching to heart and embarked on a four-month-plus sabbatical, funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment. The sabbatical took us to...
Sunday night, February 13 and I’m gripping the steering wheel on my way to Brookline wondering where I’m going and why I’m out here on a night like this.
The next Sunday, I shared that story with you on our first time meeting each other. I wondered if a sabbatical season might be a time for all of us to open our hands to receive the gift of this moment in time we will spend together.
That February snow storm now feels like a long time ago. Much has happened in the past four...