by UPB Editor, December 09, 2025
SUGGESTIONS FROM YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TEAM, TO COPE IN A CHALLENGING TIME As we embrace the Christmas season and the sacred time of Advent, we are reminded of the hope and light that this season brings. As Isaiah 9:6 tells us, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,” and with that gift comes a message of peace and renewal. In the same spirit, we at the Mental Health Network encourage you to find moments of calm and to care for your mental and emotional well-being during this meaningful time. We recognize that the holiday… Read More
by UPB Editor, December 06, 2025
The ninth annual Christmas Market will take place Saturday, December 6 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Make a gift and/or tell your friends and family that you’ve made gifts in their honor to organizations doing good in the world. Perfect for gifts or stocking stuffers. You determine the amount you want to give. Missions Giving will match all donations received. Click here to view the brochure to learn more about the organizations we’re supporting this year. Then, choose which organizations you’d like to support with a financial contribution. There are two ways to do this: 1. Click here to fill out the online form…. Read More
by UPB Editor, December 04, 2025
Lucille, a devoted member of the United Parish community for over 50 years, is turning 100!!! Lucille sang with the Chancel Choir for MANY, MANY years, and though she’s not able to venture out much these days, she continues to be a beloved member of our community. Please help us make Lucille’s 100th birthday extra special in one of three ways: PLEASE share a birthday WISH for her – a story, a poem, a memory, the reason Lucille matters to you… anything you want to share with her using the form. We will organize the wishes into a book from… Read More
by UPB Editor, December 04, 2025
Saturday, December 13 at 7pm at Connor and Emmalee’s house in Somerville. We will have a White Elephant/Yankee Swap gift exchange, drink some hot cider, and maybe do some crafts! RSVP to Emmalee at 2030vision@upbrookline.org…. Read More
by UPB Editor, December 04, 2025
Saturday, December 6 from 2:30-3:30pm in the Lindsay Room, before the United Parish Family Christmas. Nursery care will be provided. Contact Associate Pastor Amy Norton-Benfield at amy@upbrookline.org…. Read More
by UPB Editor, December 04, 2025
Join us on Wednesday, December 10 at 10am for a Christmas potluck brunch at Mary and Mike’s house. Please bring something to share – food or friends! Please RSVP to Mary or Mike. We invite you to bring a family story about when you learned an important lesson about the Christmas holidays — ideally from a grandparent. We also invite you to bring a new, unwrapped toy for children up to 12 years old for the Brookline Community Development Corporation/Brookline Housing Authority Toy Drive. Toys will be distributed to children at a holiday party at United Parish later this month…. Read More
by UPB Editor, December 04, 2025
Thanks to all who volunteered, donated food, made monetary gifts, or attended our annual Thanksgiving Dinner. We served an estimated 217 people in Willett Hall for a delicious and festive community meal. Special thanks to Abi, Arielle, Parish Administrator Sarah Fitzpatrick, Mark, Custodian Jesse Kieffer, Bethany, Chef Phil Nacron, Custodian Violet Nowlan, Gwen, Holly, Brian, and the 50+ other volunteers who worked so hard to make this the biggest, best Thanksgiving Feast ever. Here’s what some of our guests had to say: “The best in town.” “A blessing to the community.” “A great place – positive fellowship.” “Welcoming with a… Read More
by UPB Editor, December 04, 2025
Longest Night Service Sunday, December 21 at 5pm in the United Parish Sanctuary Featuring guest artist and musician, Jodi Heights, the Longest Night service will be filled with poetry, scripture, music, and prayer. Through liturgy and song, we’ll embrace the beauty of darkness, and find the blessings in our “longest night.” With the support and guidance of our Mental Health team, we offer this Longest Night Service as a time to be nurtured and share a moment of quiet beauty. “Life takes on a different quality in the dark. We reflect on things more deeply and speak with more vulnerability… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 20, 2025
ALL-PARISH MEETING in the Sanctuary and on Zoom Sunday, November 23, immediately following worship (Lunch provided!) Who should attend? The All-Parish meeting is open to EVERYONE – whether you’re a long-time member of United Parish or you’ve just recently started attending worship. This is a chance for our whole congregation to come together and hear about the opportunities and challenges God has in store for us in the coming year. Agenda 1. Elections Vote to fill open seats on the Discernment & Engagement Team, and the Endowment Committee. Contact discernment@upbrookline.org or Amy Norton-Benfield with questions. 2. Impact and Vitality Reports Impact Report -… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 20, 2025
Recently, the United Parish Council approved a proposal from Robert Olsen and Associates (RO+A) to begin exploring potential changes to the building that would improve accessibility, modify the Sanctuary to better meet the needs of the congregation and other users, and improve sound quality as well as accessibility. RO+A comes to us with a great deal of experience in helping congregations make such changes. Indeed, several of our neighboring congregations have worked with the firm. An essential part of this process is for the United Parish congregation to continue to express how you view our existing Sanctuary and what modifications… Read More
