by UPB Editor, November 17, 2023
Join us on Thursdays, December 7, 14, and 21 from 6:15-6:45pm in the Chapel for contemplative worship. We invite you to deepen into Advent during the bustle of the holiday season by stepping into the quiet and candlelight for some centering time of prayer, song and reflection on our theme: How Does a Weary World Rejoice? The Longest Night: A Service for the Weary – December 21 For those who have experienced loss, the joy of the holiday season can often feel elusive and out of reach. Friends, this service is for you. Bring your grief. Bring your weariness. Bring… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 17, 2023
High school and middle school youth are invited to help assemble apple pies on Sunday, November 19 immediately following worship. Rev. Christine, the youth, and volunteer chaperones will go to All Saints Parish in Brookline to assemble the pies, along with other youth from the Interfaith Youth Collaborative. Pies will be donated to the Brookline Food Pantry as part of the Thanksgiving dinners they will be giving to their guests. We expect to finish our work by 1:30pm. Contact Sabbatical Pastor Christine VanDeWege at christine@upbrookline.org with any questions…. Read More
by UPB Editor, November 14, 2023
Join us for Advent Adult Deepening Opportunities in December: How Does a Weary World Rejoice? Christ was born into a weary world with many challenges, bringing good news of great joy to all, but especially those who were watching for it. This Advent, the world needs us – as individuals and as a community of faith – to watch for and share the morsels of joy and “thrill of hope” that God brought and still is bringing to our worried and weary world. There will be several opportunities to consider and connect with the story of the birth of Christ… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 08, 2023
The Children & Youth Deepening Team would like to give a huge shout out to Jeff B., United Parish middle school church school teacher extraordinaire, partner of our sabbatical pastor, Christine VanDeWege, and all around kind, giving human being. Jeff has shown up every Sunday this fall to serve our middle school youth as their teacher, to serve cake and cider at Kent and Robert’s 10th year celebration, to debut as father Isaac in the story of Jacob and Esau, and to worship with us as a faithful member of our church community. Thank you, Jeff, we are blessed to… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 08, 2023
Sunday, November 19th immediately following worship in the sanctuary and on Zoom. 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. Come and enjoy a light lunch as we share and celebrate how God is working in our congregation. A full agenda and materials will be emailed in advance of the meeting. We look forward to seeing you there! Questions? Contact Jennifer Rodine (moderator@upbrookline.org)…. Read More
by UPB Editor, November 06, 2023
Thrifty Threads recently received a bag of donations that had, at the very bottom, an assortment of jewelry, among which were 12 small thin “bar pins.” The pins were turned over to Thrifty Threads volunteer and jewelry donations curator, Abby Sorrell. Abby thought maybe they were special, and began an online investigation. She discovered that they were Victorian era lingerie pins, used by 19th Century women to pin their undergarments to their bodices. Lingerie pins were also used to pin a woman’s collar closed; and sometimes even as baby diaper pins. Figure 1. The Lingerie Pins Abby shared the results… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
We are pleased to share a sampling some recent improvements made to the building: A new refrigerator in the kitchenette and a new restaurant-quality coffee maker to be better equipped to extend a warm welcome to newcomers and gather as a congregation during coffee hours and other events. Sanctuary reconfiguration and “prayground” to create a warm and intimate worship experience that is accessible and inviting for all ages. Lindsey Room decluttering and creating a Family Room to provide a clean and welcoming space for families with young children. Cleaning, decluttering, and organizing the kitchen to welcome in new building users… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
Join the Mental Health Team for discussions about mental health and our Christian faith inspired by the book Held: Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health by Barbara F. Meyers. The book is available for purchase from United Parish for $15. The next session will be Sunday, November 5 at 12:30pm in the Parlor. We’ll be discussing the chapter: the Ultimate Crisis: Suicide and Appendix B: Communication Guidelines. We will use the discussion guide in the book, diving deeper into sharing our stories and learning about mental health and our faith. Please see Louise B. or Carolyn M. if you plan to attend… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
This week, some of Thrifty Threads’ donations were small in size but mighty in impact. We answered the need for a few special requests, which included: – La Vida Scholars in Lawrence and Lynn requested we assist approximately 6 students with outfits for college campus interviews. – Brigham and Women’s Hospital asked us to wardrobe a high school youth for their school work study. – Brazilian Women’s Group alerted us to a family with young children that arrived in Boston with no clothes and only a few diapers. – Eliot House in Cambridge was thrilled we were able to find… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
The Growing Grandparents group will continue a study of both teenage sexuality and gender issues, as well as mental health concerns, using the book Lily and Dunkin by Susan Gephart this month. This is an award-winning book about a transgender girl and a boy with bipolar disorder, finding themselves and friendship in their first year at a new high school. We’ll continue to explore some of the questions we all have, including those which will come up as part of our grandparenting experience. The book is $8.00, and you can still pick one up in the Church Office. It is also available… Read More
