by Amy Norton-Benfield, June 02, 2026
This Sunday, we have the joy of celebrating our confirmands and the educational and spiritual journey they have taken. Over the past year, our confirmation class has been diving into some pretty big questions: What is your vision for the world? How do you think this aligns with God’s vision for the world? Who are the saints and elders who inspire you, who you see as coworkers in God’s service, and who serve as spiritual resources for you as you seek to live out your faith? What are the rituals and traditions that reinforce your core values, that connect you with your saints… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, May 28, 2026
This Sunday, we’re taking a moment to celebrate and acknowledge those in our midst who have shared their gifts of teaching and learning with us over the past year. Almost every week between September and May, our church school teachers and Bible study leaders prepare lesson and discussion plans to help our church family grow closer to God and to whom God calls us to be. Come Sunday morning, they prepare their space, greet their learners, share their gifts of leadership and teaching, and joyfully and humbly receive the gifts their learners offer in turn. Our church school students model… Read More
by UPB Editor, May 21, 2026
The Growing Grandparents Group is changing its name! In order to let people know that we are an inclusive group, we have decided to change our name to UPSeniors. We will continue to have the same member-led, thought provoking conversations and activities, either in person or online. You can reach us at our new address: UPSeniors@upbrookline.org. You are invited to an end-of-the-year celebration with the UPSeniors (formerly Growing Grandparents) on Wednesday, June 10, at 10am in Alicia H’s backyard. Our time of fellowship will include a Chair Dancing class: Move, Groove and Improve, followed by a potluck picnic lunch. Please… Read More
by UPB Editor, May 15, 2026
Join Brookline Interfaith Clergy Association for our second annual Interfaith Pride Service on the lawn outside United Parish in Brookline on Sunday, June 7 at 2pm. Together, we will celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, inclusion, and the strength of our diverse faith communities. All are welcome!… Read More
by Kent M French, May 14, 2026
This Sunday is Consecration Sunday, when we bring forth our pledges of money and service for the coming program year (July 1-June 30). We will celebrate with a potluck after worship. If you cannot attend in person, I’m making a special request for you to complete your pledge by Sunday. You can do it online HERE. You can also download the form here or we’ll have extra copies on Sunday. Pledging helps us plan proactively for the year ahead. Every contribution is precious. In worship, we’ll look again at Paul’s “love letter” to the churches at Philippi, in which he outlines what it looks… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, May 07, 2026
In these weeks following Easter, we are learning alongside our church school students how the good news of Jesus’ resurrection begins to spread. As more and more see the risen Messiah, their doubt changes to belief and they share the story of Resurrection. Through the faithful service of disciples, those who are least likely, come to follow in the hope of Jesus’ ministry and teachings. Regardless of whether or not we’ve ever been diagnosed with a mental illness, I feel fairly confident making the claim that we all have experienced ups and downs in our mental health, just as we… Read More
by UPB Editor, May 01, 2026
After worship on Sunday, May 17, we will gather in Willett Hall for a celebratory potluck luncheon, hosted by our Stewardship Ministry Team and Gathering Ministry Team. We welcome members and friends of United Parish to join in this special occasion. We will provide the mains; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. (Please label for food allergies.) Contact gathering@upbrookline.org…. Read More
by Kent M French, April 30, 2026
In these weeks following Easter, we are learning alongside our church school students how the good news of Jesus’ resurrection begins to spread. As more and more see the risen Messiah, their doubt changes to belief and they share the story of Resurrection. Through the faithful service of disciples, those who are least likely, come to follow in the hope of Jesus’ ministry and teachings. During my 2022 sabbatical, I made a point to visit the Areopagus (Greek for “Ares’ Hill” also called “Mars Hill”) in Athens, because I remembered hearing about it growing up in Sunday School. I was… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, April 23, 2026
In these weeks following Easter, we are learning alongside our church school students how the good news of Jesus’ resurrection begins to spread. As more and more see the risen Messiah, their doubt changes to belief and they share the story of Easter. Through the faithful teaching of the disciples, some people who are least likely to be a part of this movement, come to follow in the hope of Jesus’ ministry and teachings. As we continue to explore the still-unfolding story of how the Good News spreads in the years following Jesus’ resurrection, this Sunday we’ll hear the story… Read More
by Kent M French, April 16, 2026
In these weeks following Easter, we are learning alongside our church school students how the good news of Jesus’ resurrection begins to spread. As more and more see the risen Messiah, their doubt changes to belief and they share the story of Easter. Through the faithful teaching of the disciples, some people who are least likely to be a part of this movement, come to follow in the hope of Jesus’ ministry and teachings. One of the most powerful concepts in the Christian story is the idea of repentance. The Greek word in the scriptures is metánoia, meaning “a profound,… Read More
