by Kent M French, July 10, 2025
In summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” (based on a book by the same name here). Bravery is something we begin learning when we’re young and continue strengthening throughout our lifetimes, figuring out how to stand up for what is right, what is good, what is worth defending. Some of my favorite people in this world are criminal defense attorneys. I’ve known two very closely and have been continually inspired by their strength and integrity, their clear sense of wrong and right, their ability to… Read More
by UPB Editor, July 08, 2025
It’s time for the return of a favorite United Parish tradition – Picnics/Dinners for 8! These meals are a chance for us to gather and deepen our connections to one another in small groups of around 8 people. The meals are scheduled for Friday, August 15, Saturday August 16, and Sunday August 17. If you can serve as a HOST for a Dinner for 8, please sign up HERE. Please sign up no later than July 25. If you have any questions, please contact Kate H. or send an email to gathering@upbrookline.org…. Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, July 02, 2025
In summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we will hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” (based on a book by the same name here). Bravery is something we begin learning when we’re young and continue strengthening throughout our lifetimes, figuring out how to stand up for what is right, what is good, what is worth defending. Last week, we heard from Adam Sutton about a time when he had to step out without a safety net, into a new, exciting chapter of his life, and about his own deep spiritual practice of discernment… Read More
by UPB Editor, June 27, 2025
With all that is going on in the world, we want to strengthen our community spiritually. To that end, our pastors are inviting all of us to have a prayer buddy this summer. This strengthens the bonds among us, having someone you can check in with during the week, go over your concerns and joys, and offer them in prayer. We will offer you guidelines to make this fun and helpful. Click here to sign up…. Read More
by Kent French, June 26, 2025
In summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we will hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” (based on a book by the same name here). Bravery is something we begin learning when we’re young and continue strengthening throughout our lifetimes, figuring out how to stand up for what is right, what is good, what is worth defending. I’m excited for this theme because our current Zeitgeist calls for bravery more than any I can remember in my lifetime. We began reading Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s book about bravery this spring. Many of… Read More
by Kent M French, June 19, 2025
REMINDER: This Sunday, June 22, worship is at 10am in Willett Hall, followed directly by our All-Parish Meeting. Agenda here. If you haven’t turned in your pledge form, it will help us immensely if you do that before Sunday. More info here. When you enter a church, you can usually tell if the Holy Spirit is alive in the place. I am grateful and happy to say that week after week, month after month, year after year, the Spirit is alive and kicking at United Parish — in our music, in our programs, in our collective life. Where Her… Read More
by UPB Editor, June 16, 2025
This year in summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we will hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” the title of a book by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde — which we’ve been reading as a congregation this Spring. In our discussion groups we have learned, like Bishop Budde, that bravery and courage come in all sorts of ways — often starting with the challenges we have when we’re young: getting back up on the bike after a spill, learning to be calm when a bee flies into the room, standing up to… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, June 12, 2025
I love a well-researched TV show. For example, did you know that the set of The West Wing was so accurate that it was closed to studio tours for security reasons? It’s extra awesome when a fantasy show is well-researched. I love the show Wheel of Time (haven’t gotten around to reading the books yet) for that reason. As a religion nerd, I love noticing the different theologies, cultures, customs, and histories that the author has clearly drawn from. If you are planning to watch/read Wheel of Time, caution: spoilers ahead! In Wheel of Time there is a long-prophesied figure,… Read More
by Kent M French, June 05, 2025
During Eastertide (April 20-June 8), we are discerning how God wants each of us to work and serve in the world AND discerning our pledges of time, talent, and money that we will make to serve and contribute to our collective ministry in the year ahead. Here is our mantra for the season: • God has given me a gift of my own. • I don’t have to do it all. • We have what we need. • Using my gifts is filled with joy! This Sunday is Consecration Sunday, when we will dedicate our time, talent, and financial pledges… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, May 29, 2025
During Eastertide (April 20-June 8), we are discerning how God wants each of us to work and serve in the world AND discerning our pledges of time, talent, and money that we will make to serve and contribute to our collective ministry in the year ahead. Here is our mantra for the season: • God has given me a gift of my own. • I don’t have to do it all. • We have what we need. • Using our gifts is filled with joy. This Sunday, we’re taking a moment to celebrate and acknowledge those in our midst who… Read More
