by UPB Editor, September 18, 2025
Join us for an intimate evening of original music, improvisation, and soulful storytelling in the historic United Parish in Brookline Sanctuary on Saturday, October 4 at 7pm. Slovak flautist, vocalist, and composer Mária Reháková joins Polish harpist and composer Klara Poznachowska for an intimate jazz duo performance of flute, harp, and voice. Their original music, shaped by deep folkloric roots and refined through studies at the prestigious Berklee Global Jazz Institute, blends jazz improvisation, classical tradition, and spontaneous creation. Together, they explore themes of home, longing, resilience, and hope, offering a soundscape that speaks to our shared human journey in… Read More
by Kent M French, September 11, 2025
Join us after worship at the United Parish table for Brookline Day! More info here. Once again, we are reflecting in worship on the same stories the youngest among us are discussing in Church School, going through the Bible from the beginning. From our series, Living the Word: God created humans to be in relationship with their Creator and blessed them with all they would need. Desiring the best for us, God regularly calls us back into relationship and invites imperfect people to be part of God’s beautiful story of redemption. This relationship with God requires trust, and often challenges… Read More
by UPB Editor, September 04, 2025
We’re excited to invite you to our Fall Soirée Sale— a special evening of shopping, mingling, and celebrating all that makes Thrifty Threads so special. Thursday, September 25 5-7pm at Thrifty Threads More than just a sale ~ it’s a celebration of going green, paying it forward, and thrifting for fun. Every item in our store is generously donated by neighbors and friends, then sold at low prices to make fashion and household goods accessible to all. It’s a two-for-one win: You get great deals on gently used, vintage, and even designer pieces (plus practical items like housewares!). Donating clothing… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, September 04, 2025
Even though we still have a couple more weeks of Summer, this Sunday marks the beginning of the “program year” at United Parish, so I suppose it’s fitting that our Bible story this week starts off with “in the beginning…”. It’s a story of God making order out of chaos, of making meaning out of mess, of making delight and life out of emptiness. It’s a lot to live up to…or is it? Perhaps to some of my school teachers’ chagrin, I’m decidedly not a perfectionist, and never have been. An oft-quoted motto is “good enough is good enough.” And… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, August 28, 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. Many of us are familiar with the warning to be careful when handling an injured animal, that even a beloved family pet can snap or bite when in pain. I had a painful cavity-drilling experience years ago and… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, August 21, 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. This Sunday, we welcome Peter R, to share his brave story of helping a stranger in need, and hear his reflections on how we can help young people find the courage to be who they are. Peter writes,… Read More
by UPB Editor, August 15, 2025
9am – Children’s Choir resumes with an “Open Sing” in the Choir Room. All kids interested are invited to come check it out! 9:45am – Church School Orientation: Children and caregivers gather on the front lawn (rain location: Room 204) for a greeting, then kids head to their classrooms with their teachers. 9:45am – Chancel Choir Rehearsal. If you’re interested in joining the adult choir, come to an “Open Sing” rehearsal on Thursday, September 4 at 7pm in the Choir Room to check it out! 11am – Worship returns to the Sanctuary 12pm – Please join us for a potluck… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, August 15, 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. This Sunday, we welcome Nathan J-D., to share his story of learning the bravery to be whole, in the aftermath of traumatic events. Nathan writes, “Leonard Cohen’s oft quoted line from the song “Anthem” says that “there is… Read More
by UPB Editor, August 08, 2025
Are you looking for a way to ground yourself spiritually? Do you need some spiritual workout buddies to help you grow? Would you like to try a new spiritual experiment at United Parish? This autumn we will launch Covenant Groups (support groups): weekly gatherings of three or more members to help strengthen our faith, our connection to God and to one another. We will have a required introductory session offered twice in person, and on Zoom upon demand: Sunday, September 28 or Sunday, October 5 from 12:30-1:30pm in the Parlor. Sign up HERE. Groups will begin meeting regularly in October…. Read More
by Kent French, August 08, 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. One of the great things about Brookline is that in a town of 60,000 or so, we boast 69 nationalities and 44 languages. I love walking through Coolidge Corner and hearing an array of languages and seeing… Read More
