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
by UPB Editor, July 31, 2025
It’s time to sign up for a favorite United Parish tradition, Picnics/Dinners for 8! These dinners 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 August 15, 16, and 17. All are welcome to join — newcomers, long-time members, and friends of all ages! If you would like to sign up to attend a meal, please click HERE to indicate your availability and other important information. Last day for signups will be August 8. Contact gathering@upbrookline.org with any questions and we look forward to seeing you… Read More
by Kent French, July 31, 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. There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Dementia is something that has probably touched all of our lives by now. Much like cancer. And like cancer 30+ years ago,… Read More
by Kent M French, July 17, 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. A lot of us are disturbed or freaking out about how our current government is harassing, terrorizing and detaining immigrants. At United Parish, many of us will easily affirm that we are “a nation of immigrants,” and… Read More
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
