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 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 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 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 French, July 22, 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. I’m loving this series! The past two Sundays we’ve heard from two strong women public defenders about what it means to be brave in their work and what in their personal lives made them brave. And it’s… 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 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
