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
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 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
