Just the Music: November 5, 2023 "Right-Sizing the Congregation"

"After Running Through the Thistles… A Service About Ministry" February 11, 2024, Worship Service

The full Order of Service is available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rv20O3CIJzVLS-pEB3GLiBg8KSxFRg_nS5pK5iCXSVA/edit# The service begins with a touching rendition of a song expressing gratitude and sharing, evoking strong emotional ties within the community. A significant part of the introduction is dedicated to a land acknowledgment, recognizing the Massachusetts people as the traditional custodians of the land where the congregation gathers, and acknowledging the ongoing issues of broken treaties and land extraction. Jody Leader warmly welcomes attendees, emphasizing inclusivity and openness to individuals regardless of their spiritual journey, race, or gender. The service includes an announcement about ongoing discussions regarding the interim ministry led by Reverend Joe Cherry, suggesting a three-year interim ministry plan, although it is not yet finalized. The service features a hymn, "Gather the Spirit," and a segment for sharing joys and sorrows, where congregants are invited to share their personal stories, reflecting a wide range of human experiences from joy and gratitude to grief and concern. These moments highlight the strong sense of community and support among the congregation. Rev. Joe's sermon draws from Adrienne Marie Brown's work on the importance of generosity and vulnerability in creating durable connections within the community. It also references Reverend Dr. Mark Morrison Reed's essay on the complexities of ministerial relationships, emphasizing the balance between professional obligations and personal affection within the congregational setting. The service includes hymns, a unison chalice lighting, and a benediction inspired by Archbishop Oscar Romero, focusing on the collective efforts of the congregation to plant seeds for the future, despite knowing they may not see the results themselves. It's a reflection on the transient nature of ministerial roles and the eternal aspect of the congregational community, underscoring the themes of hope, community support, and the ongoing work of love and social justice.

Rev. Joe Cherry "The Power of Words" Sermon - Feb 4, 2024

You can view and listen to the entire service on our website at: https://firstparishinbrookline.org/2024/02/04/the-power-of-words-february-4-2024-worship-service/ [https://firstparishinbrookline.org/2024/02/04/the-power-of-words-february-4-2024-worship-service/]

January 28th, 2024: Just the Music with Sanctuary Boston

Many thanks to our Sanctuary Boston Musicians:  Alex Fam – Ukulele, violin, vocals, music direction  Callie Jennings – trumpet, vocals  Emma Pawl – vocals  Video and full worship service available here: https://firstparishinbrookline.org/2024/02/02/what-we-sow-and-what-we-reap/ From our worship service:  “What We Sow and What We Reap”  Sanctuary Boston  January 28, 2024 Worship Service  Gathering Bell Introit   Words of Welcome Brad Reich   Call to Worship Gathering Music We Shall Be Known – MaMuse  Truth Beyond Our Knowledge Words by Matt Meyer  Music by Randy Scruggs & John Thompson  Unison Chalice Lighting   Nos entregamos y nos comprometemos a caminar juntos como   congregación, prometiendo con mucha fe cuidarnos mutuamente   y deleitarnos en el amor que permanecerá entre nosotros.  We give ourselves one unto another, covenanting to walk together.  as a congregation, promising faithfully to watch over one another,   and to delight for love to abide in our midst. 1717 Covenant (adapted)  Stones of Joy and Sorrow  Go Out and Love the World Reading “Affirmation” by Assata Shakur  Offering Words  You may text the dollar amount you wish to give to (617) 996-8956. You may also give online from the First Parish webpage through PayPal or your credit or debit card. If you are also filling part of your pledge, please write “Pledge” in the memo line (Please note that there is a QR code available on the back page).  Offertory Improvisation on “Truth Beyond Our Knowledge”  Blessing of the Gifts   Centering Song Planted – Alex Fam  Sermon What We Sow and What We Reap  Anthem Sow Good Seeds – Mavis Staples  Extinguishing The Chalice Unison Affirmation   Apagamos esta llama pero no la luz de la verdad,   Ni el calor de la comunidad ni el fuego del compromiso.   Estos los llevamos con nosotros y los ofrecemos para bendecir al mundo.  We extinguish this flame and not the light of truth,  The warmth of community or the fire of commitment.  These we carry with us and offer as gifts onto the world.   Benediction  Closing Song  Blessed Unrest – Zo Tobi   Upcoming In Our Church  2/2:  First Friday Community Dinner! 6-8PM, Lyon Chapel  An all ages gathering to nourish community.  *Childcare and age-appropriate, lightly supervised activities for children   This time we’ll celebrate Imbolc with crafts, dance, music, and conversation.  and, as always,  Fred Andree’s great entrée: this time it will be lasagna!  If you can, please bring a side dish, drink, or dessert to share.  CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!*  2/10:  Community Folk Dance! 7-9PM, Pierce Hall  *What is happening? All kinds of folk dances to dance!  When and where? FEBRUARY 10! From 7 to 9 pm in Pierce Hall at  First Parish in Brookline 382 Walnut St. in Brookline  Who? You, friends and family and a wonderful teacher, Marcie van Cleave from the Folk Arts Center of New England*  Many thanks to our Musicians, Worship Associate, Greeters and  Sanctuary Boston Musicians:  Alex Fam – Ukulele, violin, vocals, music direction  Callie Jennings – trumpet, vocals  Emma Pawl – vocals  *Flowers today are given by Eleanor Clarkson*

Brookline Interfaith Thanksgiving: 12 minutes of shared spiritual community with Jewish, Muslim, Christian & UU voices

12 minutes of shared spiritual community, song, reflections, insights and prayer from last Sunday evening in our sanctuary with Jewish, Muslim, Christian & UU members of the Brookline Interfaith Clergy Association. Congregations who participated include: All Saints Parish, First Parish in Brookline, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brookline, TBZ Brookline, Temple Ohabei Shalom, Sinai Brookline, First Church in Chestnut Hill, United Parish in Brookline, Center Communities of Brookline, Congregation Kehillath Israel Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Brookline Muslim Friends, Brookline Church of Christ, Yusuf Mosque Brighton, 2life Communities #Thanksgiving [https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/thanksgiving?__eep__=6%2F&__tn__=*NK-R] #Brooklinema [https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/brooklinema?__eep__=6%2F&__tn__=*NK-R] #peace [https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/peace?__eep__=6%2F&__tn__=*NK-R] #Salaam [https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/salaam?__eep__=6%2F&__tn__=*NK-R] #Shalom [https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/shalom?__eep__=6%2F&__tn__=*NK-R] You can view the entire Brookline Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at: https://www.facebook.com/FirstParishBrookline/videos/237691399129806 [https://www.facebook.com/FirstParishBrookline/videos/237691399129806/?__tn__=-UK-R] and make a donation to the Brookline Food Pantry at https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/ [https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/?fbclid=IwAR3GptGBk1Te53iKmHK-V1pqeuwMMMI7LvMfKLol74wyFXqatqVqGsYgpxo]

Just the Music: November 5, 2023 "Right-Sizing the Congregation"

First Parish In Brookline  November 5, 2023 Right-Sizing the Congregation Order of Service Thank You/Send Me (Amanda Udis-Kessler)Chancel Choir,  Thank you for everything, all that is. Send me to love and serve and give. Thank you for all that is. As you’ve given, may I give. Thank you. Send me. Opening Hymn Woyaya (Teal Hymnal, #1020) Go Out and Love the World Go out and love the world! Vá e ame o mundo!  ¡Vayan a amar al mundo!  Ale e renmen tout moun! (2x) AnthemWhat Will I Do? (words: Rev. Marta I. Valentín; music: Chancel Choir Mark David Buckles; arr. Keith Kirchoff) What will I do? Where will I go? When will I know? It’s time to set sail or sow? Offertory Sunday Mornings (Susan Werner)Lisa Barone Sunday morning There is someplace that i'm supposed to be Keeps returning The feeling keeps coming over me Just like music Or like sunlight on a distant memory Sunday mornings Sunday mornings My mother choosing what to wear My father combs his jet black hair We are their little prizes In our mary janes and clip on ties We hurry down the aisle The neighbors smile because we're late again On Sunday mornings There is someplace that I'm supposed to be Keeps returning The feeling keeps coming over me Just like music Or like sunlight on a distant memory Sunday mornings Sunday mornings Daddy prays because the money's tight Mama prays she'll raise her children right And my brother prays he'll change So he won't feel so very strangely out of tune And I went back the other day Closed my eyes and tried to pray But a voice spoke loud and clear "You ask too many questions, dear" And i said, "You asked too few" That's why i still don't know quite what to do On Sunday mornings There is someplace that i'm supposed to be Sunday mornings Sunday mornings Closing Hymn We Give Thanks (Teal Hymnal, #1010)