First Parish in Cambridge Unitarian Universalist
September 7, 2014
Only Love — Rev. Fred Small
Welcome to First Parish in Cambridge
First Parish in Cambridge is a multi-faith, spirit-filled
congregation devoted to love and justice. We are moving
joyfully into a multiracial, multicultural, justice-making
future. We embrace all ages, races, classes, abilities, sexual
orientations, gender presentations, and ethnic and religious
backgrounds. Honoring all the faith traditions of the world,
we support each person’s path to wisdom and spiritual
growth. Whoever you are, wherever you are on the journey
of life, we welcome you into our hearts.
If you’re here for the first time, we invite you to fill
out a visitor card located in the pew and leave it in the
collection plate. We’ll sign you up for our weekly e-mail
announcements and monthly newsletter. All are welcome
to join us in Helverson Parlor following the service for
refreshments. Please take a yellow cup so we can
recognize and greet you.
For those attending with children, you are welcome to
worship as a family or children ages 4 and under are
welcome in our Nursery in the Parish House. Registration
is required. An usher can direct you to Nursery staff.
Activity boxes for older children are also available from
the ushers. For more information, please speak with
today’s Newcomer Liaison, Alison Altman.
Welcome Back to Our Senior Minister!
Today is a very special Homecoming Sunday as we
joyfully welcome back Senior Minister Fred Small on
his return from sabbatical. For Rev. Small, this has been
an extended time for reflection, rest, and renewal -- all
ingredients for successful ministry. He returns to First
Parish well rested and recharged.
For our part, as we start the new church year, we
reflect on our successful joint ministry during Rev. Small’s
absence. We have been blessed with wonderful and
moving services by Rev. Lilia Cuervo and Rev. Mykal
Slack, and we have been guided well in Parish Life by our
professional staff and leadership teams.
We now look forward to the year ahead, all working
together with an abundance of energy to continue building
the justice-making, multicultural, spirit-filled community
at First Parish.
A looping system is available for people
who are hard of hearing. Switch on the
telecoil in your hearing aids to bring the
speaker’s voice right to your ears.
Homecoming Potluck Lunch following worship
Join us today in the auditorium following the worship
service for our big potluck Homecoming Lunch to
celebrate the new church year and to welcome our beloved
Senior Minister Rev. Fred Small back from his sabbatical.
Please plan to come!
Film Screening following lunch TODAY
After our delicious Homecoming lunch, we will show
Disruption, which weaves together political intrigue,
mind-blowing science, and an insider's view of the largest
climate mobilization in history. It features some folks you
might find familiar (like Bill McKibben and Naomi
Klein), and brings some fresh faces and exciting new
stories to the fore. First Parish will be joining people
throughout the country who will host screenings and
watch-parties of Disruption to help build energy and
excitement for the big march on September 21st. Click
here to watch the trailer. Join us in the Parlor at 1:30 pm.
Today’s Worship Participants
Rev. Fred Small, Senior Minister
Rev. Lilia Cuervo, Associate Minister
Seanan Fong, Ministerial Intern
Jonathan Barnhart, Music Director
Mandy Neff, Director of Religious Education
Nurudafina Pili Abena, drums
Joe Foley, trumpet
The First Parish Choir
Jennie Fitch, Worship Associate
Grace Hall, Deacon
Alison Altman, Newcomer Liaison
Photography During Worship – Homecoming Sunday
Photos of events and activities at First Parish help
spread the word about our vibrant and lively
congregation. This Sunday, we will be taking
photographs during worship for Homecoming Sunday.
These photos may be used on the First Parish website or
Facebook page, as well as other promotional materials.
If you have questions or concerns or to request that your
image not be included in any First Parish media (print or
online) please contact the First Parish Office
at office@firstparishcambridge.org.
Today’s flowers are given by Alison Altman
in celebration of Homecoming and being
together again.
This Week’s Calendar
Sunday, September 7
12:00 PM Potluck Lunch
Auditorium
1:00 PM
Pastoral Associates
Chapel
1:30PM
Film Screening
Parlor
Monday, September 8
6:30 PM
B&G Committee
Chapel
7:00 PM
Baldwin Room
Fiber Arts Group
Tuesday, September 9
11:00 AM Tuesday Meals
Parlor
7:00 PM
Finance Committee
Chapel
7:00 PM
Women’s Book Group
Gallery
7:00 PM
Young Adults Group
Barn Room
7:30 PM
Buddhist Meditation
Fuller Room
8:00 PM
Stewardship Committee
Baldwin Room
Wednesday, September 10
7:00 PM
Environmental Justice
Task Force
Baldwin Room
7:00 PM
Transformation Team
Chapel
7:30 PM
OWL Orientation
Barn Room
Thursday, September 11
7:00 PM
Worship Associates
Chapel
Saturday, September 13
9:00 AM
Leadership Retreat
Parlor
10:00 AM
Teacher Training
Chapel
Standing Comm. Retreat
Barn Room
1:00 PM
Share the Plate with Margaret Fuller House
During the month of September half of the Sunday
undesignated plate donations will go to the Margaret
Fuller Neighborhood House (MFNH). MFNH occupies
the historic home of Margaret Fuller, the Unitarian
Transcendentalist, journalist, and feminist and serves
the residents of Area IV, a very diverse low-income
neighborhood near Central Square.
The staff’s devotion to the children and youth of the
neighborhood is expressed in programming such as the
after-school program, a technology center providing
computer access to residents of the neighborhood, and a
community outreach program for young adults at risk.
Visit margaretfullerhouse.org for more information.
Religious Education for Children and Youth
Please register your child today for 2014-2015 programs
at the RE table during the potluck lunch or online at
firstparishcambridge.org/childrenyouth/registration. Help
us make sure group sizes are balanced and we have the
right number of teachers!
Families with children in Preschool through Grade 6,
join DRE Mandy Neff for a brief introduction to this
year's RE experience and special family programs on
Sunday, September 14 in the Barn Room immediately
after worship.
Parent Orientation for those whose children are
participating in OWL 7-8 - join our team of facilitators
and staff from First Parish, First Church, and Friends
Meeting. This session is required in order for your child
to participate in the OWL program, so choose either:
Wednesday, September 10, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, or
Sunday. September 21, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.
Please RSVP to dre@firstparishcambridge.org.
Families with high school youth, meet our new Youth
Coordinator, Jeremie Bateman, on Sunday, September 14
at noon! Parents and guardians please join us for a halfhour get-to-know-you and coffee; youth, please plan to
stay from 12:00 - 1:30 for your first Youth Group session
of the year.
Jeremie Bateman comes to First Parish after six
years at the UUA in the Office of Youth and Young
Adult Ministries. He is currently a graduate student
at UMass, Boston in their school counseling
program. As Youth Coordinator, he is excited to
bring his experience and passion for co-creating
transformative youth communities to First Parish. In
his first year, he will be supporting both the youth
group and the Coming of Age program.
Jeremie earned a BA in Theology with a minor in
Journalism and Mass Communication from St.
Bonaventure University and a Master of Theological
Studies from Harvard Divinity School. He is an avid
knitter and a beginner ukelele player. He lives in
Jamaica Plain with his husband, James.
RE Teacher Trainings – Saturday, September 13
This event will be in the Chapel from 10:00 am-1:00 pm
with the RE Committee and staff. We will join the
Leadership Retreat for a Transformation exercise, share
new curriculum and important safety information, and
hear about fun plans for the year! Join us to kick off the
year with your teaching team.
*Do you love to read stories and play games? Then our
littlest ones are looking for you! We are still seeking a
Preschool teaching team. Interested? Please contact
dre@firstparishcambridge.org.*
To make an appointment with either Rev. Fred Small or
Rev. Lilia Cuervo, please contact Carol Lewis at 617-8767772 or by e-mail at office@firstparishcambridge.org.
Rev. Fred Small has an open office hour on Fridays
from 11:00 am – Noon. No appointment is needed
during this time.
Upcoming Events
Women’s Book Group – September 9: Save the Date!
Our first meeting of the church year is Tuesday, September
9 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the Gallery on the Mezzanine
level). Join us to determine what the group will read during
this year (October– June). Bring your suggestions! We are a
friendly, low-stress group — you do not need to commit to
reading every book — just come when you can. After
September we meet on the first Tuesday of every month
from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the Chapel. For more
information or to join our e-mail list, please e-mail
womensbookgroup@firstparishcambridge.org.
Leadership Retreat – September 13
The annual fall Leadership Retreat will be held on
Saturday, September 13, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. All
current leaders as well as those interested in exploring
leadership at First Parish are warmly invited to attend. For
additional information, please contact Peggy Kraft at
peggykraft123@gmail.com.
Social Justice Conversation and Kick-Off, Sept. 14th
12:15 pm -2:00 pm in the Barn Room. With light lunch
Please join us to learn about activities in the planning
stages for this year, and have conversations about your
ideas and suggestions for making them a success. How
would you like to be involved? What are your social
justice and service interests overall? Perhaps there is
another issue you’d like to work on at First Parish now or
in the future.
Social justice groups that are planning activities are:
 Social Justice Council (coordinates overall, organizes
shorter term activities)
 Environmental Justice Task Force
 Green Team
 Beyond Borders/San Fronteras--immigration justice
 Middle East Education Group
 Abilities and Access Committee
 Tuesday Meals
 Team to explore joining the Greater Boston Interfaith
Organization
For more information, contact Marcia Hams or Susan
Leslie-Pritchard. (socialjustice@firstparishcambridge.org)
Exploring Membership Class is September 14
Are you interested in becoming a member of First Parish
in Cambridge? The next opportunity to attend one of our
Exploring Membership classes is Sunday, September 14
from 3:00 – 5:30 PM in the Chapel.
For more information about joining First Parish or
about the Exploring Membership class, please contact:
Rev. Mykal Slack, Community Life Coordinator,
at clc@firstparishcambridge.org
Renée Saindon, Membership Chairperson,
at membership@firstparishcambridge.org
Film Presentation September 19 in the Parlor
The Social Justice Council and the Middle East
Education Group will co-sponsor a repeat screening of
My So-Called Enemy. It is a documentary about young
women from Israel and Palestine who participated in an
encounter group experience one summer with the
Building Bridges organization in New Jersey. The
second part of the film follows six of them after
returning home. Friday, September 19 at 7:00 PM in
the Parlor.The event will be open to the public and free
of charge. Please invite friends.
People’s Climate March, September 21
Buses for the September 21 People’s Climate March
will leave Alewife at 6:30 AM, not 7:30 as originally
planned, because the starting time for the march has
been moved forward. Buses will drop people off and
pick them up near the starting and finishing points for
the march and rallies.
Momentum is building, and the march is slated to be the
biggest environmental action ever. It will mark the
launch of Commit2Respond, a UU initiative for action
on climate change.
Final details for an interfaith service before the march
steps off and for the UU contingent meeting place are
still being worked out. The UUSC web site is a good
place to find up-to-date information. For information
about the buses, go to the 350MA.org website. And tell
your family and friends to join you in New York.
World Peace Day – Sunday, September 21
Please join us on the front steps of First Parish for a Peace
Vigil and Worldwide Meditation Moment from 11:45 am
– 12:15 pm on September 21. World Peace Day was
established in 1981 by the United Nations. This year’s theme
is the Right of Peoples to Peace. At noon we will participate
in a Global Meditation Moment for Peace. You are invited
to join with other groups worldwide at noon to pray or
meditate or to make an intention for peace. For more
information contact David Pap at david.pap@nemoves.com.
Language Groups at First Parish
Do you speak Spanish or Mandarin Chinese? Join the
language conversation groups at First Parish to practice in
an informal, friendly environment. It’s a great way to get
to know people while furthering our multicultural
mission. All levels are welcome.
Spanish: First and third Tuesdays of every month, 6:007:30 p.m. Meets in the Baldwin Room.
Chinese: Every Sunday, 12-1 p.m. beginning September
14. Meets in the Fuller Room.
For more information on either group, contact Karin Lin
at kslnet@yahoo.com. You can also join our email lists by
sending a blank message to FPSpanishsubscribe@yahoogroups.com or FPChinesesubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Auction Committee seeking members
Would you like to help plan the 2014 community auction?
This is a short-term fun way to get more involved at First
Parish. We need another 2 – 3 committee members —
particularly people who are interested in helping to
promote the auction and increase participation. We are
also seeking people who can help solicit gift certificates
from Harvard Square and other area businesses and tickets
to special events. If you want to learn more, contact Eileen
Sullivan at auction@firstparishcambridge.org. The auction
will be November 16 and November 23.
Pastoral Care (Circle of Care)
The Pastoral Associates, supported by Circle of Care
volunteers, help to provide care to First Parish members and
friends during times of need by providing meals, rides, and
other help. The Pastoral Associate in August is Cushing
Giesey. You may contact Cushing at
pastoralcare@firstparishcambridge.org.
Pastoral Prayer
Congregants may request to have their personal joys and
sorrows named and lifted up in Sunday’s Pastoral Prayers
by e-mailing pastoralprayer@firstparishcambridge.org by
noon on Friday. You may also fill out a Pastoral Prayer
Request Form and leave it in the Pastoral Prayer Box by
10:30 AM on Sunday mornings. (Forms and the box are in
the Mass. Ave. foyer.)
If you would like your message in our announcements
and monthly newsletter, please e-mail the Pastoral
Associates at pastoralcare@firstparishcambridge.org.
Flowers
A reminder that you can order a bouquet to beautify the
sanctuary on any Sunday. Bouquets are $35. To do so,
please contact Janice Zazinski at 617-876-7772 or
officeassist@firstparishcambridge.org, by the preceding
Thursday.
Safe Congregation
At First Parish we covenant to welcome all people to the
table, to nourish and serve each other and to respect and
honor the inherent worth and dignity of every person. To
achieve these goals it is essential that we maintain a safe
environment that protects children and adults from harm
while fostering their spiritual growth. We encourage anyone
who has witnessed or experienced verbal, sexual or physical
abuse at First Parish to contact the appropriate team:
SafeCongregation@firstparishcambridge org
(for issues involving adults), or
safechildren@firstparishcambridge.org
(for issues involving those under 18).
First Parish Staff and Leaders
Senior Minister ..................................... Rev. Fred Small
Associate Minister ............................. Rev. Lilia Cuervo
Ministerial Intern ........................................ Seanan Fong
Minister Emeritus ............... Rev. Dr. Thomas Mikelson
Music Director ................................... Jonathan Barnhart
Director of Religious Education ................. Mandy Neff
Youth Coordinator…………………Jeremie Bateman
Nursery Care Coordinator...................... Lace Campbell
Nursery Care Coordinator................... Jeremy Schwartz
Congregational Administrator .................... Carol Lewis
Office Assistant ......................................Janice Zazinski
Sexton......................................................... Roland Ellies
Community Life Coordinator ........... Rev. Mykal Slack
Tuesday Meals Kitchen Coordinator ........ Pam Cannon
Tuesday Meals Assistant ........................ Brian Downes
Executive Director, Paine Senior Services .. Liz Aguilo
Social Worker, Paine Senior Services .. Maureen Harty
Director, Cambridge Forum ................ Patricia Suhrcke
Standing Committee 2014 – 2015
Chair: ......................................................Susan Shepherd
Vice Chair: ................................................... Peggy Kraft
Treasurer: .................................................... Ernie Sabine
Clerk: ............................................................. Linda West
Members at Large: Julie Duncan, Brittney Gardner, Grey
Lee, Nassira Nicola, Mark Pickering. Rashid Shaikh