by UPB Editor, November 08, 2023
The Children & Youth Deepening Team would like to give a huge shout out to Jeff B., United Parish middle school church school teacher extraordinaire, partner of our sabbatical pastor, Christine VanDeWege, and all around kind, giving human being. Jeff has shown up every Sunday this fall to serve our middle school youth as their teacher, to serve cake and cider at Kent and Robert’s 10th year celebration, to debut as father Isaac in the story of Jacob and Esau, and to worship with us as a faithful member of our church community. Thank you, Jeff, we are blessed to… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 08, 2023
Sunday, November 19th immediately following worship in the sanctuary and on Zoom. The All-Parish Meeting is open to EVERYONE – whether you’re a long-time member of United Parish or you’ve just recently started attending worship. This is a chance for our whole congregation to come together. Come and enjoy a light lunch as we share and celebrate how God is working in our congregation. A full agenda and materials will be emailed in advance of the meeting. We look forward to seeing you there! Questions? Contact Jennifer Rodine (moderator@upbrookline.org)…. Read More
by UPB Editor, November 06, 2023
Thrifty Threads recently received a bag of donations that had, at the very bottom, an assortment of jewelry, among which were 12 small thin “bar pins.” The pins were turned over to Thrifty Threads volunteer and jewelry donations curator, Abby Sorrell. Abby thought maybe they were special, and began an online investigation. She discovered that they were Victorian era lingerie pins, used by 19th Century women to pin their undergarments to their bodices. Lingerie pins were also used to pin a woman’s collar closed; and sometimes even as baby diaper pins. Figure 1. The Lingerie Pins Abby shared the results… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
We are pleased to share a sampling some recent improvements made to the building: A new refrigerator in the kitchenette and a new restaurant-quality coffee maker to be better equipped to extend a warm welcome to newcomers and gather as a congregation during coffee hours and other events. Sanctuary reconfiguration and “prayground” to create a warm and intimate worship experience that is accessible and inviting for all ages. Lindsey Room decluttering and creating a Family Room to provide a clean and welcoming space for families with young children. Cleaning, decluttering, and organizing the kitchen to welcome in new building users… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
Join the Mental Health Team for discussions about mental health and our Christian faith inspired by the book Held: Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health by Barbara F. Meyers. The book is available for purchase from United Parish for $15. The next session will be Sunday, November 5 at 12:30pm in the Parlor. We’ll be discussing the chapter: the Ultimate Crisis: Suicide and Appendix B: Communication Guidelines. We will use the discussion guide in the book, diving deeper into sharing our stories and learning about mental health and our faith. Please see Louise B. or Carolyn M. if you plan to attend… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
This week, some of Thrifty Threads’ donations were small in size but mighty in impact. We answered the need for a few special requests, which included: – La Vida Scholars in Lawrence and Lynn requested we assist approximately 6 students with outfits for college campus interviews. – Brigham and Women’s Hospital asked us to wardrobe a high school youth for their school work study. – Brazilian Women’s Group alerted us to a family with young children that arrived in Boston with no clothes and only a few diapers. – Eliot House in Cambridge was thrilled we were able to find… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
The Growing Grandparents group will continue a study of both teenage sexuality and gender issues, as well as mental health concerns, using the book Lily and Dunkin by Susan Gephart this month. This is an award-winning book about a transgender girl and a boy with bipolar disorder, finding themselves and friendship in their first year at a new high school. We’ll continue to explore some of the questions we all have, including those which will come up as part of our grandparenting experience. The book is $8.00, and you can still pick one up in the Church Office. It is also available… Read More
by UPB Editor, November 02, 2023
Do you want a United Parish shirt for when you volunteer at the Community Thanksgiving Dinner? Now’s your chance! Limited edition United Parish logo t-shirts will be available after worship on Sunday, November 19. Suggested donation of $15. Cash, check, or Venmo accepted. Sizes Youth XS – Adult 2XL. This custom design features our famous rainbow Adirondack chairs. Contact gathering@upbrookline.org…. Read More
by UPB Editor, November 01, 2023
As the weather cools down, the needs of our building and grounds change somewhat. The exterior water gets turned off, the hoses get brought in, the plant growth slows way down. The natural cycle of things continues with an exhale of relief; no more mowing the lawn every week, no more endless weed pulling and watering. Time to plant bulbs in anticipation of what will soon be – the first things to welcome us into new life next spring. Instead of endless weeding and watering, we have leaves to rake on the lawn. I enjoy the respite of the fall…. Read More
by UPB Editor, November 01, 2023
This Advent, our congregation and neighbors are invited to create artistic displays in the window wells of our sanctuary that illustrate our most heartfelt prayers and hopes for ourselves, for each other, for the earth, for future generations, and for generations past. Displays will remain in place from December 3 to January 7 and can be installed throughout the weeks prior to Christmas. A few things to think about: Displays don’t need to be stereotypical religious, or Christian content. The window wells contain heat vents and don’t like greenery and things that melt. Displays will likely be touched by curious little… Read More
