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
by UPB Editor, November 01, 2023
After 200 years serving the Greater Boston communities, City Mission Boston has closed its doors, but their services thankfully have continued in different organizations. The Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington has graciously taken over the Coat Drive (new coats only) and added The Christmas Shop (toys and gifts cards) for the many single parents and families unable to afford the items that will add much needed warmth and joy to their Christmas. Below is the letter from Hancock UCC: “This year, we are seeking donations of gift cards, books, toys, socks, hats, mittens and coats. These gifts will be… Read More
by UPB Editor, October 31, 2023
October 26, 2023 We, members of the Brookline Interfaith Clergy Association, stand together in this time of sorrow and pain. We are a group of Jews, Muslims, Christians and Unitarian Universalists representing over 15 faith communities in Brookline, who have found strength in coming together for many years, building fellowship and friendship among ourselves and members of our different faiths, and providing religious leadership in Brookline, based on compassion and meaning. We and our communities have responded to the terrible events occurring in Israel and Gaza, and to Israelis and Palestinians, in different ways, with anguish, fear, frustration and anger…. Read More
by UPB Editor, October 27, 2023
Funding for public housing: Last week, Governor Healey proposed a major increase in funding for the state’s long-neglected 43,000 units of public housing, which are in desperate, desperate need of capital improvements. This has been a focus of GBIO activity for nearly two years. Her proposal needs approval by the Legislature, and GBIO is organizing meetings with key senators and representative in the next two months. If you want to help, please click here. Zoning reform in Brookline for more housing and more affordable housing: After months of negotiations, GBIO and the Yes In Brookline campaign are happy to… Read More
by UPB Editor, October 20, 2023
Want to be inspired about how to transform our building? Join us this fall as we visit neighborhood faith communities and learn about how they transformed their buildings to better serve their mission and goals. The next site visit will be to Kehillath Israel in Brookline on Monday, November 6. We’ve been invited to join their short worship service at 7pm, followed by a tour and conversation at 7:30pm. Please RSVP to kent@upbrookline.org if you’re planning to attend. Any and all are welcome! Other tours will include: Saint Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, Boston; Saint Cecilia’s Catholic Parish, Boston; Saint Paul’s Episcopal Parish, Brookline; First… Read More
by UPB Editor, October 19, 2023
We are delighted to announce that the National Fund for Sacred Places has awarded a $250,000 matching grant to the United Parish in Brookline! We are one of 16 congregations out of over 370 applicants to receive the grant this year. Special thanks to our Assistant Treasurer Lietza Molloy for her invaluable leadership in preparing and submitting our application, along with help from former Treasurer Doug Johnson, Financial Planning Co-Chair Mark Jones, Moderator Jennifer Rodine, Deb Hall, David Rockwell, Holly VandeWall, the Brookline Food Pantry, Thrifty Threads, our staff and pastors. This grant is one piece of an overall, long-range… Read More
