Podcasts about lead minister

"Deadly" Matthew 5:27-30Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given September 21, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of ten days of repentance in Judaism. It's meant to be a time for self-reflection and to wake up to the places we've fallen short. The word "woke," however, has been weaponized by some and perceived as an undesirable trait. How can we become more aware and compassionate in a world that prefers the opposite? Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

"Deadly" Matthew 25; Romans 12:9-11Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, bring the 5th message in the series.

"Deadly"Luke 12:13-21Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given September 7, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Curious as to what the next two years will be like? Let's embark on this journey of unpacking the five interim tasks while also celebrating Ingathering Sunday and water communion. Water Ceremony: Please bring water from a place meaningful to you, whether you join us on Zoom or in the Sanctuary. During worship in the Sanctuary we join our waters together in our annual water ceremony, and we will symbolically incorporate the waters from our Zoom congregation This water will be used in child dedications and blessings through the year. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

"Deadly"Luke 4Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings the 3rd message in the series - Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

"At the end of Hebrews, the writer gives some very simple, practical teaching about what it looks like to be a Jesus follower. It's true for those anxiously waiting for the promises to be fulfilled, and it's true for those building rock monuments to remember the victories. It's true for all Jesus followers in all times and situations. This is what we remember in the meantime." Ben Webb, Lead Minister

"Deadly" 1 Kings 21Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings the 2nd message in the series- Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

"Deadly"Matthew 5:21-26Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, begins a new series- Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

"Deadly" Philippians 2:1-11Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Joshua 1:1-9Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 25:7-11Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 21Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 22Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"The Bible describes Jesus as the way to God, the touchstone of all truth, and the means to life as God meant it to be lived. It also describes Jesus as: “full of grace and truth,” 100% grace, and 100% truth. So … because there is a God you don't get your own truth, and I don't get my own truth. Do you get that? But he is 100% grace, too. Which means, if you can't speak God's truth with grace, you kind of need to hush. Truth without grace is not God's truth. And grace without truth is not God's grace. The two have to go together, they are inextricably intertwined. And, that's kind of the way we want to do it here at CapCity … people following Jesus together, trying to live out his truth and grace, not compromising on either." Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister

"Abraham: A Man After God's Promises"Genesis 18Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 15Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"Abraham: A Man After God's Promises"Genesis 14Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 13Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Worship service given June 8, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister Offertory Music: "Benediction: When the Recall Sounds," music by Jennifer Kobayashi, words adapted from Rev. Dr. Vivien Pomeroy (1883-1961) Anthem: "Bidden or Unbidden: God is Present," music by Kenneth Seitz, words by Marta Morris Flanagan and Charles R. Duffy, spoken at their wedding on August 13, 2023 https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Join us for this special service!  Join us for song, reflection, music, and ritual as we say goodbye to Lead Minister, Rev. Marta Flanagan, and celebrate our annual Flower Communion.  Parish Minister, Rev. Erica Richmond, will be preaching.  Community-wide BBQ after worship! Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. About our Lead Minister: Rev. Marta Flanagan began her ministry as our twentieth called minister at First Parish in the fall of 2009. She is a genuine and forthright preacher. In conversation she is direct and engaging. She speaks of prayer with as much ease as she laughs at human foibles. We call her “Marta.” Marta is a religious liberal, a theist, a feminist, and a lover of the woods. As a student of American history at Smith College she was captivated by the stories of social reformers who were motivated and sustained by their faith. That led her to consider the ministry and to study at Harvard Divinity School from where she was graduated in 1986. She was the first woman minister in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, serving at the First Universalist Church there (1987-1997). She served in a co-ministry at South Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, (1997-2005) from where she is minister emerita. Marta served as interim minister in Montpelier, Vermont (2008-2009). She is trained as a spiritual director. For three years she lived in the Vermont woods practicing voluntary simplicity and the spiritual life. Marta enjoys the vitality of First Parish and our strong sense of community. She celebrates the yearning for depth and the desire to make a difference in the world that she finds here.

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 12:10-20Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 12:1-9Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"I think repentance also involves agreeing with God regarding his mercy, his forgiveness, his grace. It involves a leaning in, instead of a leaning away. Listen: when you ask God for forgiveness, do you trust him to forgive you? Do you really? Or, every time you have one of those “flinch moments” do you beg his forgiveness all over again? I think a whole lot of us don't really trust God. We don't really trust his forgiveness, his grace. … Do you? Do you ever wonder whether your sins are too big, or maybe you have committed the same daggon sin so many times … that you have out-sinned grace, maybe? And … did you know that to reject God's forgive3ness is, in a sense, to cling to your sin in a different way? Not by loving it, because you don't, I hope. But by believing that your sin is more powerful than God's grace. Did you know that refusing God's forgiveness is a form of unbelief, often rooted in pride, or despair? I think, for a lot of us Jesus followers, we get the first part of repentance … agreeing with God by owning our sin, accepting our guilt, experiencing perhaps regret and remorse. In fact, for many Jesus follower that kind of defines their life with God. But, I think, maybe, a whole lot of Jesus followers resist that second part of repentance: agreeing with God by accepting … actually accepting his forgiveness, his grace." Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister

"Walk this Way" Ephesians 2:1-10Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

In this episode, Adam talks with Scott Smith, the lead minister of the Temple's Aries Ministry, associated with the Warrior, about the work of protection and Scott's work as a teacher and minister within the Temple. The post Voices of the Temple: Scott Smith, Aries lead minister appeared first on Temple of Witchcraft.

Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given May 18, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching Reading: "Mrs. George Reece" by Edgar Lee Masters from Spoon River Anthology https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 This Sunday Marta Flanagan offers her last sermon as Lead Minister at First Parish. Marta has served First Parish since 2009.  On June 8 she is retiring from full-time parish ministry after 39 years of serving Unitarian Universalist congregations.  On Saturday, May 31 First Parish is honoring her in a celebration.  All are invited.   Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For May 2025, Massachusetts Bail Fund will share half of the plate. Massachusetts Bail Fund (MBF) pays bail to secure freedom from pre-trial incarceration so that those who cannot afford their bail can be in their community to fight their case. Pre-trial freedom allows individuals, families, and communities to stay productive, together, and stable. Massachusetts jails are filled with people awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford bail. Sitting in jail on bail leads to longer incarceration times, lost jobs, lost housing, and devastating disruption to families. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. About our Lead Minister: Rev. Marta Flanagan began her ministry as our twentieth called minister at First Parish in the fall of 2009. She is a genuine and forthright preacher. In conversation she is direct and engaging. She speaks of prayer with as much ease as she laughs at human foibles. We call her “Marta.” Marta is a religious liberal, a theist, a feminist, and a lover of the woods. As a student of American history at Smith College she was captivated by the stories of social reformers who were motivated and sustained by their faith. That led her to consider the ministry and to study at Harvard Divinity School from where she was graduated in 1986. She was the first woman minister in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, serving at the First Universalist Church there (1987-1997). She served in a co-ministry at South Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, (1997-2005) from where she is minister emerita. Marta served as interim minister in Montpelier, Vermont (2008-2009). She is trained as a spiritual director. For three years she lived in the Vermont woods practicing voluntary simplicity and the spiritual life. Marta enjoys the vitality of First Parish and our strong sense of community. She celebrates the yearning for depth and the desire to make a difference in the world that she finds here.

"Walk This Way"Galatians 6:1-5Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Tricia Brennan, Adjunct Minister, preaching Worship service given May 4, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Like a cool water for the thirsty, hope fills us, sustains us and grounds us. Like water, hope is difficult to live without, and yet it can't be ordered up or assured. Sometimes we have to wait for its return, sometimes we have to carry hope for each other. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For May 2025, Massachusetts Bail Fund will share half of the plate. Massachusetts Bail Fund (MBF) pays bail to secure freedom from pre-trial incarceration so that those who cannot afford their bail can be in their community to fight their case. Pre-trial freedom allows individuals, families, and communities to stay productive, together, and stable. Massachusetts jails are filled with people awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford bail. Sitting in jail on bail leads to longer incarceration times, lost jobs, lost housing, and devastating disruption to families. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. About our Lead Minister: Rev. Marta Flanagan began her ministry as our twentieth called minister at First Parish in the fall of 2009. She is a genuine and forthright preacher. In conversation she is direct and engaging. She speaks of prayer with as much ease as she laughs at human foibles. We call her “Marta.” Marta is a religious liberal, a theist, a feminist, and a lover of the woods. As a student of American history at Smith College she was captivated by the stories of social reformers who were motivated and sustained by their faith. That led her to consider the ministry and to study at Harvard Divinity School from where she was graduated in 1986. She was the first woman minister in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, serving at the First Universalist Church there (1987-1997). She served in a co-ministry at South Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, (1997-2005) from where she is minister emerita. Marta served as interim minister in Montpelier, Vermont (2008-2009). She is trained as a spiritual director. For three years she lived in the Vermont woods practicing voluntary simplicity and the spiritual life. Marta enjoys the vitality of First Parish and our strong sense of community. She celebrates the yearning for depth and the desire to make a difference in the world that she finds here.

Amy Smith, 2025 Shinn Speaker, preaching Worship service given April 20, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 In this sermon,  Dr. Amy Smith reflects on her experiences in international development and how those experiences have been influenced by the UU principles she grew up with. The Shinn Service honors Barbara Shinn (1912-1976) and her commitment to justice. Barbara served as chair of what was then known as the Social Responsibility Committee. An educator and leader, she had a passion for teaching children with disabilities. She displayed personal courage in the face of a debilitating illness, arthritis of the spine. This years' Shinn Service preacher is Amy Smith. Amy Smith is the Founding Director of MIT D-Lab, an innovative university-based program in international development and a senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She is also the founder of the International Development Design Summit, co-founder of the MIT IDEAS Global Challenge, co-founder of Rethink Relief conference, and originator of the Creative Capacity Building Methodology. Amy's most recent work has been in Africa with displaced people, often in refugee camps. She works collaboratively with them as they identify problems and collectively create solutions. She grew up as a Unitarian Universalist in the Follen Church in Lexington, MA. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For April 2025, the Giving First recipient is Community InRoads. Community InRoads‘ mission is to partner with and support non-profits serving the Lawrence and Haverhill, Massachusetts area by providing them with pro bono, professional expertise. Their goal is to empower and contribute to the capacity and gifts of the women, men, and youth living, working, and studying in those communities by fostering a sustainable network of effective non-profits dedicated to social justice and economic equality. Community InRoads is dedicated to fostering an effective network of nonprofits so that the men, women and youth in the Lawrence and Haverhill area have access to the resources they need to reach their fullest potential. They provide consulting, training, and board development opportunities at no cost to nonprofit leaders and boards of directors, so that they in turn can better serve community residents. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. About our Lead Minister: Rev. Marta Flanagan began her ministry as our twentieth called minister at First Parish in the fall of 2009. She is a genuine and forthright preacher. In conversation she is direct and engaging. She speaks of prayer with as much ease as she laughs at human foibles. We call her “Marta.” Marta is a religious liberal, a theist, a feminist, and a lover of the woods. As a student of American history at Smith College she was captivated by the stories of social reformers who were motivated and sustained by their faith. That led her to consider the ministry and to study at Harvard Divinity School from where she was graduated in 1986. She was the first woman minister in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, serving at the First Universalist Church there (1987-1997). She served in a co-ministry at South Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, (1997-2005) from where she is minister emerita. Marta served as interim minister in Montpelier, Vermont (2008-2009). She is trained as a spiritual director. For three years she lived in the Vermont woods practicing voluntary simplicity and the spiritual life. Marta enjoys the vitality of First Parish and our strong sense of community. She celebrates the yearning for depth and the desire to make a difference in the world that she finds here.

"I am...am I?"John 14Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given April 20, 2025 Reading from "Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front" by Wendell Berry, read by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan and Rev. Tricia Brennan, Adjunct Minister Prayer by Rev. Tricia Brennan https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Come and celebrate in this complex time! On Easter Sunday Lead Minister Rev. Marta Flanagan will preach, the First Parish Choir will offer seasonal music, along with the Boston University Brass Quintet. During worship children pre-K to grade 6 will enjoy easter egg hunts and then return to the sanctuary for a sharing of matzah and grape juice with the entire congregation. As in the past, communion will be offered during our Easter service. First Parish has no creedal tests for involvement. Our communion is an open table. All are welcome. We each bring our own interpretations of the sharing of bread and wine. Our blessings will be translations of the Hebrew spoken every Friday Shabbat in Jewish homes. In keeping with Passover, the elements of our communion will be matzah and grape juice. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For April 2025, the Giving First recipient is Community InRoads. Community InRoads‘ mission is to partner with and support non-profits serving the Lawrence and Haverhill, Massachusetts area by providing them with pro bono, professional expertise. Their goal is to empower and contribute to the capacity and gifts of the women, men, and youth living, working, and studying in those communities by fostering a sustainable network of effective non-profits dedicated to social justice and economic equality. Community InRoads is dedicated to fostering an effective network of nonprofits so that the men, women and youth in the Lawrence and Haverhill area have access to the resources they need to reach their fullest potential. They provide consulting, training, and board development opportunities at no cost to nonprofit leaders and boards of directors, so that they in turn can better serve community residents. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. About our Lead Minister: Rev. Marta Flanagan began her ministry as our twentieth called minister at First Parish in the fall of 2009. She is a genuine and forthright preacher. In conversation she is direct and engaging. She speaks of prayer with as much ease as she laughs at human foibles. We call her “Marta.” Marta is a religious liberal, a theist, a feminist, and a lover of the woods. As a student of American history at Smith College she was captivated by the stories of social reformers who were motivated and sustained by their faith. That led her to consider the ministry and to study at Harvard Divinity School from where she was graduated in 1986. She was the first woman minister in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, serving at the First Universalist Church there (1987-1997). She served in a co-ministry at South Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, (1997-2005) from where she is minister emerita. Marta served as interim minister in Montpelier, Vermont (2008-2009). She is trained as a spiritual director. For three years she lived in the Vermont woods practicing voluntary simplicity and the spiritual life. Marta enjoys the vitality of First Parish and our strong sense of community. She celebrates the yearning for depth and the desire to make a difference in the world that she finds here.

"Bottom line, guys, Mary is confused because she doesn't know the real Jesus. She is looking for the wrong Jesus … a Jesus of her own imagination … her kind of Jesus. She is blind to the real Jesus. And the real Jesus has to come after her, to break through her fog. You see, if Jesus had just sat back and waited for her to get it … You know, some of us are like, “You keep searching and eventually you will find,” right? “If you work at it hard enough, if you work at it long enough, you'll find the truth … your truth.” If Jesus had just stood there thinking, “I'll just wait here till she figures it out, till she discovers who I really am” … I don't think Mary would have ever found him. Because that's not how it works. Salvation is not about our finding him, it's about him finding us. God always loves us … first. God always nudges us, and draws us … first. God always calls us … first. And he always calls us, every one of us … first. Because God is prodigal with his grace. You've felt them, God's nudges. The real question is, how do you respond? So Jesus says to Mary, so gently, “Why are you crying?” Guys, he knew! Grief? Disappointment … they killed him! Were her tears because she felt broken? Was her hope gone, her direction gone, her purpose for living gone? Were they tears of unfaith, disbelief … stupidity?" Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister

"I am...am I?"John 11Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 31 of The Story. The message begins by confronting the common fears and anxieties that grip people today—financial struggles, health worries, relationship pain—and reveals that underneath it all lies the fear of death. Drawing from Revelation, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus, who conquered death and now holds the keys to it, invites us to live without fear because He transforms whatever He passes through. John's vision of Jesus in Revelation contrasts worldly power, like that of the Roman emperor, with the true authority of the Lamb who was slain and now reigns on the throne. The sermon celebrates Easter as the declaration that the tomb is empty, the Lamb reigns, and the story is far from over—it is the beginning of a new creation. Ultimately, the hope of Easter is that Jesus makes all things new, and no matter where we are in our personal story, He offers to rewrite it with grace, victory, and eternal life.

"I am...am I?"John 10Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Tricia Brennan, Adjunct Minister, preaching Worship service given April 13, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 We will sing that familiar hymn this Sunday, as over twenty new members are welcomed into First Parish. Rev. Tricia Brennan will reflect on what it means to join a faith community: how one joins a particular congregation with a history and a future, how one joins a particular faith tradition, Unitarian Universalism at this moment in time. What it means to be open to being changed, all of us. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For April 2025, the Giving First recipient is Community InRoads. Community InRoads‘ mission is to partner with and support non-profits serving the Lawrence and Haverhill, Massachusetts area by providing them with pro bono, professional expertise. Their goal is to empower and contribute to the capacity and gifts of the women, men, and youth living, working, and studying in those communities by fostering a sustainable network of effective non-profits dedicated to social justice and economic equality. Community InRoads is dedicated to fostering an effective network of nonprofits so that the men, women and youth in the Lawrence and Haverhill area have access to the resources they need to reach their fullest potential. They provide consulting, training, and board development opportunities at no cost to nonprofit leaders and boards of directors, so that they in turn can better serve community residents. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. About our Lead Minister: Rev. Marta Flanagan began her ministry as our twentieth called minister at First Parish in the fall of 2009. She is a genuine and forthright preacher. In conversation she is direct and engaging. She speaks of prayer with as much ease as she laughs at human foibles. We call her “Marta.” Marta is a religious liberal, a theist, a feminist, and a lover of the woods. As a student of American history at Smith College she was captivated by the stories of social reformers who were motivated and sustained by their faith. That led her to consider the ministry and to study at Harvard Divinity School from where she was graduated in 1986. She was the first woman minister in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, serving at the First Universalist Church there (1987-1997). She served in a co-ministry at South Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, (1997-2005) from where she is minister emerita. Marta served as interim minister in Montpelier, Vermont (2008-2009). She is trained as a spiritual director. For three years she lived in the Vermont woods practicing voluntary simplicity and the spiritual life. Marta enjoys the vitality of First Parish and our strong sense of community. She celebrates the yearning for depth and the desire to make a difference in the world that she finds here.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 30 of The Story.

"I am...Am I?"John 10:1-10Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Chris Stephens, Lead Minister of the Avenue G. Church, brings a message from Chapter 29 of The Story.

This sermon was preached by Mark Ashton, Lead Minister of Christ Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska, on Leviticus 8–10.

"There are different ways of saying “again” in Greek. The one here is kind of odd. If you were to check it out in your Bible you'd probably see a little note next to the word “again.” If you go to the margin it will explain the note. It will tell you that the word “again” can also mean “from above.” “You must be born again.” Or, “You must be born from above.” One words, two definitions. And both work. Every one us was birthed once … physically. But you are not just a physical creature. We're kind of like “hybrids” – both physical and spiritual. And for us to be what we were meant to be, a spiritual birth … a “born again,” a “born from above,” is required, too. Our Creator must re-create, Jesus says. … So … have you been “born again … from above”?" Stephen Pattison, Lead Minister

"So... till death do us part: perseverance, endurance, faithfulness. That's what I preached 25 years ago. And it was solid stuff, I think. But we need to go deeper. Because it's missing, I think, maybe the most important part. Because... what if perseverance isn't measured just by time? What if endurance and faithfulness aren't measured just by time?" Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister

"We are calling this little series, “First comes love, then comes …” And it's all about the kind of love we're talking about. If we're talking about agape, first comes love, then comes … sacrifice. First comes agape, then comes … gentleness. Of course, it does! First comes agape, then comes … humility. First comes agape, then comes faithfulness. And if you're talking about an agape kind of love … no kidding. Eros? No way. Agape? A God kind of love? Absolutely! The fact is, you can do sacrifice without agape. You can do gentleness, humility, and faithfulness without agape … at least for a while. But if you are practicing an agape kind of love, you cannot not sacrifice and serve. You can not be gentle and humble with your partner. You can not be faithful to your partner … till death do you part. I'll show you." Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister

“I like big Bibles, and I cannot lie!” This is the opening line from a viral comedy song / music video created by our Lead Minister, Dan Smith (Google “Baby Got Book X”). This internet banger is all about a dude who loves the Scriptures and is searching for a godly lady who feels the same way. Psalm 119 was also written by a poet who absolutely “delighted” in God's Word. It's the longest psalm (and chapter) in the entire Bible, and it's jam-packed with spiritual nuggets about developing a growing relationship with God. From basics to advanced tips, these messages are a great way to start the New Year!  #ILikeBigBibles 

“I like big Bibles, and I cannot lie!” This is the opening line from a viral comedy song / music video created by our Lead Minister, Dan Smith (Google “Baby Got Book X”). This internet banger is all about a dude who loves the Scriptures and is searching for a godly lady who feels the same way. Psalm 119 was also written by a poet who absolutely “delighted” in God's Word. It's the longest psalm (and chapter) in the entire Bible, and it's jam-packed with spiritual nuggets about developing a growing relationship with God. From basics to advanced tips, these messages are a great way to start the New Year!  #ILikeBigBibles 

“I like big Bibles, and I cannot lie!” This is the opening line from a viral comedy song / music video created by our Lead Minister, Dan Smith (Google “Baby Got Book X”). This internet banger is all about a dude who loves the Scriptures and is searching for a godly lady who feels the same way.