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Past Services
February 19, 2012 The Cross
Jim Cunningham, Guest Speaker
Jim joins us to discuss how his Catholic spirituality has been essential to him in living his daily life
when experiencing poverty, disabilities, ill health and prejudice. Jim says,"Through it all, I was/am
upbeat and happy, deeply understanding that it was/is what Paul wrote about: 'I make up in my own flesh
what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.' (Colossians 1:24)
Ken Michelli and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
February 12, 2012 The Superman Principle
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Ever since Cain killed Abel, there has been conflict in the world. One would be hardpressed to come up with
a period of history during which there were no wars. In light of humankind's deadly history, is trying to live
the Sixth Principle an exercise in futility, or might it be possible to create a world community with peace, liberty,
and justice for all?
Lynn Leimer, Musician
February 5, 2012 Popular Culture: What Is It, What It Does, and Why America Does It So Well
Bill Stott, Guest Speaker
Bill answers these questions and others like "when is popular culture subversive," "is Shakespeare popular culture"
(no, but he started out being, as did Dickens), "why is popular culture so important in America," "why isn't popular culture avant-garde,"
"where do America's 'ideology' and that of popular culture overlap," "does popular culture follow the 30-year cycle
of conservatism to social concern that Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., found in American History"? He says, "My answers are brief,
bolstered by example, and at times, I hope, entertaining."
Janice Gluck, Musician
January 29, 2012 A Sufi Perspective
Pat Wright, Guest Speaker
The impulse that is now known as Sufism is as old as humankind. It is not bound to any
culture or religion but includes people and teachings of many different cultures and faiths.
Pat, who has studied this Way for thirty years, will talk to us about this spiritual point of
view and its relevance to our time.
Lisa Erwin, Chris Nicotera and Heather Webster, Musicians
January 22, 2012 The Power of Prayer
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
The Act of prayer is attested in written sources as early as 5000 years ago.
Over the ages it has taken many different forms for many diverse purposes.
Susan-Lynn will explore some of the similarities and differences prayer and
meditation and the place for either or both in our spiritual lives.
Lynn Leimer Flint, Musician
January 15, 2012 The Peace of the Labyrinth
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Following a brief service explaining the labyrinth and its benefits, our replica of the
labyrinth of the great Chartres Cathedral will be available for walking to the beautiful harp
music of Chris Nicotera.
Chris Nicotera, Musician
January 8, 2012 WWJD
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
On January 4, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed his “Great Society” during
his State of the Union address. Two main goals of these social reforms were the elimination
of poverty and racial injustice. There were also new major spending programs addressing
education, medical care, urban problems, and transportation. The year 2015 marks the 50th
anniversary of that proclamation. Susan-Lynn examines how far we’ve come and how far we
still have to go in light of the 2012 elections. Where is Jesus in all of this and what would
he do in the voting booth?
Mary Michelli and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
January 1, 2012 No Service
December 25, 2011 No Service
December 18, 2011 Share the Light
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Christmas Service
Light is a metaphor that runs through every major religion. Join us as we celebrate the light through music, carols,
and readings from many traditions including Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Sufi, Muslim and others.
Ensemble of the Newport Area Community Orchestra, Sacred Harp Singers, and Ken Michelli & Mary Michelli, Musicians.
December 11, 2011 Reflection
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
December would seem to be a natural time for reflecting upon the year that is ending, but
the all-too-fast approach of Christmas too often finds us caught up in a whirlwind of details
and last-minute deadlines. How important is it to find some time to sum up the year, how it
fits with all of those that came before it, and those are yet to come. Susan-Lynn reflects
upon "reflection" and offers some thoughts about how to use our discoveries.
Linda Schneck and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
December 4, 2011 Why I Believe
Mark Moreau, Guest Speaker
Mark will talk about his life experiences and how they led him to convert to being Mormon.
"I was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on June 24, 2000 after having
been raised a Roman Catholic for 48 years. I presently serve on the High Council of The Montpelier
Vermont Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and have been at this calling for
just over 3 years. I am married and currently live in Underhill Vermont."
Ensemble from Newport Area Community Orchestra and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
November 27, 2011 Divine Science - a Reflection on the Universe
Anjuli Farrington, Worship Leader
Anjuli will touch on ancient mystical beliefs, revisited today as Divine Science.
November 20, 2011 Enough
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
While the word "bounty" seems to be in danger of slipping from usage for many people,
others can't seem to get enough of it. But when is enough enough, and will we ever reach
the point of satiety? Susan-Lynn reflects on this and how access to some of the simple
bounties of the 99% are being taken away. Annual Bread and Cider Communion.
David Killam, Ken Michelli, and Lisa C. Erwin, Musicians.
November 13, 2011 Doubt
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Theologians and philosophers have debated for centuries about the importance (or lack
thereof) of doubt in matters of faith.Yet most of us recognize the importance of some
amount of doubt in our lives. But is there a danger of becoming too skeptical? Susan-
Lynn weighs the pros and cons of doubt.
Abigail Stockman, Musician.
November 6, 2011 Louisa May and Her Father Bronson
Pam Crandall
“Louisa May’s father was difficult: an eccentric philosopher and educator who constantly
pursued new ventures for his theories and practices. He moved his family from one town
to another, from one house to another, more than twenty times in Louisa May and her
sisters’ childhood and youth. The Alcotts were often on the verge of starvation. Louisa
May rewrote her own life in her Little Women. She found refuge in the pages of her book,
a story of four sisters growing up in a warm, loving family in the Northeast during the
Civil War.” From p. 43 of Bas Bleu, vol. 241, Autumn 2011.
Newport Area Orchestra String Section, and Lisa C. Erwin, Musicians.
September 4, 2011 Rest Day
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
On this Sunday before Labor Day, Susan-Lynn briefly examines the idea of resting from
our labors—or not. Indeed, what is rest? How much do we need? How much can we
tolerate? Our annual Labor Day Potluck Picnic will begin immediately following this
brief service.
Lisa C. Erwin, Musician
September 11, 2011 Bridges and Annual Water Ceremony
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
There are many kinds of bridges—those over water come to mind first. But there are other
bridges that connect our lives with those of others. At times they seem quite solid yet
dissipate in the blink of an eye. At other times they aren’t even perceptible yet suddenly
appear to lift us over rough waters and hollow places. April Streeter, age 12, a voice
student of Lynn Leimer, will perform as guest soloist. Please bring some water from your
summer travels, adventures, or respites to blend with that saved from previous years.
April Streeter, Guest Musician
Lisa Erwin, and Ken Michelli, Musicians
September 18, 2011 Bonhoeffer, King, and Me
Richard Forcier, Guest Speaker
The Christian tradition has shaped my religious and moral outlook. It has provided crucial
answers to my ultimate spiritual questions. I will briefly share why this tradition feeds my
soul, even as it comforts and challenges me. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King
Jr. have inspired to try to transcend my many limitations; hence, I have included them in
the title of my message.
Ken Michelli, Chris Maginniss and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
September 25, 2011 GA 2011: My Gleanings
Judy Nommik, Worship Leader
Judy will speak about her experiences at GA, including music workshops, Green
Sanctuary and much much more!
Mary Michelli and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
April 24, 2011 Rolling Back the Stones
Richard Forcier, Guest Speaker.
Lisa Erwin, Musician.
The Easter narrative, literally understood, is problematic for many Unitarian Universalists. Hence, it is often avoided, side-stepped, and
distorted. Metaphorically understood, the Easter story challenges us to break free and live
both deeply and authentically.
Richard Forcier served the First Church in Barre for almost twenty-two years before retiring.
He is currently enrolled at St. Michael's College in pursuit of a Master's Degree teaching
speakers of other languages English. He lives in Montpelier with his beloved wife, Karen
Brooks.
April 10, 2011 At Home in the Web & Membership Sunday
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Lisa Erwin, Musician.
Susan-Lynn reflects upon the Seventh Principle and the
importance of interdependent web of our own congregation. New members will be
welcomed into the congregation as part of this service.
April 3, 2011 Annual Sap Communion
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Lisa Erwin, Ken & Mary Michelli, Musicians.
March 27, 2011 The Spirituality of Broadway
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Lynn Leimer, Musician and Vocalist. Ruth-Ann Fletcher, Guest Vocalist.
If you’re tired of
singing the same old hymns and new ones that seem unsingable, come lend your voice to
some familiar songs that are every bit as spiritual as those in Singing the Living Tradition
(that’s the name of our hymnal, just in case you didn’t recognize it). Susan-Lynn will be
joined by Lynn Leimer and special guest, Ruth-Ann Fletcher, as we discover together why
these songs hold such meaning for us.
March 20, 2011 Pledge Sunday
board of Trustees and Pam Crandall, Worship Leaders
Come one, come all to the grand unveiling of our glorious, not-quite-yet-written-in-stone
Five Year Plan! We're providing an opportunity for you to contribute to this plan, the
purpose of which is to help First Parish move into the future with focus and energy. Pam
Crandall will give a rousing talk with her usual razor-sharp wit. It will take both money and
energy to keep us moving into the 21st Century, but you don't need to make a financial
commitment at this service, so please feel "free" to come and check it out.
March 13, 2011 Poetry Sunday
Jerry Johnson, Guest Speaker
Anjuli Farrington, Lay Leader
Chris Nicotera, Musician
Jerry Johnson of East Albany will read some of his own
poetry about spring, rebirth, life, and nature, sharing with us some of his favorites.
Jerry is a retired professor from Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. The stimulus
for much of the Jerry's poetry stems from the natural beauty of Vermont. Several of his
poems have appeared in The Mountain Troubadour, The Chronicle, The North Star Monthly,
Green Mountain Trading Post, Caledonian-Record, Hardwick Gazette and The Newport Daily
Express, plus a number of national publications. Jerry is an active member of The Poetry
Society of Vermont and The League of Vermont Writers.
March 6, 2011 To Be or Not To Be
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Lisa Erwin, Ken & Mary Michelli, Musicians.
There’s nothing like a bout with
illness to make one take a fresh look at life and its alternative. Susan-Lynn reflects on life
and death using Hamlet's famous soliloquy as a jumping off point.
February 20, 2011 Giorgio Biandrata
Rev. Brendan Hadash, Worship Leader
Rev. Hadash will portray Giorgio Biandrata on the 450th anniversary of his trial for heresy.
Biandrata has been called both the savior of European Unitarianism and its Judas. Which
country in the world has 6 times per capita the number of Unitarians as the United States?
The answer will surprise you. Biandrata will have a question for the congregation. When
should one compromise? When one's life is threatened?
February 13, 2011 Secretly Bored
Gabriella Brand, Guest Speaker
Are you one of those people who are busy, busy, busy, but secretly bored?
Bored with your job, your life, your friends, your routines, your church?
Maybe you don't even recognize this inner emptiness as boredom. Or
perhaps you think that just getting busier is the answer. It's not. Every once in a while, you
see someone who is living life with gusto. How do they do it? How can we learn to live
every day in a creative, healthy, and stimulating way? How can we get the juices flowing and
the heart open? Gabriella Brand talks about ways that UU's can change their
BQ....boredom quotient.
February 6, 2011 Service CANCELED
January 2, 2011 Labyrinth
The labyrinth will be available to those who would like to walk it. We'll have harp music accompaniment by Chris Nicotera.
The 11-circuit labyrinth is a replica of the one at Chartres Cathedral, and provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection.
One may use it for meditation, relaxation, or any other desired intention. The labyrinth is also reputed to have healing effects:
as one walks into the center and out again via different paths, both the body and mind can achieve balance.
At 10:00 there will be a brief service that explains a little about labyrinths and provides a chance for meditation.
Following the service, lead by Susan-Lynn Johns, all are invited to walk the labyrinth in the church hall.
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Ever since Cain killed Abel, there has been conflict in the world. One would be hardpressed to come up with a period of history during which there were no wars. In light of humankind's deadly history, is trying to live the Sixth Principle an exercise in futility, or might it be possible to create a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all?
Lynn Leimer, Musician
February 5, 2012 Popular Culture: What Is It, What It Does, and Why America Does It So Well
Bill Stott, Guest Speaker
Bill answers these questions and others like "when is popular culture subversive," "is Shakespeare popular culture" (no, but he started out being, as did Dickens), "why is popular culture so important in America," "why isn't popular culture avant-garde," "where do America's 'ideology' and that of popular culture overlap," "does popular culture follow the 30-year cycle of conservatism to social concern that Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., found in American History"? He says, "My answers are brief, bolstered by example, and at times, I hope, entertaining."
Janice Gluck, Musician
January 29, 2012 A Sufi Perspective
Pat Wright, Guest Speaker
The impulse that is now known as Sufism is as old as humankind. It is not bound to any culture or religion but includes people and teachings of many different cultures and faiths. Pat, who has studied this Way for thirty years, will talk to us about this spiritual point of view and its relevance to our time.
Lisa Erwin, Chris Nicotera and Heather Webster, Musicians
January 22, 2012 The Power of Prayer
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
The Act of prayer is attested in written sources as early as 5000 years ago. Over the ages it has taken many different forms for many diverse purposes. Susan-Lynn will explore some of the similarities and differences prayer and meditation and the place for either or both in our spiritual lives.
Lynn Leimer Flint, Musician
January 15, 2012 The Peace of the Labyrinth
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Following a brief service explaining the labyrinth and its benefits, our replica of the labyrinth of the great Chartres Cathedral will be available for walking to the beautiful harp music of Chris Nicotera.
Chris Nicotera, Musician
January 8, 2012 WWJD
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
On January 4, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed his “Great Society” during his State of the Union address. Two main goals of these social reforms were the elimination of poverty and racial injustice. There were also new major spending programs addressing education, medical care, urban problems, and transportation. The year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of that proclamation. Susan-Lynn examines how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go in light of the 2012 elections. Where is Jesus in all of this and what would he do in the voting booth?
Mary Michelli and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
January 1, 2012 No Service
December 25, 2011 No Service
December 18, 2011 Share the Light
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Christmas Service
Light is a metaphor that runs through every major religion. Join us as we celebrate the light through music, carols, and readings from many traditions including Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Sufi, Muslim and others.
Ensemble of the Newport Area Community Orchestra, Sacred Harp Singers, and Ken Michelli & Mary Michelli, Musicians.
December 11, 2011 Reflection
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
December would seem to be a natural time for reflecting upon the year that is ending, but the all-too-fast approach of Christmas too often finds us caught up in a whirlwind of details and last-minute deadlines. How important is it to find some time to sum up the year, how it fits with all of those that came before it, and those are yet to come. Susan-Lynn reflects upon "reflection" and offers some thoughts about how to use our discoveries.
Linda Schneck and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
December 4, 2011 Why I Believe
Mark Moreau, Guest Speaker
Mark will talk about his life experiences and how they led him to convert to being Mormon. "I was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on June 24, 2000 after having been raised a Roman Catholic for 48 years. I presently serve on the High Council of The Montpelier Vermont Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and have been at this calling for just over 3 years. I am married and currently live in Underhill Vermont."
Ensemble from Newport Area Community Orchestra and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
November 27, 2011 Divine Science - a Reflection on the Universe
Anjuli Farrington, Worship Leader Anjuli will touch on ancient mystical beliefs, revisited today as Divine Science.
November 20, 2011 Enough
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
While the word "bounty" seems to be in danger of slipping from usage for many people, others can't seem to get enough of it. But when is enough enough, and will we ever reach the point of satiety? Susan-Lynn reflects on this and how access to some of the simple bounties of the 99% are being taken away. Annual Bread and Cider Communion.
David Killam, Ken Michelli, and Lisa C. Erwin, Musicians.
November 13, 2011 Doubt
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Theologians and philosophers have debated for centuries about the importance (or lack thereof) of doubt in matters of faith.Yet most of us recognize the importance of some amount of doubt in our lives. But is there a danger of becoming too skeptical? Susan- Lynn weighs the pros and cons of doubt.
Abigail Stockman, Musician.
November 6, 2011 Louisa May and Her Father Bronson
Pam Crandall “Louisa May’s father was difficult: an eccentric philosopher and educator who constantly pursued new ventures for his theories and practices. He moved his family from one town to another, from one house to another, more than twenty times in Louisa May and her sisters’ childhood and youth. The Alcotts were often on the verge of starvation. Louisa May rewrote her own life in her Little Women. She found refuge in the pages of her book, a story of four sisters growing up in a warm, loving family in the Northeast during the Civil War.” From p. 43 of Bas Bleu, vol. 241, Autumn 2011.
Newport Area Orchestra String Section, and Lisa C. Erwin, Musicians.
September 4, 2011 Rest Day
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
On this Sunday before Labor Day, Susan-Lynn briefly examines the idea of resting from our labors—or not. Indeed, what is rest? How much do we need? How much can we tolerate? Our annual Labor Day Potluck Picnic will begin immediately following this brief service.
Lisa C. Erwin, Musician
September 11, 2011 Bridges and Annual Water Ceremony
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
There are many kinds of bridges—those over water come to mind first. But there are other bridges that connect our lives with those of others. At times they seem quite solid yet dissipate in the blink of an eye. At other times they aren’t even perceptible yet suddenly appear to lift us over rough waters and hollow places. April Streeter, age 12, a voice student of Lynn Leimer, will perform as guest soloist. Please bring some water from your summer travels, adventures, or respites to blend with that saved from previous years.
April Streeter, Guest Musician
Lisa Erwin, and Ken Michelli, Musicians
September 18, 2011 Bonhoeffer, King, and Me
Richard Forcier, Guest Speaker
The Christian tradition has shaped my religious and moral outlook. It has provided crucial answers to my ultimate spiritual questions. I will briefly share why this tradition feeds my soul, even as it comforts and challenges me. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr. have inspired to try to transcend my many limitations; hence, I have included them in the title of my message.
Ken Michelli, Chris Maginniss and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
September 25, 2011 GA 2011: My Gleanings
Judy Nommik, Worship Leader
Judy will speak about her experiences at GA, including music workshops, Green Sanctuary and much much more!
Mary Michelli and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
April 24, 2011 Rolling Back the Stones
Richard Forcier, Guest Speaker.
Lisa Erwin, Musician.
The Easter narrative, literally understood, is problematic for many Unitarian Universalists. Hence, it is often avoided, side-stepped, and distorted. Metaphorically understood, the Easter story challenges us to break free and live both deeply and authentically.
Richard Forcier served the First Church in Barre for almost twenty-two years before retiring. He is currently enrolled at St. Michael's College in pursuit of a Master's Degree teaching speakers of other languages English. He lives in Montpelier with his beloved wife, Karen Brooks.
April 10, 2011 At Home in the Web & Membership Sunday
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Lisa Erwin, Musician.
Susan-Lynn reflects upon the Seventh Principle and the importance of interdependent web of our own congregation. New members will be welcomed into the congregation as part of this service.
April 3, 2011 Annual Sap Communion
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Lisa Erwin, Ken & Mary Michelli, Musicians.
March 27, 2011 The Spirituality of Broadway
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Lynn Leimer, Musician and Vocalist. Ruth-Ann Fletcher, Guest Vocalist.
If you’re tired of singing the same old hymns and new ones that seem unsingable, come lend your voice to some familiar songs that are every bit as spiritual as those in Singing the Living Tradition (that’s the name of our hymnal, just in case you didn’t recognize it). Susan-Lynn will be joined by Lynn Leimer and special guest, Ruth-Ann Fletcher, as we discover together why these songs hold such meaning for us.
March 20, 2011 Pledge Sunday
board of Trustees and Pam Crandall, Worship Leaders
Come one, come all to the grand unveiling of our glorious, not-quite-yet-written-in-stone Five Year Plan! We're providing an opportunity for you to contribute to this plan, the purpose of which is to help First Parish move into the future with focus and energy. Pam Crandall will give a rousing talk with her usual razor-sharp wit. It will take both money and energy to keep us moving into the 21st Century, but you don't need to make a financial commitment at this service, so please feel "free" to come and check it out.
March 13, 2011 Poetry Sunday
Jerry Johnson, Guest Speaker
Anjuli Farrington, Lay Leader
Chris Nicotera, Musician
Jerry Johnson of East Albany will read some of his own poetry about spring, rebirth, life, and nature, sharing with us some of his favorites. Jerry is a retired professor from Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. The stimulus for much of the Jerry's poetry stems from the natural beauty of Vermont. Several of his poems have appeared in The Mountain Troubadour, The Chronicle, The North Star Monthly, Green Mountain Trading Post, Caledonian-Record, Hardwick Gazette and The Newport Daily Express, plus a number of national publications. Jerry is an active member of The Poetry Society of Vermont and The League of Vermont Writers.
March 6, 2011 To Be or Not To Be
Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Lisa Erwin, Ken & Mary Michelli, Musicians.
There’s nothing like a bout with illness to make one take a fresh look at life and its alternative. Susan-Lynn reflects on life and death using Hamlet's famous soliloquy as a jumping off point.
February 20, 2011 Giorgio Biandrata
Rev. Brendan Hadash, Worship Leader
Rev. Hadash will portray Giorgio Biandrata on the 450th anniversary of his trial for heresy. Biandrata has been called both the savior of European Unitarianism and its Judas. Which country in the world has 6 times per capita the number of Unitarians as the United States? The answer will surprise you. Biandrata will have a question for the congregation. When should one compromise? When one's life is threatened?
February 13, 2011 Secretly Bored
Gabriella Brand, Guest Speaker Are you one of those people who are busy, busy, busy, but secretly bored? Bored with your job, your life, your friends, your routines, your church? Maybe you don't even recognize this inner emptiness as boredom. Or perhaps you think that just getting busier is the answer. It's not. Every once in a while, you see someone who is living life with gusto. How do they do it? How can we learn to live every day in a creative, healthy, and stimulating way? How can we get the juices flowing and the heart open? Gabriella Brand talks about ways that UU's can change their BQ....boredom quotient.
February 6, 2011 Service CANCELED
January 2, 2011 Labyrinth
The labyrinth will be available to those who would like to walk it. We'll have harp music accompaniment by Chris Nicotera. The 11-circuit labyrinth is a replica of the one at Chartres Cathedral, and provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection. One may use it for meditation, relaxation, or any other desired intention. The labyrinth is also reputed to have healing effects: as one walks into the center and out again via different paths, both the body and mind can achieve balance. At 10:00 there will be a brief service that explains a little about labyrinths and provides a chance for meditation. Following the service, lead by Susan-Lynn Johns, all are invited to walk the labyrinth in the church hall.