Events Listing

Come celebrate the cycle of rebirth at our Easter Sunrise Service. This earth-centered celebration of renewal will take place at dawn in the Highland Farms meadow of the Habitat grounds. Meet in the Habitat parking lot at 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont, at 6:00 am. Please contact Richard Waring, 617-962-1630, richardwaringpoet@gmail.com, or Kathy Crawley, 617-957-5842, katcrawl2@gmail.com, for more information.

Come and celebrate the resurrection of hope and joy in the face of fear and death. We will lift up and dig into one of Jesus’s teachings and welcome in the rebirth of spring. Children will be invited downstairs for a special RE program about Easter during worship after the story. Egg hunts for all children will follow both services. Music will feature the Community Choir and the organ at 9am, and the Senior Choir and the organ at 11am.

Come and celebrate the resurrection of hope and joy in the face of fear and death. We will lift up and dig into one of Jesus’s teachings and welcome in the rebirth of spring. Children will be invited downstairs for a special RE program about Easter during worship after the story. Egg hunts for all children will follow both services. Music will feature the Community Choir and the organ at 9am, and the Senior Choir and the organ at 11am.

Join us on the first Monday of each month for a drop-in family-style spaghetti dinner. This is a time to share food and connect with others at your own pace. All are welcome, including newcomers and guests. Contact Rev. Martha with any questions at 

mdneuman@uubelmont.org

.

A closed, monthly support group for sharing experiences and building understanding around living with health challenges. The group meets online on the first Monday of each month, from 5:30–7:00 pm. Participation is limited to those who join at the start of the church calendar year. This group is Co-facilitated by Rick Hawkins, Leader, and Debbie Dobbins, Co-facilitator. To learn more about next years group, email Rick Hawkins at 

livingwithhealthchallenges@uubelmont.org

.

The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run organization where participants can sign up to either offer the opening candle, or a 20 minute reading, followed by 30 minutes of sacred silence and a closing

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

Join us to hear Senator Brownsberger share how he got into politics, some of his major milestones, and how his sense of mission has evolved. He looks forward to discussing these and any other issues of interest to the group. Please contact Kathy Lind at 

belmontuualliance@uubelmont.org

 or fill out 

the registration form

 for the Zoom link.

Join us for a viewing and discussion of 

Defying the Nazis - The Sharps’ War

, led by film maker Artemis Joukowsky. Co-produced by Ken Burns for PBS, this 2016 film tells the inspiring story of Joukowsky’s grandparents, Unitarian Minister Waitstill Sharp and his wife, Martha Sharp, of Wellesley, MA, who boldly committed to a dangerous mission in Europe during WWII. Over two years they helped save scores of imperiled Jews and refugees fleeing Nazi occupation. The Sharps’ war was one of both resistance and resilience. Questions? Email Karen Brennan at 

adult.programs@uubelmont.org.

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ellis Paul brings his poetic storytelling and three decades of music to the stage. With 20 albums, 15 Boston Music Awards, and performances from the Newport Folk Festival to Carnegie Hall, Paul weaves personal stories with the spirit of the times. Questions? Email Jon Svetkey at 

admin@secondfridayconcerts.com

.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of every month, we join with interfaith communities to call attention to the urgency of our climate crisis. Join us for bell ringing and visible action to demand meaningful climate solutions. Signs provided, or bring your own! Questions? Email 

socialaction@uubelmont.org

.

Come Dance with Us! A Community Barn Dance for Family and friends! Enjoy Contra, Square, Circle and English Country Dancing with Sue Rosen calling and live musicians–ALL WILL BE TAUGHT. Join us for a festive evening for all ages! Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please email fellowship@uubelmont.org 

In his book "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder", Dachner Keltner, a psychology scholar, defines "awe" as "the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world." In my experience "awe" is a concept not often felt by UU's. We greatly value logic, rationality, and critical thinking, which though are important, can sometimes block our ability to experience "awe." Being less familiar with awe blocks our ability to be open to miracles and wonder, and isn't this a moment where we could really use a miracle? Where we could learn and expand our imagination through "transcending our current understanding of the world?" Music for this Unplugged and Connected service is provided by FCB community members Lynn and Roger Read, Roger Miller, and Gerri Strickler.

In his book "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder", Dachner Keltner, a psychology scholar, defines "awe" as "the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world." In my experience "awe" is a concept not often felt by UU's. We greatly value logic, rationality, and critical thinking, which though are important, can sometimes block our ability to experience "awe." Being less familiar with awe blocks our ability to be open to miracles and wonder, and isn't this a moment where we could really use a miracle? Where we could learn and expand our imagination through "transcending our current understanding of the world?" 

Legacy of Slavery Project member and former history teacher Karen Brennan will give a presentation on enslavement in Boston and New England, shedding more light on how the institution of slavery enriched this area and its lasting impact today. Questions? Email 

legacyofslaveryproject@uubelmont.org

. 

The FCB Youth Group welcomes all high school students (9th-12th grades) to explore their faith, identity, and role in society in a safe, welcoming space. We meet every Sunday night from 6:30-8:30 pm For more information, email Elliott at 

youthprogram@uubelmont.org

.

The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run organization where participants can sign up to either offer the opening candle, or a 20 minute reading, followed by 30 minutes of sacred silence and a closing

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

Please join others from First Church in advocating with our state legislators for bills that align with our UU values, including in the areas of immigration, climate, housing, indigenous rights, decarceration, trans rights, and democracy. To sign up or for more information, email Kathy Crawley at katcrawl.2@gmail.com. Learn more at 

uumassaction.org

.

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Len Cabral is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed storyteller and author with nearly five decades of experience engaging audiences of all ages. He shares personal stories, poems, and folktales from around the world. A great-grandson of a Cape Verdean whaler, Len lives in Rhode Island and is a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Providence. Questions? Email Karen Brennan at 

adult.programs@uubelmont.org

. 

Travel to Cuba for an evening! Drop in to view photography by Margaret Eagle and Gina Carloni, chat with members of our community from Cuba over wine and cheese, and learn more about the current situation on the island. Sponsored by the FCB Legacy of Slavery Project.

Join us to discuss Left-Handed Girl, a 2025 Chinese drama, April 18, 7:30 to 9 pm on Zoom. For Zoom link, contact saturdayfilm@uubelmont.org. Cohosted by Eva Patalas & Richard Waring.

Join FCB Green for an exploration of Earth Day. Children’s classes will be happening and childcare is provided. 

Join FCB Green for an exploration of Earth Day. Children’s classes will be happening and childcare is provided. 

Is it possible to teach an old church new tricks?  We think it is! Our current HVAC system is a dinosaur-drinking relic of the past, but the future of heating and cooling at First Church COULD be green and sustainable! Join members of FCB Green for an update on our plans for a "zero-carbon" future. Come learn how we currently heat and cool our building, the progress we’ve already made in saving energy through insulation and harnessing the sun's energy, and our emerging plans to use ground source heat pumps. 

You’re warmly invited to celebrate Sophia’s ordination to the Unitarian Universalist ministry, with a sermon by the Reverend Lauren Smith. This event marks a meaningful milestone, supported by both the First Church in Belmont, where Sophia’s ministry began to take shape during her internship, and the First Parish in Cambridge, where she now serves as Assistant Minister. Members of both communities will have a special role in the ceremony, and all are welcome to join this joyful celebration, with a reception to follow. RSVP at invite.social/sophia today!

The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run organization where participants can sign up to either offer the opening candle, or a 20 minute reading, followed by 30 minutes of sacred silence and a closing

This group is designed to enable, if not nudge, us to write regularly in the context of a trusted, sharing small group. We are often able to work at a deeper level by committing our feelings and thoughts to writing. Many might say that they write as much to understand as to be understood. Prompts, distributed a week in advance, are offered only as optional themes to jog thinking and preparing to write. After an introductory, provocative thought or poem, we will write for an hour on any topic, event, or feeling in fiction or non-fiction format, and then share any writing that might be offered to the group. There are no expectations to share our writing, only opportunities.

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

The book group meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm. It's a hybrid meeting and all are invited, even if you haven't finished, or have started, reading the book. Questions? Email Christine O'Neill at 

bookgroup@uubelmont.org

Save the Date! The 2026 Women's Retreat in North Andover will be the weekend of April 24-26. Registration opens March 6.  This long-standing tradition includes music, food, fun, games, a workshop, facilitated small-group conversations, and crafts. Come build new friendships and strengthen old ones. Questions? Email Adult Programs at 

martha.spaulding@gmail.com

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Join us for an interactive recital with soprano Livia Racz and pianist Ketty Nez, exploring themes of home, heritage, and village life through music by Samuel Barber, Zoltán Kodály, and Ketty Nez. Presented in collaboration with the Hungarian Society of Massachusetts and the Music Program of the First Church in Belmont. All are welcome. The concert is free, with donations gratefully accepted in support of the sponsoring organizations. A reception will follow. Questions? Email Livia Racz at 

partnerchurch@uubelmont.org

.

Join the children’s choirs and the staff for a service reflecting on teachings from the Earth on change, transformation, grief, and beauty. Service is multigenerational and children are invited to stay and participate. Childcare will be provided. 

Join the children’s choirs and the staff for a service reflecting on teachings from the Earth on change, transformation, grief, and beauty. Service is multigenerational and children are invited to stay and participate. Childcare will be provided. 

The Committee on Ministry is offering four opportunities for congregants to share feedback on church life, set apart by topic. These will take place after church on February 8, March 8, March 29, and April 26. The sessions will last one hour. The topics are, respectively, Caring, Communication, Children’s Religious Exploration, and Adult Religious Education. The conversations will be reflected in our report at the Annual Meeting. For more information, contact Eleanor Sugarman at committeeonministry@uubelmont.org. 

Scott Ferson will take the lessons outlined in his new book, “How the Democrats Lost America: Making Sense of the 2024 Elections and the Future of American Politics,” and apply them to chart a strategy for winning the 2026 midterms. Plus, representatives from selected activist organizations will lay out their strategies for the midterms, the actions that will advance those strategies, and opportunities for each of us to do something. We’re the ones who can make it happen. Please join us! Questions? Reach out to the Social Action Steering Committee at 

socialaction@uubelmont.org

.

The FCB Youth Group welcomes all high school students (9th-12th grades) to explore their faith, identity, and role in society in a safe, welcoming space. We meet every Sunday night from 6:30-8:30 pm For more information, email Elliott at 

youthprogram@uubelmont.org

.

The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run organization where participants can sign up to either offer the opening candle, or a 20 minute reading, followed by 30 minutes of sacred silence and a closing

Join with FCB Green for our monthly Zoom meetings to address the climate crisis through our own practices and political action.

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

Join us on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm for ongoing discussions about First Church history with Historian John Howe. For more information, contact John at 

history@uubelmont.org

.

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Positive Energy is Richard Curzi on keyboard and vocals, Roger Brown on percussion, Jim Wooster on guitar and vocals, Paul Judge on guitar and vocals, Rick Dimino on bass, and Kate Donovan and Roger Read on vocals.This concert will feature a collection of original music by Richard and Jim based on the amazing lyrics of Roger Brown and John McAlpin—all members and friends of the First Church community. The band will also continue its tradition of paying musical tribute to iconic artists we lost in the past year. This will be a night you won’t want to miss!

First Church’s own Paul-André Bempéchat returns for another of his acclaimed piano recitals. This concert will feature music chosen especially to soothe the spirit in these difficult times, including the three Intermezzi, Op. 117 by Johannes Brahms, Beethoven’s Sonata in A-flat, Op. 110, Schubert’s gorgeous 

Moments Musicaux

 D. 760, and Robert Schumann’s 

Arabesque

 Op. 18. 

Paul-André Bempéchat has been hailed as a singularly lucid, introspective interpreter capable of

drawing audiences into a near-palpable relationship with the select composers he performs. He

has been decorated as Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of

Culture and as Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academic Chapel at Uppsala University. He has toured

in virtually every country in Europe, and we are thrilled to have him perform at the First Church. A reception will follow the concert.

Join for trip to UU Urban Ministry in Boston and a youth-led tour of the neighborhood. Questions? Email Priscilla at socialaction@uubelmont.org.

We are an open support group for people with family members who are navigating emotional or mental health challenges. Come to receive support in a non-judgmental and confidential group setting.  Gain insights on living your own fulfilled life.  Share resources and experiences, and feel less alone.  Next meetings are February 1, March 1, April 5, and May 3 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm in the Conference room. Email Nina Grimaldi at familysupport@uubelmont.org 

Join us on the first Monday of each month for a drop-in family-style spaghetti dinner. This will be a time to share food and connect with others at your own pace. All are welcome, including newcomers and guests. Contact Rev. Martha with any questions at 

mdneuman@uubelmont.org

A closed, monthly support group for sharing experiences and building understanding around living with health challenges. The group meets online on the first Monday of each month, from 5:30–7:00 pm. Participation is limited to those who join at the start of the church calendar year. This group is Co-facilitated by Rick Hawkins, Leader, and Debbie Dobbins, Co-facilitator. To learn more about next years group, email Rick Hawkins at 

livingwithhealthchallenges@uubelmont.org

.

The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run organization where participants can sign up to either offer the opening candle, or a 20 minute reading, followed by 30 minutes of sacred silence and a closing

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

Enjoy the fun and fellowship of crafting together. If you knit, crochet, quilt, bead or dabble in other no- or low-mess crafts, please join us. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Contact Eva Patalas at fiberarts@uubelmont.org to learn more. 

Monthly gathering at different Belmont gardens for any wishing to chat gardening! Beginning to advanced gardeners share community and talk about gardens, tips, or techniques. All are welcome! Contact Jess Hausman at 

garden@uubelmont.org

 for this month’s meeting place!

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Poet Andrea Gibson tells us, “when I realized the storm was inevitable, I made it my medicine” Come and we will explore this powerful transition, opening to the unwelcome teachers and forging resilience in the face of all that comes. 

Poet Andrea Gibson tells us, “when I realized the storm was inevitable, I made it my medicine” Come and we will explore this powerful transition, opening to the unwelcome teachers and forging resilience in the face of all that comes. 

The FCB Youth Group welcomes all high school students (9th-12th grades) to explore their faith, identity, and role in society in a safe, welcoming space. We meet every Sunday night from 6:30-8:30 pm For more information, email Elliott at 

youthprogram@uubelmont.org

.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of every month, we join with interfaith communities to call attention to the urgency of our climate crisis. Join us 10:45–11:15 AM for bell ringing and visible action to demand meaningful climate solutions. Signs provided, or bring your own! Questions? Email 

socialaction@uubelmont.org

The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run organization where participants can sign up to either offer the opening candle, or a 20 minute reading, followed by 30 minutes of sacred silence and a closing

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Join us for a film discussion of Incendies, May 16, 7:30 to 9 pm on Zoom. For Zoom link, contact saturdayfilm@uubelmont.org. Cohosted by Eva Patalas & Richard Waring.

The FCB Youth Group welcomes all high school students (9th-12th grades) to explore their faith, identity, and role in society in a safe, welcoming space. We meet every Sunday night from 6:30-8:30 pm For more information, email Elliott at 

youthprogram@uubelmont.org

.

The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run organization where participants can sign up to either offer the opening candle, or a 20 minute reading, followed by 30 minutes of sacred silence and a closing

Join us on the third Tuesday of each month, from 7:30–9:00 pm on Zoom, for a small group writing and sharing circle that nurtures reflection, creativity, and connection.

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Join with FCB Green for our monthly Zoom meetings to address the climate crisis through our own practices and political action.

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

The book group meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm. It's a hybrid meeting and all are invited, even if you haven't finished, or have started, reading the book. Questions? Email Christine O'Neill at 

bookgroup@uubelmont.org

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Come and celebrate the Ordination of Kyle Belmont. In Unitarian Universalism, only the congregation can ordain a minister. On this day, along with the Watertown UU Church we have the opportunity to bless Kyle and acknowledge his call to ministry. Come and join with Revs. Chris and Martha and a host of colleagues for this special service with reception to follow. 

Join us on the first Monday of each month for a drop-in family-style spaghetti dinner. This will be a time to share food and connect with others at your own pace. All are welcome, including newcomers and guests. Contact Rev. Martha with any questions at 

mdneuman@uubelmont.org

The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run organization where participants can sign up to either offer the opening candle, or a 20 minute reading, followed by 30 minutes of sacred silence and a closing

Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com.

Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

Enjoy the fun and fellowship of crafting together. If you knit, crochet, quilt, bead or dabble in other no- or low-mess crafts, please join us. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Contact Eva Patalas at fiberarts@uubelmont.org to learn more. 

Join us on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm for ongoing discussions about First Church history with Historian John Howe. For more information, contact John at 

history@uubelmont.org

.

Monthly gathering at different Belmont gardens for any wishing to chat gardening! Beginning to advanced gardeners share community and talk about gardens, tips, or techniques. All are welcome! Contact Jess Hausman at 

garden@uubelmont.org

 for this month’s meeting place!

Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, in front of the church. Bring your own signs and your voice.

Along with the Legacy of Slavery Project, Dr. Sophia Boyer will lead a workshop for the congregation with the goal of helping us develop a working definition of reparations for First Church.