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Thanks to all for a successful FY26 Annual Meeting! Our FY27 budget was approved, the slate of candidates was approved, and we're well-positioned for an exciting FY27! Here's a link to the slides presented at the meeting: 2026 FCB Annual Meeting.pdf

The form to register young people for next school year's Religious Exploration Program is open! This form is also used to sign up for the Children's Choir. Sign up here: tinyurl.com/BelmontRE26

Join us from September 18-20 for an intergenerational weekend on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. Families and individuals travel by ferry and stay in cabins lakeside. Meals are in the Dining Hall, and activities abound-water sports, field games, campfire with songs and stories, worship service on Sunday, arts and crafts! Register today at https://tinyurl.com/SI-Registrations-2026

The First Church in Belmont, MA is a welcoming Unitarian Universalist congregation offering worship, music and lifelong learning opportunities. The Legacy of Slavery Project explores and is developing an understanding of the First Church in Belmont’s ties with slavery during the nineteenth century, through the substantial benefactions of the Atkins family. FCB Legacy of Slavery Project Group Members: Gina Carloni, chair Devon Beckett Kathryn Bonfiglio Karen Brennan Charles Hubbard Reverend Chris Jablonski Douglas Massidda Lanier Smythe Pegeen Wright Fran Yuan Background: How the Project Began In early 2023, members of The First Church in Belmont History Group organized a two-part informational series, “Confronting Our History: The Stories Behind the Tiffany Window,” to share what they had begun to learn about the church’s ties to slavery in Cuba in the 19th century. Later that spring, the Parish Board put forth a charge for the creation of an Atkins Cuba LegacyTask Force (ACLTF), whose role it would be to: further explore the church’s connection to the enslaved and indentured workers on the Atkins family’s plantation in Cienfuegos, Cuba, investigate how other similarly situated institutions are addressing their legacies ofslavery, share with the congregation what they learn through their research, and ultimately, put forth recommendations based upon those research findings. Members of the task force began their work in October 2023, and continue to meet monthly. In the spring of 2024, they presented a proposal to the Parish Board requesting to change their name to The First Church in Belmont Legacy of Slavery Project (LoSP). The new name was approved and adopted at that time. Overview of the Legacy of Slavery Project Group’s Work (2023-2025) Investigated the history of the Atkins family, whose principal sugar plantation, Soledad, used enslaved and indentured African individuals in the late 19th century, as well as looking into the extensive role that New England played in the sugar and slave trades. 1 Reached out to houses of worship, universities, and groups in the Boston area who are engaging in similar work to better understand their own connections to slavery. 4 Learned about a bell that the Atkins family gifted to the Belmont Hill School in 1927, which had originally been on the Soledad plantation and is now housed at The Robbins House Museum in Concord. Organized a presentation in the spring of 2024 by Dr. Maria Madison of The Robbins House to hear more about the bell’s history and her 2023 research trip to the Soledad plantation, and took part in a guided tour of the museum. 7 Gina Carloni, chair of the project group, gave a presentation in December 2024 to update the congregation on the findings and work of The Legacy of Slavery Project. 10 Dr. Ulbe Bosma, author of The World of Sugar and the 2023 Boston Globe article about Edwin Atkins, entitled The sugar baron of Boston , gave a talk at the church in April 2025 about Edwin Atkins, his role as a sugar magnate and prominent Bostonian, and his connection to Cuba and slavery. 13 Applied for and received a grant from the Unitarian Universalist Association in the spring of 2025 to continue the project’s exploration of the history of First Church’s legacy of slavery and shepherd a process of repair, deepening, and growth for the community and the descendants of the enslaved individuals from Atkins’ sugar plantations in Cuba. 16 $2,869 (half of the total donations collected at worship services during the month of December, 2025) were donated to Friends of Caritas Cubana, a Cambridge-based NGO that supports humanitarian and social services in Cuba, including projects in Pepito Tey, the current name of the town where the Soledad plantation was located. Funding will provide mosquito nets for people in Pepito Tey to help combat the epidemic of mosquito-borne illnesses currently plaguing the island. 19 Helped to develop annual worship services in 2023, 2024, and 2025 that included Afro-Cuban music and reflections by project members about the work of the group. 2 Began learning more about reparations and connecting with organizations that are currently working on this. 5 Started looking into ways that FCB can forge ties and collaborate with Afro-Cuban communities and organizations in Cuba and the U.S. This included hosting a meeting with leadership of the Christian Center for Reflection and Dialogue (Cuba/Dominican Republic) in fall 2024 and agreeing to donate half of the December 2024 worship service collections to that organization as part of the congregation’s “Share the Plate” efforts. 8 Sponsored two book group meetings in January 2025, one online and the other in-person, to discuss The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times , a non-fiction book by New York Times correspondent Anthony DePalma. 11 Offered a documentary film series, Cuba and Race, in April, May, and June of 2025, which included the following documentaries: A Tuba to Cuba (2018), The Harvard Cubans (2017), and Black in Latin America: Cuba (2011) 14 At the Cuban music worship service in November 2025, described by some congregants as one of their most moving experiences at First Church, four Cuban members of the community read aloud the names of the 177 enslaved individuals. 17 Researched about indentured Chinese laborers brought to Cuba to work in the sugar fields, including those who later worked on the Atkins family’s plantation. 3 Participated in a presentation with First Parish in Cambridge in early 2024 about both congregations’ historical ties to slavery. 6 Organized a movie presentation and discussion of Traces of the Trade: A Story From the Deep North in December 2024, led by Dr. Sophia Boyer, an educational consultant and professional facilitator. 9 Project member and former history teacher, Karen Brennan, gave a presentation in March 2025 about slavery and Boston’s prominent role in the triangle trade. 12 Collaborated with historians Orlando Félix García Martínez and Anabel García García in Cienfuegos, Cuba, who were able to uncover an 1881 list of 177 enslaved individuals connected to the Atkins family who worked at the Soledad plantation in Cuba. 15 Immediately following that November service, Gina Carloni, project member Kathryn Bonfiglio, and FCB parish historian, John Howe, gave a project update to the congregation. The project group then unveiled a 6-panel, photographic and informational display focused on centering the lives of Soledad’s enslaved individuals and honoring them by name. 18 The Legacy of Slavery Project Events 2026 Fri 23 January 23 · 7:00-9:00 PM · Parish Hall An Introduction to Reparations The LoSP will be partnering again with Dr. Sophia Boyer, who will be guiding the congregation through this next phase of its work, helping us to understand more about reparations and guide our church as we begin to consider how to define reparations at FCB now that we are more informed about our church’s complex history. Sun 26 January 25 · 6:30-8:30 PM · Parlor Information Session w/ the FCB Youth Group In collaboration with Reverend Martha, members of the Legacy of Slavery Project will lead an informational session and discussion with the FCB Youth Group, engaging them in conversation about the work of the LoSP and opening up opportunities for their involvement in the project. Fri 6 February 6 · 6:30-8:30 PM · Parish Hall Traces of the Trade: Film Showing and Discussion We are planning a second viewing of the film, Traces of the Trade , with a thoughtful discussion about reparations led by Dr. Sophia Boyer. We offered a similar viewing event with this film in December 2024, and it was an enormous success. We are hoping that now that more congregants are aware of and interested in this project, we’ll have even greater turnout and another opportunity for learning and growth. Sat 21 March 21 · 9:00 AM-12:30 PM · Parish Hall The Truth of Our Past: UU Reparations Summit The Legacy of Slavery Project group invites you to join us for The Truth of Our Past: UU Reparations Summit, a gathering on March 21, 2026, from 9:00AM-12:30PM here at First Church Belmont. Five area UU churches, including FCB, will present on our explorations of our legacies of slavery and efforts toward repair, followed by a workshop with Dr. Sophia Boyer. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided. Register at https://UUreparationsSummit.eventbrite.com Sun 12 April 12 · 12:30 PM · Parlor Presentation on Enslavement in Boston and New England LoSP member and former history teacher, Karen Brennan, who presented on the Transatlantic Triangle Slave Trade last year, 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 to today. Sun 10 June 5 · 12:30-2:30 PM · Parish Hall Creating a Working Definition of Reparations for First Church Dr. Sophia Boyer will lead a workshop for the congregation with the goal of helping usdevelop a working definition of reparations for First Church.

The welcoming community at First Church in Belmont, UU is home to worship, music, religious exploration, and programs for all ages rooted in justice and love. We are a home for seekers, a community for justice, guided by a spirit of love—all are welcome here. top Coming of Age Youth & Mentors Multigenerational 10:30 am Our 9th graders have spent this year completing our Coming Of Age Program. Join us to hear their credo statements and celebrate them as they come of age! Worship is multigenerational and childcare will be offered. We invite you to stay after for the church picnic. Livestream Worship Sunday Services Join us at 9:00 am and 11:00 am Community-led music at 9:00 am Livestream services at 11:00 am Outdoor Worship First Sunday of September, October, May & June at 10:30 am Summer Worship Sundays at 10:00 am June 21 to September 6 Parish Hall Annual Meeting Materials 2026 Agenda 2025 Report Minutes 2026 Slate of Candidates 2026 Finance Summary FY27 Draft Budget FY26 Budget and Projections FY26 Annual Report Join us for the Annual Picnic & salad spectacular! POTLUCK | RAFFLE | BBQ | GAMES SUNDAY, JUNE 14 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM On the Town Green next to The First Church in Belmont, UU ENTER THE SALAD SPECTACULAR RAFFLE Make and drop off your favorite salad to the church kitchen on June 14 and enter our Salad Spectacular Raffle! Upcoming Events Message Board Updates June 15 · 7:30 PM · Online Adult Programs FCB Sangha The FCB Sangha meets weekly throughout the year on Mondays 7:30 PM lasting one hour. It features a democratically run… Show More June 19 · 5:00 PM · Offsite Social Action Friday Night Stand-Out Against ICE and For Democracy Join us to protest ICE actions and to defend the Constitution and Democracy, every Friday evening from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm,… Show More June 20 · 3:00 PM · Town Green Celebration of Life Julia Hum Memorial June 24 · 6:30 PM · Kitchen Adult Programs Book Group Potluck Dinner and Book Swap Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 pm the book group meets to share food, laughter, opinions and books at our annual… Show More FY26 Annual Meeting Wrap Up Thanks to all for a successful FY26 Annual Meeting! Our FY27 budget was approved, the slate of candidates was approved, and we're well-positioned for an exciting FY27! Click through for a link to the slides presented during this year's meeting. 3 days ago Sign Up for the Religious Exploration Program! The form to register young people for next school year's Religious Exploration Program is open! Sign up today. Jun 4 Sandy Island Registration is Open! Join us from September 18-20 for an intergenerational weekend on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. Families and individuals travel by ferry and stay in cabins lakeside. Meals are in the Dining Hall, and activities abound-water sports, field games, campfire with songs and stories, worship service on Sunday, arts and crafts! Click to register today! Jun 4 What's Happening in RE this Sunday? Outdoor multigenerational worship this Sunday, church picnic in two weeks, and sign-ups open for next year's RE program! Jun 2 Registration is OPEN for 2026 - 2027 Small Group Ministries! We are excited to announce registration for Small Group Ministries for next year is NOW OPEN! Registration will run through the summer and groups will launch in the Fall. Open this link to find the button to register! May 26 View Complete Calendar

Find your place in the community through our worship, music, adult programs, youth activities, and justice and inclusion gatherings. Everyone is welcome to join! Our vibrant community hosts a wide range of gatherings and activities throughout the year. Planning a church-related event? Use this form to reserve space. Want your event added to the calendar? Submit a request here. Have questions about space use or scheduling? Start with our FAQ . Looking to rent space for personal use? Visit our Rental Inquiries page. Events Listing Filter by Category Select Category Clear Filter Mon 15 June 15 · 7:30 PM · Online FCB Sangha 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 Tue 16 June 16 · 7:30 PM · Online Small Group Writing & Sharing 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. Fri 19 June 19 · 5:00 PM · Offsite Friday Night Stand-Out Against ICE and For Democracy 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. Sat 20 June 20 · 3:00 PM · Town Green Julia Hum Memorial Sun 21 June 21 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “Meeting the Shadow” with Rachel Greenberger The Shadow is the unconscious or repressed part of the personality or the collectivity. These days, it feels easy to spot the Shadow out there, but learning to approach and accept the Shadow in here (inside oneself) may lead to greater inner and outer peace. Mon 22 June 22 · 7:30 PM · Online FCB Sangha 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 Tue 23 June 23 · 7:00 PM · Online FCB Green Monthly Meetings Join with FCB Green for our monthly Zoom meetings to address the climate crisis through our own practices and political action. Wed 24 June 24 · 6:30 PM · Kitchen Book Group Potluck Dinner and Book Swap Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 pm the book group meets to share food, laughter, opinions and books at our annual pot luck and book swap. Please join us to collaborate on book choices for the upcoming months. Questions? Email Christine O’Neill at bookgroup@uubelmont.org Wed 24 June 24 · 7:30 PM · Parlor Book Group 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 Thu 25 June 25 · 6:00 PM · Offsite The Historic Meeting House Tour Joins us for a guided tour of the historic First Church in Roxbury, led by Executive Director of UU Urban Ministry, Rev. Mary Margaret Earl. Explore the rich legacy and recent refurbishments of this landmark building at the heart of the UU Urban Ministry. Questions? Email Gladys Unger at socialaction@uubelmont.org Fri 26 June 26 · 5:00 PM · Offsite Friday Night Stand-Out Against ICE and For Democracy 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. Sun 28 June 28 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “Sound Faith and a Becoming Zeal” with Louise Smith-Erb Come celebrate the power of testimony in our Unitarian and Universalist traditions. How has this faith changed you? What faithful zeal do you bring out into the world? Mon 29 June 29 · 7:30 PM · Online FCB Sangha 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 Sun 5 July 5 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “How Can I Keep From Singing” with Valentin Frank Sung music has served humanity as a way to be present in a world we treasure and to point to the pains of a world seeking improvement. Come join us for a worship all about embodied and hopeful experience of protest music. Sun 12 July 12 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “How Might UUs Experience Transcendence?” with Margaret Eagle Sun 19 July 19 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “Pooh and Piglet Go for a Walk” with Rev. John O’Connor Pooh and Piglet go for a walk in the woods afraid they might encounter a Heffalump or a Woozle, but instead, they meet up with Aristotle and Maya Angelou and learn some important lessons on friendship. Come friend, join us for a walk. Sun 26 July 26 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective UUs” with John Howe What wisdom might we glean from the famous Steven Covey book of the 1990s to help us become more effective, as individuals and as a congregation? Sun 2 August 2 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “To Be A Pilgrim” with Richard Waring Reflections on the art of pilgrimage and journeys along the Camino de Santiago and West Highland Way Sun 9 August 9 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “Punctuation” with Kyle Belmont This service will explore how punctuation shows up in our lives and how we might embrace reading our lived experiences with an appreciation for the commas, periods, and question marks we find. Sun 16 August 16 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “By the Grace of Dog” with Ran Courant-Morgan A reflection on how sharing one's life with a dog can change everything. Sun 23 August 23 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “Artificial Intelligence & Authentic Wisdom” with Matt Meyer The robots are coming! What does AI reflect back to us about the meaning of being human? And what spiritual tools do we need to be ready for big changes ahead? Special guest, Matt Meyer, will offer a service of song and story as we reflect on the rise of robots and the meaning of humanity. Sun 30 August 30 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “Not All Who Wonder Are Lost” with Rev. Martha An ancient Sufi prayer says: "Lord, increase my bewilderment." When we look around at our world with wonder, do we find ourselves more lost? Can our sense of wonder help us feel more found? Join Rev Martha for an exploration of holy wonder and the many paths it can lead us down as we engage our bewildering world. Wed 2 September 2 · 12:00 PM · Upper Hall SoUUper Lunch Join us for lunch! SoUUper lunch is an informal gathering every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread and dessert are served and good conversation takes place. No reservations required! Sun 6 September 6 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall “Beginnings and Forever and Everything In Between” with Rev. Chris In a recent discussion with his wife Rev. Chris realized that he loves beginnings and forever. He loves the openness and unpredictability and freshness of beginning and the sturdiness and dependability and bedrock of forever. But the real soul work and transforming juice is in the great middle. This service will celebrate the forging power of all that comes between beginnings and forever. Wed 9 September 9 · 11:00 AM · Upper Hall SoUUper Lunch Join us for lunch! SoUUper lunch is an informal gathering every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread and dessert are served and good conversation takes place. No reservations required! Wed 9 September 9 · 4:00 PM · Parish Hall Youth Cast Auditions Day 1 Youth in 5th Grade and up are invited to audition for lead roles in The Wizard of Oz! Thu 10 September 10 · 4:00 PM · Upper Hall Youth Cast Auditions Day 2 Youth in 5th Grade and up are invited to audition for a lead role in this year's musical, The Wizard of Oz! Thu 11 June 11 · 10:45 AM · Town Green 11th Hour Calling 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 Fri 11 September 11 · 7:30 PM · Upper Hall Second Friday Concerts Second Friday Concerts presents XXXXXX (fill in act here) Sat 12 September 12 · 5:30 PM · Kitchen All Church Pot Luck Join friends and families for an all church potluck on Saturday, September 19 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Sun 13 September 13 · 10:30 AM · Town Green “Water Ingathering!” with Revs. Chris and Martha In our first service of the church year we will welcome everyone back for our first outdoor service celebrating community and water and the fullness and beauty of life! Sun 13 September 13 · 11:30 AM · Parish Hall Children's Musical Preview: Pizza Party and Movie Screening Any families interested in taking part in our annual children's musical should join us for a fun intro to this year's show, The Wizard of Oz! Wed 16 September 16 · 11:00 AM · Upper Hall SoUUper Lunch Join us for lunch! SoUUper lunch is an informal gathering every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread and dessert are served and good conversation takes place. No reservations required! Fri 18 September 18 · 11:00 AM · Offsite Sandy Island Weekend Join us for the all church Retreat on Sandy Island in Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire - September 18-20, 2026 Sat 19 September 19 · 6:00 PM · Parish Hall A Presentation and Q&A Session: Understanding Cuba's Economy with Dr. Ricardo Torres Pérez The FCB Legacy of Slavery Project invites you to join us for a presentation and Q&A session about Cuba's current socioeconomic situation with esteemed Cuban economist, Ricardo Torres Pérez. Sun 20 September 20 · 9:30 AM · Sanctuary Worship (Sandy Island Weekend) Wed 23 September 23 · 11:00 AM · Upper Hall SoUUper Lunch Join us for lunch! SoUUper lunch is an informal gathering every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread and dessert are served and good conversation takes place. No reservations required! Sun 27 September 27 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary Worship & RE Kickoff Sun 27 September 27 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary Worship & RE Kickoff Sun 27 September 27 · 5:30 PM · Parlor Youth Group 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 . Sun 27 September 27 · 5:30 PM · Parlor Youth Group 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 . Wed 30 September 30 · 11:00 AM · Upper Hall SoUUper Lunch Join us for lunch! SoUUper lunch is an informal gathering every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread and dessert are served and good conversation takes place. No reservations required! Sat 3 October 3 · 6:00 PM · Parish Hall FCB Legacy of Slavery Project: Reparations Workshop Series with Dr. Sophia Boyer Defining Reparations at First Church: A Series of Four FCB Community Workshops with Dr. Sophia Boyer Sun 4 October 4 · 9:30 AM · Town Green Outdoor Service Sun 4 October 4 · 11:00 AM · Parlor Information Session about Social Action at First Church Come meet the Social Action Committee members and hear about ongoing social action initiatives and how to get involved! Questions? Email socialaction@uubelmont.org Sun 4 October 4 · 5:30 PM · Parlor Youth Group 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 . Second Friday Concerts Second Friday Concerts presents XXXXXX (fill in act here) Sun 11 October 11 · 8:00 AM · Sanctuary Worship Sun 11 October 11 · 10:00 AM · Sanctuary Worship Sun 11 October 11 · 5:30 PM · Parlor Youth Group 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 . Mon 12 October 12 · 8:00 AM · Upper Hall Belmont Serves Load More Events