Unitarian Universalism is a liberal, inclusive religion rooted in love, justice, and shared values—not creeds. We welcome all who seek meaning and belonging. What is Unitarian Universalism? Welcome to Unitarian Universalism We are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds, and people of many beliefs. We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and the world. Unitarian Universalism draws from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love. Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. The values we share include all the following, which we hold as inseparable and deeply interconnected: Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it. Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology. Justice: We work to be diverse, multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive. Transformation: We adapt to the changing world. Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. Get to know more: Beliefs and Shared Values - more information on our shared values and answers to some common belief questions Who We Are - our history, symbols, backgrounds, and stories Religious Practices - what Unitarian Universalists do on Sunday and every day, including holidays and rites of passage

Our youngest children, infants to age 3, receive tender loving care in a nursery environment that encourages imaginative and cooperative play. Welcome to the Nursery Our youngest children, infants to age three, receive tender loving care in an environment that encourages imaginative and cooperative play. Please remember that your young child may need some extra time each Sunday morning to feel secure before you go to the Sanctuary. Arriving early ensures children’s sense of safety. Likewise, we ask you to pick up your child directly after the service. On regular Sundays, the Nursery is open from 8:45 am to 12:15 pm.

Youth Group: End of Year Party May 17 · 6:30 PM · Parlor 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 .

Throughout the history of the First Church in Belmont, the music program has played a central role for children and youth. Typically, the year starts out with a fully staged, full length musical with a cast made up of all three of our children’s choirs. Children + Youth Choir Register Today DSC01404 musical-e1567280092382 DSC01642 DSC01404 1/5 Throughout the history of The First Church, the music program has played a central role for children and youth. Typically, the year starts out with a fully staged, full length musical with a cast made up of all three of our children’s choirs. The youngest children form small choruses that perform throughout the show, and children in grades 5 and up have the opportunity to audition for solo and lead roles. This is an all-inclusive show, so everyone is given a part, no matter what! Performances are usually in the middle of November. After Thanksgiving, the regular choir season begins, in which all cast members of the musical must participate. The three children’s choirs present music four times in services throughout the year, and play a central role in the Christmas Eve services. Presented by The First Church in Belmont, UU The First Church Children's Choir season starts every year with a fully staged musical. In the fall of 2026 we will be performing The Wizard of Oz! This classic story tells the story of four friends on a journey to find a solution to their problems - only to discover they had the solution in themselves all along. The choir and musical is open to all children and youth from Kindergarten through high school, and church membership is not required. Key Contacts Ian Garvie - Music Director Laura Couch - Children’s Choir Assistant Director Kara Sassone - Project Manager Questions? Email YouthMusic@uubelmont.org Performance Dates Thursday, November 19 - 5:30 pm - CAST A Friday, November 20 - 7:00 pm - CAST B Saturday, November 21 - 7:00 pm - CAST A Sunday, November 22 - 3:00 pm - CAST B Production Start Date Auditions for lead roles will be open to 5th Graders and older on Wednesday September 9th, and Thursday September 10th. On Sunday, September 13th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, there will be a parent orientation and information session for all interested participants, as well as announcing the cast. A pizza lunch will be provided for the children, and they will get a chance to watch the original Wizard of Oz movie. In general, rehearsals from September through November will be on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings for all participants, and on Thursday evenings as well for 5th Grade and up. Additional Tuesday rehearsals will be asked of lead actors. After Thanksgiving, rehearsals for all ages will be on Monday evenings. For more information and to register, click the button below. Register Today The Junior Choir Pre-Kindergarten through 1st Grade The Junior Choir is for singers from Pre-Kindergarten through 1st Grade. After the musical, rehearsals are Monday evenings from 5:30 - 6:10pm. Singers learn about healthy singing, how to match pitch, and they begin to learn to read music The Chancel Choir 2nd - 4th Grade The Chancel Choir is for singers in 2nd through 4th Grades. After the musical, rehearsals are Monday evenings from 6:15-7:00pm. Singers continue to practice reading music singing in parts. They also learn to sing in numerous other languages, including German, Latin, Spanish, Hebrew, and others. The Youth Choir 5th - 12th Grade The Youth Choir is for singers in 5th through 12th Grades. Rehearsals after the musical are Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm. Youth Choir members further their understanding of musical concepts, and learn to sing mixed chorus pieces in three, four, and sometimes even more parts. The Alumni Choir Young Adult Alumni The Alumni Choir is formed of former Youth Choir members who return to sing at the 11pm Christmas Eve service. This is a wonderful opportunity for singers to reconnect with old friends, as well as to once again make music together.

FCB Sangha June 29 · 7:30 PM · Online 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

“Beginnings and Forever and Everything In Between” with Rev. Chris September 6 · 10:00 AM · Parish Hall 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. Welcome and Announcements – Heather Quay Prelude - Jon and Heather - “Home” (Karla Bonoff) Chalice Lighting Life is a gift, for which we are grateful. We gather in community to celebrate The glories and the mysteries of this great gift. Gathering Hymn - #128 For All That Is Our Life Story - Chris Anthem - Jon and Heather - “Walls” (Tom Petty) Reading - Words of Offering - Offertory - Jon and Heather - “Wildflowers” (Dolly Parton) Doxology From all that dwell below the skies; Let words of love and peace arise; Let joyful songs of praise be sung; Through every land by every tongue. Amen. Candles of Celebration and Concern - Prayer - Chris Hymn - #409 Sleep My Child Sermon - “Beginnings, Forever and Everything In Between” Closing Song - #108 - My Life Flows On In Endless Song Extinguishing the Flame - Postlude - Jon and Heather - “Holy Now” - Peter Mayer

The Indestructible Within Us March 8 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary Pema Chodren tells us, “Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found within us.” We will celebrate this indestructible, and the path of discovering it, together. RE classes are happening during both services, childcare will be provided. Music will feature the Senior Choir, with a preview of the following week’s Major Music service, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor. Tune in here. Gathering Music - Casey Hannan, piano Welcome and Announcements – Board Member Prelude Prelude in G Major, BWV 541, J.S. Bach; Casey Hannan, piano Chalice Lighting Life is a gift, for which we are grateful. We gather in community to celebrate The glories and the mysteries of this great gift. Gathering Hymn #15 The Lone Wild Bird Story Rev. Chris Anthem - Gloria In Excelsis, from Mass in C Minor, by W.A. Mozart; Senior Choir Reflection Margaret Eagle Words of Offering Offertory “ You’ll Never Walk Alone,” from Carousel, by Rogers and Hammerstein; Laura Couch, alto Doxology From all that dwell below the skies; Let words of love and peace arise; Let joyful songs of praise be sung; Through every land by every tongue. Amen. Candles of Celebration and Concern Prayer Rev Chris Hymn #191 I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free Sermon “The Indestructible Within Us” Rev Chris Closing Song #1015 I Know I Can Extinguishing the Flame Postlude - Gigue in G major, K.574 — W.A. Mozart; Casey Hannan, piano Flower Dedication Today’s sanctuary flowers are given by Martha Spaulding. “In memory of Martha Courant, 1956-2025, whose 70th birthday would have been March 5.”

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The First Church in Belmont, MA is a welcoming Unitarian Universalist congregation offering worship, music and lifelong learning opportunities. View Full Calendar View Full Calendar

Mother's Day Walk for Peace May 10 · 7:00 AM · Offsite Please join Team Belmont for the Mother's Day Walk for Peace in support of the Peace Institute! Questions? Email Priscilla Cobb at socialaction@uubelmont.org

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Located in Belmont, MA. Find office hours, green initiatives, and details about our welcoming, fully accessible church building and community space. Our Building We are located at 404 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478 Drop-in office hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 am–1:00 pm. Additional availability by appointment, Monday–Friday. The office is closed for all state and federal holidays. Accessibility We welcome and affirm people of all abilities. We have taken the following steps to assure that no one is excluded for full participation in the life of our congregation*. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance. Our building is fully accessible, with an elevator that provides access to all congregant levels and ramps at all entrances. Hearing devices are available for use in the sanctuary. Large print bulletins are available during Sunday morning worship. Please ask any usher for assistance. Children and Adults With Special Needs If you want your child to participate in the religious education program and feel that they may require special accommodation due to learning disabilities or behavioral issues, please contact Assistant Minister for Lifespan Faith Formation, Rev. Martha Durkee-Neuman in advance so the best possible arrangements can be made: mdneum@uubelmont.org . The First Church in Belmont welcomes adults who are neurodiverse or have special challenges. Pastoral Care We provide pastoral care to all members and attendees regardless of ability. If you have a hidden disability that you think it’s important for someone to know, please contact Rev. Martha or Rev. Chris to share your information in confidence. *We are aware that we can still do more to be more accessible and welcome your suggestions. Green Sanctuary The First Church Belmont, UU, embraces the Green Sanctuary goals mapped out by the Unitarian Universalist Association. For example, when the church underwent a major renovation of the Parish Hall, the new construction was LEED certified. We work to advance climate justice and implement sustainability initiatives within the church and commit to four practices, grounded in Unitarian Universalist principles: Environmental Justice: We partner with marginalized communities who are hit first and hardest by environmental crises. By partnering with these communities, we can address human and environmental needs simultaneously. Worship and Celebration: As we work together toward a cleaner, more just and sustainable world, worship inspires our work and reminds us of what is most sacred and most true. Religious Education: Our workshops and programs for all ages shape attitudes and build practices that are sustainable and spiritually-grounded. Sustainable Living: We treat the world more gently by using fewer resources and being mindful of the choices we make, both as a congregation and as households. Learn more about the FCB Green Committee’s work . Building History The physical space at 404 Concord Avenue in Belmont, MA has shaped our community since 1890. The church’s initial home, built in 1857, was where the Post Office sits today on Concord Ave. It was a simple “carpenter gothic” building next to the railroad that also served as a library and gathering spot for town meetings in the early days. When fire razed that building in April 1890, plans were already well underway for a new church home. Today’s beautiful First Church sanctuary was completed and dedicated in April 1890. Famed Boston architects Hartwell and Richardson designed the new church (they also designed the Belmont Town Hall in 1881). Church members donated stones from their fields for the building's base. The building’s signature is the rare, red slate roof. The tower clock was a gift from the town. The building consisted of the Sanctuary, the Ladies’ Parlor (now the Minister’s Study), the connecting Sunday School Room (now called the Parlor), and the Minister’s Study (which became the Church Office). Beneath the study was a small kitchen with a dumbwaiter for sending food up for church socials. The rainbow-shaped stained-glass window in the chancel was designed by the artist Will H. Low and executed in Louis Tiffany’s studio in New York. Since then, the church has undergone several periods of dramatic growth and change. A new parish house in 1924 expanded the physical space and included a Parish Hall with a balcony, a kitchen, restrooms, and six classrooms. In 1929 the church completed a major remodeling of the sanctuary, including a new organ, choir loft, pulpit, and electrification—the sanctuary had been illuminated by gas lamps until that time. The architect was church member H. Thaxter Underwood. At the time, it was said that “as a result of these alterations, the First Church now has one of the finest organs and most beautiful church interiors to be found in the neighborhood of Boston.” For the church’s centennial in 1956, a capital campaign was launched to refurbish the church building, create usable classroom and gathering space, and add the covered porch entrance on our west façade. The church purchased the wooded parcel behind the Johnson House in 1960. Intended for additional parking, it was turned into a playground. The Johnson House itself was purchased from the estate of church member Miss Rachel Johnson in 1968. Several capital campaigns over the years helped improve and sustain the facilities, from basic renovations to the repair and maintenance of the red slate roof. In 1994, the organ was re-leathered, and a sprinkler system was installed, among other enhancements. Our church has also served as a haven for those in need. In 1986, during the Iran-Contra scandal, a Sanctuary Committee was formed and provided information on El Salvador and its refugees. On February 28, 1988, the congregation voted to “declare ourselves a Sanctuary for Central American Refugees.” The most significant change to our church facilities began in 2000, with a major capital campaign to dramatically expand the building. The architectural firm of Robert Olson + Associates was retained to design the new building. The construction created a fully accessible parish hall with a new stage and educational wing and refurbished the lower level of the 1890 building for staff office space. The new building was dedicated in November 2004, addressing decades of space needs. Today, our physical space continues to provide the backbone for our community—though some activities moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and services are now broadcast for those at home. For more than 165 years, the First Church Belmont, UU, congregation has adapted and supported the physical church structure as our community home, a sanctuary, and gathering place. You can find a detailed history of the church beyond the physical structure, on the Church History page.