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< Back 2023 Annual Meeting Agenda For the 167th Annual Meeting on June 11, 2023 Previous Next

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. This year we will be performing 13: The Musical, with music by Jason Robert Brown, based in the book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn. Synopsis Evan Goldman is plucked from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents' divorce. Surrounded by an array of typical middle school students, he struggles to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. 13 is a show that will resonate with many teens these days. 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 20 - 5:30 pm - CAST A Friday, November 21 - 7:00 pm - CAST B Saturday, November 22 - 7:00 pm - CAST A Sunday, November 23 - 3:00 pm - CAST B Production Start Date Sunday, September 7th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, there will be a parent orientation and information session for all interested participants. A pizza lunch will be provided for the children, and they will get a chance to watch the Netflix movie version of the show. 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. This space will be updated with more details as we get closer to the start of rehearsals. 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.

< Back 2023 Annual Report For the 2022-23 church year; submitted by the leadership, staff, and committee chairs of FCB Previous Next

A progressive, welcoming UU church in Belmont, MA offering worship, music, and lifelong learning for all ages. Inclusive, justice-seeking, and community-driven. Your First Visit Welcome to The First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist We’re so glad you’re here. Whether you're just beginning or deconstructing your spiritual journey, or simply searching for a new church home, you are warmly invited to explore our vibrant, justice-seeking, and multigenerational community. What to Expect on Sunday During the church year (mid September - mid June) our Sunday worship services take place at 9:00 am and 11:00 am, with programs and activities for people of all ages. Services last about an hour and include music, reflection, readings, and a homily or sermon rooted in Unitarian Universalist values . After each service, we invite you to join us for coffee, conversation, and connection in the Upper Gathering Hall just outside the Sanctuary. We have several Sundays throughout the church year where we offer only one service at 10:30 am in an effort to bring our entire community together. These include our four outdoor services held on the Town Green, the Major Music Service, our Partner Church service and a few more, so be sure to check our calendar . Every Sunday during the summer (mid June - mid September) we host community-based lay-led services at 10:00 am only in the Parish Hall. Come As You Are There’s no dress code—some people wear jeans, some wear their Sunday best. You’ll be welcome however you arrive. Our historic building is wheelchair accessible. As a Welcoming Congregation , we are committed to offering a safe and affirming space for members the 2LGBTQIA+ community, and we strive to create an inclusive environment for all. Bringing Children? Children are always welcome, and there are many Sundays where multigenerational worship is the Religious Exploration offering for that week . On other weeks we offer age-based classes during the service for children and youth ages birth-eighth grade. Nursery care is available year-round for our youngest visitors. Learn more about our Children's Religious Exploration program and our Sunday evening Youth Group for high school aged youth. Music and Community Music is central to the life of First Church. Each service includes performances by our talented musicians, choirs, and instrumentalists. You’ll also find opportunities to participate in community groups, classes, and events throughout the week. Finding Us We’re located at 404 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA. Our church has a parking lot, along with free street parking nearby and easy access by public transportation. Get detailed directions and parking info here . When You’re Ready You don’t need to sign up or RSVP to attend a service—just come, and keep an eye out for our Welcome Table. If you’d like to learn more or meet with a minister or member of our welcome team, let us know by filling out our Visitor Form . We’d love to say hello. Questions? We’re here to help. Email us at office@uubelmont.org or call (617) 484-1054. We look forward to getting to know you.

< Back 2023 Special Meeting Minutes (from April 2023 Bylaws meeting) To be voted upon at the 167th Annual Meeting on June 11, 2023 Previous Next

< Back 2024 Slate of Candidates and Bios To be voted on at the 168th Annual Meeting, June 2nd, 2024 Previous Next

< Back Family Members of Adult Children who are Struggling In Person First meeting Sunday, September 8, 5pm, Conference Room. Future meetings TBD. Contact: Nina Grimaldi ninainbelmont@gmail.com Welcome ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next

Our congregation's mission to act on our values of promoting justice, peace, and inclusion. To this end, we invite you to learn about and contribute to our social action initiateves in Greater Boston and beyond. TakeAction The Social Action Committee’s mission is to lead our congregation to act on our values of promoting justice, peace, and inclusion. To this end, we invite you to learn about and contribute to our current priorities. Please consider attending one of our monthly meetings via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Consider choosing one of our priorities to commit to. We welcome your participation!! To attend a meeting or to learn more, please contact SAC for more information. Social Action Committee The Social Action Committee’s mission is to lead our congregation to act on our values of promoting justice, peace, and inclusion. To this end, we invite you to learn about and contribute to our current priorities. Please consider attending one of our monthly meetings or choosing one of our priorities to commit to. We welcome your participation!! To attend a meeting or to learn more, please contact SAC for more information. Contact SAC FCB Green FCB Green is a sub-committee of the Social Action Committee, and is committed to climate justice. By joining FCB’s Climate Action group you will receive a monthly email with notices about opportunities to participate in events and actions responding to the climate crisis! Read More Legacy of Slavery Project This project explores First Church’s historical ties to slavery through the Atkins family’s 19th-century gifts. By studying how other institutions have addressed similar histories, we aim to learn, reflect, share insights with our community, and consider meaningful next steps. Read More Refugee & Migrant Support We are committed to welcoming refugees and immigrants with compassion and care. We partner with the RIAC and other local groups to provide direct support, raising funds, collecting essential items, and volunteering to help newcomers build safe, stable lives in Massachusetts. More Info Coming Soon UU The Vote UU the Vote is a bold initiative created by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Side With Love team, providing UUs a thoughtfully crafted “plug-and-play” opportunity to bring our democratic values to life in the crucial struggle to build a genuine multiracial democracy. UU the Vote engages people in voter registration, issue education, get-out-the-vote drives, voter protection, state leadership development, and more. Read More Belmont Serves Belmont Serves is an annual interfaith day of service where community members of all ages join together to care for local parks, collect food, and give back to Belmont. Belmont Religious Council 2LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation As a UUA-recognized Welcoming Congregation, we fully include and affirm 2LGBTQIA+ people in all aspects of church life. We celebrate diversity, advocate for justice, and commit to ongoing learning and inclusion. Read More Upcoming Justice Events Sun, Nov 23 The FCB Legacy of Slavery Project: Update, Q&A Session, and Reception / Sanctuary Learn more Nov 23, 2025, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Sanctuary, 404 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA 02478, USA Join us at 12:30 pm, on November 23, to hear an update on the FCB Legacy of Slavery Project and next steps. We will be unveiling a temporary display honoring the enslaved workers on the Atkins’ Soledad Plantation, which includes the names uncovered thus far, photos, and info about their lives. Share Sun, Nov 23 Interfaith Thanksgiving / Plymouth Congregational Church Learn more Nov 23, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Plymouth Congregational Church, 582 Pleasant St #1, Belmont, MA 02478, USA All are welcome to join us the weekend before Thanksgiving, on November 23, as local faith leaders and speakers from area charities come together in unity to give thanks and support those in need. For questions, contact Rev. Chris at cjablonski@uubelmont.org. Share Multiple Dates Tue, Nov 25 FCB Green Monthly Meeting / Zoom Learn more Nov 25, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Zoom Join with FCB Green for our monthly Zoom meetings to address the climate crisis through our own practices and political action. Share Sun, Dec 07 Social Action Holiday Gift Fair / Parish Hall Learn more Dec 07, 2025, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Parish Hall, 404 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA 02478, USA Please join us on December 7 for a not-to-be-missed holiday tradition where you can do your holiday shopping and help others simultaneously. Find gifts for everyone on your list by choosing from an array of products featuring the work of both local and international artisans. Share Multiple Dates Thu, Dec 11 11th Hour Calling / Outdoors Learn more Dec 11, 2025, 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM Outdoors, 404 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA 02478, USA 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 to demand climate solutions. Signs provided, or bring your own! Questions? Email socialaction@uubelmont.org Share Sun, Dec 14 Welcome Blanket Craft Circle / Library Learn more Dec 14, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Library, 404 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA 02478, USA Knitters, crocheters, and sewists please join us to work on creating Welcome Blankets for newly arriving refugees. We will meet on December 14, from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. No prior experience is required. We will provide yarn and other materials. Email socialaction@uubelmont.org to learn more. Share 40ftE resources Social Action Blog Thrift a Gift! This year’s Holiday Fair (Sunday, December 7) will feature a ‘Thrift a Gift’ table, among many other wonderful vendors. We’ll be taking YOUR DONATIONS for the table during the month of November. Think about things you can imagine giving or receiving (proudly!) as a gift, such as smallish household goods in great condition, unique art/sculpture pieces, beautiful holiday ornaments and decorations, jewelry, nice votives/candles, etc. This is NOT the rummage sale (we only have on Oct 30 Grow Clinic Now Through November 16 Help metro Boston infants with failure to thrive by November 16. Click to for a list of items to consider donating. Oct 16 October Climate Action Opportunities Click to find several opportunities for climate action, education, and advocacy this October. Thanks for your participation! Oct 2

The First Church in Belmont, MA is a welcoming Unitarian Universalist congregation offering worship, music and lifelong learning opportunities. Program Council at First Church in Belmont The Program Council is comprised of the chairs of the Program Standing Committees and is facilitated by the vice-president of the Parish Board. The Council’s process begins by ensuring the following: committee chairs or co-chairs understand the scope and activities of the other committees; adopt programmatic themes based on the church’s current needs; promote opportunities to collaborate on joint programs; provide support for each committee’s chair and his or her committee; be a community for the committee chairs. Program Council Mission We provide educational and spiritual opportunities that facilitate Members and Friends of First Church involvement with each other while being engaged in the needs of the world. Our Process Members of First Church have indicated that the desire for community is either extremely or very important to them. Therefore, as leaders of the church, standing committees, and Council, we use our educational and spiritual resources to foster a community based on learning, exploration, personal involvement, and commitment to make our community and world a better place. We also try to help committees be more productive by maintaining a list of helpful on-line resources . Program Standing Committees Adult Programs Childrens RE Fellowship Membership Music Social Action Worship Youth Caring Connection

< Back Youth Advisor Reports to: Youth & RE Coordinator Type: Volunteer Location: On Site Hours: 2-4 hours/week Salary: N/A About the Role Overview: We are looking for caring, reliable volunteers to serve as Youth Advisors for our Unitarian Universalist (UU) youth group. Advisors mentor and support youth in building community, exploring spirituality, and living out UU values. Commitment: Attend weekly youth group meetings on Sundays (2 hours) and occasional special events. Commit to at least one full church year (September–June); a 3–4 year commitment is preferred. Strive not to miss more than two consecutive weeks of youth programming. Attend advisor trainings and complete required background checks. Responsibilities: Build positive, supportive relationships with youth. Help plan and facilitate activities, discussions, and service projects. Model UU values, ethical leadership, and healthy boundaries. Maintain communication with staff and uphold youth safety policies. Ideal Qualities: Enthusiastic about working with teens. Strong communication and listening skills. Committed to inclusion, equity, and youth empowerment. Flexible, dependable, and team-oriented. Requirements Mentorship and Youth Development Youth mentorship and guidance Ability to build trusting, supportive relationships with youth Understanding of adolescent development (social, emotional, spiritual) Leadership and Facilitation Group facilitation skills (including small group discussions and activities) Event planning and trip coordination (overnights, cons, service trips, etc.) Ability to model ethical leadership and responsible decision-making Communication and Relationship Skills Active listening and empathetic communication Conflict resolution and mediation skills Ability to communicate clearly with youth, parents, and staff Safety and Responsibility Risk management and basic crisis response (following church safety policies) Maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth Awareness of mandated reporting requirements (if applicable) Interpersonal and Community Building Creating inclusive, welcoming, and affirming environments Respect for diversity of identities, backgrounds, and beliefs Ability to foster a sense of belonging, teamwork, and community Commitment to UU Values Familiarity with UU principles and covenantal relationships Commitment to supporting youth exploration of spirituality, identity, and social justice Dedication to anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and accessibility Other Helpful Skills Flexibility and adaptability Creativity in program development Sense of humor and patience Comfortable participating in both serious and fun activities Basic administrative skills (sign-in sheets, permission forms, communication follow-up) Preferred Certifications/Qualifications CPR/First Aid certification Background check clearance (standard for youth-facing volunteer roles) Driver’s license (especially for events off-site) About Us We are a thriving congregation of more than four hundred adult members and nearly a hundred children and youth. We are diverse in faith, history, and spirituality, and aligned in our desire to make a difference for good. We meet for services weekly on Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week for many programs and activities. How to Apply Please send an email of interest to Assistant Minister, Rev. Martha Durkee-Neuman, at mdneuman@uubelmont.org .

< Back 2023 Annual Meeting: Slate of Candidates To be voted upon at the 167th Annual Meeting on June 11, 2023 Previous Next

Learn about the audio and visual equipment available for events at The First Church in Belmont. Includes microphone, projector, speaker system, and WiFi details for Parish Hall rentals. Parking & Accessibility Parking 24 parking spaces on site, including 2 ADA-accessible spots Preschool spaces unavailable before 7:00 pm (ticketing/towing enforced) Lot may be reserved for weddings or memorial services only Additional parking at Claflin Street municipal lot (5-minute walk) or free street parking along Concord Ave Outdoor bike rack available Accessible via MBTA Bus Routes 74 and 75 and Fitchburg Line commuter rail (Belmont stop) Accessibility All rooms are wheelchair accessible Main entrances and restrooms are ADA-compliant