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Always Changing, Always the Same March 29 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary Celebrate the resilience of water, of rivers ever changing, and ever the same, of oceans vast and moving. As we face the changes in our own lives, water can teach us resilience, grace, and flow. Trailmix will provide music for the 9:00 am Unplugged and Connected service. All Ages Children’s Chapel RE Program will be offered for all children during worship, departing after the story. Childcare will be provided. Gathering Music: The Water is Wide (instrumental) Welcome and Announcements – Board Member Prelude: Ripple - Grateful Dead 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: 1007 There’s a River Flowing in My Soul Story — Rev Martha Durkee-Neuman Anthem: We Are One - Bayard Klimasmith Please join in singing a round at the end of the song Round 1 (follow Matt) There’s no me, there’s no you, only “us” from the Earth’s point of view There’s no you, there’s no me, we live together with beasts and the trees Round 2 (Follow Jane) We’re born from the water, the sons and the daughters of the oceans and sun We rise from the water, return to the water, we share the same fate, everyone Round 3 (Follow Bayard) We are one, we are always changing We are the water, we are always the same Reflection - Leslie Talmadge Words of Offering Offertory: All the Diamonds — Bruce Cockburn 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 - Community Care Team Prayer - Rev. Chris Jablonski Hymn: 210: W ade in the Water — Traditional With additional verses: Verse 3: See that band all dressed in blue….Must be the children that are coming through Verse 4: You don’t believe that I’ve been redeemed…Just seen the holy ghost looking for me. Sermon — “Always Changing, Always the Same” Rev Chris Closing Song: The River of Dreams — Billy Joel Extinguishing the Flame Postlude: River —Bill Staines Sanctuary Candle dedication: In memory of Ellen Eagle and Eli Rapaport by Margaret Eagle Musicians Bayard Klimasmith Matt Mayerchak Jane Minasian

No Kings Rally in Boston March 28 · 12:00 PM · Offsite Join FCB’s Social Action crew to travel together by public transportation to the rally. Meet at First Church parking lot at noon. Questions? Email Priscilla Cobb at socialaction@uubelmont.org .

Create a SIGN for No Kings 3 March for Democracy March 27 · 6:00 PM · Parish Hall The Social Action Committee is sponsoring a No Kings sign-making session following the weekly Friday Night Stand-Out Against ICE and For Democracy. Get your sign ready for the third, nationwide No Kings demonstrations on Saturday, March 28. Join us for pizza and sign-making in community. Bring your own supplies or use ours. Sign suggestions provided. RSVP to socialaction@uubelmont.org .

Friday Night Stand-Out Against ICE and For Democracy March 27 · 5:00 PM · Offsite 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.

Members interested in volunteering, giving back and finding new ways to connect are welcome to join our many volunteer committees. We look forward to your input and collaboration. Committees Whether you’re brand new to First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist or have been part of this community for decades, our committees are where ideas turn into action, relationships deepen, and shared leadership takes root. Much of what happens here—from worship and social justice to faith formation, music, stewardship, and building care—is shaped and sustained by committed volunteers working together. Learn who is doing what, understand how our shared ministry is organized, and discover how you can take part. Adult Program Committee Program Nicole Griffin, Karen Brennan adult.programs@uubelmont.org The Adult Programs Committee helps foster meaningful offerings for our adult community. Members review program proposals, provide peer support for facilitators, and explore new ideas. Interested in helping shape our adult programming? Please contact the Adult Program Committee Chair, Nicole Griffin to learn more or to join a meeting. Communications Committee Administrative - Open Tom Parent communications@uubelmont.org The Communications Committee serves as a key advisory body, providing strategic guidance on communication and operational priorities. We collaborates to define upcoming goals, facilitates coordination with the Board, and mobilizes volunteers for specific initiatives. Regular monthly meetings ensure consistent progress and realignment of priorities as needed. Additionally, members engage in one-on-one or small group discussions to address specific needs and ensure the effective execution of communication objectives on an as-needed basis. Committee on Ministry Administrative - Elected Eleanor Sugarman, Nelina Backman committeeonministry@uubelmont.org This group acts as a feedback loop for the Senior Minister and the Parish Board on what the CoM members hear, see, or sense about the Church’s ministries and congregational experience. To provide an annual report to the Senior Minister, Parish Board, and congregation regarding the status of our community. To collaborate with the Parish Board President for the annual evaluation of the Senior Minister. Community Care Committee Administrative - Open Rev. Chris Jablonski communitycare@uubelmont.org The Community Care Team works with and supports the senior minister’s pastoral ministry in reaching out to all members and friends of The First Church in Belmont. We support those who are adjusting to change, loss, illness, or death. We share moments of celebration and happiness. We reach out to those who are unable to get out and who would like a visit. We share in situations that require a special touch of human kindness and an open ear. Learn more about our Pastoral Care program at https://www.uubelmont.org/pastoral-care FCB Green Program Bayard Klimasmith fcbgreen@uubelmont.org FCB Green leads the church’s climate activities. Creating a sustainable way of life is central to our view of a just and compassionate world. Our theme this year is climate activism and resistance, focusing and uniting our annual outreach, community, and state-wide activities. Currently, the group is focused on the congregation's collective effort to discontinue the use of single-use plastics from our church's events and programs and a longer-term decarbonization Initiative for our church building. We are also focused externally, looking at native plantings and small garden clusters of natives around the church grounds. We also support—and participate in—designing and implementing the Earth Day Sunday service. Furthermore, a new podcast series, Climate Reveal, is co-hosted by an FCB Green member and church members are guests for key sessions. FCB Legacy of Slavery Project Program Gina Carloni legacyofslaveryproject@uubelmont.org To explore and develop an understanding of the First Church in Belmont’s ties to slavery during the nineteenth century through the substantial benefactions of the Atkins family. To research other similarly situated organizations (e.g., churches, schools, and universities) to learn how they’ve developed awareness of their historical ties to slavery and what formal steps they’ve contemplated or taken in response. To share our findings with the congregation and promote awareness and inclusion. Fellowship Committee Program Michael Griffin fellowship@uubelmont.org The Fellowship Committee organizes a wide range of events designed to foster connection and enjoyment for individuals and families at First Church. By offering activities that appeal to all ages and diverse interests, we aim to strengthen personal bonds and build a vibrant community. The goal is to host approximately one event each month during the church year, as space and resources allow. Finance Committee Administrative - Elected Douglas Burden finance@uubelmont.org The Finance Committee is focused on the financial health of the church and advises the Parish Board on the generation of revenue, the expenditure of monies, and the investment of funds. We are responsible for developing an annual budget and reviewing decisions that will impact the church's finances. We work with the Investment Committee to review the performance and investment guidelines of the endowment and report to the church membership on financial activities. In addition, we conduct longer-term, multi-year financial planning exercises to insure the financial health of the church. The Finance Committee generally meets monthly for 60-90 minutes. House Committee Administrative - Open Ian Garvie igarvie@uubelmont.org The House Committee helps curate the interior spaces of the church in accordance with the First Church mission and values. Human Resources Committee Administrative - Elected Donna Ruvalo hr@uubelmont.org Lifespan Learning Committee Program Martha Durkee-Neuman lifespanlearning@uubelmont.org The Lifespan Religious Education group is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual and ethical growth of children and youth from nursery through high school within our community. We create inclusive and engaging programs that reflect our principles of compassion, justice, and interconnection while fostering a sense of belonging among young people and their families. By ensuring a diverse curriculum, providing resources for family involvement, and creating safe spaces for exploration, we empower the next generation to develop their beliefs and values in a supportive environment. Additionally, we recruit and train dedicated volunteers to lead our programs with compassion and integrity, without whom our programming would not be possible. Membership Database Committee Administrative - Open Lauren Crocker, Miriam Baker memberdatabase@uubelmont.org This group enhances access to member information through a cloud-based system. We assist users with database access, report generation, and online signups via Fellowship One. Our focus is on ensuring permission-based directory access and responding to data needs from leaders and staff. Music Committee Program Jon Svetkey music@uubelmont.org The Music Committee is dedicated to enriching our community through musical events and activities. We enhance our programming by overseeing ticket sales and check-in, supporting the children’s fall musical, and facilitating all-around FCB efforts, including library organization and special service setup. Our members utilize their skills in event coordination, costume organizing, set construction, and hospitality to create memorable experiences for everyone involved. The Music Committee also assists the Director of Music in financial and policy matters relating to the program. Nominating Committee Administrative - Elected Jody Renouf nominating@uubelmont.org Parish Board Administrative - Elected Bruce Kozuma president@uubelmont.org The Parish Board is the governing body of the church. Parish Board members and officers are elected each year at the Annual Meeting as a slate of candidates proposed by the Nominating Committee. The Parish Board members are responsible for overseeing general operations, including programs, fiscal oversight, and the ultimate decision-making for staffing. Parish Board Executive Committee Administrative - Elected Bruce Kozuma president@uubelmont.org Partner Church Committee Program Michael Griffin, John Kolterman partnerchurch@uubelmont.org The Partner Church Committee exists to nurture and sustain a living covenantal relationship between our congregation in Belmont, Massachusetts and our partner church in Désfalva, Transylvania—the historic cradle of the Unitarian faith and a birthplace of religious freedom. Grounded in our shared Unitarian values and heritage, we seek to strengthen bonds of friendship, faith, and mutual understanding through ongoing communication, shared worship, pilgrimages, and personal connections that deepen spiritual and cultural ties across generations. The Committee advances this mission by supporting collaborative initiatives that respond to the needs and aspirations of our partner congregations, including educational scholarships for Désfalva students, community assistance, and joint visits and projects that foster long-term stability and shared spiritual growth. Through fundraising, relationship-building, and congregational engagement, we strive to keep this enduring partnership vibrant—honoring our roots while strengthening our ties for the future. Property Care Committee Administrative - Open Bob Corning property.care@uubelmont.org Social Action Steering Committee Program Priscilla Cobb socialaction@uubelmont.org The Social Action Steering Committee supports the various social action initiatives at the church by providing communications, publicity, and funding. We also assist with launching new initiatives. There is considerable overlap between the members of the SA Steering Committee and the leaders of the SA initiatives. We meet monthly on the third Monday, typically via Zoom at 7 pm. The activities and programs of the various SA initiatives during this church year include: UU the Vote Legacy of Slavery Migrant/Refugee Support FCB Green Belmont Serves (partner) Holiday Fair Urban Ministry Delegation (partner) LGBTQ Alliance (partner) Bristol Lodge - Donations Grow Clinic - Donations Staff Administrative - Elected Rev. Chris Jablonski cjablonski@uubelmont.org Stewardship Committee Administrative - Open Marion Westgate stewardship@uubelmont.org The Stewardship team organizes and implements the annual pledge drive, finding new and creative ways to build on First Church’s stewardship program. Worship Committee Program Michael Griffin worship@uubelmont.org To collaborate with the worship staff in creating and offering engaging, dynamic, meaningful, high quality and consistent worship for FCB. Belmont UU Alliance Committee Program Kathy Lind belmontuualliance@uubelmont.org We present a varied and stimulating series of monthly programs open to all. Our meetings help build and maintain community. Welcoming Committee Program Sara Oaklander welcome@uubelmont.org The Welcoming Committee introduces newcomers to the congregation and helps them become part of the First Church community by welcoming and orienting them. We help connect them to activities of interest and people with common interests, and share information about the benefits of membership. We also recognize new members formally. Worship Committee Program Michael Griffin worship@uubelmont.org This committee collaborates with the worship staff in creating and offering engaging, dynamic, meaningful, high-quality, and consistent worship for FCB.

Earth Day Climate Education Game April 19 · 12:00 PM · Parish Hall To celebrate Earth Day, FCB Green invites you to participate in a Climate Fresk following the Earth Day services on Sunday, April 19, 2026! Climate Fresk is a fun collaborative “gamified” way to learn about climate science. Using a 42-card game based on the latest IPCC report, we will meet in small groups for three hours to discuss the causes and effects of climate change and then create an action plan for reducing the carbon footprint of your household and the organizations of which you are member. We will only run the event if there is adequate interest AND we can secure the trained facilitators. If you are interested, click on this form.

The First Church in Belmont, MA is a welcoming Unitarian Universalist congregation offering worship, music and lifelong learning opportunities. Our Partner Church First Church Belmont has an active partnership with the Unitarian Church of Désfalva, Transylvania. Since 1990, pilgrims have traveled between the two congregations every few years to share fellowship and to support each other’s spiritual journeys. Education Fund The Transylvania Partner Church Education Fund was established in 2001 to provide financial support to high school and university students of Désfalva who otherwise could not attend school. With no high school in the village, students commute to or live in distant towns to continue their education and pay out-of-pocket for books, travel, room and board. The fund provides each student an annual stipend to help defray these expenses. We support 10-15 students each year. Your gift of any size will help First Church continue its critical role in funding this important program. Get Involved and Connect Visit their website Check out their Facebook Désfalva Tune in on YouTube Learn more about the UU Partnership Council

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.

The First Church in Belmont is funded entirely by the members and friends of our congregation. We have so many ways to contribute, from text giving to FellowshipOne, learn more. TO Giving Giving and Stewardship Rooted in Love, Growing Together DONATE More ways to give 2027 Annual Stewardship Drive The First Church in Belmont is funded entirely by the members and friends of our congregation. Take time to consider what First Church and this community means to you. The nurturing environment and many opportunities for growth in this special place are possible only with our financial support. Annual pledges make up 72% of FCB’s operating budget, which pays for all expenses including staff salaries, worship, music, as well as electricity, heating, plumbing and much more. Please pledge as generously as you can, by March 1. If you have any questions, thoughts, or comments, feel free to contact the Stewardship Committee at stewardship@uubelmont.org . You can learn more about the stewardship drive and church finances in our pledge letter and financial brochure. FY27 Brochure FY27 Letter Pledge Here Make a Payment FellowshipOne Sign In or Sign Up for a FellowshipOne account (also known as InFellowship) to make an online payment or donation. Learn More >> USING SECURITIES Securities donations are welcome! Please download these instructions for securities donations (PDF file). WITH IRA DISTRIBUTION Please contact your service provider for instructions on donating with an IRA distribution. Please ensure your service provider includes your name on the disbursement check. Download >> More ways to give PLANNED GIVING Consider becoming a member of the Babcock Legacy Society by including the First Church in Belmont Unitarian Universalist in your estate plans. Take Me There >> MATCHING DONATIONS The First Church in Belmont is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is eligible to receive matching donations from most companies. TEXT GIVING Keep things simple by sending a text message containing a keyword. Learn More >> PERSONAL CHECK Please make checks payable to The First Church in Belmont and send to 404 Concord Avenue, Belmont, Mass. 02478. Please note in the memo line the check's designation: worship offering, pledge payment, etc. FROM A DONOR-ADVISED FUND Enter your donations directly for the Pledge Drive, Sunday Offerings and more Donate Now >> AMAZON SMILE The First Church will receive a donation of 0.5% of eligible purchases if you shop at Amazon. Click here to get started . Get Started >> HAVE QUESTION ABOUT GIVING Contact, the Congregational Administrator, with questions at office@uubelmont.org or the Stewardship Committee at stewardship@uubelmont.org .

"Defying the Nazis"With Unitarian Universalist Artemis Joukowsky April 9 · 7:00 PM · Parish Hall 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.

Near Death Experiences: Life, Death, and Consciousness March 26 · 7:00 PM · Library Explore the phenomena of near-death experiences, end-of-life visions, shared death experiences, terminal lucidity, and spiritually transformative experiences. Contact Hugh Robinson at hrobin02@gmail.com. Register here today !

Book Group March 25 · 7:30 PM · Parlor 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