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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

The First Church in Belmont, MA is a welcoming Unitarian Universalist congregation offering worship, music and lifelong learning opportunities. Food, Alcohol and Permits Food and Beverage Policies Food and alcohol service must follow Town of Belmont regulations. Caterers require a permit (apply at least 30 days in advance). Alcohol service requires a certified bartender and insurance naming the church as additional insured. Selling alcohol also requires a one-day liquor license from the town. Some events serving alcohol may require a paid police detail (determined by the Town). Takeout food (e.g. pizza, deli platters) does not require a permit. Church kitchen includes a standing freezer and refrigerator. Church does not provide linens, dish ware , cutlery, coffee makers, or an ice machine. Apply for catering permit Apply for liquor license Police detail information

We are a welcoming congregation dedicated to nurturing each other spiritually through meaningful sermons, joyful music, authentic, non-judgmental social connections, and a shared commitment to justice, peace and conscientious stewardship of our planet. Who we are Hello! We welcome you; your whole self, with all your truths and your doubts—your worries and your hopes. The First Church in Belmont Unitarian Universalist is a mid-sized church of over 400 members and friends. We incorporate other faiths and humanist values into our worship and activities and welcome people from all religious backgrounds or no religious background. We welcome people who are married or single, straight or gay, with children or without. For individuals who may feel uncertainty about the religion of their upbringing or for families who are blending two or more religious faiths, First Church is a particularly welcoming community. For those who feel something is missing in their day-to-day lives, but are unsure whether church is for them, we encourage you to visit us. As a faith community, we strive to nurture each other spiritually through meaningful sermons, joyful music, authentic, non-judgmental social connections and a shared commitment to justice, peace and conscientious stewardship of our planet. Come see for yourself if First Church is what you are looking for to enrich the lives of yourself and your family. Our Vision We honor the holiness in one another and in all that is. Living mindfully, we serve our community and our world. Our Mission Worship together as a Unitarian Universalist community Foster the spiritual growth of individuals of all ages and inspire one another to grow personally Welcome all people and celebrate the diverse gifts that each person brings to our community Relate to one another and our community through all the cycles and circumstances of our lives Promote social justice Share the vision, longings, and wisdom of each generation Relate to one another with integrity and compassion, facing conflict as an opportunity for growth Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many of our congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and feature the chalice symbol prominently. Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love. To Unitarian Universalists today the flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more. We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing. Would you like to light the chalice at one of our services? FCB BYLAWS MEET THE STAFF FCB PROGRAM COUNCIL

We hope to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL) for Kindergarten and 1st grade in 2023. FCB curreclty offers OWL for grades 5, 6, 8 and 9. Kindergarden & 1st Grade OWL Back to Owl Main Parents of children from PK through grade 4, are encouraged to explore Under Your Wing , a series of short videos that support parents and caregivers as the primary sexuality educators of their children ages 5-7. In each video, parents will learn conversation tips and get at-home reading recommendations related to topics children are curious about: You can check them out here. Additionally, the Children's Religious Education program has many of the books found on this list of At-Home Sexuality Education Resources for Grades K-6 .

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. Audio/Visual Equipment The Parish Hall is the only rental space at the church equipped with audio/visual (A/V) technology. Use of these features is included in the Parish Hall rental fee. Available A/V Equipment in the Parish Hall: Two wireless handheld microphones Speaker system with auxiliary input (for use with phones or other devices) Overhead projector and screen Compatible with DVD, flash drive, or laptop Open guest WiFi network Please note: Church staff can demonstrate how to use A/V equipment during setup. However, staff are not available to provide technical support, operate equipment during events, or assist with live-streaming or recording. If your event includes presentations, video, or amplified sound, we recommend bringing your own tech support or testing your equipment in advance.

We Shall Not Be Moved January 18 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary Rev. Martha Durkee-Neuman reminds us there are many ways to practice resistance, and one of them is a holy stubbornness and the use of our sacred “NO!” Children may depart after the story for the all-ages Children's Chapel. Childcare will be provided for our youngest in the nursery. Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements – Board Member Prelude Prelude in A-flat Major BWV 886, by J.S. Bach. Chalice Lighting Rev. Chris Jablonski 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 #100 , “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” Story Rev. Chris Jablonski Anthem “ Workin’ for the Dawn of Peace,: by Ron Jeffers, Senior Choir Words of Offering This month, we share the plate with Transylvania Partner Church Offertory “ Canción Con Todos,” by Mercedes Sosa; Camila Parias, soprano I go for a walk through the southern cosmic belt Grounded in the greenest region of wind and light I feel when walking all the skin of America on my skin And a river runs in my blood that releases its flow in my voice Sun of high Peru, Bolivia's face, tin and loneliness A green Brazil, Chile's kiss of copper and mineral I climb from the south to the center of America and total Deep root of a scream destined to grow and explode. All the voices all, All hands all, All the blood can be a song in the wind Sing with me, sing American brother, Release your hope like a cry in your voice... 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 Jablonski Hymn #155 , “Circle Round for Freedom’ Sermon Rev. Martha Durkee-Neuman Closing Song “ We Shall Not Be Moved” Extinguishing the Flame Postlude Fugue, BWV 886, by J.S. Bach

The First Church in Belmont, MA is a welcoming Unitarian Universalist congregation offering worship, music and lifelong learning opportunities. 5th & 6th Grade OWL Register Today! Our Whole Lives for grades 5 or 6 is offered when there is enough need. If you would like your 5th or 6th Grader to take this class, please contact Assistant Minister Martha Durkee-Neuman to obtain the schedule and to register for an upcoming cohort. Course runs for 10 weeks Classes are 1.5 hours Typically on Sunday mornings; beginning in January. Back to OWL main Our Whole Lives (OWL) for Grades 5 or 6, is a sexuality education program designed to nurture and support the “three R’s” of childhood sexuality education – Respect, Relationships, and Responsibility. The program helps children to gain self-respect and respect for others, to build relationships with people of all genders and with many kinds of families, and to understand their responsibilities regarding their own health and that of others. Topics include healthy and safe bodies puberty decision making family relationships communication sexual orientation gender identity and gender roles the act of lovemaking reproduction safe use of technology The program uses the book It’s Perfectly Normal , which features cartoon illustrations and a light-hearted approach to discuss sex and reproduction. This OWL curriculum is age appropriate for grade 5 or 6 and families choose which year to have their child participate.

Rooted in Love, Growing Together: Stewardship Drive Kick Off February 1 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary We are needed, now more than ever. Our message of love and justice, our community of connection and care are needed, now more than ever. Come celebrate and commit again to this path of resistance and joy! Age-based RE classes will take place; children will depart following the story. Childcare is available for children 6 and under in the nursery. Gathering Music - ” Minuetto Allegro and Trio,” from Wind Quintet op. 56 no. 3, by Franz Danzi Welcome and Announcements – Board Member Prelude - ” Minuetto Allegro,” from Wind Quintet op. 56 no. 2, by Franz Danzi Chalice Lighting — Rev. Chris Jablonski 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 - # 119, “Once to Every Soul and Nation” Story — Rev. Martha Durkee-Neuman Anthem - “Pastorale for Wind Quintet,” by Amy Beach Reflections — Marion Westgate and Louise Bray Words of Offering — Rev. Chris Jablonski Offertory - “I’m Here,” from “The Color Purple,” by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray; 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 — Rev. Chris Jablonski Prayer — Rev. Chris Jablonski Hymn - # 108, “My Life Flows On” Sermon — “Rooted In Love, Growing Together” Rev Chris Closing Hymn: - #114 , “Forward Through the Ages” Extinguishing the Flame — Rev. Chris Jablonski Postlude - “Minuetto Allegro,” from Wind Quintet op. 56 no. 1, by Franz Danzi Musicians Wei Zhao, flute Lisa Putukian, oboe Margo McGowan, clarinet Laura Reyes, bassoon Jeff Stewart, horn

Celebration of Life: Laura Glassman Please join us this Sunday, January 11, at 3:00 pm to celebrate the life of Laura Glassman. There will be a reception to follow. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

“Thank You, Jesus, I Would Happily Love My Enemies, But Have You Met These Guys?” Rev. Chris December 7 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary In this moment, few of Jesus’s teachings feel more challenging than the call to love our enemies. Together, we’ll explore similar teachings in the Buddhist tradition, and if we can find even one more major tradition that echoes this wisdom, we’ll commit to trying it out together. Music featuring Casey Hannan on organ, and the FCB Senior Choir. Livestream here. Gathering Music Casey Hannan, organ Welcome and Announcements Board Member Prelude Casey Hannan, organ 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 #357 , “Bright Morning Stars” Story “Lovingkindness Meditation” by Rev Martha Durkee-Neuman Anthem “Surgamus, Festinemus!” (”Arise, rejoice!”), by Marc-Antoine Charpentier Arise, rejoice! Hasten unto Bethlehem. There we shall offer praise to God, born in the form of a sinner. Why then do you linger, oh shepherds? Arise, rejoice! Reflection Margaret Eagle Words of Offering This month we share the plate with Friends of Caritas Cubana Offertory “Some Children See Him,” arr. Richard Curzi 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 Jablonski Hymn #225 , “O Come O Come Emmanuel” Sermon “Loving Our Enemies” by Rev. Chris Jablonski Closing Hymn #226 , “People Look East” Extinguishing the Flame Postlude

SoUUper Lunch February 4 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required!

People with Family Members Who Are Struggling March 1 · 5:00 PM · Conference Room 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 People with Family Members Who Are Struggling