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Hello Families, This Sunday March 15th we have Multigenerational Worship for the Major Music Service ! There will be a single service at 10:30am Children can participate in worship with the rest of the congregation, or they can go downstairs to the RE rooms where there will be childcare offered. Don't forget to register your children for the RE program here! Upcoming Events March 14th 7-9PM -- Community Trivia Night!  A fundraiser for the Youth Group, led by the youth! April 2nd 5:30PM -- Passover Seder ! All are welcome for a brief service which includes a shared meal, followed by a buffet-style potluck. Volunteering opportunities Bring a snack for coffee hour!   The sign-up is  here . Volunteer at the Welcome Table Spaghetti Dinner!  We need volunteers to keep the program running smoothly. Thank you to anyone who has volunteered in the past! Sign up for April 6th  here . RE Child Pickup Policy:   Please pick up your child from RE Class promptly when the service ends   before going to coffee hour.  This applies to any child 6th Grade and younger. If your child is not picked up, they will be dropped off at the nursery until you are able to collect them. Thank you for working with us to ensure a smooth transition between class and coffee hour! Schedule of upcoming RE Sundays: March 22nd -- Curriculum Sunday March 29th -- All Ages Children's Chapel April 5th -- Multigenerational Worship April 12th -- Curriculum Sunday April 19th -- Earth Day service, Curriculum Sunday April 26th -- Children's Choir service May 3rd -- Outdoor Youth-Led Service As always, your RE staff are here to support your family. If there is anything we can do for you, don't hesitate to reach out.

Drive dates: Sunday, March 8 – Easter Sunday, April 5 The Grow Clinic Spring drive to collect food and supplies for babies with failure to thrive begins this Sunday, March 8, and concludes on Easter Sunday, April 5. Thank you for helping babies and their families during this especially difficult time of food insecurity. Items on the Grow Clinic want list include: Gerber graduate meals Stage 3 and 4 Baby foods Flintstones complete chewable vitamins with iron and zinc Poly-vi-sol with iron- liquid Tri-vi-sol with iron- liquid Diapers, Sizes 2 & 3 in greatest demand. But all sizes welcome Pull Ups- all sizes Wipes Multilingual books, board books, picture books (multicultural if possible) Boppy pillows (for neck support during breastfeeding) Swaddling blankets Play therapy or yoga mats Pack and plays (NEW) (very important – many infants have no place to sleep) Quiet noise music and sound machines Measuring spoons, measuring cups, baby feeding bowls Please leave donations on the lower level Grow Clinic table or on the floor near Gloria the Giraffe.

Near-Death Experiences: Life, Death, and Consciousness March 12 · 7:00 PM · Library Explore together 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.

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 Fri 13 March 13 · 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. Fri 13 March 13 · 7:30 PM · Parish Hall Second Friday Concert: Carrie Newcomer Join us for an evening with Carrie Newcomer—songwriter, recording artist, and what the Boston Globe calls a “prairie mystic,” praised by Rolling Stone for asking “all the right questions.” With 19 nationally released albums, an Emmy-winning PBS special, and collaborations that bridge spirituality and social change, Carrie’s songs invite reflection, connection, and hope. Get your tickets today. Sat 14 March 14 · 4:00 PM · Library Mending Bee Laura Caputo and FCB Green offer a mending bee Saturday, March 14, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, in the Library. Bring a garment to mend and share and learn skills together. Questions? Email fcbgreen@uubelmont.org. Sat 14 March 14 · 6:30 PM · Parish Hall Trivia Night Community Trivia Night fundraiser, run by the Youth Group. 7PM-9PM in the Parish Hall. Contact youthprogram@uubelmont.org for more info Sun 15 March 15 · 10:30 AM · Sanctuary Art in a time of Fascism- A Major Music Service Mozart wrote his Grand Mass in C minor between 1782 and 1783. Premiered in Salzburg, it featured his new bride Constanze as the lead soprano and contains nearly every style of music at the young composer’s disposal. The piece was never completed, however, and the version we will present was completed and edited by Richard Maunder. The piece is a grand celebration of love and faith, something that matters so much, especially now. Our performance will feature Grammy Award winning soprano Amanda Forsythe, and the homily will look at why art and music and joy matter so much in a time of rising fascism. Mon 16 March 16 · 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 17 March 17 · 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. Wed 18 March 18 · 10:45 AM · Library Drop In Meditation Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com. Wed 18 March 18 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen SoUUper Lunch Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required! Thu 19 March 19 · 3:30 PM · Parish Hall Author Falwell Event with Henry Frost Author Illustrator Cathryn Falwell is thrilled to join us for a book reading and craft event for families on Thursday, March 19th from 4:30-5:30. Belmont Books will be present to sell signed books as well. Contact- Iris Ponte iris@irisponte.com Thu 19 March 19 · 7:00 PM · Library Near Death Experiences: Life, Death, and Consciousness Explore together the phenomena of near death experiences, end of life visions, shared death experiences, terminal lucidity, and spiritually transformative experiences. Meets on March 19 and 26 at 7:00 pm. Contact Hugh Robinson at hrobin02@gmail.com . Register here today! Fri 20 March 20 · 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. Fri 20 March 20 · 7:30 PM · Parish Hall FCB's Ninth Annual Moth Hour Now in its ninth season, this beloved storytelling event, hosted by Richard Waring and Ian Garvie, brings our community together through true five-minute tales told by fellow congregants without props or scripts. To share a story, contact Richard at richardwaringpoet@gmail.com . Sat 21 March 21 · 9:00 AM · 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. Early registration is open solely to First Church members through February 12. Register at https://UUreparationsSummit.eventbrite.com . Sat 21 March 21 · 7:30 PM · Online 3rd Saturday Film Discussion Group Join us to discuss of Israelism, a 2024 documentary, March 21, 7:30 to 9 pm, on Zoom. For Zoom link, contact saturdayfilm@uubelmont.org. Sun 22 March 22 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary Your Courage is My Courage In difficult times, we come into community to lend one another courage. Our resilience is stronger and braver when we join with one another. Join Rev Martha to explore the borrowing of courage as a key part of our resilience. RE Classes are happening during worship, childcare will be provided. Sun 22 March 22 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary Your Courage is My Courage In difficult times, we come into community to lend one another courage. Our resilience is stronger and braver when we join with one another. Join Rev Martha to explore the borrowing of courage as a key part of our resilience. RE Classes are happening during worship, childcare will be provided. Sun 22 March 22 · 2:00 PM · Library Spiritual Renewal through Poetry Reading and discussing poetry Sun 22 March 22 · 3:00 PM · Parlor Youth Group Pizza Party with OWL Youth 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 23 March 23 · 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 24 March 24 · 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 25 March 25 · 10:45 AM · Library Drop In Meditation Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com. Wed 25 March 25 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen SoUUper Lunch Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required! Wed 25 March 25 · 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 Wed 25 March 25 · 7:30 PM · Parish Hall New Book Release with FCB's Scott Ferson You're invited to attend a special talk by author Scott Ferson about his new book, “How the Democrats Lost America.” Sponsored by Social Action and Adult Programs committees, the event will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30pm in the Parish Hall. For more information, email socialaction@uubelmont.org. Thu 26 March 26 · 7:00 PM · Library Near Death Experiences: Life, Death, and Consciousness Explore together the phenomena of near death experiences, end of life visions, shared death experiences, terminal lucidity, and spiritually transformative experiences. Meets at 7:00 pm. Contact Hugh Robinson at hrobin02@gmail.com . Register here today! Fri 27 March 27 · 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. Fri 27 March 27 · 6:00 PM · Parish Hall Create a SIGN for No Kings 3 March for Democracy Join us to create a sign for the No Kings Protest taking place on March 28th across the country. Sat 28 March 28 · 12:00 PM · Offsite No Kings Rally in Boston Join FCB's Social Action crew to travel together to No Kings Day Rally in Boston! Sun 29 March 29 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary Always Changing, Always the Same Come 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. Sun 29 March 29 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary Always Changing, Always the Same Come 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. Sun 29 March 29 · 12:30 PM · Parlor Youth Group Boda Borg field trip 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 29 March 29 · 12:30 PM · Parlor Listening Circles The Committee on Ministry is offering four opportunities for congregants to share feedback on church life, set apart by topic. These will take place after church on February 8, March 8, March 29, and April 26. The sessions will last one hour. The topics are, respectively, Caring, Communication, Children’s Religious Exploration, and Adult Religious Education. The conversations will be reflected in our report at the Annual Meeting. For more information, contact Eleanor Sugarman at committeeonministry@uubelmont.org. Sun 29 March 29 · 12:30 PM · Parish Hall Elder Housing Exploration Sunday, March 29, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM. This second session will focus on lessons learned from some in our community who have already made a housing transition. The session will be facilitated by Karen Wasserman, LICSW, and director of Your Elder Experts. Email Nicole Griffin at adult.programs@uubelmont.org with any questions. Mon 30 March 30 · 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 Wed 1 April 1 · 10:45 AM · Library Drop In Meditation Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com. Wed 1 April 1 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen SoUUper Lunch Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required! Wed 1 April 1 · 7:00 PM · Library Fiber Arts Fellowship Enjoy the fun and fellowship of crafting together. If you knit, crochet, quilt, bead or dabble in other no- or low-mess crafts, please join us. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Contact Eva Patalas at fiberarts@uubelmont.org to learn more. Thu 2 April 2 · 4:00 PM · Offsite Garden Group Monthly gathering at different Belmont gardens for any wishing to chat gardening! Beginning to advanced gardeners share community and talk about gardens, tips, or techniques. All are welcome! Contact Jess Hausman at garden@uubelmont.org for this month’s meeting place! Thu 2 April 2 · 5:30 PM · Parish Hall Passover Seder Join us for a traditional Jewish meal that retells the Exodus story of liberation from slavery in Egypt and invites reflection on the meaning of freedom in our lives today. All are welcome for a brief service which includes a shared meal, followed by a buffet-style potluck. Volunteers are needed for setup, cleanup, and cooking. Sign up or choose a traditional dish to bring using the QR code. Questions? Email fellowship@uubelmont.org . Thu 2 April 2 · 7:30 PM · Online History Group Join us on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm for ongoing discussions about First Church history with Historian John Howe. For more information, contact John at history@uubelmont.org . Fri 3 April 3 · 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. Fri 3 April 3 · 6:00 PM · Parish Hall From NO KINGS to the Midterms TBD - brief description to come in a day or two Sun 5 April 5 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary The Promise of Easter Come and celebrate the resurrection of hope and joy in the face of fear and death. We will lift up and dig into one of Jesus’s teachings and welcome in the rebirth of spring. Egg hunts will follow both services. Sun 5 April 5 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary The Promise of Easter Come and celebrate the resurrection of hope and joy in the face of fear and death. We will lift up and dig into one of Jesus’s teachings and welcome in the rebirth of spring. Egg hunts will follow both services. Sun 5 April 5 · 5:00 PM · Conference Room People with Family Members Who Are Struggling 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 Mon 6 April 6 · 5:00 PM · Kitchen The Welcome Table: A Monthly Drop-In Spaghetti Dinner Join us on the first Monday of each month for a drop-in family-style spaghetti dinner. This will be a time to share food and connect with others at your own pace. All are welcome, including newcomers and guests. Contact Rev. Martha with any questions at mdneuman@uubelmont.org Mon 6 April 6 · 5:30 PM · Online Living with Health Challenges A closed, monthly support group for sharing experiences and building understanding around living with health challenges. The group meets online on the first Monday of each month, from 5:30–7:00 pm. Participation is limited to those who join at the start of the church calendar year. This group is Co-facilitated by Rick Hawkins, Leader, and Debbie Dobbins, Co-facilitator. To learn more about next years group, email Rick Hawkins at livingwithhealthchallenges@uubelmont.org . Mon 6 April 6 · 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 Wed 8 April 8 · 10:45 AM · Library Drop In Meditation Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com. Wed 8 April 8 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen SoUUper Lunch Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required! Thu 9 April 9 · 11:00 AM · Online Belmont UU Alliance: Senator Will Brownsberger's Personal Journey in Service Please join us to hear Senator Brownsberger share his personal journey in service: He'll tell us how he got into politics initially, some of his major milestones, and how his sense of mission has evolved over time. He looks forward to discussing this and all issues of interest to the group. Please contact Kathy Lind at belmontuualliance@uubelmont.org or fill out the registration form here for the Zoom link. Thu 9 April 9 · 7:00 PM · Parish Hall "Defying the Nazis": A film viewing and discussion with fellow Unitarian Universalist Artemis Joukowsky 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 Waitsill 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. Fri 10 April 10 · 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. Fri 10 April 10 · 7:30 PM · Parish Hall Second Friday Concert: Ellis Paul Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ellis Paul brings his poetic storytelling and three decades of music to the stage. With 20 albums, 15 Boston Music Awards, and performances from the Newport Folk Festival to Carnegie Hall, Paul’s songs weave personal stories with the spirit of the times. Questions? Email Jon Svetkey at admin@secondfridayconcerts.com. Sat 11 April 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 Sat 11 April 11 · 6:00 PM · Parish Hall Fellowship Dance Come Dance with Us! A Community Barn Dance for Family and friends! Enjoy Contra, Square, Circle and English Country Dancing with Sue Rosen calling and live musicians–ALL WILL BE TAUGHT. Join us for a festive evening for all ages! Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please email fellowship@uubelmont.org Sun 12 April 12 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary The Saving Power of Awe In his book "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder", Dachner Keltner, a psychology scholar, defines "awe" as "the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world." In my experience "awe" is a concept not often felt by UU's. We greatly value logic, rationality, and critical thinking, which though are important, can sometimes block our ability to experience "awe." Being less familiar with awe blocks our ability to be open to miracles and wonder, and isn't this a moment where we could really use a miracle? Where we could learn and expand our imagination through "transcending our current understanding of the world?" Sun 12 April 12 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary The Saving Power of Awe In his book "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder", Dachner Keltner, a psychology scholar, defines "awe" as "the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world." In my experience "awe" is a concept not often felt by UU's. We greatly value logic, rationality, and critical thinking, which though are important, can sometimes block our ability to experience "awe." Being less familiar with awe blocks our ability to be open to miracles and wonder, and isn't this a moment where we could really use a miracle? Where we could learn and expand our imagination through "transcending our current understanding of the world?" Sun 12 April 12 · 12:30 PM · Parlor Presentation on Enslavement in Boston and New England Legacy of Slavery Project 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 12 April 12 · 6:30 PM · Parlor Youth Group — service prep 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 13 April 13 · 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 Wed 15 April 15 · 10:45 AM · Library Drop In Meditation Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com. Wed 15 April 15 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen SoUUper Lunch Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required! Thu 16 April 16 · 10:00 AM · Online UU Mass Action Advocacy Day Registration is Open: At this annual event, we come together as UUs from across the state to build power for our movements. Participants will meet with legislators about our key areas of Immigrant Justice, Climate & Environmental Justice, Economic & Housing Justice, Indigenous Justice and Decarceration & Ending Solitary Confinement. This will be a critical moment to show up together as UUs, grounded in our faith, to let our legislators know which bills—out of the thousands that are filed—we care the most about. Learn more at uumassaction.org Fri 17 April 17 · 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. Fri 17 April 17 · 7:00 PM · Parish Hall Len Cabral: Connecting Cultures Through the Art of Storytelling Come be transported by this masterful performing artist in the art of Storytelling, Len Cabral! For all ages. Len Cabral is an internationally acclaimed, award winning storyteller and author who has been engaging audiences young and old for almost five decades. By sharing stories, we help pave a trail to where memories and feelings are kept. Len will be sharing some personal stories and some poems, as well as stories and folktales from around the world. He is a great grandson of a Cape Verdean whaler and lives in Rhode Island. Len is a long-time member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Providence. Sat 18 April 18 · 7:30 PM · Online 3rd Saturday Film Discussion Group Join us to discuss Left-Handed Girl, a 2025 Chinese drama, April 18, 7:30 to 9 pm on Zoom. For Zoom link, contact saturdayfilm@uubelmont.org. Cohosted by Eva Patalas & Richard Waring. Sun 19 April 19 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary Earth Day Service Sun 19 April 19 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary Earth Day Service Sun 19 April 19 · 12:00 PM · Parish Hall Earth Day Climate Education Game 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. Sun 19 April 19 · 3:00 PM · Parish Hall The Ordination of Sophia Doescher We;’re delighted to invite you to join in celebrating Sophia Doescher’s ordination to the Unitarian Universalist Ministry, including a sermon from the Reverend Lauren Smith. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 19, at 3:00 pm EST with reception to follow. Mon 20 April 20 · 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 21 April 21 · 7:30 PM · Library Small Group Writing Initiative This group is designed to enable, if not nudge, us to write regularly in the context of a trusted, sharing small group. We are often able to work at a deeper level by committing our feelings and thoughts to writing. Many might say that they write as much to understand as to be understood. Prompts, distributed a week in advance, are offered only as optional themes to jog thinking and preparing to write. After an introductory, provocative thought or poem, we will write for an hour on any topic, event, or feeling in fiction or non-fiction format, and then share any writing that might be offered to the group. There are no expectations to share our writing, only opportunities. Wed 22 April 22 · 10:45 AM · Library Drop In Meditation Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com. Wed 22 April 22 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen SoUUper Lunch Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required! Wed 22 April 22 · 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 Fri 24 April 24 · 4:00 PM · Offsite Women's Retreat at Rolling Ridge Save the Date! The 2026 Women's Retreat in North Andover will be the weekend of April 24-26. Registration opens March 6. This long-standing tradition includes music, food, fun, games, a workshop, facilitated small-group conversations, and crafts. Come build new friendships and strengthen old ones. Questions? Email Adult Programs at martha.spaulding@gmail.com Fri 24 April 24 · 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 25 April 25 · 6:00 PM · Parish Hall Piano-Vocal Recital With Ketty Nez Coming soon Sun 26 April 26 · 9:00 AM · Sanctuary Children’s Choir Service Sun 26 April 26 · 11:00 AM · Sanctuary Children’s Choir Service Sun 26 April 26 · 12:30 PM · Library Listening Circles The Committee on Ministry is offering four opportunities for congregants to share feedback on church life, set apart by topic. These will take place after church on February 8, March 8, March 29, and April 26. The sessions will last one hour. The topics are, respectively, Caring, Communication, Children’s Religious Exploration, and Adult Religious Education. The conversations will be reflected in our report at the Annual Meeting. For more information, contact Eleanor Sugarman at committeeonministry@uubelmont.org. Sun 26 April 26 · 6:30 PM · Parlor Youth Group: Youth-led Service Prep 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 27 April 27 · 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 28 April 28 · 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 29 April 29 · 10:45 AM · Library Drop In Meditation Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com. Wed 29 April 29 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen SoUUper Lunch Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required! Thu 30 April 30 · 9:00 AM · Online History Group Join us on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm for ongoing discussions about First Church history with Historian John Howe. For more information, contact John at history@uubelmont.org . Fri 1 May 1 · 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. Fri 1 May 1 · 7:30 PM · Parish Hall Community Concert Sat 2 May 2 · 7:30 PM · Parish Hall Paul Bempechat - Piano Concert Sun 3 May 3 · 10:30 AM · Town Green Outdoor Youth-led Service Sun 3 May 3 · 12:00 PM · Offsite UU Urban Ministry Neighborhood Tour Join for trip to UU Urban Ministry in Boston and a youth-led tour of the neighborhood. Questions? Email Priscilla at socialaction@uubelmont.org. Sun 3 May 3 · 5:00 PM · Conference Room People with Family Members Who Are Struggling 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 Mon 4 May 4 · 5:30 PM · Kitchen The Welcome Table: A Monthly Drop-In Spaghetti Dinner Join us on the first Monday of each month for a drop-in family-style spaghetti dinner. This will be a time to share food and connect with others at your own pace. All are welcome, including newcomers and guests. Contact Rev. Martha with any questions at mdneuman@uubelmont.org Mon 4 May 4 · 5:30 PM · Online Living with Health Challenges A closed, monthly support group for sharing experiences and building understanding around living with health challenges. The group meets online on the first Monday of each month, from 5:30–7:00 pm. Participation is limited to those who join at the start of the church calendar year. This group is Co-facilitated by Rick Hawkins, Leader, and Debbie Dobbins, Co-facilitator. To learn more about next years group, email Rick Hawkins at livingwithhealthchallenges@uubelmont.org . Mon 4 May 4 · 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 Wed 6 May 6 · 10:45 AM · Library Drop In Meditation Join us for a weekly drop-in meditation on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:35 am in the Library. Sessions include both walking and sitting meditation, led by Eleanor Hobbs. All are welcome. For questions or more information, email Eleanor at ethobbs@rcn.com. Wed 6 May 6 · 12:00 PM · Kitchen SoUUper Lunch Come Join us for SoUUper Lunch Every Wednesday at noon. Soup, salad, bread, dessert and great conversations. No reservations required! Load More Events

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 FCB Legacy of Slavery Project will be hosting a summit at First Church. Our project group and four other UU congregations (UU Urban Ministry; King’s Chapel, Boston; First Parish Cambridge; and First Unitarian Church in Providence) will be sharing the stories of our journeys to learn about our churches’ legacies of slavery and begin processes of acknowledgment and repair. Dr. Boyer will also be leading a discussion at this event. 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 May 10 · 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.