Called by Love: The First Parish in Brookline Podcast
Sermons, meditations, stories, and songs, from the Minister and members of First Parish in Brookline.
Our Mission: Called by Love, Sustained By Community, Committed to Justice
We strive to be a welcoming, diverse and loving congregation that nurtures spiritual growth for individuals and families, celebrates multicultural community, and works together to demand social justice, dismantle racism, and care for our living earth.
Learn more at fpinb.org aka https://firstparishinbrookline.org/
Called by Love: The First Parish in Brookline Podcast
"After Running Through the Thistles… A Service About Ministry" February 11, 2024, Worship Service
The full Order of Service is available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rv20O3CIJzVLS-pEB3GLiBg8KSxFRg_nS5pK5iCXSVA/edit#
The service begins with a touching rendition of a song expressing gratitude and sharing, evoking strong emotional ties within the community. A significant part of the introduction is dedicated to a land acknowledgment, recognizing the Massachusetts people as the traditional custodians of the land where the congregation gathers, and acknowledging the ongoing issues of broken treaties and land extraction.
Jody Leader warmly welcomes attendees, emphasizing inclusivity and openness to individuals regardless of their spiritual journey, race, or gender. The service includes an announcement about ongoing discussions regarding the interim ministry led by Reverend Joe Cherry, suggesting a three-year interim ministry plan, although it is not yet finalized.
The service features a hymn, "Gather the Spirit," and a segment for sharing joys and sorrows, where congregants are invited to share their personal stories, reflecting a wide range of human experiences from joy and gratitude to grief and concern. These moments highlight the strong sense of community and support among the congregation.
Rev. Joe's sermon draws from Adrienne Marie Brown's work on the importance of generosity and vulnerability in creating durable connections within the community. It also references Reverend Dr. Mark Morrison Reed's essay on the complexities of ministerial relationships, emphasizing the balance between professional obligations and personal affection within the congregational setting.
The service includes hymns, a unison chalice lighting, and a benediction inspired by Archbishop Oscar Romero, focusing on the collective efforts of the congregation to plant seeds for the future, despite knowing they may not see the results themselves. It's a reflection on the transient nature of ministerial roles and the eternal aspect of the congregational community, underscoring the themes of hope, community support, and the ongoing work of love and social justice.