September begins a new year and a new theme. Throughout this year, we will explore the Power of Stories to make meaning and transform us as individuals and society. On Sundays and throughout the month, we gather to ground ourselves, share our stories, and work together to live our values.

Throughout September, we kick-off the theme of —starting with a Charter Day service on September 7 that marks the 395^th birthday of Boston and reconsiders the Puritan founding through the lens of migration. As a religious community, gathering together in worship on Sunday mornings at 11am is at the core of our life together. Worship simply means taking time to pay attention to what is important and has worth. In word, music, and stillness, Sunday services are a time to reconnect with a sense of purpose, connection, and values that ground our living. By gathering with others, we experience that we are not alone in our questions, longings, hopes, joys, and fears.

Sunday services are a collaborative creation of our ministerial staff, music program, lay leaders, and the presence of all who gather in-person or online. This fall we welcome two new Intern Ministers to our staff. Ebonié Smith-Cooper will be

with us half-time and frequently participate in Sunday services. John Newhall will be with us quarter-time and be with us one Sunday a month while also serving as intern for Sanctuary Boston. We also welcome back the Rev. Hank Peirce as our Assistant Minister for Storytelling. The First Church Boston Choral Ensemble returns on Sunday, September 14 to support our annual Water Sunday—a special ritual of reconnecting as a community.

As a multi-generational community, our services include a Story for All Ages early in the service. Following the story, children are invited to remain or to join in a time of religious education programming with Noah and Anna in our classroom. With a focus on learning through story, play, and craft, our aim is to support families in developing curiosity and wonder in their kids while imparting values of love, kindness, and equity.

Living our values is deeply rooted in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Our Social Justice Community meets monthly to share resources and ideas. Additionally, we are developing new tools of communication to rapidly convey opportunities for taking action in these tumultuous times. Stay tuned in our weekly e-news or return to our website to learn more about ways you can work together in responding to the critical issues of our time.

Whether you are looking for an hour of renewal each Sunday or seeking to become involved in a community, you are invited to explore the possibilities here at First Church. To stay connected with news of upcoming services and events, please sign-up for our weekly e-news.