Welcome to September and a new chapter at First Church Boston. This month we welcome our new Senior Minister, the Rev. Dr. Stephanie May, to the pulpit. Rev. Stephanie is the first woman to serve as Senior Minister of First Church since its beginning in 1630. In her first service on September 10, we celebrate Boston’s Charter Day in collaboration with the Partnership of Historic Bostons. Reflecting on the “Seeds of Enslavement” from the beginning of the city, Rev. Stephanie considers whose voices and lives have been silenced and excluded from places of belonging in the city and in the church. The First Church Boston Choral Ensemble also returns on September 10 with their extraordinary music.

In another special service on September 17, we will celebrate gathering together for a new year with the ceremony of Water Communion. And, on September 24, Rev. Stephanie will explore a pillar of Unitarian Universalist identity in a sermon entitled, “Right of Conscience.” If you miss a service or want to listen again to an element, please check out our YouTube page for an archive of Sunday Service videos.

When you come in-person to a Sunday Service, you may notice some changes. Over the summer, a number of building improvements were completed, including new carpeting in the Narthex, repairs to the roof, and careful repainting of the hymnal racks. Thanks to the staff and volunteers who made this happen. Roof repairs continue and new windows for the adjacent Park House will arrive later this fall.

As the new year begins, we are also creating new nametags, with space to include pronouns. The newly revitalized Membership team will be confirming information and preferred pronouns on Sunday September 10 and 17^th. Wondering why pronouns are important? Learn more online about why sharing pronouns can be an act of respectful inclusion.

Please join First Church Boston in welcoming in this new chapter by joining us this fall!