Which ancestors have inspired your faith, commitments, and values? This word cloud includes the names of ancestors collected from attendees in the October 29th service. Some names are recognizable public figures, most are known only to the person who wrote the card. Engaging in such a ritual reminds us of our interdependence across generations of time. As the Rev. Catherine Clarenbach writes, “We are between the Ancestors and the Descendants. We are in a holy place.”

However, being alive right now may not feel like a very holy place. Rather, we are witnesses to the desecration of life in the October 7 Hamas attack on the Jewish people as well as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst the violence of war. And now Lewiston, Maine reels from eighteen tragic deaths, joining a growing list of communities shattered by gun violence. Distant though these tragedies may be, reading the news evokes strong feelings in many of us as we wrestle with making sense of it all.

While First Church Boston may be neither a news organization, nor a political policy think tank, religious communities are places where we can receive spiritual respite in hard times and be reminded of values through which to view current events. It is no small thing to wonder what it means to “Love the hell out of the world” when the world erupts in war and gun violence.

In November, our monthly theme will ask us to explore the value of “interdependence.” What does it mean to live within a world inextricably interdependent politically, economically, and environmentally? Sunday, November 5 introduces the theme of interdependence and Sunday, November 12 dives more deeply into the political implications of shared power. The Rev. Mary Margaret Earl of the UU Urban Ministries joins us on November 19 to offer a reflection on the long journey of justice work. Finally, on November 26, we will explore paths to repairing our frayed webs of connections. Molly Howes, PhD, author of “A Good Apology” joins us following the service for a Learning Community lunch and discussion.

Through countless generations, religious community has been a resource to bring people together in times of struggle and joy, war and peace. In these coming weeks of reflection on the value of interdependence, may this community be a source of renewal and insight as we lean on and learn from one another.

Halloween. Trick or treating. Candy. I’m hoping one of those words sparks a fond memory of a time when you were trick or treating. Or, when you were out with your children seeking candy. Either way, Halloween is when kids are super excited to put on a costume–either homemade or store-bought–and hit the streets to go from house to house asking for candy. It’s a night that is ripe with possibilities of fun and maybe a little magic.

How lucky it is that First Church Boston sits in a neighborhood that goes “all in” on Halloween. Marlborough Street is closed to traffic for blocks and blocks. Kids, families, and sometimes pets in costume fill the streets. (Former sexton Ken Hudson reports that a dressed-up pig was walking around one year.) The normal street noise of UPS and FEDEX delivery trucks are replaced with excited voices of small kids and families enjoying a fall night. Participating in this event gives First Church Boston a chance to show our neighbors and the neighborhood that we care about families. A crew of volunteers and our minister, Rev. Stephanie, will be onsite to answer any questions from people thinking about joining the FCB community on a Sunday morning or another time. After all, we now have a story teller twice a month and childcare every Sunday.

This year, there has been behind the scenes organizing in order for First Church to be visible for the Halloween festivities. Decorations are being sought. Candy has been ordered. Signage discussed. There are volunteers in place to hand out candy and also offer FCB bathrooms as a rest stop during the festivities. It has all the possible ingredients for a fun night. What a great way for FCB to be a neighbor on Marlborough Street.

 

From my new office window overlooking Marlborough Street, I am reminded that there is much to love about Boston in the fall—trees erupting into color, the return of cozy sweaters, pumpkins on porches, and more. Throughout the month, First Church will be exploring what it means to love.

Beginning on October 1, the Sunday service questions how we define “love”? Then on October 8, the service will ask what it means to love a place, especially within Native American cultures. On October 15, guest speaker Dr. Marc Roscoe Loustau will explore love of humanity by asking what is at stake when we support humanitarian programs in Ukraine? Sunday October 22 plays with the Universalist idea that “God is love” and what it means to center love as our religious foundation. Finally, October 29 acknowledges the spiritual traditions that reflect on the relationship of life and death this time of year. The service seeks to honor our connections to our ancestors as well as the generations yet to come. (Miss a service? Check out recordings on our YouTube page.)

As the crane out front conveys, this is also a season of construction at First Church. From building updates to a new minister to asking big questions about what’s next for religion in the 21st century for people of all ages, it is an exciting time. As the new minister, I am rapidly learning about First Church and Boston as I listen to stories about why you love First Church. I also hope to listen and learn from those exploring First Church, Unitarian Universalism, and the idea of a religious community for themselves or their families. Whether you are a long-time member or have never been through the doors, please reach out to me at RevStephanie@FirstChurchBoston.org with your questions or ideas.

Happy October!
-Rev. Stephanie