Sermon: “Ineffable Needs”

Weaving together word and song, the service draws on the music of composer Chris DeBlasio (1959-1993). DeBlasio was a gifted young composer writing at the height of the AIDS pandemic in New York City. In “Anaphora” and “Sonnet (1928), DeBlasio sets the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop to music, exploring the presence of and need for music in our lives. 

Bio: Rev. Dr. Stephanie May began as Senior Minister of First Church one year ago in August 2024. She is delighted to be in the city after previously serving as minister outside Boston for nine years. In addition to her ministry at First Church, Rev. May teaches Unitarian Universalist polity (governance) at Harvard Divinity School where she earned her doctorate in 2012. Raised by a church musician, she is delighted to collaborate with First Church musicians Robert Winkley and Heather Gallagher on today’s service.