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As we explore the theme of renewal, we must take time to focus on our own ability to continue on our path. What is it that gives us the energy, the courage, and the stamina to continue working to make this world the place we dream of? Let us experience JOY as an act of resistance, and as a source of renewal.
This Sunday, the sanctuary choir will sing Roger Emerson’s fantastic arrangement of Toto’s huge 80’s pop hit “Africa” and Brian Schmidt’s deeply meditative a capella anthem “Lux Aeterna.” Guest tenor Thai Johnson will sing Felix Mendelssohn’s lyrical aria “If With All Your Hearts” (from his oratorio Elijah). For the postlude, Chuck Rzepka on trumpet and Rip Jackson on organ will play Henry Purcell’s festive “Trumpet Tune. And for the centering music, Chuck will play trumpet variations on George Gershwin’s hauntingly beautiful “Summertime” (from his opera Porgy and Bess). A special thank you to Michael Bruce (guitar), Charlie Koons (bass), Chuck Rzepka (trumpet) and Paul Reynolds (drums).
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SHARE THE PLATE
WATCH CDC: Waltham Alliance for Teaching, Community Organizing and
and Housing
WATCH seeks to connect, convene and empower a wide range of community members in order to accomplish social and economic justice goals. Our church community has a long history of volunteering and donating to this multi service organization that has been in existence since 1988. WATCH acts as a safety net while providing resources, education and leadership opportunities. Brian Logue, Dir of Adult Education will join us this Sunday. There are multiple ways to volunteer at WATCH.
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First Parish in Lexington presents
A Bel Canto Soirée:
Songs, duets and instrumental compositions by Maria Malibran and Pauline Viardot, sisters-extraordinaires of the Romantic Era
Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
7 Harrington Road, Lexington, MA 02421
This June, you are invited for an elegant soirée where you will be able to experience first hand some of the most admired compositions by the ingenious sisters Maria Malibran and Pauline Viardot as performed by Julia Jaffe (mezzo) and Yunona Tabala (soprano), in collaboration with Rip Jackson (piano) and John Rogler (cello). Dashing vocal performers, brilliant composers, elegant socialites, intellectuals, friends of Liszt, Chopin, George Sand, Turgenev and Saent-Saens - without these two women, American and European artistic scenes as we know them today would not have been the same. Sisters, and daughters of the imposing Spanish pedagogue Manuel García, Malibran and Viardot each left an indelible mark on nineteenth-century opera with their virtuosic performances. A free-will offering will be received, and public parking is available in the rear of the church. For more information visit www.fplex.org or email music@fplex.org.
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Thoughts on our Democracy from American historian and filmmaker: Ken Burns
Ken Burns delivered an inspirational commencement address at Brandeis University after receiving an honorary degree on May Among the many commencement addresses this spring, Burns’ stands out to us for its penetrating analysis and wise counsel to the graduates borne from his intimate familiarity with American history and politics. Inspirational, too. His comments can be found at here.
Celebrate Democracy this weekend. You’re invited to join with Concord UUs this weekend for their Democracy Festival.
Friday evening, June 7th, 7pm
First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road
And also on Zoom - register at https://bit.ly/4aDRnCr
An evening with four very impressive and dynamic speakers:
- David Pepper, Ohio oracle, democracy enthusiast, and author of Saving Democracy: A User’s Manual for Every American (on Zoom)
- Nancy Gertner, former federal judge who built her career around standing up for women’s rights, civil liberties and justice for all (on video)
- Whitney Taylor, ACLU Mass Political Director, coordinates ACLU public advocacy activities in Massachusetts (in-person)
- Virginia Kase Solomón, President and CEO of Common Cause, former CEO of League of Women Voters, she is a national leader in lifting up the voices of our nation to join the pro-democracy movement (in-person)
|  | From choir rehearsals to Soul Matters, Building Bridges to Meditation Group, Urban Ministry to Democracy Team, Climate Action Team to Youth Groups and all of the other wonderful ways to get involved here at First Parish, please check the church calendar. | Submissions for The Weekly Update are due by the end of day, Mondays. To submit an article or information for consideration, please use this form. | |
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NOTICE OF PARISH BOARD MEETING
June 11, 2024
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Robinson Hall and Zoom
Click here for the agenda and Zoom login information.
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CHILDREN'S RE
Last year we began by building our community and now in June we end our time together with the theme, Gift of Renewal. For this last get together before summer break, what could be better than the refreshing taste of ice-cream!
Caroline and Annelie
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Unity Group Meeting
June 10
Our last meeting of this church year will be off-site! Billie Drew has invited us to meet at 12 noon at her house. We will be on the back patio if the weather is nice. If we meet inside, there are a few steps and a sturdy handrail to the front door. Bring a sandwich and ideas for next year! Guests are welcome.
For more information contact Billie Drew or Jan Bjorklund.
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Come join the
Ministry of FUN
for a
Campfire Sing-along & S’mores
Saturday, June 29
7:00 - 9:00pm
3 Harrington Road (church side lot)
BYOB&C (bring your own beverage & chair/blanket)
Campfire, S’mores & bug spray provided. We will have guitar players but if you play guitar or any other instrument and want to play along then bring it! Also, bring your best ghost story, non-ghost story or talent!
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The Diet-Climate Connection:
How the Foods We Eat Affect the Planet We Inhabit
Thursday, June 6
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Large Meeting Room
Cary Memorial Library
Lexington
No Registration Required
Hosted by David Freuberg of Humankind Public Radio, we’ll gather to hear and discuss a new audio documentary exploring the environmental footprint of our food system, the meals we eat, and the consequences for climate change.
You’ll learn which foods have the highest and lowest impact on our warming planet.
Featured in the program:
• Frances Moore Lappé, author of Diet for a Small Planet (sold 2.5 million of copies)
• Walter Willett, M.D., long-time Nutrition Department chair at Harvard
• Youth in Massachusetts and California adopting climate-friendly diets
• A fascinating audio history of how the U.S. diet became so meat-centric.
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FIRE/EVACUATION DRILLS TO RESUME
After a long hiatus exacerbated by the pandemic, First Parish will begin resuming periodic fire/evacuation drills as part of our established Safer Congregation Plan. All members and friends are asked to re-familiarize yourselves with marked emergency exits throughout the building. In the event of a drill, each person should proceed to the nearest marked exit by which they can leave the building as quickly and safely as possible. Please always be aware of your surroundings to ensure your safe exit. The planned rally point for evacuations will be our lot at 3 Harrington Road. Differently abled persons may shelter in place on the front porch of the church facing the Battle Green.
Drills are never convenient or comfortable, but actual emergencies aren't either. Drills are a time for practice and for safer congregation point persons to record data for quality improvement on subsequent drills. FPLex staff and the Board have been working to ensure our best practices with assistance from local public safety officials. Please trust in the process and know that the safety of all of our members and friends is always paramount. Information will continue to be shared as it becomes available.
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