Author Archives: Web Editor

Update from Food Pantry

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Jane Zerby writes:

To food pantry volunteers and supporters:

We had a very busy day at pantry yesterday and I want to thank all of you who came to help. You were all terrific! 55 folks came through our doors, quite a large number for us, and we were able to give everyone fresh bread, fruits and vegetables, a wide assortment of staples, and an added treat: donated Girl Scout cookies which brought a smile to all.

Several folks were first-time visitors, so the word about our pantry is still spreading. As usual, our customers included people of all ages and races, speaking several different languages. I think we now have our procedures, and the food, better organized for an easier flow of traffic; we can more easily help people in wheelchairs or who have other disabilities. We’ve learned a lot in 3+ years.

Thanks again, so much, for all your help.

(More pictures after the jump!)

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Ibrahim Miari, “In Between” – Sunday, March 4, at 7 p.m.

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In Between is a semi-autobiographical one-man show that portrays the complexities and contradictions inherent in Palestinian-Israeli identity. On the precipice between two cultures stands Ibrahim Miari. His play recalls his childhood in Acco, memories of his Jewish and Palestinian grandmothers, of war, and of the struggle to shape and understand his own multi-faceted identity.

Nehar Shalom Community Synagogue, First Church in Jamaica Plain Unitarian Universalist, First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, and JP Forum are co-presenting this production of In Between, which will be performed on Sunday, March 4, at 7:00 p.m. at First Church. To reserve tickets, call Allie at First Baptist (617-524-3992). Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. If you’d like to help promote the show, a one-page flyer for the performance may be found here.

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REMINDER: “Love, Music and Chocolate”: a benefit concert for the Tower Fund – Sunday, February 12, at 7 p.m.

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day early at a soirée of beautiful music and decadent desserts featuring JP’s renowned classical guitarist John Muratore!

Mr. Muratore teaches classical guitar at Dartmouth College and Boston University. He is the coordinator of the guitar program at All Newton Music School and a guitarist with Counterpoint Chorus.

The concert is Sunday evening, February 12, at 7 p.m. at First Church. Attending as a couple is not required! A few non-chocolate and vegan items will be provided as well.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door ($15 advance/$20 door for students & seniors). Proceeds will benefit First Church’s Tower Fund.  E-mail fcjpvalentine@gmail.com to reserve your seats!

Nota bene: This event is not suitable for young children.

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JP Gazette: “Officials rally against ‘three strikes’”

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The Jamaica Plain Gazette reports on the January 27 JP Forum event at First Church:

A panel discussion about controversial prison sentencing reforms—including the “three strikes” laws—turned into a political strategy rally by several prominent Boston elected officials on Jan. 27 at First Church in Jamaica Plain Unitarian Universalist.

Dramatic moments included a convicted felon tearfully describing the impacts of a throw-away-the-key approach to sentencing, and local state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz defending her vote in favor of the Senate’s version of the controversial proposal.

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“Neighboring Faiths” RE Update

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Mick Hirsch, Director of Religious Education, writes:

This past Sunday, our inaugural group of “Neighboring Faiths” kids shared with the congregation their experience over the month of January studying Judaism.  Our 10-13 year olds were most excited about their visit to a neighborhood Jewish temple, Nehar Shalom, just down the street from First Church in JP.  From that visit, where we were welcomed to a “good Shabbos!” our kids treated our own congregation to a special treat:  they taught us how to sing the signature spiritual of the Civil Rights Movement, “We Shall Overcome,” in Hebrew! Needless to say, both the kids and the congregation did a great job singing through the transliterated text.

Next Sunday, February 5, our Neighboring Faiths class will begin a month-long segment on Buddhism.

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Sermon, January 22, 2012: “Candlemas”

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Rev. Terry Burke:

Today we are celebrating Candlemas, a church holiday including the blessing of candles. This should be done closer to February 2nd, but it’s a little early as George Wardle will be preaching next Sunday. Later, for Candlemas, we will be sharing candles and flames as part of our service.

There are many related layers to the holiday of Candlemas. It’s associated with St. Brigid of Kildare, Ireland, whose distinctive cross is on the cover of our order of service. St. Brigid died in the 6th century, and legend has it that when the rite was being conducted to consecrate her as a nun, she was made a bishop instead. St. Brigid was noted for her concern for the poor. We used to celebrate Medieval Feasts at this church, and children of the parish once dramatized the story of the saint’s cloak. A stingy king promised as much land for the poor as St. Brigid’s cloak would cover – her nuns ran with its corners in the four directions as it magically covered his kingdom. There are still Brigidine nuns, and as part of their work they keep an eternal flame.

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Church retreat, March 16-18: “Seeking Your True Self: Embracing Your False Self”

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First Church’s annual retreat will be held at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, Massachusetts.  In a supportive and confidential environment, we will explore the question of how we can live authentically, and how that can bring us closer to each other and to God. Come be part of our Spiritual Facebook!

The retreat will run from Friday evening, March 16th through lunch on Sunday, March 18th. The cost is $200 per person, with some scholarships available.

Terry Burke, Ghanda DiFiglia, and Alice Kociemba will facilitate this retreat. Please contact Mary Brady if you are interested in attending, and with any questions you might have.

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Reminder: Yoga at First Church!

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Join us throughout the year on Monday for Evening Yoga (6:45 – 8:15 pm) for 90 minutes of stretching, flexing and core strengthening (suggested donation: $15).

For you early birds who want to wake up your body while the earth is waking up, try the slow-flow class Thursday mornings, 7:30 to 8:15 (suggested donation: $10).

Please try to be on time, out of respect for other attendees. Some mats and props will be available to borrow. Bring a friend!

For any questions about yoga, contact Margaret Suby. All donations go to the work of First Church in our community.

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JP Forum, “Criminal Injustice: The High Cost of 3-Strikes Laws in Massachusetts” – Friday, January 27, at 7 p.m.

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In November, despite protests from community activists and legal experts, both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts State Senate passed “3-Strikes” bills that could have disastrous consequences for our communities. As this legislation speeds toward a final vote, opponents of that legislation urge that we educate ourselves about the rampant injustice of our criminal justice system and how 3-Strikes provisions perpetuate and magnify that injustice.

Join us in a panel discussion at First Church on the potential repercussions of the 3-Strike law for MA featuring key players in the debate:

Ben Thompson, Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Policy Coalition, will moderate.

Come to listen, ask questions, and learn how you can take action!  This event is co-sponsored by the Jamaica Plain Forum and The Union of Minority Neighborhoods.

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