Oct 2, 2023
Sunday Sermon given October 1, 2023
Prayer by Elizabether Hunter, Worship Associate
https://firstparish.info/
First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739
About the Sermon: Most religious philosophies encourage us to seek the spiritual path by befriending fear. It’s a choice that runs counter to some of our deepest instincts, and yet, if we can accept that we are not in control and also recognize that no one is alone, then perhaps, we can open our hearts to live more compassionately and courageously.
About Rev. Marc Fredette: A native of New England Marc attended Humboldt State University and the University of California at Santa Barbara, CA before returning New England in 1988. Prior to pursuing ministry Marc worked for many years as a computer programmer, training consultant, and software manager in southern New Hampshire. He earned his degree from Harvard Divinity School in 2004, and served our congregations in Fayetteville, AK, and here in Waltham before retiring from parish ministry in 2021. Marc served as our sabbatical minister last winter and thoroughly enjoyed his time with the congregation so much so that he began attending regularly earlier this year. Marc’s personal passions include gardening, working with wood, a love of singing, dismantling racism and nurturing community in all walks of life.
Offering and Giving First
For the month of October, half of the offering supports the work of
the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC), a welcoming and
inclusive community-based mental health center and the leading
provider of outpatient and school-based mental health services for
Arlington youth and their families. Central to its mission, AYCC
offers individual and family counseling, group therapy, psychiatric
evaluation and medication treatment to Arlington youth, ages 3-21,
and their adult caregivers.
The remaining half supports the life and work of this
Parish.
To donate using your smartphone, you may text
“fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in
the texts you receive.