Join us for the Sunday Service!

In person and on Zoom ~ 11:00 am

 

Please join us as we continue our exploration of miracles. For many of us, our introduction to miracles was that which is beyond what humans are capable of. What does it feel like to wait on miracles, and what if some miracles were definitely within our grasp? What if we believed in our ability to create miracles for each other? 

 

Rev. Ali Jablonsky will lead our service along with Director of Music, Mark David Buckles, and Worship Coordinator, Rebecca Reid. Let’s gather for beautiful music, sharing joys and sorrows, inspired preaching, and building beloved community.

 

Right after the service, please join us for snacks, coffee, and conversation in the Hunnewell Chapel. For those participating virtually, join the conversation in the Arlington Street Zoom room! All are welcome!

 

In Person: The Great Doors at 20 Arlington Street open at 10:30 and music begins at 10:45. Dress to be warm and comfortable; come as you are.

On Zoom: For those who would like to participate virtually, please meet us in the Arlington Street Zoom Room! Join with video at tinyurl.com/ASCZoom or participate by phone by dialing (929) 436-2866. For either option, the meeting ID is 895 886 6876.

You are welcome here!

Join the Arlington Street Zoom Room

Download the Order of Service

Fill the Virtual Collection Plate

Submit Candles of Joy & Sorrow

Make a Pledge for 2024-25

Watch Past Sermons and Full Services

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Featured Event

Celebration and Remembrance of Doc Kinne

Sunday, October 27, ~ 2:00 pm (Sanctuary & Zoom)

Please join us in person and on Zoom as we celebrate the life and mourn the loss of our beloved Doc Kinne. Doc was a deeply integral presence at Arlington Street for decades, serving as our longtime Clerk and proud 'master of the bells.' We’ll enjoy beautiful music together and share favorite stories as we surround Doc's partner Morgan with our love and care. After the service, we’ll gather for a reception in Doc’s honor. We hope you'll join this time of remembrance and community.

 

For more on Doc’s extraordinary life, please read his obituary and join the “Richard ‘Doc’ Kinne Memorial” group on Facebook.

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October Services: Miracles

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see” wrote C.S. Lewis. Our reason-worshiping faith has often shied away from talk of miracles for appearing too woo-woo, unserious, or too (gasp!) religious. Many, perhaps most, traditions pass down stories of miracles, encourage us to live with a sense of awe, and invite us to open our hearts and our minds to the unexplained and magnificent aspects of our existence. We’ll begin the month with the Days of Awe in the Jewish tradition and end with the celebration of the presence of our ancestors in the season when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is said to be thinnest. We will revel in the beauty of it all.

 

October 6: Days of Awe
Rev. Parisa Parsa with Patrick Cooleybeck, Worship Coordinator
In the midst of the toughest of human experiences, stories of miracles have carried us through. As we mark a full year of horrific violence in Gaza, Israel and beyond, what stories that seem impossible might sustain us and move us toward peace?

 

October 13: The Miracles Within Our Grasp
Rev. Ali Jablonsky with Rebecca Reid, Worship Coordinator
For many of us, our introduction to miracles was that which is beyond what humans are capable of. What does it feel like to wait on miracles, and what if some miracles were definitely within our grasp? What if we believed in our ability to create miracles for each other?

 

October 20: A Joyful Mind
Rev. Parisa Parsa with Hala Hazar, Worship Coordinator

Tibetan Buddhist teaching says ‘always maintain a joyful mind.’ adrienne maree brown has written that ‘what we pay attention to grows.’ Where must we focus our consciousness if we want to bring about the world’s health, wholeness, and flourishing? 

 

October 27: Ancestors and Angels
Rev. Parisa Parsa with Rev. Beth Robbins, Worship Coordinator
Mystical connections with folks who have passed are a part of nearly every faith tradition. What can we learn from stories of the presence of ancestors as we navigate our lives in the present? We invite you to bring photos or mementos of loved ones who have passed as we celebrate and remember those we have lost.

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Weekly Events

Monday Mettā

Every Monday ~ 12:00 pm (Zoom)
Led by Philip Roberts (with assistance from Connie Scanlon and Al Ingram)

Come for a half hour of Mettā (lovingkindness) meditation, sending lovingkindness to ourselves and to the world. No meditation experience necessary. Bring your open heart!

Poems to Go On

Every Monday ~ 4:00 pm (Zoom)
Led by Darrell Waters and Alan Kemp

"You can use a poem the next time your life threatens to become too crowded or too empty, or too anything, to give you some feeling of order or companionship. A spell against 'chaos and old night.' I hope some of these will do you some good." ~ Vermont poet James Hayford

Please come whether or not you think you like poetry! Feel free just to listen or bring a favorite poem and a little background about the poet. We'll have the opportunity to read aloud and share what these poems mean to us. All are welcome!

Join with video at tinyurl.com/ASCZoom or participate by phone by dialing (929) 436-2866. For either option, the meeting ID is 895 886 6876.

Buddha's Belly ~ The Buddhist Book Discussion

The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month ~ 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Led by Sharon Gentges and the Arlington Street Sangha

Are you curious about Buddhism? Buddha's Belly gatherings are an opportunity to read books by contemporary Buddhist teachers and discuss The Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Four Heavenly Abodes, the Five Hindrances ... and to ask your burning questions about meditation (e.g., where do I put my legs?)

We're reading Jack Kornfield's A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life. For our gathering on October 22, please read through the end of Chapter 10, "Expanding and Dissolving the Self." Also, please browse through the rest of the book so we can talk about which chapters we want to read as we finish the book.

Join with video at tinyurl.com/ASCZoom or participate by phone by dialing (929)436-2866. For either option, the meeting ID is always 895 886 6876.

Arlington Street Meditation Center

The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month ~ 7:00 pm (Zoom)
Led by Queen Cheryl (with assistance from Sharon Gentges)
Our gathering includes seated meditation, a brief reading from Buddhist teachings, and conversation. Beginners and experienced meditators from all traditions (or none!) are warmly welcome. If you'd like to print out the words to the Mettā (Lovingkindness) phrases, which we repeat together at the close of the Arlington Street Meditation Center gathering, you'll find them here. If you don't, no worries; even if you don't know them as we begin, you'll know them by the time we finish!

Join with video at tinyurl.com/ASCZoom or participate by phone by dialing (929)436-2866. For either option, the meeting ID is always 895 886 6876.

Tea with the Ministers

Every Wednesday ~ 5:00 pm (Zoom)

Make a cuppa, find a comfortable seat, and come take a civilized late afternoon break with Rev. Parisa, Rev. Beth, and one another. Our next discussion prompt is “Whether or not you believe in miracles, what is a miracle you are hoping for?” All are warmly welcome! 

 

Join with video at tinyurl.com/ASCZoom or participate by phone by dialing (929)436-2866. For either option, the meeting ID is always 895 886 6876.

Kundalini Yoga Class

Every Wednesday ~ 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Led by Jean Ko Stewart

Experience fun exercises and poses, breathing techniques, chanting, meditation, and deep relaxation in this unique class. Moving energy through your body brings positive change and growth. There is a $10 charge that goes to the church. Please email Office@ASCBoston.org for Zoom access. All are welcome!

Sanctuary Boston Worship Gathering

The 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday of each month ~ 6:30 pm (In person & Zoom)

Did you know that our beloved Mark David Buckles also serves as the Music Director of Sanctuary Boston? This community of vibrant worship and real connection is grounded in Unitarian Universalism and open to seekers of all kinds. Sanctuary Boston’s intergenerational services are offered twice monthly on Wednesday evenings, alternating between Boston and Cambridge. Learn more at thesanctuaryboston.org. 

Arlington Street Writes!

Every Thursday ~ 5:00 pm (Zoom)

Led by Trisha Zembruski

Trisha invites you to the spiritual practice of writing inspired by Zen meditation, based on Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones. No writing experience necessary – all you need is paper, pen, and willingness! All are welcome!

Note: This meeting is NOT in the Arlington Street Zoom room. Join by video at tinyurl.com/ASCWrites or participate by phone by dialing (929) 205-6099. The meeting ID is 833 4627 6104.

Arlington Street Church Choir Rehearsal

Every Thursday ~ 7:00 pm (Arlington Street Church - 2nd Floor)

Experience the spiritual practice of communal singing! Musicians and non-musicians are welcome – we are a mix of professionals and amateurs and are always happy to welcome new members. Take a couple of hours out of your week to create something beautiful, make friends, and add more music to your life! Note: No Choir Rehearsal scheduled for October 17th.

Prudential Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 15 ~ 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Come experience how the business of the church gets done. Our Prudential Committee members are Alan Kemp–Chair, Co-chairs–Sandy Dixon and Kelly Anne Weaver, Rachel Corey, Bob Sessions, Laura Pattison, Cathy DeMatto, Art Nava and Hala Hazar. Stephen Anable (Clerk), Liz Teixeira (Treasurer), and our ministers also attend "the Pru." Though only our elected Prudential Committee members may vote, everyone is welcome!

Ágora Presents Kianí in Concert

Thursday, October 17 ~ 7:00 pm (CROMA @Arlington Street Church)

Experience the intimate and compelling debut album presentation by Puerto Rican vocalist Kianí. Backed by four exceptional musicians from Puerto Rico's independent music scene, Kianí fearlessly showcases her vulnerable side, delivering a deeply emotional and captivating performance. Learn more and purchase tickets at cromaspace.com.

Global Jazz Club with Ana Guigui

Saturday, October 26 ~ 7:00 pm (CROMA @Arlington Street Church)

Our friends at Ágora present Ana Guigui, a multi-talented artist, who has carved a niche for herself in the music and performance industry with her incredible versatility. With Broadway national tours and off-Broadway credits to her name, Ana Guigui's performances are truly spectacular. Her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence promise an unforgettable show. This is your chance to be part of the magic and see Ana Guigui live on stage – don't let it slip away! Learn more and purchase tickets at cromaspace.com.

Vegan Cooking with Jenny ~ The Great Arlington Street Baking Show!

Sunday, October 27 ~ 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Jenny is a devoted Arlington Street Zoomer who joins us from Rockville, Maryland each week. She writes, "I became vegan in 2019 (after 25 years of being lacto-ovo vegetarian.) I see my veganism as both a health choice and as part of my spiritual life; following the fourth UU principle of ‘A Free and *Responsible* Search for Truth and Meaning.’" 

 

Whether you are a committed vegan or not, you are warmly invited to come cook with Jenny. All of the recipes are vegan and gluten-free. If you have questions, health concerns, allergies, or foods you’ve always wanted to try to adapt as vegan, Jenny would love to hear from you. 

 

For our October session, we'll learn to make pumpkin curry. Looking forward to cooking together – Aprons, everyone!

 

Join with video at tinyurl.com/ASCZoom or participate by phone by dialing (929)436-2866. For either option, the meeting ID is always 895 886 6876. 

 

Also, please mark your calendars for these upcoming sessions, happening on Sunday evenings at 6:00: 

November 17 – Stuffed Mushrooms 

December 15 – Pad Thai

Eddy Marcano Cuarteto Acústico Presents Navidad entre Compays

Saturday, December 7 ~ 7:00 pm (CROMA @Arlington Street Church)

This enchanting evening of Latin American music will open the Christmas season with the extraordinary talents of Eddy Marcano, a premier Venezuelan violinist and conductor. Known for his role as the first violinist with the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, Marcano has captivated audiences worldwide, from Latin America to Europe and the United States. Learn more and purchase tickets at cromaspace.com.

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Covenant Renewal

A Personal Reflection from John O'Connor

offered on Sunday morning, February 11th, 2024

For the past 34 years, Arlington Street has been my spiritual home. In stormy times, it has been a place of shelter. I remember in 1990, standing at this very podium, offering my very first candle. I was shaking with rage. A group of us had just attended an AIDS fundraiser in the South End when were attacked by a gang, wielding broken bottles and bats, screaming anti-gay slurs. Several ended up in the hospital with serious injuries. And so I, a young lawyer, ended up as a witness in a Federal Hate Crimes trial. And Arlington Street was my support.

Arlington Street has also been a community of joy and celebration. I never expected I’d be a bride in a traditional church wedding . . . well, sort of traditional!

And Arlington Street has been a community of learning, where I have been challenged to become the best possible version of myself. Whoever would have thought that the angry young lawyer who came up to this pulpit 34 years ago would later decide to go to Divinity School to study for the ministry?

For those of you new to Arlington Street, stick around . . . There’s magic in this place.

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Get Involved

Call for Volunteers!

The Tiffany Visitors Center is open for the season! In the summer months, hundreds of visitors come from across the country and around the world to experience our landmark sanctuary and enjoy the beauty of our exquisite Tiffany stained glass windows. Please help us welcome these guests by volunteering as a greeter. No experience is necessary and scheduling is flexible. This is a fun way to give service and to help fund our critical building preservation effort! If you’d like to be part of it, please contact Jeff Fogleman, our congregational administrator, at office@ASCBoston.org or (617) 536-7050. Thank you!

Flowers on the High Pulpit

Would you like to make a gift of flowers for the entire congregation to enjoy on a Sunday morning? You can make your dedication in memory, in honor, or in celebration of someone or something you love. You can have flowers delivered or bring your own (a minimum of two dozen flowers is perfect for our huge space). Please email our congregational administrator, Jeff Fogleman (office@ASCBoston.org,) to claim your date! Thank you!