Arlington Street Church, Unitarian Universalist. Gathered in Love and Service for Justice and Peace. 351 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
 

Join us for the Sunday Service!

In person and on Zoom ~ 11:00 am

 

Every Sunday morning at 11:00, we 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


FEBRUARY THEME: COVENANT


“Love is the spirit of this congregation,” we say together each week. It’s a statement derived from a covenant written in the late 19th Century by James Vila Blake, and meant to capture what we aspire to live together. This month, as we prepare for our annual Covenant Renewal, we’re exploring the roots of covenant as part of our faith tradition: its history, challenges, and promise.

 


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!

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.


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? Buddhist wisdom can help us find refuge amid the chaos and difficulties of life. Right now, our greatest refuge is our community (sangha). The Buddha’s Belly group meets twice a month to read and discuss books by contemporary Buddhist teachers, and to talk about how these teachings can shape our lives.

We’re reading Pema Chodron’s Practicing Peace in Times of War. For our gathering on February 11, please read through Chapter 5 and into Chapter 6.


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 “What Brings You Joy, Especially in Trying Times?” 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!


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!


Sanctuary Boston Worship Gathering

The 1st and 3rd 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.


Lilith Vocal Ensemble Concerts

Saturday, February 22 ~ 8 PM & Sunday, February 23 rd ~ 6 PM (Hunnewell Chapel)

Goddesses…alluring and mystical. Lilith is celebrating the goddesses in us and around us with their concert this February, with captivating existing works by Jocelyn Hagen, Alexandra Olsavsky, and Mari Ésabel Valverde, and exciting world premieres by Lilith members Grace Coberly, Kelvyn Koning, and Regina Stoncek. Laura Nevitt, Artistic Director. Join us February 22 @ 8pm and February 23 @ 6pm in Hunnewell Chapel at Arlington Street Church in Boston. $20 suggested donation.


Vegan Cooking with Jenny: African Peanut Stew

Sunday, February 23rd~ 6:00 PM (Zoom)

Our own Connie Scanlon warmly invites you to join her for Vegan Cooking with Jenny. 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.’"


You don’t need to be a committed vegan (or even a committed cook!) to come hang out in Jenny’s (Zoom) kitchen. 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 February session, we'll learn to make African Peanut Stew. 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.


Winter Social Potluck Lunch

Sunday, March 2 ~ 12:30 pm (Hunnewell Chapel)

On Covenant Renewal Sunday, everyone is invited to gather for lunch in the Hunnewell Chapel during coffee hour. Bring a dish to share or just bring yourself. If you'd like to contribute to the potluck, please make a note in this document. All are warmly welcome!


BoriCorridor presents: Más fuerte que nunca, a stand-up by Marian Pabón

Thursday, March 20 th ~ 8:00 PM (Parish Hall @ Arlington Street Church)

This presentation will be presented in SPANISH

 

In her awaited return to the stage, actress and comedian Marian Pabón uses her sense of humor to share her experience as a cancer patient in a stand-up show that offers an optimistic look at a painful process. From chemotherapy sessions to hair loss and the messages of support she received, she shares stories full of sensitivity and positivity. Marian and her artistic proposal are a reminder of how humor can be an invaluable resource to overcome adversity and find strength in the most challenging moments.


Ágora Presents: The Dalí Quartet

Saturday, March 29 th ~ 7:00 PM (Parish Hall @ Arlington Street Church)

The Dalí Quartet, named Ensemble of the Year 2024 by Chamber Music America, is renowned for presenting Latin American quartet repertoire alongside the classical and romantic canon. The quartet is committed to engaging diverse audiences and reaching out to various communities. Inspired by the renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, the quartet prioritizes imagination and excellence in its musical creations. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience their unparalleled musical magic!


Ágora Presents: Los Pirañas

Friday, April 4 th ~ 9:30 PM (Parish Hall @ Arlington Street Church)

Colombian powerhouse Los Pirañas is ready to ignite Boston with its signature blend of tropical psychedelia, cumbia, champeta, and experimental punk. This trio of musicians creates an electrifying soundscape that fuses Colombian roots with bold modern experimentation. Their energetic performances are creativity in its purest form. Meet one of the most innovative groups in contemporary Latin American music.


BoriCorridor presents: Los Rivera Destino

Thursday, May 29 th ~ 8:00 PM (Parish Hall @ Arlington Street Church)

Bohemia, satire, and plenty of wit: that's how you can describe the unique musical style of Los Rivera Destino, whose recognition has skyrocketed in recent years. Carlos, Antonio, and Fernando manage to combine humor and mischief in their lyrics with rhythms like bolero and rock to offer the public a creative, dynamic, and extraordinarily fun show.




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.


Get Involved


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!

 

Support Arlington Street Church

Please consider making a secure donation to further the work of Arlington Street Church in the world.

Thank you for your support!

It's Sunday Morning at 11
Do You Know Where Your
Spiritual Community Is?

Arlington Street Church is a Welcoming Congregation.

Candles of Sorrow & Joy

Candles can be submitted online by Arlington Street Church members and friends and will be included in our weekly Candles of Sorrow & Joy ritual during the Sunday morning worship service.

Click here to fill out an online Candle Card.

Sermon Archives

Give and Take
Read   Watch  
[March 5, 2023]

The Light’s Bounty on Familiar Things
Read   Watch  
[December 11, 2022]

Enlightenment to Follow
Read   Watch  
[December 4, 2022]

Enjoy recordings of past services and sermons by visiting our podcast, YouTube channel, and Worship Archives.

ASC Sermon Podcast

Click here to subscribe to our podcast!

Click to open in iTunes.


These podcasts are made possible by the generosity of the congregation of Arlington Street Church.

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Welcome to AmazonSmile!

Thank you for supporting Arlington Street Church! If you're shopping on Amazon, always start at smile.amazon.com, type in Arlington Street Church, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases! Thank you!

  

Welcome to Arlington Street Church

asc churchWelcome to Arlington Street Church, gathered in love and service for justice and peace. We're so glad you found us! Unitarian Universalists believe that personal experience, conscience, and reason are the final authorities in religion. Instead of subscribing to a single religious creed or doctrine, we keep an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places, and we honor a diversity of answers. Join us! All are welcome!


Newcomers

Virtual Tour Now! Take this 360° virtual tour of our sanctuary and chapel.

Get Married! We have beautiful settings for weddings and commitment ceremonies, and conveniently located space for meetings and events for reasonable fees!

Visit Our Facebook Page!
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ArlingtonStreetChurch.

Join Us! Browse our web site to learn how to participate at Arlington Street Church! And here are some directions to Arlington Street Church. Come visit us!

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Covenant of Right Relations

Thanks to our wonderful friends across the river at First Parish in Cambridge (Unitarian Universalist) for sharing their Covenant of Right Relations with us! With the guidance of our Transformation Team for Racial Justice, we're beginning to consider how to make it our own. Click here to read.Your insights are welcome! Please email Transformation@ASCBoston.org.