Theodore Parker Church

Rev. Phyllis O’Connell to Join TPC as Interim Minister

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:22 +0000

We are thrilled to announce that Rev. Phyllis O’Connell has accepted our offer to serve as interim minister at Theodore Parker UU Church for the 2012-2013 church year (with the possibility of a second year). Rev. O’Connell will begin her interim ministry at Theodore Parker Church on August 15, 2012, serving ¾-time.

Rev. O’Connell brings a wealth of experience as a UU minister and as an interim minister to this position. She served as senior minister at UU Society of Wellesley Hills (2001-2009); minister at Melrose UU Church (1991-2001); interim minister at UU Area Church of Sherborn; and interim minister at UU Society of Greater Springfield. She is in the final phase of the UUA Interim Minister Accreditation Program and is a certified supervisor for Harvard and Andover Newton ministerial students.

Rev. O’Connell received an MDiv with honors from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. She also holds an MS in Family Studies from Wheelock College and a BA in history from Furman University. Prior to her career in ministry she worked in a variety of positions, including work at Planned Parenthood.

Some highlights of her work within the UUA:

Sermon selected by UUA Department of Social Justice for publication and distribution to churches continent wide in response to bombing of reproductive health clinics in Boston
Invited by UUA Social Justice Department to preach sermon at that year’s General Assembly in Spokane.
Invited to preach at UU Leadership Conference, San Antonio
Curricula written (not published): “Growing Towards Puberty” – a curriculum for 4th and 5th graders on physical and emotional changes of puberty; and “The Roots of our Faith” – a four session curriculum on UU history.

She wrote the following in her application:

“The covenant between minister and congregation is a promise made to one another to also see with new eyes and to not spend so much time counting the church luggage that the vision is lost. That is what I bring. I bring a promise of faithfulness. And I bring twenty-two years of successful and soul satisfying work in parish ministry as proof that I will keep my word.”

The Interim Search Committee was especially impressed by her sermons, her blend of interest in liturgy and social justice issues, and her demonstrated competence as an interim minister supporting a church both organizationally and spiritually. We appreciate her deep commitment to UU congregations and ministry, her calm and thoughtful approach to her work, and her warm sense of humor.

Social Action as Spiritual Practice – May 13, 2012

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:13:02 +0000

Several members of the Social Action Committee speak about their own experiences as social activists. Dean Stevens is the guest musician. Dean describes himself as a “musician, Spanish interpreter, Central America traveler and climate agitator.” We hope the service supports and inspires congregational outreach and action in the wider world beyond Theodore Parker Church in pursuit of social justice.

Religious Exploration for May 20, 2012

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:27:11 +0000

Children and parents will be in the sanctuary at 10:30 to participate in the Flower Communion, before moving to the parish hall for RE activities.

Restoring Compassion – May 6, 2012

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:00:56 +0000

Rev. Lilli Nye speaks about the new “Charter for Compassion” project, spearheaded by religions scholar Karen Armstrong, makes an urgent call to “all men and women…to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion…[and] to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings…” As images of suffering and urgent need flood our awareness from all corners of our world, near and far, we struggle to find a meaningful way of responding in the midst of our preoccupied lives. This sermon will explore how can we keep compassion as a dynamic force in our personal lives when we may feel both too much and too little.

Religious Exploration for May 13, 2012

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:16:05 +0000

Children and Music Day mentors will meet in the parish hall. This will be a day for making music and for Lilli to have some closure time with the children.

Religious Exploration for May 6, 2012

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:10:17 +0000

Children and teachers will meet in the parish hall for an “Introduction to the Story” day, focusing on the Good Samaritan story. It is also the Walk for Hunger. If at all possible, please let Toinette Ter Haar know if your children are walking and won’t be in church (or aren’t walking and won’t be in church); it would be helpful to know if it is going to be a low attendance day. Ellen Coletti will be the key contact, in charge of opening and closing the RE classrooms and providing assistance.

June 9: Sweet Chariot Festival of Music and Whoop Dee Doo

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:05:21 +0000

The Sweet Chariot Music and Arts Festival is a nationwide gaggle of performers who gather every summer on Swans Island, Maine, for a week of concerts. For seven years running, it’s also been a Boston premiere folk (and more) event. Join us for another cavalcade of whoop dee doo, the rollicking Sweet Chariot Music Festival! It’s organized by Roslindale resident, musician, activist and humanitarian Dean Stevens.

Theodore Parker UU Church

1859 Centre St.

West Roxbury, MA 02132

617-869-3014

http://deanstevens.com

Price: $20

Performers include: Lisa Redfern, Oen Kennedy, Denny Williams, David Dodson, Dillon Bustin, Dean Stevens, Doug Day, Will Brown, Rachel and John Nicholas, Eric Kilburn. Daisy and Stan

Poetry Sunday – April 29, 2012

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:32:53 +0000

Our Theodore Parker Church poets and poetry lovers read their own work or favorites by other authors. Members of all ages participate in this annual celebration of poetry, led by Tom Keydel and Joy Martin. Music includes an original choral piece by choir director Michael Johnson and piano selections by George Gershwin played by Yukiko Takagi.

Religious Exploration on April 29

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:04:05 +0000

All children and families meet in the sanctuary at 10:30 am for Poetry Sunday. Those who have submitted poems will be invited to read and/or let others read their work for the congregation.

Forum on Aging, April 29, 2012

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:45:49 +0000

Getting older? Anyone you know getting older? Then join us for the Forum on Aging, Sunday, April 29 at 12:15 pm. Our student minister, Connie St. Hilaire, will introduce experts to help us explore this new terrain. There will be time for sharing our own feelings and issues within this faith community where we can support one another.