THEODORE PARKER CHURCH

Candlelight Conversations on Shared Ministry
2022-04-27 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Parish Hall, 70 Corey Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132, United States
Wednesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. (Parish Hall, in person)
Sunday, May 1 at 1 p.m. (Parish Hall, in person)
Additional conversation on Zoom (time and date TBD)

Rev. Jo and Rose invite you to join them for one of our upcoming Candlelight Conversations on Shared Ministry. These intentional, facilitated conversations will seek to move forward the work we began this past winter in our Shared Ministry Leadership Retreat, in concert with the ongoing self-inquiry work of our interim ministry time. We will be drawing on the work of adrienne maree brown and Susan Beaumont to help us deepen our connections with one another, and to articulate shared intentions for our community — intentions that can help us move as a collective, despite the many uncertainties of these times. All are welcome to join, whether you are brand new to the church or a long-term leader in our congregation.

Film: Youth v Gov
2022-04-26 18:00 - 20:30 | On Zoom
RJTF Film Series:Youth v Gov

Youth v Gov follows 21 young Americans suing the world’s most powerful government to protect their constitutional rights to a stable climate. Interfaith Power and Light presents this film to members of the Theodore Parker Church community as part of the 2021-2022 Online Justice Film Series by the Racial Justice Task Force (click here for a flyer).

The Zoom theater opens at 5:45 p.m. The film starts at 6, followed by a 30-minute discussion. An RSVP to Helen Horigan is appreciated but not essential. See you at the movies!

Special Congregational Meeting
2022-03-27 11:35 - 12:30 | Parish Hall, 70 Corey Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132, United States
Theodore Parker Church will hold a special congregational meeting on Sunday, March 27, at 11:35 a.m. at the church and on Zoom.
AGENDA

Parish Hall Kitchen project update and vote on whether to proceed
Updates on the Transition Process and Progress

Pre-registration is required to attend virtually. For information contact the church office.

The 2022 Theodore Parker Lecture — "Housing: The Key to Community"
2022-03-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
Join Theodore Parker Church and City Life/Vida Urbana for the 2022 Theodore Parker lecture, “Housing: The Key to Community,” a conversation with Ronel Remy, statewide organizer for City Life/Vida Urbana. With a transformative justice model of organizing, Ronel bridges across race, culture, and class to build cohesive communities with the skills and resources necessary to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts.

The conversation will take place in the sanctuary and is also available online. Registration is required for both options.

Register for an in-person seat. Following COVID protocols, masks and vaccination are required and seating is limited to allow for social distancing.
Register to attend online on Zoom.

We recommend registering on Zoom even if you are also registering to attend in-person.
For more information, please contact Carey Toran or Karen Kirchoff.

TParkerLecture_2022-final

RJTF Meeting on Reparations and Restoration
2022-03-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
The Racial Justice Task Force continues the exploration of the UUA’s Widening the Circle examination of ourselves and our community. The session will focus on the complex and controversial issue of reparations and restoration for communities of color who have been subject to racial injustice. We will seek to come out of the meeting with various possible ideas regarding how our TPC community, specifically, should respond.

All TPC members and attenders are welcome. No prior preparation or familiarity with the topic is required. Our website provides some optional resources to stimulate your reflecting on the topic. In addition, the chapter on reparations from the Widening the Circle report can be found here.

The virtual meeting will be held on Sunday, March 6, from 1:00 to 2:00. Join on Zoom.

For more information, please contact Cindy Bergeron or Mark Bauer.

RJTF Film Series Presents "Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America"
2022-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
Unsettled reveals stories of LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution at home and who are resettling in the U.S. Each of these four new arrivals has escaped potential peril in their native countries for being different. They’ve landed in the purported “gay mecca” of San Francisco, yet even there, building a new life in an adopted nation is a precarious undertaking.
Please invite your friends and share the information with your networks. See the Theodore Parker Church Facebook page for more details.
The Zoom theater opens at 6:45 and the film starts at 7, with a half hour of discussion after. Donations to support future film screenings are welcome but not required. Questions? rjtf@tparkerchurch.org
See you at the movies!
Zoom link here.

Come Sing a Song with Us — Encore!
2021-11-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Theodore Parker Church yard, 1859 Centre St., West Roxbury, 02132, United States
After the success of the Church Sing on October 3, we are doing it again! All are invited to gather outside the church to sing some of our favorite hymns led by music director Michael Johnson on Sunday, November 7 at 2 p.m. The UUA is still advising congregations not to sing indoors, but singing together outside in the fresh air — masked and at a safe distance — is extremely low-risk. We will sing some of our most beloved songs from our two hymnals. Please bring a mask and water. In case of inclement weather, we will reschedule and announce the cancellation on the website and TPC Talk. RSVP to Michael if you plan to attend.

Film: "Down a Dark Stairwell" (2020)
2021-10-29 19:00 - 21:15 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
With the Director, Ursula Liang
Join on Zoom.

The Racial Justice Task Force launches its 2021-22 Film Series with this powerful film. When a Chinese-American police officer kills an innocent, unarmed Black man in an unlit stairwell of a Brooklyn housing project, and the officer is convicted of manslaughter — the first such conviction of an NYPD officer in over a decade — two marginalized communities are tangled in systems unfair to both.

The director, Ursula Liang, will host a discussion with audience members following the film.

TPC’s Zoom Theater opens at 6:45. There is no charge, but space is limited.
Questions? Contact RJTF@tparkerchurch.org
Preview at PBS here.

Lessons & Blessin's — An Outdoor Celebration of Animals
2021-10-17 14:00 - 14:30 | Theodore Parker Church yard, 1859 Centre St., West Roxbury, 02132, United States
Humans of all ages are invited to come by the church yard with their well-behaved animal companions, photos of beloved pets, and/or stuffed animals for an animal celebration. We’ll bless the animals in our lives and have the opportunity to introduce them to our congregation, answering the question, “What do you learn from your animal?” Chairs will be set up, masks are requested, and leashes recommended. Even if you don’t have pets, you’re welcome to come and appreciate others’!

Come Sing a Song With Us
2021-10-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Theodore Parker Church yard, 1859 Centre St., West Roxbury, 02132, United States
After 18 months of singing in Zoom church, let’s join our voices again live!
This Sunday, October 3, all are invited to gather in the front yard of the church to sing some of our favorite hymns led by music director Michael Johnson. The UUA is still advising congregations not to sing indoors, but singing together outside in the fresh air — masked and at safe distance — is extremely low risk. We will sing “Blue Boat Home,” some rounds, and many other beloved songs from our two hymnals.
We hope you will join us! RSVP to Gretchen is recommended so we can set up chairs. Please bring a mask and water. In case of inclement weather, we will reschedule. Check TPC Talk and the website for weather advisories.

Outdoor Indoor Gathering and Water Communion
2021-09-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Theodore Parker Church yard, 1859 Centre St., West Roxbury, 02132, United States
After you’ve had some lunch following our Zoom worship service, come by the church to add your water (from a treasured vacation or your kitchen sink) to a common vessel, symbolic of our coming together. You’ll also have a chance to meet Rev. Jo in 3D and participate in a community craft project. The sanctuary will be open for you to take some reflective time in its sacred quiet. Masks are encouraged outdoors and required indoors.

Jazz on the Green Summer Series with The Makanda Project
2021-08-14 13:00 - 17:00 | UU Urban Ministry, 10 Putnam St., Roxbury, MA, 02119, United States
All are invited to the beautiful greenspace of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry (UUUM) for great jazz from The Makanda Project with the company of friends and neighbors. These shows are FREE. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and stay a while!

The Makanda Project is an ensemble dedicated to performing the previously unrecorded compositions of Makanda Ken McIntyre. The group is based in Boston (Makanda’s hometown) and was formed in 2005. Since then, The Makanda Project has been giving regular free concerts in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood and also performing outside of Boston—sharing what they believe is something unique and special about Makanda’s music, and adding their own individual and collective voices to his compositions.

Annual Meeting
2021-06-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
The agenda of the annual meeting includes reports from the Standing Committee chair, votes on the FY2022 budgets and slate of officers, other new business, and special recognitions. All members and friends are welcome to attend this Zoom meeting, but only members may vote.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84852125893?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 848 5212 5893
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
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Music on Centre presents Songs of Justice & Hope
2021-06-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
Theodore Parker Church’s Music on Centre concert series closes its season on June 11 with an outstanding double bill featuring nationally known performers Reggie Harris and Cosy Sheridan.
Reggie has spent his career singing about the African American experience and history in concert halls, churches, and many different educational programs. One of his most recent endeavors is “Opening Doors: Race, Conversation and Song,” created as an educational program and adaptable for all ages. www.reggieharrismusic.com
Cosy Sheridan often takes a more personal and sometimes quirky approach to contemporary issues but is also seriously dedicated to music and to teaching. She is the creator of Camp Moab where she brings people together to hone their musical skills with some of the finest instrumentalists and songwriters in the nation. She used to live in Utah but now has returned to New England. www.cosysheridan.com
The concert is free, with no pre-registration required, but you are encouraged to donate to the artists during the show. After the hour-long concert, we will have a chance to talk with the performers and hear a few more songs. This will be as intimate a show as possible during these virtual times.
Join on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 869 5521 4142
Passcode: [REDACTED]
The concert will also be streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Please pass on this invitation to anyone who would want to participate in this joyous and meaningful event. More information: Carol Allen, our Music on Centre impresario.

Meet the FY22 Budget
2021-06-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
Approval of the budget at the annual meeting is an important responsibility of church membership. Please attend this presentation to learn and ask questions about our FY22 projected income and expenses.The proposed operating and capital budgets are posted on the Members & Friends page of the church website.

Zoom link here.

Virtual Open House
2021-06-05 14:30 - 15:00 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
If you are unable to attend the Open House on June 5 in person, you can join remotely from 2:30-3:00 p.m. ET! This meeting will include a pre-recorded tour of the Open House highlights and walk-through of the buildings, live video feed, and a chance to see and say HI to some friends. To join, just click on the Zoom link at the scheduled time:
Join Virtual Open House Zoom Meeting (230-300pm ET, June 5, 2021)
Meeting ID: 819 9659 8547
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Thanks to James Cross for producing the virtual Open House.

Theodore Parker Church Open House
2021-06-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Parish Hall, 70 Corey Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132, United States
Come see and celebrate the completion of the long-anticipated parish hall accessibility project, our new solar panel array, and the National Historic Landmark designation of our buildings and statue!

Annual Plant Sale
2021-06-05 11:00 - 13:00 | Theodore Parker Church yard, 1859 Centre St., West Roxbury, 02132, United States
This event has been rescheduled from May 29 due to possible inclement weather. Plants donated by our own gardeners are offered for sale. Funds benefit building improvements. Come early for the best selection!

Movies on Zoom: Homecoming: The Story of African-American Farmers
2021-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
The rural roots of African-American life through the eyes of a filmmaker reconnecting with her southern farming family. More information here. The Zoom theater opens at 5:45 and film starts at 6, followed by discussion. An RSVP to Helen Horigan is appreciated but not essential. Join us on Zoom. Friends outside the TPC community are welcome – please share the news!

Concert for Peace, Love and Hope with Don White and Chelsea Berry
2020-09-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
There is no one-word description for what Don White does. He’s an award-winning singer/songwriter, a comedian, an author, and a storyteller. He’s been bringing audiences to laughter and tears for thirty years, released ten CDs, three live DVDs, and a book, Memoirs of a C Student.
In collaboration with New Moon Coffeehouse and Theodore Parker UU Church Music on Centre, Don will present a Zoom concert with guest Chelsea Berry on Thursday, September 10.
This event will be interactive – meaning that Don and the audience will be able to hear laughter and applause as it happens. The show is free, with a virtual tip jar. A portion of the money donated will be given to the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.
For more information about Don’s work, please check out the videos and music here.
More about Chelsea here.

Interactive Zoom concert access:

Meeting ID: 880 9760 4614
Password: [REDACTED]

View the show on Facebook Live

View the show on YouTube

To leave a tip in advance:

Paypal: paypal.me/donwhitefolk
Venmo: @donwhitefolk

Summer Read for July: How to Be an Antiracist
2020-07-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
All are invited to participate in our summer’s common read for July: Ibram Kendi’s How to Be an Antiracist (available on Amazon, Brookline Booksmith, and Powell’s online store). We’ll gather on Thursday, July 30, at 7 p.m. to share our reactions and learnings. The Zoom link will be posted a few days beforehand.

Annual Meeting Is June 14
2020-06-14 11:15 - 13:15
The congregation will convene after the worship service on Sunday, June 14, for our annual meeting, at which we elect officers and approves the operating and capital budgets for the new church year, which starts July 1. Members and friends must register in advance to participate, and only members may vote.
Official Warrant announcing the meeting, as required by Theodore Parker Church bylaws

Film: "Urban Roots"
2020-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
When Everything Collapses, Plant your Field of Dreams! Many people are in food crisis these days. This inspiring pre-pandemic film shows how folks in Detroit took on urban farming to improve their food supply and build community. The Racial Justice Task Force invites you to a Zoom viewing.

The TPC Zoom Theater will open at 5:45 to say hello and sort out any viewing problems. The 90-minute movie starts at 6 p.m., followed by 30 minutes of discussion. Hope to see you there! For questions, contact Sara Saperstein.

The Poor People's Campaign: Education to Action in the Age of COVID-19
2020-05-31 19:00 - 20:15 | Church Sanctuary and on Zoom
An on-line conversation hosted by the Parkway Interfaith Conversations on Race and the Massachusetts Poor People’s Campaign. This event is free, but registration is required. Register here.

Music on Centre presents Crys Matthews & Heather Mae
2020-05-22 19:30 - 20:30
Music on Centre invites you to tune in to a lively and inspiring Zoom concert by the amazing Crys Matthews and the incomparable Heather Mae.
Matthews is a nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter who captured our hearts at the Music on Centre concert in 2018. She blends Americana, folk, jazz, blues, bluegrass and funk into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies and punctuated by honest, original lyrics.
Unfazed by what a typical pop artist today is “supposed” to look like and how the typical pop artist is “supposed” to sound, Heather Mae creates intoxicating music that tackles complex topics surrounding mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, self-love, racial injustice, social inequality, and women’s rights. She is a dynamically positive advocate of LGBT+ rights and mental health issues.
Click here to join on Zoom on May 22 at 7:30. Suggested donation is $20 per person. Give more if you can, less if you can’t. All are welcome and no one will be turned away! All donations should be sent to Heather Mae via PayPal (heathermaemusic@gmail.com), Venmo (@heathermaemusic), or Cashapp ($heathermaemusic), with a note that says “May 22nd – Theodore Parker Concert”. If you have trouble signing up and/or paying, contact musiconcentre@gmail.com.

Cancelled: Film: Urban Roots: When Everything Collapses, Plant Your Field of Dreams
2020-04-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Theodore Parker Church parish hall, 70 Corey St., West Roxbury, Massachusetts, 02132
Our Friday Night Justice Films series has been suspended for the time being. We look forward to resuming it as soon as possible.

Cancelled: Music for Food: Mozart, Mendelssohn & Martinů
2020-03-29 19:30 - 21:00 | Theodore Parker Church sanctuary, 1859 Centre Street, West Roxbury, Massachusetts, 02132
We regret to announce that this concert has been canceled.

"Begin Again" Adult Religious Exploration
2020-03-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Theodore Parker Church sanctuary, 1859 Centre Street, West Roxbury, Massachusetts, 02132
Begin Again begins again! We will explore the word “grace” on March 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. Grace comes to us unbidden. As Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar asks in Fluent in Faith: How does it differ from luck? Must we deserve it? If you’ve experienced grace, how did you know it and what was its impact?

Note that this session will NOT be held in the sanctuary but online via Zoom. Open this link shortly before 7 p.m. For more information, contact Nancy Wilber, Steve Greene, or Rev. Anne.

After the 17th there will be two more sessions this spring: Thursday, April 23, and Tuesday, May 19. Save the dates!

Music on Centre concert with Dean Stevens & Friends CANCELED!
2020-03-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Theodore Parker Church parish hall, 70 Corey St., West Roxbury, Massachusetts, 02132
We’re sorry to announce that, due to ongoing concerns about public events in relation to the coronavirus outbreak, we have decided to cancel Saturday’s concert. We hope we can schedule Dean & Friends for a future time.

Annual Fellowship Fest
2020-03-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Theodore Parker Church parish hall, 70 Corey St., West Roxbury, Massachusetts, 02132
This festive event is a celebration of our Theodore Parker Church community and the kick-off of our Gather and Grow annual pledge campaign.
Jazz pianist Adam Feldman will join us for the early part of the evening. There will be great food and drink and dancing to round out the evening. You won’t want to miss it!

To RSVP, please click the link to the sign-up spreadsheet and add your name in a column with the item you’d like to bring. If you’d like to help with decorating, greeting, serving or clean up, please sign up in one of those columns.

Childcare will be available in the parish hall downstairs. To sign up, please add your name and the number of children you’d like to bring.

Questions? Please contact Laura Dowd.
