The service at the First Parish in Lincoln on “Rally Sunday” on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. will include a blessing of the backpacks for our children and joyful music from the choir. With a bit of history during the service, and cake afterwards on the lawn, we’ll also be celebrating the 275th anniversary of the church.
On Friday, Sept. 22 from 1–3 p.m., meet at the famous “twisted tree” in front of Lincoln Public Library for a special Quiet Walks and Poetry for Seekers collaboration. We’ll walk for a mile or two in the neighborhood, stopping four or five times beneath particular trees. Beneath the shade of each tree, we will hear a poem that in some way honors or features that tree species. In between each poem, we will walk in silence. At the end, we will gather in a circle and reflect on what we saw and heard. If the weather looks questionable, email Rev. Nate Klug (nate@fplincoln.org) for the latest updates.
The Youth Programs Committee at the First Parish in Lincoln is hosting an interfaith candlelight vigil on Wednesday, March 20 from 6–7 p.m. at the white church for all children lost in both the Palestinian and Israeli communities. Children can bring a bird they’ve made for a specific child (see Birds of Gaza for ideas) or for children more broadly. Craft kits with various art supplies to create birds are still available outside the side door of the Stone Church. Birds can be fashioned out of any medium you choose (clay, paper, your own materials, etc.). A short prayer will be offered at the vigil that is appropriate for all ages.
A memorial for the late Susan Sugar will take place on Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. in the First Parish Church across from the library, with a reception to follow. Sugar died on Nov. 7, 2023 at the age of 90 (click here for her obituary).
Join Ministry Associate Sarah Klockowski and the Racial Justice Advocates for a special screening of “The Law and the Prophets” (2023), a compelling and thorough documentary exposing the systems of oppression that Palestinians face in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel. This film features interviews with eight individuals, both Palestinian and Israeli, who explain the laws and policies of the occupation. On her recent solidarity trip to the West Bank, Sarah met four of these modern prophets.
After the screening, we will be joined via Zoom by the filmmaker, Rev. Dr. Joshua Vis, and Rev. Chris DeBlaay. Josh and Chris are peace activists working to educate Americans on the realities of the occupation of Palestine. They lead tours to the region and, along with Sarah, were part of the 23-member delegation that traveled to the West Bank and East Jerusalem in late February. They will present material connected to their recent visit to the West Bank as well as insights from historians, activists, and other thought leaders.
If you will be joining us virtually, please Click here to register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join.
First Parish in Lincoln is hosting international Buddhist teacher Shantum Seth on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. Seth was ordained as a Dharmacharya (Dharma Teacher) by the renowned Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) in 2001. He teaches in India and across the world, and leads pilgrimages, called “In the Footsteps of the Buddha” and other multifaith and transformative journeys. He is actively involved in social, environmental and educational programs, including cultivating mindfulness in society with educators, law enforcement, and socially responsible corporations.
Seth will speak about “The Path of the Buddha… Peace in Oneself, Peace in the World.” He will lead a guided meditation in Thay’s tradition, share his experiences walking with Thay in the footsteps of the Buddha, and discuss a new community to realize Thay’s vision in India: Plum Village II.
Several interfaith experts will discuss on how their religious tradition understands God’s mercy and God’s justice at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church. Specific questions to be addressed include whether God is merciful, just, or both, and who receives God’s justice and mercy. Speakers will be:
- Mohamed Lazzouni (Islamic views) — Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ligita Ryliskyte (Christian views) — Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
- Nicholas Ribush (Buddhist views) — Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ruth Langer (Jewish views) — Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Several interfaith experts will discuss on how their religious tradition understands God’s mercy and God’s justice at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church. Specific questions to be addressed include whether God is merciful, just, or both, and who receives God’s justice and mercy. Speakers will be:
- Mohamed Lazzouni (Islamic views) — Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ligita Ryliskyte (Christian views) — Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
- Nicholas Ribush (Buddhist views) — Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ruth Langer (Jewish views) — Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Several interfaith experts will discuss on how their religious tradition understands God’s mercy and God’s justice at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church. Specific questions to be addressed include whether God is merciful, just, or both, and who receives God’s justice and mercy. Speakers will be:
- Mohamed Lazzouni (Islamic views) — Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ligita Ryliskyte (Christian views) — Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
- Nicholas Ribush (Buddhist views) — Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ruth Langer (Jewish views) — Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Several interfaith experts will discuss on how their religious tradition understands God’s mercy and God’s justice at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church. Specific questions to be addressed include whether God is merciful, just, or both, and who receives God’s justice and mercy. Speakers will be:
- Mohamed Lazzouni (Islamic views) — Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ligita Ryliskyte (Christian views) — Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
- Nicholas Ribush (Buddhist views) — Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ruth Langer (Jewish views) — Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
First Parish in Lincoln Music Director Miranda Loud will lead a Community Singalong for Hope and Solidarity on Monday, Nov. 18 from 6–7 p.m. with songs everyone knows (“If I had a Hammer,” “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” “We Shall Overcome,” “Down by the Riverside,” “Imagine,” etc.). The event will be in the Stearns Room if it’s too cold outside by the rainbow chairs. People are welcome to bring guitars or hand drums.