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Sometimes Deep Listening for me is to hear something new in a piece of music each time I listen to it. To do that, the music has to be first and foremost the only thing I am thinking about. Music at our house is seldom in the “background”. Years ago, as a college student and music major, I took it upon myself to listen over and over to a piano piece by Charles Ives, the Concord Sonata. These pieces are abstract, certainly an acquired taste; one does not walk away from hearing Ives humming. There is a connection to transcendentalists, as each movement describes Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau, and the Alcotts. I have not listened to them recently but they are imprinted upon my musical brain. What did I hear from them? I heard simplicity and honesty and beauty and difficulty. I heard two or more parts that sounded like they did not belong together. I heard many voices trying to dominate and then softer ones that were less obvious. There were so many voices that I could be overwhelmed and need to take a break. I think that listening to this piece is not different from thinking about our world today. It is hard to hear all that needs to be heard. It is hard to respond to all that requires our attention. Deep listening is a commitment to hearing what is loud and obvious along with what is soft and subtle.
Continue Reading
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Join us for the FPW Halloween Dance Party!
Saturday October 31st for 5pm to 7pm
Watch your email for the Zoom link the week of the party.
Hosted by Fellowship Committee
and DJ Katherine Calabro
Grab a costume or come as you are. Dance in your favorite room or just enjoy the music and comradery. This event is for all who just wanna have some fun!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Don't want to miss a service or fun community photos?
"LIKE" the First Parish of Watertown Facebook page, accessible from the FPW website or from this link.
Questions about the FPW FB page? Reach out to Beth Tappan-deFrees or Carole Katz.
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from the Search Committee
This month's theme of Listening connects perfectly with the Search Committee's activities. Thanks again to everyone who participated in the Congregational Survey. We are actively practicing our listening as we digest these results and facilitate cottage meetings and focus groups.
This month we have two Cottage Meetings scheduled: October 11 and October 18 at 2 PM. We have some FAQs on these:
Q: If I don't sign up, am I allowed to come anyway?
A: Yes, absolutely! We are requesting sign-ups to help us plan for group sizes and make sure there are enough facilitators. You are welcome to attend even if you didn't sign up!
Q: Can I drop in later if I can't come right at 2?
A: Because we are structuring these meetings with breakout groups, we need attendees to be in the Zoom at 2 PM (or really close - we know tech delays happen). If you can't come to any cottage meetings or focus groups, please reach out to the Search Committee.
Q: How do I sign up for a cottage meeting?
A: Look for the sign-up sheet sent by Kate Hanson Plass on Friday morning. (Check your "Promotions" if it's missing.)
Q: How do I sign up to attend the BIPOC or LGBTQiA+ Focus Group?
A: Use the form right here!
Q: How do I contact the Search Committee?
A: The best way is to email searchcommittee@fpwatertown.org!
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We want YOU...to stay connected!
If you or someone you know is having any trouble accessing our online offerings (Worship, Fellowship events, RE for children/teens/adults, etc) for any reason, we want to know so that we can help you!
Perhaps your current technology is an obstacle, and you're not sure how to fix it or replace it with something that will work. Perhaps you could simply use some assistance learning how to use ZOOM or upgrading your internet service. Maybe your obstacle is a financial one. Or maybe you're simply frustrated with not being able to meet in person...and want to talk.. No matter what the issue is, the church is here to help...just let Rev. Wendy know.(minister@fpwatertown.org).
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Want to put a church or community announcement in the Arbella? Email the information (text, please, and images if you have them) to office@fpwatertown.org
Deadline for each Friday's Arbella is Thursday at noon.
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WHAT IS YOUR MILEAGE?
The Helen Robinson Wright Charitable Fund is wrapping up its fall fun(d)raiser Monday, October 12th. We have 13 registered walk—run—bikers and we are excited to add up our mileage! We hope to have gone 3000 miles—that would take us to the west coast of our country! The best thing about this is that this is our collective effort. None of us could have done this alone. It is SO heartening that we are ALL trying so hard.
Donations are accepted anytime for this HRW fun(d)raiser; our official deadline for donations is November 1st. We will announce the prizewinners next week.
Can you make a donation after the fundraiser? yes. How? On Breeze or send a check to First Parish Watertown (HRW in the memo). Did I say that 100% of your donation goes to helping needy people in Watertown immediately? It is important to know that!
The HRW Fund is just now receiving daily requests from homeless people and people out of work who are in need whether or not they have had Covid-19. We answer their call for fuel, housing, and food assistance. This may be the new normal as we navigate through the fall and early winter of 2020.
THANK YOU to all who have participated by your walk/run/bike efforts—and by your donations. Together, we make a ALL the difference and we add comfort and caring to those in our community!
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Sunday Services are currently being held on Zoom. Please contact office@fpwatertown.org by Saturday for this week's link or to be added to the weekly mailing.
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Adult Enrichment and Learning Forums in October
Wednesday, October 14, 7:00-8:30
“American Police”
“Black Americans being victimized and killed by the police is an epidemic. A truth many Americans are acknowledging since the murder of George Floyd, as protests have occurred in all fifty states calling for justice on his behalf. But this tension between African American communities and the police has existed for centuries. This week, the origins of American policing and how those origins put violent control of Black Americans at the heart of the system.”
Thematically, this topic is related to both renewing our commitments to justice and to October’s theme of “deep listening” to the experiences of others which may be different from our own. The 1-hour, 4-minute podcast and transcript can be found here:
https://www.npr.org/2020/06/03/869046127/american-police
Wednesday, October 28, 7:00-8:30
“Listening Deeply to Poetry”
In the Christian tradition, there is a practice of listening deeply to scripture, which is called Lectio Divina. The basic idea is to deeply listen to a text by reading it multiple times with different questions in mind each time. Some questions might be:
- What FEELINGS arise?
- What MEMORIES does it stir?
- What MESSAGE does it have for you? (“words of comfort or challenge”)
Christians believe this is a powerful way to allow God to speak through the text. They often describe it as a “prayerful” way (versus “analytical”) way of reading.
This same technique can also be used with other types of writing. In this forum, participants will apply this lectio divina approach to two or three poems, reading each one through carefully three times and discussing what we hear as we listen deeply to the text. There is no need to prepare anything ahead of time. Just bring yourself, perhaps a love of poetry or a longing for deeper spiritual engagement, and an openness to listening in community.
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Many of you know me, my name is Charlotte Holt and I grew up going to First Parish. I just graduated from Smith College this spring with a degree in studio arts with a focus in printmaking. I just wanted to share with you all that I’m participating in a global art sale through a group called Printmakers Against Racism this week. Printmakers around the world are selling their work and donating the funds to various organizations supporting Black lives, fighting systemic racism, and ensuring fair elections. If you want to learn more about them here’s their website,
and social media. They ran a similar event in July and raised over 30,000 dollars! I’m selling my work and donating 50% of proceeds to the organization Black Voters Matter. My website is https://www.charlotte-holt.com, check out my work, buy a print if you want, or share with others. There are a lot of amazing artists participating in this event who are donating to a huge range of organizations. |
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CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Sponsored by Watertown Citizens for Black Lives
and the Kingian Response Team
As the date of this vigil immediately follows Indigenous Peoples Day on October 12, we are including a focus on the history of Indigenous people in the place we now call Watertown, and the attempted erasure of their stories by European colonial settlers.
The land where we stand belongs to the Pequossette Band of the Massachusett Tribe. It has been called Columbus Delta since 1940. We collectively need to consider a more inclusive way of naming this public place where we gather.
We will also continue to end our vigil with a silent reflection in memory of George Floyd and others who were killed by racial bigotry and police brutality. Some paper lanterns will be provided.
Please wear a mask and practice social distancing in public spaces.
If you would like to be a part of this work, visit this link.
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“The Whole Earth is My True Body: We Vow to Work for Climate Justice”
When: Saturday, October 10
Time: 11:30-1:00 PM
Where: Boston Public Garden (entrance at corner of Charles and Beacon St-look for Green XR flags)
Wear: Black - There will be posters available to hold/wear
JOIN US as we practice mindful socially distanced walking meditation around Boston Public Garden as part of Indigenous People’s Day. We will walk in silence aware of touching Earth and cultivating deep awareness of the climate emergency and environmental injustice. We propose to pause and disrupt “business as usual” with mindfulness, Metta (lovingkindness) and compassionate action. All XR Friends and Meditators of all backgrounds are welcome!
Any questions: email Jan Surrey
*Weather permitting*
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Food Drive "Drive-Thru" Day!
Saturday, October 17th, 12-4pm
80 Mt Auburn St, Watertown
Supporitng the Watertown Food Pantry and Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry.
Please drop off non-perishable and non-expired food donations in brown paper bags. Monetary donations made be made by check to:
Watertown Community Foundation-October Food Drive
P.O. Box 334, Watertown, MA 02471
or online: watertownfoundation.org |
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Film Discussion: The Condor and the Eagle
Friday, October 16, 2020 7-9pm
This award-winning documentary demonstrates the ongoing collective climate awakening and the imperative of urgent change, featuring Indigenous women leaders. Registrants for the film discussion will receive a link to watch the film prior to the event. The virtual event is hosted by the First Church in JP UU, and the panelists for the film discussion are Erika Perez, Mayans without Borders (Guatemala); Jean-Luc Pierite, NAICOB; Sherri Mitchell, Wicuhkemtultine Kinship Community & Learning Center.
All proceeds will benefit their organizations on a $0-$50 sliding scale. Register here.
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