First Parish in Lincoln Church-Wide Summer “Read”

September 22, 4 pm. discussion in the Stearns Room

There’s still time to read our “All Church” Summer Read! Waking Up White, by Debby Irving.

We hope many have been able to read Waking Up White over the summer. There is still time to get a copy from the Lincoln Library or a few copies are available in the FPL library. Growing up in Winchester, a community much like Lincoln, the author starts with her experience as a white woman, and then moves on to grapple with the complexity of racism in the United States at both an individual and an institutional level. Her story is not only personal and readable, but it is also timely for our church, for Lincoln and for our country.

Whether you’ve read the book or not, please come to participate with our church community in discussion of the book and of the topics of racism and white privilege that it addresses. Our guest facilitator will be Michelle Chalmers, who has worked in this role with the author, Debbie Irving and with other racism education programs. For a summary of Waking Up White, you can watch Debbie Irving’s TEDx Fenway talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD5Ox5XNEpg

• Sponsored by Adult Learning Committee. For more info, Mary Helen Lorenz mhelen808385@gmail.com

Food For Thought Suppers

Come to our first “Food for Thought” Supper on Wednesday October 2, 5:30 -7 pm. Parish House.

This coming year we plan to hold a monthly supper, usually the first Wednesday, with the goal of gathering to share a simple meal and to share conversation about an interesting topic. Our first supper will set the stage for the coming suppers, and engage us in a conversation about gratitude and blessings. To encourage families and folks with busy schedules, we won’t ask for RSVPS. The supper will be provided for a modest donation, a model that has worked at other churches. Children are welcomed, and childcare will be available. And we’re looking for volunteers to help us arrange food, set up and clean up.

Put Wednesday October 2 on your calendar and come share supper and conversation with your church family!

Sponsored by Adult Learning Committee. For more info and to volunteer, Mary Helen Lorenz mhelen808385@gmail.com

Forest Bathing Walk

Join us for a Forest Bathing Walk on Saturday, October 19

(Time and more details to come)

Enjoy the experience of a relaxed and mindful afternoon walk on October 19^th with a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. She will invite us to immerse all of our senses in the sights, sounds and fragrances of the woods for a deep connection with nature. Practiced widely in Japan, where it is known as Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing is recognized as having significant wellness benefits for both mind and body.

• For more info: janetkboynton@gmail.com

Small Groups

Wondering about joining a small group?

Our small groups include around 90 members and friends. The Small Group Leaders promote membership and work to fit interested members with a group, and to offer ideas and guidance to those who serve as facilitators. A monthly packet of ideas for themes and readings are offered to each group. If you were thinking you would like to join an existing group, or join a newly forming group, please contact our Parish Administrator at gert@fplincoln.org or Mary Helen Lorenz mhelen808385@gmail.com

Upcoming Classes

Stay tuned for upcoming adult classes

Two members of our church community will be offering classes this fall, in October and November. Larry Buell will host a two-session class on Transcendentalism and Barbara O’Neil will guide a 4 session writing workshop. Sign up will be available later in September or early October.