{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Embracing the Darkness, by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, worship service Friday, December 12, 2025","description":"Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching Worship service given December 12, 2025 Readings by First Parish congregants Music by Diane Taraz Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister https:\/\/firstparish.info\/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 For the 17th year at First Parish we offer a special evening worship service during the holiday season, a worship service to \u201cEmbrace the Darkness.\u201d Parish Minister Rev. Erica Richmond will lead us in worship and Diane Taraz will offer music . This service will be an opportunity to acknowledge the darkness that surrounds the light of this festive season. This contemplative service of solace is a reminder that our sorrows matter and that we are not alone. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and New Years are thought to be jolly, merry and happy. And sometimes they are. We are reunited with loved ones. We sing. We pull out decorations bringing us memories of other good times flood us with delight. We linger over sumptuous meals. We give and receive gifts which remind us we are known and understood. Other times the holidays remind us of who or what isn\u2019t at the table. We feel keenly a death or an estrangement. Love lost, health lost, job loss may feel more present than joy. We are aware of the poignancy of changes felt or soon to come: children growing older or elders who will not be long with us. This poignancy is part of \u201cEmbracing the Darkness.\u201d Many say this worship service is their favorite of the year. All are welcome Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For December 2025, The Welcome Project will share half the plate. The Welcome Project, founded in 1987 in Somerville\u2019s Mystic Public Housing Development, now provides programming citywide that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults, and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions that shape their lives. TWP\u2019s culturally responsive approach builds on immigrants\u2019 existing strengths to forge connections across language and culture. The organization provides essential services to the vast and increasingly diverse immigrant community, including Brazilians, Haitians, individuals from the Northern Triangle of Central America, and so many others worldwide who strive to find success and community in their new city. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text \u201cfpuu\u201d to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. ","author_name":"Sermons from First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Massachusetts","author_url":"https:\/\/firstparish.info","html":"