First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

“They want you to feel powerless and surrender and let them trample everything and you are not going to let them. You are not giving up, and neither am I. The fact that we cannot save everything does not mean we cannot save anything and everything we can save is worth saving.” - Rebecca Solnit You’re not alone in fear and heartbreak. Join us at 11am on Sunday in person at 2125 Chestnut St. or on Zoom. Find the Zoom link on our website: . Our Worship services are a mixture of music, reflections, reading, and a sermon. “With every year that passes, I become more convinced that “help” is the most sacred word. No one survives alone. Keep breathing. Stay close.” - Black Liturgies Author Cole Arthur Riley If you’re interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism, stay after service for Seekers with Rev. Alexandre at 12:30pm, which is a chance to get to know others on the path to membership by reflecting and sharing on your spiritual journey and the BIG questions you bring with you to First Unitarian Church. This time is a mixture of silence, meditation, and exploring alongside fellow newcomers.

Save the date: Our annual Congregational Meeting is on Sunday, May 31 at 12:30pm after Worship! Come out to hear updates on the life and health of the congregation, vote on new church leadership, and review & approve the budget. Childcare and lunch will be provided.

New Workshop! Philly Folk Choir is celebrating it’s two-year birthday! To mark the occasion, we will teach you four of our favorite songs from these past couple years. This will be a 2-hour workshop, led by Philly Folk Choir directors and members for anyone who wants to come and sing with us, of any experience-level. Perhaps you’ve come to our concerts and workshops but can’t make it to a weekly rehearsal - this is a great one-off for you! We will likely sing an American song, a Ukrainian song, a Tanzanian song, and a Lithuanian song. Expect much harmony and much joy! RSVP Link in Bio!

Each year, congregants offer up experiences, skills and items for the spring auction to grow our connections with one another and raise some funds for the church. It’s a fun and easy way to support our congregation! We have many creative submissions so far like a catered soup night, a Walking Tour of Du Bois’ Seventh Ward, a family photoshoot, a house genealogy session, and handyperson help! The deadline to submit a donation it is May 10. Submission link in bio!

Rev. Abbey and congregants joined the thousands of Philadelphians who took to the streets on May Day last Friday to demand that our city puts workers over billionaires and give our workers the dignity they deserve!

After Worship this Sunday, our BIPOC Collective will host a potluck lunch for people who identify as Black, Indigenous, or any other People of Color at First Unitarian! Bring a dish to share or just bring yourself - we’ll have food to share! BIPOC Collective Potluck is every first Sunday of the month after service.

On May 1 we are coming together with POWER, Immigration Justice efforts, AFL-CIO and over 20 amazing labor unions at the Workers Over Billionaires May Day rally! Together, we are declaring our shared vision, that workers’ worth is greater than corporate profits! Meet Rev. Abbey at the LOVE statue at 3:45pm to go to City Hall with a First U crew. Look for the First U sign!

Each Wednesday at 12pm in front of the Philadelphia ICE detention center, @nsmphilly hosts an interfaith vigil with one of Philly's faith communities to call for immigration justice through song and prayer. This one's from the @phillyuu vigil back in January. #iceoutphilly #ilfordhp5

It’s time for First Unitarian’s annual spring auction! The auction plants seeds for fun gatherings and adventures throughout the year, creating opportunities to grow relationships and share our skills with each other, all while raising some needed funds for the church! We are counting on you to help make this important fundraiser a success by donating experiences, items, and services! Some examples from years past: homebaked bread, weekend at the shore, art + music lessons, garden party, home organizing, pet care, guided tours + hikes, twilight dinner. Donation Form linked in our bio!

It's time for the BODY PRAYER of Spring! April 12th from 9 to 10:45a at the First Church Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. All levels & abilities are welcome.  We dance in the Parish Room. $20 suggested donation. No one turned away for lack of funds. We look forward to meeting you in the power of practice, sweat & prayers. FULL CLASS DESCRIPTION & DETAILS TO ARRIVE IN BIO @5rhythmswithmegankelley ABOUT 5RHYTHMS 5Rhythms® is a philosophy, perspective, performance art and a dynamic movement practice rooted in the principle that if you put the psyche in motion it will heal itself. Waves™ is the foundation of the entire body of 5Rhythms work in which we develop our physical expression and knowledge of the essential 5Rhythms. 》painting by Megan Kelley 》flier 》terracotta female figurine, dating back to ~ 3500 B.C.E. Predynastic Egypt 》#gabrielleroth

Our flash chorus at No Kings last weekend! So many in the march were moved by the chance to sing in solidarity. Stay tuned for the next chance to sing together.

New Virtual Gathering: Join Ray Lapinski, disabled artist and maker, in channeling creativity as a means for resistance and survival. This virtual crafting group dedicates time to create in a supportive environment. There will be introductions and intention setting, quiet making time with some lofi music, and a time of reflection. Follow the provided prompt, or bring your own project. Starts April 7th!