Homecoming Sunday Water Communion (September)

This is the official start to our church year and is scheduled each year on the Sunday following Labor Day, as we gather together again after a long summer absence. For this intergenerational service, we celebrate "a water communion." This homecoming ritual invites everyone to bring a small container of water drawn over their summer travel, near or far.

Blessing of the Animals (October)

Each year on a Sunday near St. Francis Day (October 4), we celebrate the animal companions in our lives by welcoming members of the congregation to bring their pets (crated, on a leash, in a bowl, or controlled in some manner!) to be blessed. Join us for this happy, hilarious, and love-filled worship service.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, November)

This is our annual observance of the Day of the Dead and All Souls/Saints Day. Our community celebrates the lives of beloved friends and family who have gone before us, calling out their names to affirm their continuing presence with us. We build a beautiful altar in the sanctuary with photos and mementoes of those we have loved.

Christmas Eve and Wassail Party

On Christmas Eve we offer three services. The 5:00 PM family worship service is oriented to the children in our lives (and the child in each of us). Join our ministers, the ASC Choir, and the children of ASC in a special worship service with stories and carols. After the family worship service we gather in the Parish Hall for a Wassail with refreshments. At 7:00 and 9:00 PM, Rev. Kim Crawford Harvie leads candlelight Christmas Eve services with music by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus. These annual services are particular favorites for our congregation, their families, and guests.

All Kinds of Love Sunday (February)

A special worship service that celebrates all forms of loving relationships. Kim and members of the ASC Worship Committee offer readings and music appropriate to a Valentine theme. We also collect food items for the UUA's Urban Ministry program, Renewal House, a shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence. On Valentine's Day, Kim delivers our contributions by the car-load!

Covenant Renewal Sunday (March/April)

Each year on Palm Sunday, the congregation celebrates the meaning of community. Members and friends renew their commitment to each other and the work of the congregation by making pledges of volunteer service and financial support. We welcome new members in a Joining Ceremony as part of this special service.

Easter (March or April)

Every Easter, the ASC congregation celebrates the spirit of life and the springtime joy of rebirth. This worship includes special music by the Arlington Street Church Choir.

AIDS Walk Sunday (June)

All "early" walkers (including the church school) join Kim for a ready-set-go "commissioning service" in the chapel that morning. In years past, during the 11:00 AM service, we have had a 12' x 12' square panel of the AIDS quilt and a special altar to those lost to the epidemic. After worship, everyone is invited to join in a shortened version of the AIDS Walk, and to meet the early gang on the Esplanade.

Pride! (June)

This is our annual pre-parade Saturday worship service at 10:00 AM. We gather in the sanctuary for a celebratory service before joining in Boston's annual Gay Pride Parade and events. All are welcome.

Walden Outing (June)

Each year we pack up our lunches, bathing suits (and umbrellas, just in case!) and travel by bus and car on a field trip to Thoreau's favorite pond. Once there, Kim leads us in a walking meditation, using readings from Walden. This annual event is great community picnic. Enjoy one of New England's most historic sites in the company of good friends.

Volunteer Appreciation and Ice Cream Social (June)

On the closing Sunday of the regular church year we offer a joyous, multi-faceted service. During worship we welcome new members in a Joining Ceremony. Our annual meeting follows worship, sweetened up with our annual Ice Cream Social, and the opportunity to say thank you to everyone from the congregation who has given volunteer service during the year! It is not to be missed!

Summer Worship at ASC (late June to Labor Day)

Every summer we invite Unitarian Universalist guest ministers, student ministers, and members of the ASC Worship Committee into our pulpit. Summer is a time of rich and intimate worship opportunities, and we are often joined by visitors from all over the world who stop by to see our beautiful sanctuary and Tiffany windows. Check our website for advance notice of guest ministers and sermon topics.