In today’s turbulent and polarized political climate, it can be challenging to remain hopeful about our democracy and the preservation of rights for all our citizens.  Indeed, in a recent survey more than 70% of Americans expressed concern for the health of our democracy.

What can we do about this?

In his sermon, Rick will explore ways that all of us, as individuals, and as a faith community can cause “good trouble” — to borrow the phrase of civil rights icon and advocate, the late U.S. Democratic Representative from Georgia, John Lewis.

The goals of causing “good trouble” are to use non-violent means to disrupt the current political system, resist tyranny, fight injustice, and champion the rights of the oppressed and marginalized.    

Rick will cite wisdom from the writings and speeches of Lewis, Nelson Mandela, and also Bayard Rustin, an aide and advisor to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, to offer strategies we can all adopt to cause “good trouble” and fight for social justice.

Rick will also be asking each of us to commit ourselves publicly to individual acts or intentions we can undertake in service to social justice and to promote equality and fairness for all Americans.   

Split Plate: Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)

Please give generously. Your offering will benefit the great work of this organization and First Parish Unitarian Universalist. Make checks out to FPBUU with the service date on the memo line. Please write a separate check for pledge payments.

If you are not able to join us in person, we will be streaming the service live on our YouTube channel found HERE: If you have problems streaming, please let the office know. We have transitioned to a Mask Optional policy. There is one area in the rear of the Sanctuary where masks are required, the west rear chair area. Ushers will be available to help you locate this area.