Between Sundays

Sermon by Rev. Jasmine Buchanan

In this episode of Between Sundays, host Anna Flowers interviews Quinlan Facey, a doctoral student at Boston University and a musician at United Church in Walpole. They discuss Quinlan's background, his upcoming concert series focused on 'origin stories' in music, and the emotional connections that music can foster between performers and audiences. Quinlan shares insights into his musi...

We continue our vision series by zooming out to scripture’s overarching storyline. From Eden’s first tree to Christ mistaken as a gardener, from seeds that grow unseen to the  Tree of Life  at the world’s renewal—God’s vision has always been rooted in growth, restoration, and hope. Join us in worship as we explore  God’s vision for humanity .

In this episode, Pastor Anna Flowers invites us into a heartfelt conversation about a deeply meaningful practice: end-of-life blessings. She shares the beauty and comfort that come from offering blessings to loved ones before passing, and encourages us to reflect on our own hopes and plans for life’s sacred closing moments. Along the way, she offers practical resources for scripture reading to hel...

In this week’s message, Pastor Anna dives into the story of the woman at the Samaritan well—a simple trip for water that became a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Together, we’ll explore how God often works through the ordinary, everyday tasks of our lives to reveal whether we’re moving in the right direction

United Church is entering a season of prayer, listening, and dreaming as we discern God’s vision for our next three years together. Watch Pastor Anna’s message and join the journey!

This week I sit down with our music director, Eithne , to talk about the exciting year ahead for our choir, bell choir, and band. We explore how making music together deepens faith, builds community, and brings new joy to worship. Whether you’re a lifelong musician or just curious about joining, this conversation will inspire you to see how music can open hearts and connect us more deeply with one...

Lori Celentano  shares a deeply personal and thought-provoking testimony about her lifelong search for God — not just in belief, but through the senses:  What does God look like? Smell like? Sound like? Raised in a faith environment where questions were discouraged and fear was central, Lori spent years feeling disconnected from both Church and God. But as she looks back now, she sees that God was...

Pastor Jaz and Pastor Anna dive into the topic of Faith Formation. What is it? Why have churches swapped the term "Christian Education" for "Faith Formation"? What approach do we take here at United Church? And what are we looking forward to this year for both Kids Ministry and Adult Faith Formation? Want to help buy those Bibles for the Kids Ministry? Click Here for: 2025-2026...

A special conversational testimony, Marjorie Dold sits down with Pastor Anna to share the inspiring story of how God led her to mission work in Zimbabwe — and the incredible people and lessons that have shaped her journey along the way. Marjorie will reflect on how saying “yes” to God’s call opened doors she never imagined, and she’ll share personal photos of the Zimbabwean communities who have be...

In this week's episode, Shantae Holmes bravely shares her journey through  illness and fertility challenges —a story marked by struggle, faith, and resilience. Shantae’s testimony invites us into the sacred space of vulnerability, where God’s presence can be found even in pain, waiting, and uncertainty. Her story is one of honesty and hope, and it reminds us that we’re never alone in our questions...

Do you ever look back at a moment in your life and think,  That couldn’t have been just a coincidence ? Mark Annati  shares a heartfelt testimony titled  “More Than Coincidence: God’s Anonymous Hand in My Life.”  He shares personal stories of answered prayers, uncanny alignments, and unexpected blessings—moments that, in hindsight, reveal the quiet yet powerful presence of God at work. Through ref...

This week, we welcome a moving testimony from Eithne Stover, who will share a deeply personal story of caring for her grandmother as a teenager. That early experience awakened in her a profound  spirituality of the body and presence —a way of encountering God through tender care and sacred attentiveness.

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Jane Claffey as our speaker. Jane shares a beautiful message on what she calls  Grace Notes  — those glimpses of God’s presence that show up in our everyday lives. For over 40 years, Jane has been watching for these moments, and she believes they’re  everywhere  — if only we are alert and truly watch for God at work around us.

Chris Bradt  shares her personal testimony — a moving story that reveals why she no longer fears death and how her faith has transformed her perspective on life.

We continue the series with a testimony from  Rev. Anna Flowers . She’ll share one particular story of how she has seen God show up in a powerful way right here at United Church in Walpole.

We kick off the series with a moving testimony from Linda Sheehan. She’ll share the remarkable story of how she and John were led to dedicate their lives to serving children—a journey filled with purpose, faith, and unexpected grace.

WHERE I SAW GOD LAST by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed The dimple in your right cheek, the child playing peek-a-boo from his stroller, the abuelita who spends her afternoons in the park by 86th; the teenagers on the subway who cannot control their laughter; Neil, my neighbor, who always asks about you, the mother who whispers a dozen times a day, “thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus”; the...

LOVE COMES RUNNING by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed I remember the first time I was afraid. I was a child. It was a nightmare. (You remember those pesky monsters under the bed.) I remember minutes felt like hours. I begged the sun to rise. (Fear always begs the sun to rise.) Eventually, after minutes that felt like hours, I cried out. My dad came running. He sat at the edge of my bed. He said there is no...

EVERY YEAR by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed My heart and I have an agreement. Every year we show up here— here in the sanctuary, here with the candles and the tall ceilings, here with the creaky church pews and the songs of silent nights. My heart and I have an agreement. Every year we show up here— at the end of the year, after another 12 months of humanity, of me trying to keep it all together, trying...

ROOM by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed I asked God— what about my fingernail-biting habit or the way I leave all the cabinets open in the kitchen? What about the way I can be dramatic, drumming up a fight, only to hand out apologies like souvenirs? What about the way I second-guess myself, let shame drive, or stay quiet when I have something to say? What about the way I chase accomplishments like a dog wi...

A BLESSING FOR THE SEEKERS by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed Blessed are you who turn your face up to the sky, who open your arms to feel the wind, who notice all the things that we should notice. Blessed are you who are fluent in wonder and familiar with awe. Blessed are you who, even now, dream dreams, who have not lost hope, who swear the glass is still half-full. Blessed are you who plant trees and si...

EVERYWHERE AND ALWAYS by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed Right here. That’s where God is. In the sun that turns our bedroom gold, in the creaks of this old house, and in birthday candles on the cake; in clean sheets, sock feet, and porch-sitting; in pancakes for breakfast and pancakes for dinner; in the swell of a lit candle, in fireplace conversations; in your grandmother’s carrot cake, and the smell of e...

INSTRUCTIONS FOR A HARD CHOICE by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed First, you must take a deep breath. Let oxygen dance through your lungs. Exhale it slowly. Allow the hurt, the shame, the anger to rise up in you. Let your mind run wild, like a million loose horses. Let the narratives unfold, unroll, a river of choppy water. Ask yourself how you got here. Look down at your feet. Roll your shoulders back. Re...

A sermon about Grandma's salmon loaf, and the spirituality of sharing food with one another.