Christina Sillari has been the minister of First Parish in Portland since 2010. She is the visiting minister at CVUUS during October, 2019.
Originally from Somerville, Massachusetts, she is from a working-class family of Greek Orthodox and Catholic Heritage. She rejected those faith-based traditions as a teenager, and sought meaning in mysticism and dance, and became a practicing Buddhist, embracing the ways of Eastern Philosophy. She became a Unitarian Universalist in her mid-20s after feeling empowered by a sermon given by a female UU minister in Boston. She values UU’s willingness to let individuals define their own brand of faith. And that open-mindedness drew her to our congregation.
In addition to her Masters in Divinity, Christina has her Masters in Psychology with a focus on yoga and mind/body health. Prior to becoming a minister, she worked as a therapist, yoga teacher, shamanic practitioner and group leader. After choosing her path as a UU minister, she was an integral member of the ministerial teams at UU churches in Newburyport and Arlington, MA.
Christina is a strong and supportive minister with varied experience, knowledge and belief that deeply benefits the First Parish Congregation. She is passionate about work in justice, compassion and understanding within the local, denominational and world communities. In addition to her insightful sermons and spiritual teachings, she provides perspective, support and growth to the church, its members and visitors.
Presence is the awareness of what is happening around us and inside of us. Psychological research says presence is a benefit and blessing, but it’s becoming a rarity. The present moment is a hot topic, but do we really know what we mean by it. Can we go deeper and get under the cliche? Led … Continue reading Simple Presence
What is unconditional love? How do we experience it and practice it? What are the blessings and the burdens of this type of love? How can it help us repair ourselves and the world? With Rev. Christina with Abi Sessions. This month’s theme is repair. We share our plate with CVUUS Discretionary Fund. Video recording
ON SITE & ZOOM. How does stillness support our being connected, calm, and compassionate? How can the practice of stillness help to align ourselves and engage with the greater community? We explore the power of stillness through music, poetry, silence, and reflection. Led by Rev. Christina with Karl Lindholm. We share our plate with Vermont … Continue reading The Power of Stillness
ON SITE & ZOOM. What does it mean to be whole? Can we live our lives as undivided, sovereign beings and be who we truly are everywhere? Can we invite ourselves to free ourselves from the false beliefs of who we think we are? Through reflection, story, music, and poetry we explored the notion of … Continue reading An Invitation into Wholeness – Sept. 15, 2024
ON SITE & BACK ON ZOOM All were invited to mark the beginning of a new year at CVUUS – a time of learning and joy, caring and challenge for all generations. We honored our connections to one another and the earth through water (but you didn’t need to bring any water this time). Rev. … Continue reading Ingathering – Sept. 8, 2024
Rev. Tricia and Rev. Christina led us in celebrating our congregation at the end of this first year of transition. We looked to the future, and recognized new members. We brought flowers to add to our communal bouquet. The Flower Ceremony, sometimes referred to as Flower Communion or Flower Festival, is an annual UU ritual … Continue reading Welcoming Joy – June 2, 2024
How does our faith tradition cultivates wisdom? What does it means to be a Unitarian Universalist in these times? What role does CVUUS play in sharing our faith’s wisdom with the greater community? Led by Rev. Christina. We share our offering with Climate Economy Action Center of Addison County (CEAC). See worship details here: OOS … Continue reading The Wisdom of Our Faith – April 14, 2024
Rev. Christina explored class and classism from a personal and emotional perspective looking at it through the lens of behavior and language. We share our offering with Atria Collective (formerly WomenSafe). See worship details here: OOS 3.10.24 See a recording here:
Are you a Universalist? Rev. Christina helped us explore the history and theology of Universalism and how relevant and necessary it is today. We are sharing our offering with Black Church Food Security in honor of Black History month. See worship details here: February 11 Order of Service See a recording here:
We know that there’s one thing we can count on in this life: that it will end! How can we prepare for this, and know that we’re not alone in the journey? Through looking at religious and cultural perceptions of death and our personal relationship with death we explore what it means to practice dying … Continue reading Practicing Death – Jan. 14, 2024
