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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.
The cross is an evolving symbol that has journeyed from ancient cosmic balance to a complex emblem of faith. This service challenges fear-based interpretations, inviting us to see the cross not as a sign of guilt or death, but as a living intersection of humanity and divinity—a call to love, resilience, and renewal in a … Continue reading Easter Sunday: The Cross
How does silence support us in paying attention to ourselves, one another and the world? We explored silence through words, music, poetry and being quiet. Please join us through the recorded service for this contemplative experience exploring this month’s Soul Matters theme of paying attention with Rev. Christina Sillari. We heard from our “Taking Wing” … Continue reading Silence
What is stewardship and how can we be good stewards in our lives and in our communities? Using Gandhi’s principles of service, as well as story and poetry we explore how to move from “I” to “We” in our work in the world and in our commitment to our faith community. We kick off our … Continue reading Living in a Community with Simran, Satsang & Seva
We explored the mystery of the moon through myths, poetry, song and meditation in this intergenerational service. This month’s spiritual focus is resilience. We share our offering plate with the CVUUS Discretionary Fund used for the very immediate direct benefit to the neediest people in our CVUUS community, provided in a confidential manner. See our … Continue reading Honoring the Moon
Explore this month’s Soul Matters theme of embodying resilience with Rev. Christina Sillari. We share our offering plate with Green Mountain Justice to support the immediate needs of our marginalized neighbors. See our order of service: OOS 2.8.26 See a video of the service at
We explored this month’s Soul Matters Theme of Resistance with Rev. Christina and the small group ministry leaders. We share our offering plate with Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund to support the immediate legal and fiscal needs of our marginalized neighbors. Guest musician Barry Cohen, bassoonist, played music by Satie and by Ibert during the … Continue reading A Small Group Ministry Experience
We had readings and songs, and ended with the traditional lighting of candles and singing of Silent Night. We collected for the CVUUS Discretionary Fund used for urgent mutual aid requests. See our order of service: OOS Xmas Eve 7 pm Here is a video recording of the service:
Onsite. We will not be doing the “traditional” nativity pageant this year, but instead it will be a rehearsed pageant that is connected to Christmas, but not the traditional story. The story will be an adaptation of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. Ends with the traditional lighting of candles and singing of Silent Night. … Continue reading All-Ages Christmas Pageant
We honored the solstice through ritual. Before 10 am our music began with our Music Director Jennifer Cohen and others playing steel drums. We remained silent for three minutes to honor moment of the solstice at 10:03. There were No Milestones and Passages this week. If you have a pastoral need or concern, please feel free … Continue reading Choosing Hope: All-Ages Solstice Celebration
Join us as we continue November’s spiritual focus on nurturing gratitude. This is an all-ages service where children will participate in and stay in worship. We’ll recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance. Sharing Our Donation Plate: Food & Housing Crisis Local Providers Due to the impending food crisis caused by the non-renewal of SNAP benefits, a … Continue reading Being Thankful When You’d Rather Not
