Ellen McGuire (above), the director of music at First Church in Jamaica Plain, Unitarian Universalist, was honored Nov. 9 by the congregation for her 35 years of service. Hired as an organist/pianist in 1979, she created the church choir in 1985 and produces various musical events throughout the year. McGuire is married to the church’s recently retired minister, Rev. Terry Burke. (Photo by Emily Wright)