Chris Stevens / The Daily ItemThe First Parishes in Saugus and Malden are hoping to brighten up January with a little culture under the auspices of a big undertaking called WinterArts.The Unitarian Universalist churches will present a month-long series of art, film, music, and poetry programs throughout the month and reaching into the start of February.The centerpiece of WinterArts is the church’s first-ever artist-in-residence with Malden-based sculptor Pamela Sheridan.Sheridan will hold open studio hours on Sundays throughout the month for the public to see her work-in-progress. Then on Feb. 1, the worship service will highlight her work and there will be a reception for the artist following the service, which will conclude her artist-in-residency.A four-part Wednesday evening film series begins on Jan. 7 with a screening of “Transamerica.”Other featured films, focusing on the issues of transgenderism, are “Orlando,” Jan. 14; “Normal,” Jan. 21; and “The Crying Game,” Jan. 28. The series is presented as part of the congregation’s “Welcoming Congregation” initiative. All films are shown at 7 p.m., are followed by discussions and childcare care is available upon request.Sunday morning worship services will also offer a variety of arts-related themes.On Jan. 11 at 10:30, the Rev. Jackie Clement, Minister of the Saugus congregation, presents a service entitled “Knit Together,” focusing on the craft, art, creative expression, and spiritual practice of knitting. A knitting workshop follows the service.On Jan. 18, the Rev. David M. Horst, Minister of the Malden congregation, leads a remembrance of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., in words and music beginning at 10:30. The service features guest artist, Kevin Harris, jazz pianist and composer. At 4 p.m. the same day, Malden Access Television presents a public screening of “We Have a Dream,” featuring more than 150 members of Malden’s diverse community reading Rev. King’s most famous speech, “I Have a Dream” from 1963. An art show of Malden-area artists, organized by Malden Arts, opens in the church’s Gallery at Elm Street in conjunction with the video presentation.On Jan. 25, members and friends of the congregation will share original poems and works by favorite poets in a service called “A Celebration of Poetry.” Guest poets, Diana Der-Hovanessian and Victor Howes of the New England Poetry Club will also read their original poems and lead a poetry-writing workshop following the service.All programs, services, and workshops at the First Parish are free of charge and open to the public. For a copy of the WinterArts brochure, call 781-322-0474 or visit MaldenUUA.org.The First Parishes in Malden and Saugus are Unitarian Universalist congregations joined together in worship, learning, celebration, and fellowship at the Malden church this year. The church is located at Elm and Pleasant Streets (Route 60), three blocks west of the Malden Center T station. Convenient, free parking is available between the church and the Beebe Elementary School.