Many years ago, a congregant asked me to help him find a prayer practice for atheists. That question invited me into new ways to understand, claim, and reclaim prayer. Today, we explore this practice together. What is prayer for? Who is prayer to, especially if we are non-theists? How can prayer practices from across the spectrum … Continue reading Reclaiming Prayer
This service will reflect on ways that UU congregations and faith have had significant impacts on the lives of individuals and will offer thoughts on what sustains the life of our congregation. Cathy Goldwater
What do trans joy, anthropomorphic crosses, and 1970s musical theatre have in common? Join us for this Easter service where we explore tellings of the Easter story beyond the gospels, find a message of hope for today, and remind ourselves why this ancient story has endured. We’ll hear the familiar tale from new angles and fill our … Continue reading Joy Comes In The Morning
Prophetic Sisterhood tells of the struggles and joys of Unitarian and Universalist women ministers in the late 19th century. These women shaped our historic traditions as the western part of what is now the US was colonized. Our historic language about the sources we draw from reminds us that prophetic voices can be found throughout history … Continue reading Prophetic Women
Several weeks ago, I went in search of something that would help me better connect with my emotions around life in the United States in 2026. I knew I was sad and angry about our attack on Iran, but I didn’t FEEL sad or angry. Accessing our feelings, rather than just our knowledge, can be … Continue reading The Value in Our Tears
We each have a role to play in this congregation and in this movement toward Beloved Community. We take lessons from bees in how to work together to help one another and thrive. What is your part of the revolution? Rev. Emily Conger
This week we kick off our annual pledge campaign! Talking about money can be so hard, but together we’ll look at ways that open financial conversations have expanded relationships and given money a place as a tool for coming together, for restorative experience, and expanding love and care. Gather to hear stories of the impact of … Continue reading Lifting Our Voices, Sharing Our Light
How do we stay tender in the midst of challenge? Sometimes resilience looks like tenderness, sometimes it is not found quickly, but over several generations, and sometimes resilience is used as an excuse to celebrate those who overcome oppressive systems, rather than digging into the work to change those systems. With a look at these … Continue reading Staying Tender
In this month’s multigenerational service, we use our theme of Embodying Resilience to try out practices as a community. Using a refrain of “We Are Here,” we’ll use story, song, meditation, and ritual to reflect on ways that building patterns of steadiness can buoy our resilience. Come to feed your spirit and build your resilience … Continue reading Rekindling Resilience
Religious community means different things to different people, but what is the purpose that gives our congregation meaning? This service will kick off our shared work to revisit First Parish’s mission (purpose) and vision (desired future). And whether you’ve been part of First Parish for many years or have just started to get connected, you … Continue reading Community With Purpose
