It was a time of great stress in our Church. As the American political environment spiraled out of control with threats of the South’s secession, the abolition of slavery, and the activism of organized labor, our congregation, being without a minister for a year and a half, was desperate for a strong religious leader to … Continue reading Celebrating John C. Kimball – Eighth Minister, First Parish Church – 1860-1870
You’ve been submitting questions for a number of weeks, and this week, Anna and Rev. Elizabeth answer questions from our children, youth, and adults. We’ll spend time together exploring all the things you’re curious about–both big and small. Haven’t submitted a question that’s on your mind? Be sure to write it down on a card … Continue reading The Question Box
Clergy, psychologists, and dog trainers have all said that curiosity is an antidote to fear or anxiety. Our curiosity invites openness, prepares us to welcome the new, and helps us understand varying perspectives. In this service, we look at the practice of leaning in with curiosity and how it can help us embody our UU … Continue reading A Healthy Dose of Curiosity
Join us for this Music Sunday service as members and friends of First Parish lift their voices and instruments in songs they’ve selected to share with you! We’ll also hear an update from our Mission and Vision Task Force–you don’t want to miss this!
In contemporary fiction, stories of an apocalypse never mean an actual end to the world. Instead, they are often the start of something new, sometimes something dreadful, and often something with beautiful stories of relationship and ingenuity. In this service, we look at books and TV shows with apocalyptic themes and explore the lessons of … Continue reading Lessons From The Apocalypse
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
