We warmly welcome visitors to First Parish and look forward to getting to know you!
Let’s connect!
Please fill out the Connection Form to sign up for the email bulletin or to receive more information about First Parish, including details about religious education and/or music programming.
If you have any questions about First Parish or would simply like to find out a bit more, please email the Membership Committee. We’re happy to help!
Worship services
First Parish currently offers both in-person and online worship (via Zoom) on Sundays at 10–11:30 a.m., September through June. (During the summer, Sunday services are entirely virtual.) You can find the link to virtually attend Sunday services at the top of our website.
Following the service, there is an informal “Coffee and Friendship Hour,” which is an excellent time to meet and chat with other members of the congregation. Look for the Membership Committee table – they will be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you have.
For more on what to expect as a newcomer to First Parish, see Your First Visit.
To learn more about our services, visit our Worship Services page. You can also view recordings of past services on our News page or our YouTube channel.
Religious Education for children
First Parish offers a vibrant Religious Education (RE) program for the children in our congregation, from preschoolers to high school seniors.
Children’s RE (for grades preK through 7) happens simultaneously with our Sunday services. On most Sundays, children spend the first portion of the service in the sanctuary with their families and leave for the children’s program after the intergenerational sharing time. Some Sunday services are intergenerational, and children remain with us for the entire service.
Child care in our Nursery is available on Sunday mornings for children younger than preschool age. Babies are also welcome to stay with their parents during the service. The service is broadcast in the vestry for those who would like more freedom of movement to keep a baby or little one content.
For older youth (grades 8–12), we offer two RE programs (OWL and Coming of Age) and our Youth Group on Sunday evenings.
Note: Children’s RE is not offered during the summer.
Please visit Religious Education for Children to learn more about children’s RE at First Parish. If you have questions about RE, please contact Minister of Religious Education Rev. Stevie Carmody or Youth Program Coordinator Rose Sawyer Marsh.
A Welcoming Congregation
First Parish is a proud member of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s “Welcoming Congregations” program, which means we are committed to providing a warm and open environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Please visit the UUA’s Welcoming Congregation page to learn more about this program.
Opportunities for involvement and connection
Perhaps one of the best ways to get to know our community is by participating in our activities beyond the Sunday morning service – for example, attending Lectio Divina, singing in the choir, checking out either of our Men’s Groups, or finding your way to a Women’s Alliance Friday evening program. To see the full list of First Parish activities, visit Seeking Community.
Our adult education programs respond to congregational interests and are led by both professional staff and people within the congregation. Visit STAR Programs at First Parish to learn more.
The Deepening Connections Sampler offers 25 opportunities to meet new people, make a difference, build community, deepen your faith, and learn more about First Parish.
As you feel part of more of the First Parish community, you may want to explore our many volunteer opportunities – an ideal way to both give back and meet people with similar interests.