Seeking Community
These groups help adults deepen their spiritual journeys and their relationships with others. All of them welcome new participants who share their interests.
What are covenant groups? Covenant groups provide an opportunity for those in our First Parish community to get to know others at a deeper level, in a consistent small group, while discussing topics that explore our spiritual paths and life experience. Covenant groups are designed to build stronger relationships that strengthen the fabric of our entire faith community.
What are the meetings like? Groups follow a format that begins with a reading and chalice-lighting, followed by a check-in time, and short readings and questions. The heart of the meeting is sharing on a given theme, with each person having time to reflect and respond.
Some recent themes have included: Laughter. Resilience. Healing. Stillness. Dreams. Community. Authenticity. Blessings. Animals in our Lives.
Groups: Currently, there are 10 active covenant groups that meet once a month for two hours on a particular day. Most meetings are in person during the evening; we have one group that meets in the afternoon on the 2nd Monday. Two of the 10 groups will meet by Zoom during 2023. A group is comprised of up to 9 people, including one person who acts as the Convener (facilitator). Groups start in January and end in December, meeting monthly except for July and August.
Commitment: All members make a commitment to attend every month. If someone knows in advance that they are unable to make more than two of the scheduled meetings, we ask that they choose a different group that better fits their schedule or delay their participation until a later time.
For more information or to sign up: Email covenantgroups@firstparish.info. You will be sent a link to a sign-up form.
Thank you for your interest in joining a Covenant Group at First Parish. We will do our best to find a group that works for you, and will let you know about potential group assignments in December.
Click ConvenantGroupStory to read The Covenant Group Experience By Loren Gomez.
PURPOSE: To offer spiritual, community, and educational programs for adults and family. Check out our upcoming events and ongoing programs.
If there’s a program that you would like to lead, just contact the STAR committee and we’ll provide the support and information you need.
CONTACT: star@firstparish.info
To foster engagement and build community among women over fifty who wish to explore themes related to planning and consciously living out our later years. We are an open group facilitated by group members, either on Zoom or in-person. Meetings usually have a theme and include sharing in small groups as well as general discussion. Usually meets the fourth Thursday of each month, 10 a.m.– noon, September–June. Open to all women over fifty.
CONTACT: agingwell@firstparish.info
PURPOSE: To engage in a spiritual practice of reading and listening, lingering with, and sharing personal responses to selected biblical texts. Diverse responses to the text provide new insights and help participants develop their spiritual lives and set intentions for their daily lives. Meets Tuesdays, 7–8 a.m., and Thursdays, 8–9 a.m.
CONTACT: leadminister@firstparish.info
Every year, the First Parish community gathers for a casual and fun weekend retreat at the Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center in Saco, ME. These gatherings generally take place in the Fall, and are a wonderful opportunity to get to know members of the First Parish community in a beautiful, seaside location. Whether you are a newcomer to First Parish or a long-time member, whether you are seeking connection and conversation or quiet and contemplation, the Ferry Beach retreat has something for you!
Contact ferrybeach@firstparish.info or see the [Ferry Beach webpage] for more information.
To offer a place of fellowship, encouragement, and creative connection for First Parish men of all ages and backgrounds.
CONTACT: mensgroup@firstparish.info
Drop in silent meditation groups meet Sundays 9-9:30am (on Zoom), Mondays 6-6:30pm (in person in the Parlor), and Tuesdays 6-6:30pm (on Zoom). Contact meditation@firstparish.info for more information or to get on the mailing list to receive the Zoom links. No experience necessary, and no ongoing commitment required. Drop in whenever works for you! All are welcome.
CONTACT: meditation@firstparish.info
The Alliance is the women’s organization in our church, with a mission to support the women in our congregation, and through that support to advance the interests and efforts of our entire church.
Formal membership in The Alliance is open only to women, but Alliance activities are inclusive across gender and age: men attend meetings as guests and as speakers, and The Alliance is supportive of, and supported by, the youth and children of First Parish.
We would love for you to join us as a member! Questions? Please contact us at alliance@firstparish.info.
To offer a monthly fellowship gathering for older men, aimed at reinforcing camaraderie and discussing topics of general interest. Meetings are at noon on the first Thursday of each month, with a brown-bag lunch.
CONTACT: oldermen@firstparish.info
To knit or crochet simple, warm shawls that are distributed by the Lay Ministers as needed.
CONTACT: abtosti@outlook.com
To bring opportunities for Jewish learning, ritual, celebration, gatherings, and perspectives to our community through worship, study, and conversation. We host a potluck Seder for Passover, a Latke Party for Hanukkah, and Tashlich for Rosh Hashanah most years, plus occasional bagel brunches and Shabbat dinners.
CONTACT: jewishconnections@firstparish.info
To read and discuss interesting books with other First Parish women. Meets the First Thursday of each month, 7:15–9 p.m.
CONTACT: Jean Nagle, womensbookgroup@firstparish.info
PURPOSE: To nurture and strengthen the ongoing relationship between First Parish and the Unitarian church in Gagy, Transylvania, Romania, via frequent communication, cultural exchanges, and visits.
CONTACT: partnerchurch@firstparish.info