Celebrating the Holidays at First Parish
Friday, Dec 13, 7:00 pm “Embrace the Darkness” Evening Worship Service
For the 16th year at First Parish we offer a special evening worship service during the holiday season, a worship service to “Embrace the Darkness.” Diane Taraz (Shriver) will sing and guest pianist Anna Arazi will offer music. This service will be an opportunity to acknowledge the darkness that surrounds the light of this festive season. This contemplative service of solace is a reminder that our sorrows matter and that we are not alone even. Click here for more information.
Tuesday, December 24 Candlelight Services
4:00 pm (in-person only; this service will be ASL interpreted)
6:00 pm (in-person and on-line)
The Christmas Eve services, a highlight of the season, occur twice due to the number of people attending. The services feature the lighting of candles, organ fanfares and children reading the ancient tale. Rev. Marta Flanagan offers a homily.
Holidays in Religious Education– December 2024
- No morning grade-level Religious Education programming on the mornings of December 22nd (worship that morning is an intergenerational service) and 29th. Nursery and pre-K childcare available on these Sundays.
- No evening Youth programming on December 22nd or 29th.
Holiday Events at First Parish
Holiday Card Writing, Sunday, December 15, 12:15 pm, Parlor
One of our members is currently incarcerated and welcomes cards and letters from First Parish friends. Please join us in the Parlor after services on Sunday December 15 – we gather in community to prepare cards of holiday cheer/ well wishes. Please bring any extra holiday cards or stationery and stamps– we will have light snacks to share and those who have recently visited or spoken to Clarissa can provide an update. Questions? contact Kate Lenox (klj.arl.ma@gmail.com) or Carolyn Hodges (cjjhodges@gmail.com).
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Afternoon Carol Singing, Tuesday, December 17, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, Parlor
Join First Parish friends in our parlor to sing beloved seasonal songs together. Wendy Covell will support us on piano and Cheri Minton will lead our singing. Participants will pick carols from our hymnal as we go.
Events for Children and Families
Children and their grown-ups are invited to join Stevie and Carolyn Hodges for a cookie baking party on Sunday, December 22nd from 1pm-3pm, in the First Parish Kitchen and Vestry. These cookies will be enjoyed between the Christmas eve services (though maybe we’ll sneak a few early!). RSVP to Stevie (stevie@firstparish.info) and Carolyn (cjjhodges@gmail.com) if you can make it.