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.
NEW THIS YEAR – Winter Solstice Evening Ritual, Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:00pm
Join us for a winter solstice ritual – a time to pause and immerse in stillness, quiet, and the beauty that can be found in the dark. This ritual will include silence, music, meditations, and connecting with the natural beauty of this time of year. 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. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, offers a homily.
Holidays in Religious Education– December 2025
- No morning grade-level Religious Education programming on the mornings of December 21st (worship that morning is an intergenerational service) and 28th. Nursery and pre-K childcare will take place on December 21st, and all-ages childcare will be available on December 28th.
- No evening Youth programming on December 21st or 28th.
Holiday Events at First Parish
Afternoon Carol Singing, Tuesday, December 16, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Parlor
Plan to join a group of music lovers in our Stanton Parlor for an hour of seasonal songs. Everyone is welcome! Wendy Covell will support us on piano, and we’ll choose our favorites as we go along. Singing beloved carols from our hymnals, we’ll have harmony parts available. We’ll be free to focus on melody or to harmonize as we like.
Events for Children, Youth and Families
SAVE THE DATE! Decorate ornaments in the Vestry, Sunday December 14 after the service
Folks of all ages are invited to decorate ornaments. RSVP to Rev. Stevie (stevie@firstparish.info).
SAVE THE DATE! Bake cookies for Christmas Eve service, Sunday December 21, 1:00 pm, Vestry and Kitchen
Children and their grown-ups are invited to a cookie baking party on Sunday, December 21st 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 Rev. Stevie (stevie@firstparish.info) if you can make it.
Second Annual Youth Program Alumni Holiday Party, December 21st, 7:00 – 8:30pm, Parlor.
Current and former members of our youth group (along with current and former adult advisors) are welcomed to this cozy holiday gathering, with food, fun, and friends.