Sunday Worship
First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739
Worship Service
Sunday, September 21, 10:00am
Worship at the Meetinghouse and online
“To Be Woke in a World that Prefers to Sleep In”
Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching
Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of ten days of repentance in Judaism. It’s meant to be a time for self-reflection and to wake up to the places we’ve fallen short. The word “woke,” however, has been weaponized by some and perceived as an undesirable trait. How can we become more aware and compassionate in a world that prefers the opposite?
Sunday, September 21“To Be Woke in a World that Prefers to Sleep In” |
Service details |
View or download the Order of Service. Generally updated with this week’s order of service the Friday before the service. |
View or download the Sunday Teaser. Generally posted the Friday before the service. |
Giving First for September 2025
The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations.
For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted.
The other half of the offering supports the life and work of First Parish.