Order of Service

Sunday Worship
First Parish
A liberal religious community, welcoming to all
First gathered 1739

Worship Service
Sunday, July 13, 10:00am
Worship online only

“Credo Reflections: After 10 Years”

Melanie Cohn-Hopwood, Worship Leader

Our worship leader this week, Melanie Cohn-Hopwood, says: “I was asked to participate in a credo service over a decade ago; it was the first one since Rev. Marta Flanagan had been hired. I spoke about the hope I would find in spring flowers after a long sad winter that followed the death of my mom and a client. I thought I might reflect on that credo, and see if it still resonates and in a sense, ‘update’ it for the present day. Being a ‘motherless mother’ has been a big part of my identity over this past decade since I spoke. My kids were about 6 when she died; they are now 17. As they move towards young adulthood, and I work to launch them, I’ve had other dark and hard winters. I hope to answer the question of ‘How does one hold on/get through when it feels like there will never be another colorful spring again?'”

During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Melanie Cohn-Hopwood is a Jewish UU (or “Jewnitarian”), a social worker, parent to two awesome teenagers, someone who loves to make things with her hands and a person who strives to have fun with the process and not worry about the outcome. She putters with pottery, sewing, writing and other art forms, and her fantasy getaway is a cabin in the trees with a stream nearby.

 

Sunday, July 13

“Credo Reflections: After 10 Years”

Service details
View or download the Order of Service. Generally posted the Thursday before the service.

Giving First for June, July and August 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 June, July, and August, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts.

The other half of the offering supports the life and work of First Parish.

Give Online