Services at 10:00 A.M. on Sundays
The mission of First Parish is to sustain a safe home for our spiritual growth and to support each other as we put our beliefs and principles into action.
Upcoming Winter Services
February 1, 2015
Great Expectations
Susan-Lynn Johns, Lay Minister, Worship Leader
Do you live with high expectations yet find yourself disappointed more often than not? February provides us with two traditions in which expectancy plays a crucial role: the first is Groundhog Day and the second is Valentine’s Day. Will spring come early or will winter hang on like it did last year? Will new love find you or be rekindled in a current relationship or will every day after the 14th be the same-old-same-old? What are your expectations . . . of yourself, your family and friends, strangers, the groundhog, the future? The Buddha said, "Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall not be disappointed." Yet is it even possible to live without expectations, without hope? G.K. Chesterton offered a different spin on the Buddha’s quote in his book Heretics: “Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall be gloriously surprised.” Susan-Lynn ponders the importance of expectations in our lives and ways of dealing with their aftermath.
February 8, 2015
Being Spiritual in a Post-Religion World
Susan-Lynn Johns, Lay Minister, Worship Leader
Mainstream denominations have been on the waning for decades. Along with a sharp decline in weekly church attendance and participation, there is a dramatic increase in those who claim no religious affiliation and declare that they do not need one. Many call themselves “spiritual” rather than “religious,” while some subscribe to neither. What is the future for churches in general and Unitarian Universalist churches in particular? As diversity and pluralism increase in American society, Christianity is no longer at the center of American life and seekers are left with what John Roberto calls “a tapestry of religious and spiritual alternatives and choices.” (2020 Faith Formation: Designing the Future of Faith Formation) Because our particular faith draws from many sources, we are poised in an ideal place to provide spiritual nourishment and community to some who are seeking as well as to some who don’t realize they should be seeking. Susan-Lynn reflects upon the chances we at First Parish have to appeal to these non-religious folk.
February 15, 2015
So How’s it Going This Year?
A Report Card on Climate Change
Honoring the 2015 National Preach-In on Global Warming Susan-Lynn Johns, Lay Minister, Worship Leader
This Valentine’s weekend, First Parish will be a part of something big as we join with churches of all denominations in a National Preach-In on Climate Change. This is our third year of participating in this event which is sponsored by the national organization,Interfaith Power and Light. Last year, Susan-Lynn gave the country a D- on its climate change report card. What will the grade be this year? Have Monsanto and Nestle sunk to new depths? Is the Tar-Sands Pipeline going to be built after all? Talk about great expectations!! (See February 1)
February 22, 2015 Small Kindnesses
Note to self: I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Jennifer Slater, Guest Speaker
Taking an active step to change a situation or help someone in need doesn't have to be a monumental display of activism. Just by questioning rules when they don’t seem fair, or not ‘going along with everyone else’ can be the first step in making a difference that couldultimately change someone else’s world.
Let us discuss the ways…
About Jennifer:
Originally from Chicago, Jennifer Slater is a writer, published author, die-hard Cubs fan, overprotective mother, and frequently accused of not minding her own business. It is her mission in life to encourage others to envision the best version of them-selves, while helping as many others as they can along the way.
February 1, 2015
Great Expectations
Susan-Lynn Johns, Lay Minister, Worship Leader
Do you live with high expectations yet find yourself disappointed more often than not? February provides us with two traditions in which expectancy plays a crucial role: the first is Groundhog Day and the second is Valentine’s Day. Will spring come early or will winter hang on like it did last year? Will new love find you or be rekindled in a current relationship or will every day after the 14th be the same-old-same-old? What are your expectations . . . of yourself, your family and friends, strangers, the groundhog, the future? The Buddha said, "Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall not be disappointed." Yet is it even possible to live without expectations, without hope? G.K. Chesterton offered a different spin on the Buddha’s quote in his book Heretics: “Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall be gloriously surprised.” Susan-Lynn ponders the importance of expectations in our lives and ways of dealing with their aftermath.
February 8, 2015
Being Spiritual in a Post-Religion World
Susan-Lynn Johns, Lay Minister, Worship Leader
Mainstream denominations have been on the waning for decades. Along with a sharp decline in weekly church attendance and participation, there is a dramatic increase in those who claim no religious affiliation and declare that they do not need one. Many call themselves “spiritual” rather than “religious,” while some subscribe to neither. What is the future for churches in general and Unitarian Universalist churches in particular? As diversity and pluralism increase in American society, Christianity is no longer at the center of American life and seekers are left with what John Roberto calls “a tapestry of religious and spiritual alternatives and choices.” (2020 Faith Formation: Designing the Future of Faith Formation) Because our particular faith draws from many sources, we are poised in an ideal place to provide spiritual nourishment and community to some who are seeking as well as to some who don’t realize they should be seeking. Susan-Lynn reflects upon the chances we at First Parish have to appeal to these non-religious folk.
February 15, 2015
So How’s it Going This Year?
A Report Card on Climate Change
Honoring the 2015 National Preach-In on Global Warming Susan-Lynn Johns, Lay Minister, Worship Leader
This Valentine’s weekend, First Parish will be a part of something big as we join with churches of all denominations in a National Preach-In on Climate Change. This is our third year of participating in this event which is sponsored by the national organization,Interfaith Power and Light. Last year, Susan-Lynn gave the country a D- on its climate change report card. What will the grade be this year? Have Monsanto and Nestle sunk to new depths? Is the Tar-Sands Pipeline going to be built after all? Talk about great expectations!! (See February 1)
February 22, 2015 Small Kindnesses
Note to self: I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Jennifer Slater, Guest Speaker
Taking an active step to change a situation or help someone in need doesn't have to be a monumental display of activism. Just by questioning rules when they don’t seem fair, or not ‘going along with everyone else’ can be the first step in making a difference that couldultimately change someone else’s world.
Let us discuss the ways…
About Jennifer:
Originally from Chicago, Jennifer Slater is a writer, published author, die-hard Cubs fan, overprotective mother, and frequently accused of not minding her own business. It is her mission in life to encourage others to envision the best version of them-selves, while helping as many others as they can along the way.
