Prayer is an important religious practice in many faith traditions. Some Unitarian Universalists make prayer part of their spiritual life while others are uncomfortable with it. Prayer means many different things to different people. For some, it is asking God for intervention in their life, while for others it is the contemplation of one's life from the highest point of view (paraphrasing Emerson). Do you pray? Would prayer be a meaningful practice in your life? We will explore these questions in a service led by Rev. Tom Rosiello. Both services will have beautiful music and the Adult Choir will be singing an arrangement of the great spiritual, "Every time I Flee the Spirit" at the 11 AM service. There will also be an opportunity for those who would like to join First Parish to do so during both services.
Past Services
Sunday, November 3rd, 2013
All Souls Day Service:
All Souls Day is a day of remembrance for those loved ones we have lost, especially those who died in the last year. With words and beautiful music from our choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists, we will bring them close again. Everyone is invited to bring a photo or memento of a deceased loved one to help us create our beautiful "All Souls Day Altar of Remembrance." At the end of the service we will plant daffodils in front of the church, so that they may rise up in the spring to remind us how the loved ones who have died live on with us in spirit. Visitors, especially those who have lost a loved one recently, are invited to join us and participate in this beautiful service.
Sunday, October 27th, 2013
This morning we will all be together as an intergenerational community for worship. Both our services will be jointly led by our Director of Religious Education, Michelle Cote, and our Minister, Tom Rosiello. There will be lots of participation by folks of all ages, especially our children, and there will be lots of kid friendly singing and music. It will be a joy-filled morning that sums up what our children and youth have learned and we have explored in worship over the past eight weeks regarding our Unitarian Universalist Principles.
Thursday, October 24th, 2013
We often celebrate the season with a beautiful and reflective vesper service. Summer is over and Fall is in the air. It is a time of both great beauty and some sadness. It calls up many memories and emotions. In the quiet of a candle lit church we will reflect on the Fall season in words, music and a time of silence. You are invited to bring a poem or short reading that captures this season for you to share in the service. Trish Woods will provide the music. Vespers is a 45 minute service that is the perfect way to end the day.This is our first Vesper service of this church year and we hope you will join us. If you have never come before, why not give it a try!
Sunday, October 20th, 2013
We are called by our 7th principle to "Respect the Interdependent web of all existence." Today we explore our connection to the earth and all her creatures and the theology and practice of "An Earth-Saving Faith." There will be music and words from our Native American tradition as well as many others, and at the 11 AM Service our Choir will be singing an exciting new anthem called, "Creator Rhythm" which captures the message of our 7th principle.
Sunday, October 13th, 2013
We live in a world that is anything but peaceful. Senseless acts of violence at home put fear in our hearts and wars rage on the world stage. Our 6th Unitarian Universalist principle calls us to "affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace liberty and justice for all." Worship will be led by our minister, Tom Rosiello, and there will be songs and anthems of peace from many times and places. At 11 AM our Adult choir will sing the beautiful anthem, "How Lovely are the Messengers" by Felix Mendelssohn.
Sunday, October 6th, 2013
This morning we will explore our 5th Unitarian Universalist Principle:
"The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and society at large." For most folks democracy is thought of as political principles but Unitarian Universalists enshrine the democratic process as a religious principle. We will explore why this and what it means to do so. The Rev. Tom Rosiello will preach and lead worship with the assistance of Adult and Youth readers, Lay ministers and our wonderful music team.
Sunday, September 29th, 2013
We are part of the free church tradition which means your beliefs are not dictated by the words of a creed written centuries ago but rather are the product of you own searching for the truth. How do we do that searching responsibly and where might that search lead? The Rev. Tom Rosiello will preach the sermon. There will be beautiful music at both services with our Adult Choir singing an African Welcome Song and the anthem "The Road Home" based on a lovely old folk tune.
Sunday, September 22nd, 2013
We will celebrate the restoration of our historic pipe organ with a fabulous dedication ceremony featuring many great musicians performing on and with the organ. This is an even not to be missed and all the community is welcome.
Sunday, September 22nd, 2013
"Acceptance of One another and encouragement to spiritual growth" (3rd principle)
One of the least true statements I hear about FPC is that we are "a like-minded group of people." Although we share many values we do not all believe alike, act alike, live alike or love alike. There is beauty in our diversity but sometimes we forget that the person next to us is different from us. Perhaps different in what they believe or how they live or in their sexual orientation or gender identification. The challenge of our third principle is to accept and respect people as they and support people on their individual journey. The Rev. Tom Rosiello will lead worship and preach the sermon. One of the least true statements I hear about FPC is that we are "a like-minded group of people." Although we share many values we do not all believe alike, act alike, live alike or love alike.There is beauty in our diversity but sometimes we forget that the person next to us is different from us. Perhaps different in what they believe or how they live or in their sexual orientation or gender identification. The challenge of our third principle is to accept and respect people as they and support people on their individual journey. The Rev. Tom Rosiello will lead worship and preach the sermon.
