Join Us for a Service
Services are held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. (Sept-June) at 330 First Parish Road in Scituate MA. Everyone is welcome. The Rev. Pamela Barz is our minister. Join us—for reflection, music, and fellowship (and our thriving youth program)!
Sunday, Dec 1 Bah Humbug
We begin our Advent series "God Bless Us Everyone" looking at the transformation of Ebeneezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and how Scrooge's transformations might speak to our own lives and our world today. Each service this month will include a dramatic reading. The choir will sing Watchmen, Sing Noel.
We begin our Advent series "God Bless Us Everyone" looking at the transformation of Ebeneezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and how Scrooge's transformations might speak to our own lives and our world today. Each service this month will include a dramatic reading. The choir will sing Watchmen, Sing Noel.
Sunday, Dec 8 Hope from Heartbreak
As the Ghost of Christmas Past helped Scrooge understand his own past differently and so free himself for new life in the present and the future, how may understanding our past help us to forgive ourselves and live more fully? The choir will sing an English Advent Carol.
As the Ghost of Christmas Past helped Scrooge understand his own past differently and so free himself for new life in the present and the future, how may understanding our past help us to forgive ourselves and live more fully? The choir will sing an English Advent Carol.
Sunday, Dec 15 The Music of Christmas Present
In our annual Christmas Music Sunday, the choir will offer anthems from several musical versions of A Christmas Carol along with music of its times. Beverly Reilly, flutist will also take part.
In our annual Christmas Music Sunday, the choir will offer anthems from several musical versions of A Christmas Carol along with music of its times. Beverly Reilly, flutist will also take part.
A Celebration of the Winter Solstice (Sun, Dec 22)
This year serendipitously, December 22 is both the first day of winter and the first night of Hanukkah. Each year the Scituate clergy offer a contemplative service for the solstice, with music, silence, singing, and readings to remind us of the value of the darkness and the power of the light. This year we will honor the light of the Advent wreath, the Solstice candle, and the Hanukkah menorah, and plant bulbs to remind us of this time of germination.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church will host this year's service
465 First Parish Rd, Scituate
4:00 - 5:00 pm
You are invited to stay after the service for St. Luke's monthly community supper.
This year serendipitously, December 22 is both the first day of winter and the first night of Hanukkah. Each year the Scituate clergy offer a contemplative service for the solstice, with music, silence, singing, and readings to remind us of the value of the darkness and the power of the light. This year we will honor the light of the Advent wreath, the Solstice candle, and the Hanukkah menorah, and plant bulbs to remind us of this time of germination.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church will host this year's service
465 First Parish Rd, Scituate
4:00 - 5:00 pm
You are invited to stay after the service for St. Luke's monthly community supper.
Christmas Eve Services (Tues, Dec 24)
"Keeping Christmas Well"
At the end of his journey with the ghosts, Ebenezer Scrooge resolved, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year," and it was said of him thereafter that he knew how to "keep Christmas well." On Christmas Eve we celebrate keeping Christmas well, living with grateful hearts throughout the year. Since Christmas Eve is also the third night of Hanukkah, we will light the menorah at both services. Our Christmas Eve offering will support the work of the International Rescue Committee to aid refugees and people whose lives are shattered by conflict and disaster.
4 p.m.: Children’s Carols and Candlelight service
The first of the evening services offers the traditional story and carols,
just in a more informal setting than the later service.
Pamela Barz and guitarist Peter Mundt will lead the service.
7 p.m.: Traditional Candle-lit Christmas Eve service
A reflective service of lessons and carols led by Pamela Barz and Elizabeth Dubuisson,
with music from the choir and cellist Caroline Hine.
"Keeping Christmas Well"
At the end of his journey with the ghosts, Ebenezer Scrooge resolved, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year," and it was said of him thereafter that he knew how to "keep Christmas well." On Christmas Eve we celebrate keeping Christmas well, living with grateful hearts throughout the year. Since Christmas Eve is also the third night of Hanukkah, we will light the menorah at both services. Our Christmas Eve offering will support the work of the International Rescue Committee to aid refugees and people whose lives are shattered by conflict and disaster.
4 p.m.: Children’s Carols and Candlelight service
The first of the evening services offers the traditional story and carols,
just in a more informal setting than the later service.
Pamela Barz and guitarist Peter Mundt will lead the service.
7 p.m.: Traditional Candle-lit Christmas Eve service
A reflective service of lessons and carols led by Pamela Barz and Elizabeth Dubuisson,
with music from the choir and cellist Caroline Hine.
Community Events
Events are supported by First Parish - locations vary
THE SNOWFLAKE FAIR
Saturday, Dec 7 (9am - 2 pm)
Saturday, Dec 7 (9am - 2 pm)
This is the fair you don't want to miss! Freshly cut trees from a Vermont family farm, as well as fresh and beautifully decorated wreaths; handcrafted goods for gifting; artisanal jams and preserves; and our specialty fudges and candies. Always unique and high quality.
Kids are always welcome and can shop in private for their parents or enjoy an activity while you shop. Coffee and hot lunch will help you power through your gift list!
STRIDE with the Scituate Unity Council
Postponed until Jan due to weather (6:30/7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Scituate Town Library
The newly reorganized Unity Council has a new name: STRIDE (Scituate Together for Representation, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) This is their first meeting (7:00pm, with pizza available at 6:30 p.m.)
Come meet the co-chairs, learn about the mission of this organization, and--most importantly--hear from SHS students about their experiences at the high school. This is an excellent opportunity to show your support for our high school students of color and the particular challenges they face as members of our community. Members of First Parish have been involved with the Unity Council since its beginning; let's continue to join with others for this important work.
For planning purposes, RSVP's are appreciated (especially if you're coming for pizza.) To RSVP or to be put on the mailing list, please follow this link
Postponed until Jan due to weather (6:30/7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Scituate Town Library
The newly reorganized Unity Council has a new name: STRIDE (Scituate Together for Representation, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) This is their first meeting (7:00pm, with pizza available at 6:30 p.m.)
Come meet the co-chairs, learn about the mission of this organization, and--most importantly--hear from SHS students about their experiences at the high school. This is an excellent opportunity to show your support for our high school students of color and the particular challenges they face as members of our community. Members of First Parish have been involved with the Unity Council since its beginning; let's continue to join with others for this important work.
For planning purposes, RSVP's are appreciated (especially if you're coming for pizza.) To RSVP or to be put on the mailing list, please follow this link
MONDAY NIGHT MEDITATION
(2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm) - Dec dates 12/9 and 12/23
Led by Brian Sutton
Would you like to incorporate meditation into your spiritual practice?
Would you like to learn how to meditate?
Would you like to add the energy of others to your already existing practice?
All are welcome. Cushions are provided, or bring your own.
(2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm) - Dec dates 12/9 and 12/23
Led by Brian Sutton
Would you like to incorporate meditation into your spiritual practice?
Would you like to learn how to meditate?
Would you like to add the energy of others to your already existing practice?
All are welcome. Cushions are provided, or bring your own.
THE BLUE BOAT COFFEEHOUSE
Season 4 shows: Saturdays 6 - 9pm : Sept 28 ~ Nov 16 ~ Jan 11 ~ March 14
Here at First Parish Scituate
On Saturday Jan 11th, the Blue Boat sails again— and for this show, the proceeds support the Scituate ASP (Appalachian Service Project). ASP is an annual townwide mission trip for the national ASP organization, which facilitates volunteered labor and materials to make houses in West Virgina "safer, warmer, drier." Come by for great music, delicious homemade treats, and meet up with neighbors and friends for a family-friendly night out!
The Blue Boat Coffeehouse sets sail across the soundwaves about 4 times every year to highlight the incredible talent of local adults and youth, while raising funds for a local non-profit organization, and providing a fun, safe evening out for the whole community. This alcohol-free, substance-free, family-friendly event is open to the public. Visit the Blue Boat Coffeehouse Facebook page for details or to ask about performing.
Season 4 shows: Saturdays 6 - 9pm : Sept 28 ~ Nov 16 ~ Jan 11 ~ March 14
Here at First Parish Scituate
On Saturday Jan 11th, the Blue Boat sails again— and for this show, the proceeds support the Scituate ASP (Appalachian Service Project). ASP is an annual townwide mission trip for the national ASP organization, which facilitates volunteered labor and materials to make houses in West Virgina "safer, warmer, drier." Come by for great music, delicious homemade treats, and meet up with neighbors and friends for a family-friendly night out!
The Blue Boat Coffeehouse sets sail across the soundwaves about 4 times every year to highlight the incredible talent of local adults and youth, while raising funds for a local non-profit organization, and providing a fun, safe evening out for the whole community. This alcohol-free, substance-free, family-friendly event is open to the public. Visit the Blue Boat Coffeehouse Facebook page for details or to ask about performing.
Parish Notices
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (grades pre-K–12)
Registration is rolling. Registration form is here.
We have about 50 kids in our program. Learn ALL about our classes and activities for kids and youth here!
We welcome our new Director of Religious Ed! Bill Ketchum is a 2017 graduate of Andover Newton Theological Seminary. Retired from a career in business, he is continuing a lifelong calling for working with adults and youth as a chaplain, mentor, coach, and teacher.
Registration is rolling. Registration form is here.
We have about 50 kids in our program. Learn ALL about our classes and activities for kids and youth here!
We welcome our new Director of Religious Ed! Bill Ketchum is a 2017 graduate of Andover Newton Theological Seminary. Retired from a career in business, he is continuing a lifelong calling for working with adults and youth as a chaplain, mentor, coach, and teacher.
"DO NOT BE AFRAID": A Small Group Gathering
This past winter, two small groups gathered for a five week conversation about the work of Brene Brown, professor at the University of Houston, on fear, shame, and vulnerability. Her TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability has become one of the most-viewed talks.The groups found the conversations so powerful, they are continuing the discussions. Using Brown's book The Gifts of Imperfection, the group will continue to reflect on how we can move out of fear into more hope, peace, love, and joy.
This past winter, two small groups gathered for a five week conversation about the work of Brene Brown, professor at the University of Houston, on fear, shame, and vulnerability. Her TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability has become one of the most-viewed talks.The groups found the conversations so powerful, they are continuing the discussions. Using Brown's book The Gifts of Imperfection, the group will continue to reflect on how we can move out of fear into more hope, peace, love, and joy.
FPUU serves the Scituate Food Pantry
Our drop box at the front door is available 24/7 for community convenience. We also collect food during every church service. Please consider donating:
Our drop box at the front door is available 24/7 for community convenience. We also collect food during every church service. Please consider donating:
- Paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper
- Canned protein (salmon, tuna, meat); peanut butter
- Coffee, instant coffee, and sweeteners
- Shampoo, toothpaste, floss
Socks for the Homeless
With the help of the Frey family, First Parish is distributing clean socks for homeless men and women on an ongoing basis to Haley House and Rosie's Place. Packages of new socks can be placed in the basket in the Sloop Room.
With the help of the Frey family, First Parish is distributing clean socks for homeless men and women on an ongoing basis to Haley House and Rosie's Place. Packages of new socks can be placed in the basket in the Sloop Room.
Baskets from Zimbabwe
First Parish member Jenn Mackey has connected us with the Zienzele Foundation. The organization supports women who are caring for AIDS orphans; their handmade baskets are sold in the US to provide funding for school for the children. Baskets are availble at the new online store and at our church fairs.
First Parish member Jenn Mackey has connected us with the Zienzele Foundation. The organization supports women who are caring for AIDS orphans; their handmade baskets are sold in the US to provide funding for school for the children. Baskets are availble at the new online store and at our church fairs.
Photo credits this page: Ali Crehan, John Phelan, NPC/CA
Our Vision
WE ASPIRE TO BE a beacon of liberal faith, strong community, and transformative service,
rooted in love.
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Scituate MA is a vibrant, inclusive community of faith. We are a non-credal church stressing love, service, and religious freedom. Grounded in our Unitarian Universalist principles and purposes, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and we support each individual's unique search for truth and meaning.
We welcome you, wherever you are in your search for deeper meaning, to join us in exploring “the big questions” and cultivating ways to live the answers amidst today’s modern challenges. Our congregation seeks ways to build community, guide our children, deepen spiritually, and to make a positive difference in the world. We celebrate the interconnectedness of all things. Join us for sermons, service, or celebrations!
rooted in love.
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Scituate MA is a vibrant, inclusive community of faith. We are a non-credal church stressing love, service, and religious freedom. Grounded in our Unitarian Universalist principles and purposes, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and we support each individual's unique search for truth and meaning.
We welcome you, wherever you are in your search for deeper meaning, to join us in exploring “the big questions” and cultivating ways to live the answers amidst today’s modern challenges. Our congregation seeks ways to build community, guide our children, deepen spiritually, and to make a positive difference in the world. We celebrate the interconnectedness of all things. Join us for sermons, service, or celebrations!
We are a Welcoming Congregation.
Online giving can be used for one-time or recurring charges for pledges, capital campaigns, memorial donations, class registrations, and more, easily tracking your tax-deductable donations.
What's going on in our parish life?
