Join Us for a Service
Sunday services are currently being held remotely, followed by a virtual coffeehour via Zoom.
When the time is right, we'll return to regular services 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)!
When the time is right, we'll return to regular services 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)!
Ongoing worship and community...
Video services will be live and interactive via Zoom at 10:30 Sunday mornings; afterwards, the recorded service will be posted and available to watch anytime.
Beginning with the March 15 service, our services moved online in accordance with physical distancing recommendations. But we are all still together: by video, on the phone, and running errands for each other. Connect via the newsletter and the Friends of First Parish Facebook page.
Video services will be live and interactive via Zoom at 10:30 Sunday mornings; afterwards, the recorded service will be posted and available to watch anytime.
- The Zoom meeting info is found in each latest weekly newsletter to the congregation.
Here is a guide to using Zoom. - For the recorded service, use the Facebook or YouTube buttons above.
Beginning with the March 15 service, our services moved online in accordance with physical distancing recommendations. But we are all still together: by video, on the phone, and running errands for each other. Connect via the newsletter and the Friends of First Parish Facebook page.
Sunday, May 23 Feel the Blues
Memorial Day is a time to mourn and lament the deaths in war of members of our armed services. We mourn for their loss and lament the circumstances which led to war and death. This year our mourning and lament includes all who have died from Covid-19 and from its effects; though non-military deaths aren't traditionally part of this holiday, they are part of this holy day. Pamela Barz preaching. Elizabeth Dubuisson will play music of the blues.
Memorial Day is a time to mourn and lament the deaths in war of members of our armed services. We mourn for their loss and lament the circumstances which led to war and death. This year our mourning and lament includes all who have died from Covid-19 and from its effects; though non-military deaths aren't traditionally part of this holiday, they are part of this holy day. Pamela Barz preaching. Elizabeth Dubuisson will play music of the blues.
Sunday, May 31 Breath Wind Spirit
This Sunday we celebrate all things church - our past, our present, and our future - but we mourn all the ways the vision which lies at the heart of our life, a vision of fullness of life for all people, is not realized in our world. As we welcome our new members and conduct the business of our annual meeting, we will commit ourselves again to according to that vision.
Our Parish Committee co-chairs will join Pamela Barz in the service, and we will welcome new members. Elizabeth Dubuisson will play Sonata #483 by Domenico Scarlatti, An American Elegy by Gordon Goodwin, and Jerusalem by Charles H. H. Parry.
This Sunday we celebrate all things church - our past, our present, and our future - but we mourn all the ways the vision which lies at the heart of our life, a vision of fullness of life for all people, is not realized in our world. As we welcome our new members and conduct the business of our annual meeting, we will commit ourselves again to according to that vision.
Our Parish Committee co-chairs will join Pamela Barz in the service, and we will welcome new members. Elizabeth Dubuisson will play Sonata #483 by Domenico Scarlatti, An American Elegy by Gordon Goodwin, and Jerusalem by Charles H. H. Parry.
A message from the minister:
Dear friends,
Living in uncertainty is one of the hardest things we human beings do. As the Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron wrote, “We can never know what will happen to us next. We can try to control the uncontrollable by looking for security and predictability, always hoping to be comfortable and safe. But the truth is that we can never avoid uncertainty. This not-knowing is part of the adventure. It’s also what makes us afraid."
Usually when one of us is immersed in this adventure - waiting for a test result, a job offer, a possible move - others around are feeling more stable and are able to offer support. Novel for all of us is that we are all uncertain now together. But we are still together.
If you are worried about your health, your work, or your emotional state, please let me know. I am happy to connect over the phone or Skype. Please also reach out to one another. As I said in my earlier sermon on “Sanctuary”, the sanctuary is not the building – we are sanctuary to one another. That sanctuary still holds and connects us, even when we can’t be in the building together.
— Rev. Pamela Barz
Dear friends,
Living in uncertainty is one of the hardest things we human beings do. As the Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron wrote, “We can never know what will happen to us next. We can try to control the uncontrollable by looking for security and predictability, always hoping to be comfortable and safe. But the truth is that we can never avoid uncertainty. This not-knowing is part of the adventure. It’s also what makes us afraid."
Usually when one of us is immersed in this adventure - waiting for a test result, a job offer, a possible move - others around are feeling more stable and are able to offer support. Novel for all of us is that we are all uncertain now together. But we are still together.
If you are worried about your health, your work, or your emotional state, please let me know. I am happy to connect over the phone or Skype. Please also reach out to one another. As I said in my earlier sermon on “Sanctuary”, the sanctuary is not the building – we are sanctuary to one another. That sanctuary still holds and connects us, even when we can’t be in the building together.
— Rev. Pamela Barz
Community Events
Events are supported by First Parish - locations vary
STRIDE with the Scituate Unity Council
The newly reorganized Unity Council has a new name: STRIDE (Scituate Together for Representation, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)
STRIDE hopes to continue Unity's progress, ideally in partnership with Hingham and Cohasset groups, shaping this volunteer organization into something that feels right for our community. They welcome volunteer time/talent for four subcommittees focused on: Community education and engagement; school partnerships and advocacy to pilot a reading program in elementary classrooms where parents share books with DEI themes and lead discussions; action and response when incidents happen in schools or the broader community; and organizational development for STRIDE.
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.
Meetings are now held via Zoom. To RSVP or to be put on the mailing list, please follow this link
The newly reorganized Unity Council has a new name: STRIDE (Scituate Together for Representation, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)
STRIDE hopes to continue Unity's progress, ideally in partnership with Hingham and Cohasset groups, shaping this volunteer organization into something that feels right for our community. They welcome volunteer time/talent for four subcommittees focused on: Community education and engagement; school partnerships and advocacy to pilot a reading program in elementary classrooms where parents share books with DEI themes and lead discussions; action and response when incidents happen in schools or the broader community; and organizational development for STRIDE.
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.
Meetings are now held via Zoom. To RSVP or to be put on the mailing list, please follow this link
MONDAY NIGHT MEDITATION
(2nd and 4th Mondays, 8:30 - 9:15 pm) - May dates ONLINE 5/11, 5/25
Calm your spirit and connect with others at Monday Night Meditation over Zoom (note later time). Brian and Patty Sutton will host from their home. There will be a time to check-in, a time of shared meditation, and a little instruction on meditation if that's helpful for those who gather.
Zoom information is in each newsletter.
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.
(2nd and 4th Mondays, 8:30 - 9:15 pm) - May dates ONLINE 5/11, 5/25
Calm your spirit and connect with others at Monday Night Meditation over Zoom (note later time). Brian and Patty Sutton will host from their home. There will be a time to check-in, a time of shared meditation, and a little instruction on meditation if that's helpful for those who gather.
Zoom information is in each newsletter.
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.
THE BLUE BOAT COFFEEHOUSE
***We are looking into bringing performances online while physical distancing rules are in place.***
The Blue Boat Coffeehouse sets sail across the soundwaves about 4 times every year here at First Parish, 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.
***We are looking into bringing performances online while physical distancing rules are in place.***
The Blue Boat Coffeehouse sets sail across the soundwaves about 4 times every year here at First Parish, 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.
UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES OF OUR TIMES - Community Book Discussion
Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm ***Update: March event cancelled***
(Book Club Room at Scituate Public Library)
Open to all. Please join us to discuss the book and how its message relates to our local and global communities.
Bryan Stevenson's memoir "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" describes his work with prisoners on death row and the ways that race, class, ability, and wealth affect our system of justice. The book was made into a 2019 movie, so watching that is an option as well. The movie and the book are available through the OCLN system. There is also a young adult version of the book if you'd like to invite youth to join our reading and conversation.
The current focus of the group is nonfiction that challenges us to look at ourselves and others in a different way, and work towards more empathy in the world (previous titles in this series: White Fragility by Robin Diangelo, All About Love by bell hooks, and There There by Tommy Orange). The group first met to discuss works about race and privilege, then last year delved into the books that are studied by 6-12th grade students in the Scituate school system.
(Book Club Room at Scituate Public Library)
Open to all. Please join us to discuss the book and how its message relates to our local and global communities.
Bryan Stevenson's memoir "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" describes his work with prisoners on death row and the ways that race, class, ability, and wealth affect our system of justice. The book was made into a 2019 movie, so watching that is an option as well. The movie and the book are available through the OCLN system. There is also a young adult version of the book if you'd like to invite youth to join our reading and conversation.
The current focus of the group is nonfiction that challenges us to look at ourselves and others in a different way, and work towards more empathy in the world (previous titles in this series: White Fragility by Robin Diangelo, All About Love by bell hooks, and There There by Tommy Orange). The group first met to discuss works about race and privilege, then last year delved into the books that are studied by 6-12th grade students in the Scituate school system.
Parish Notices
New UUs
Sundays March 8, 22, 29, April 5 (12-1pm)***Update: In-person meetings suspended***
Are you new to First Parish? Or have you been around a while but would like to know more about the history of Unitarian Universalism and the workings of our church? On the Sundays listed above, Pamela Barz will lead discussions of UU history, theology, spirituality and governance. At the end of the series, participants who are not yet members of First Parish will be invited to join. You do not have to attend all the sessions. Please email Pam if you’d like to participate or have questions.
FPUU serves the Scituate Food Pantry
Our drop box at the front door is normally available 24/7 for community convenience, and food collected during every church service. However...
As of late March, to minimize handling and volunteer gatherings, the Pantry is asking that if people want to help, to please consider mailing a monetary donation to the Pantry at:
Scituate Food Pantry, P.O. Box 120, Scituate, MA 02066
Thank you to Eagle Scout Barak Laciner for constructing the drop box.
Our drop box at the front door is normally available 24/7 for community convenience, and food collected during every church service. However...
As of late March, to minimize handling and volunteer gatherings, the Pantry is asking that if people want to help, to please consider mailing a monetary donation to the Pantry at:
Scituate Food Pantry, P.O. Box 120, Scituate, MA 02066
Thank you to Eagle Scout Barak Laciner for constructing the drop box.
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.
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What's going on in our parish life?
