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, June 2 The Times They Are A-Changin' The Rev. Dr. Michelle Walsh
Some of us are old enough to have lived through turbulent times in the past and feel the similarities. How do we draw upon the lessons of the past that often are not taught in our schools to prepare for these times? The choir will sing The Water Remembers.
The Rev. Dr. Michelle Walsh, LICSW is a Unitarian Universalist community minister and shares a private justice consulting and spiritual coaching practice with her husband, Rev. Dr. Clyde Grubbs, known as Tuckerman Creative Ministries for Justice & Healing. She also has worked as a scholar activist for many years in urban contexts, teaches as a Lecturer at Boston University, and is the author of Violent Trauma, Culture and Power: An Interdisciplinary Exploration in Lived Religion, as well as chapters in other volumes.
Some of us are old enough to have lived through turbulent times in the past and feel the similarities. How do we draw upon the lessons of the past that often are not taught in our schools to prepare for these times? The choir will sing The Water Remembers.
The Rev. Dr. Michelle Walsh, LICSW is a Unitarian Universalist community minister and shares a private justice consulting and spiritual coaching practice with her husband, Rev. Dr. Clyde Grubbs, known as Tuckerman Creative Ministries for Justice & Healing. She also has worked as a scholar activist for many years in urban contexts, teaches as a Lecturer at Boston University, and is the author of Violent Trauma, Culture and Power: An Interdisciplinary Exploration in Lived Religion, as well as chapters in other volumes.
Sunday, June 9 Hearing Each Other into Speech
On this Sunday, as Jews celebrate Shavuot, the receiving of the Torah, and Christians celebrate Pentecost, the receiving of the Spirit, we’ll celebrate the basis of both gifts: listening. Pamela Barz preaching. We will also recognize two of our high school graduates. The choir will sing Spirit of Life.
On this Sunday, as Jews celebrate Shavuot, the receiving of the Torah, and Christians celebrate Pentecost, the receiving of the Spirit, we’ll celebrate the basis of both gifts: listening. Pamela Barz preaching. We will also recognize two of our high school graduates. The choir will sing Spirit of Life.
Sunday, June 23 Summer Solstice Sonnets and Sundaes Sunday
Celebrate the beginning of summer with some of our First Parish poets reading poems for the season. Special music provided by Cathy Kang. Pamela Barz will have a story for children. The service will be followed by a make-your-own sundae celebration of summer.
Celebrate the beginning of summer with some of our First Parish poets reading poems for the season. Special music provided by Cathy Kang. Pamela Barz will have a story for children. The service will be followed by a make-your-own sundae celebration of summer.
Sunday, June 30 No service
Sundays July 7 — August 25 Summer Services theme "To the Stars"
In July and August, worship services move to 9 a.m. and a simpler format. Usually a member of the congregation offers a reflection on the theme. Our theme for summer services this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing and all the ways we "hitch our wagon to a star," as Ralph Waldo Emerson put it.
Upcoming Community Events at First Parish
UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES OF OUR TIMES
Community Book Discussion
Tuesday, Sept 17 from 6:30 - 8pm (Book Club Room at Scituate Public Library)
Open to all. Please join us to discuss the book, how to be an ally in the fight against institutional racism, and how this relates to our local and global communities. Discussions led by John Scopelleti and Pamela Barz.
In September we will be discussing All About Love by bell hooks.
After many months discussing works about race and privilege, the group delved into the books that are studied by 6-12th grade students in the Scituate school system. Recent readings included Recitatif by Toni Morrison; Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt; Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson; Lois Lowry's The Giver; Yoko Kawashima Watkins' So Far From the Bamboo Grove; Monster, by Walter Dean Myers; and Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks).
Community Book Discussion
Tuesday, Sept 17 from 6:30 - 8pm (Book Club Room at Scituate Public Library)
Open to all. Please join us to discuss the book, how to be an ally in the fight against institutional racism, and how this relates to our local and global communities. Discussions led by John Scopelleti and Pamela Barz.
In September we will be discussing All About Love by bell hooks.
After many months discussing works about race and privilege, the group delved into the books that are studied by 6-12th grade students in the Scituate school system. Recent readings included Recitatif by Toni Morrison; Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt; Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson; Lois Lowry's The Giver; Yoko Kawashima Watkins' So Far From the Bamboo Grove; Monster, by Walter Dean Myers; and Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks).
Restorative Circles Training
May 31- June 2
Restorative circles offer a different model for dealing with conflicts major and minor in families, communities, churches, and other organizations. Members of the community, trained in listening and creating space for others to listen and be heard, lead the process. Over the weekend of May 31-June 2, trainers from the UU Society of Norwich, VT, will be offering a training for facilitators at the Inly School in Scituate. The cost is $100 for the weekend, but communities of faith can pay $500 and send 6-8 people. If you would like more information or would like to participate, please contact Louellyn Lambrose, llambros46@hotmail.com, who has brought the training to Scituate after going through it herself in Vermont. Restorative Circles are used in school, church communities, intentional communities, cities and towns across the US.
May 31- June 2
Restorative circles offer a different model for dealing with conflicts major and minor in families, communities, churches, and other organizations. Members of the community, trained in listening and creating space for others to listen and be heard, lead the process. Over the weekend of May 31-June 2, trainers from the UU Society of Norwich, VT, will be offering a training for facilitators at the Inly School in Scituate. The cost is $100 for the weekend, but communities of faith can pay $500 and send 6-8 people. If you would like more information or would like to participate, please contact Louellyn Lambrose, llambros46@hotmail.com, who has brought the training to Scituate after going through it herself in Vermont. Restorative Circles are used in school, church communities, intentional communities, cities and towns across the US.
Supporting Scituate's METCO Students and Families
Monday, June 24 (6:30- 8:00 pm) at Gates Learning Studio Room 1010
All interested community members are invited to attend this follow-up meeting, to continue discussing starting a Friends of METCO program and re-starting a local host families program, plus other ways to strengthen the two-way relationship between Boston and Scituate families and students. This new program has grown out of the work of Scituate's Unity Council.
Monday, June 24 (6:30- 8:00 pm) at Gates Learning Studio Room 1010
All interested community members are invited to attend this follow-up meeting, to continue discussing starting a Friends of METCO program and re-starting a local host families program, plus other ways to strengthen the two-way relationship between Boston and Scituate families and students. This new program has grown out of the work of Scituate's Unity Council.
THE BLUE BOAT COFFEEHOUSE
Next show: Saturday, Sept 21
The Blue Boat Coffeehouse has anchored for the summer season! We set sail 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 to learn more.
Next show: Saturday, Sept 21
The Blue Boat Coffeehouse has anchored for the summer season! We set sail 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 to learn more.
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.
MONDAY NIGHT MEDITATION
(2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm) - June dates 6/10 and 6/24
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) - June dates 6/10 and 6/24
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.
"DO NOT BE AFRAID": A Small Group Gathering
This 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 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.
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