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)!
Sundays in February: First Parish Goes to the Movies
In Oscars month, we’ll be reflecting on what some current films have to say to us and our times:
In Oscars month, we’ll be reflecting on what some current films have to say to us and our times:
Sunday, Feb 2 Turning Toward Light: Just Mercy
This movie, based on Bryan Stevenson’s memoir of the same name, focuses on Stevenson’s work through the Equal Justice Initiative to reverse the sentences of men and women on death row. Pamela Barz will reflect on what the stories of these people tell us about what it means to be human. The choir will sing Velvet Shoes.
This movie, based on Bryan Stevenson’s memoir of the same name, focuses on Stevenson’s work through the Equal Justice Initiative to reverse the sentences of men and women on death row. Pamela Barz will reflect on what the stories of these people tell us about what it means to be human. The choir will sing Velvet Shoes.
Sunday, Feb 9 Turning Toward Truth: Little Women
Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the March sisters and their family offers a model for growth and exploration based in Alcott’s Unitarian values. How do their stories speak to us today? Pamela Barz preaching. The choir will sing A Peaceful Bach Canon.
Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the March sisters and their family offers a model for growth and exploration based in Alcott’s Unitarian values. How do their stories speak to us today? Pamela Barz preaching. The choir will sing A Peaceful Bach Canon.
Sunday, Feb 16 Turning Toward Love: Frozen 2
In our annual multigenerational celebration of love and community and chocolate communion service, Pamela Barz will reflect on what the sisterly love of Anna and Elsa might say to us.
In our annual multigenerational celebration of love and community and chocolate communion service, Pamela Barz will reflect on what the sisterly love of Anna and Elsa might say to us.
Sunday, Feb 23 Mend and Repair: What does it take to heal what's broken between us?
Guest preacher Mary Margaret Earl will offer us a reflection on the legacy of slavery, the ongoing challenge of racism, and how we build relationships from there. The choir will sing When the Poor Ones.
The Rev. Ms. Mary Margaret Earl is Executive Director and Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry. In this ministry, she has worked to strengthen bonds between UUs and the Roxbury neighborhood where the UUUM operates. She is on the Faith in Solidarity leadership team, which works to connect faith leaders with those impacted by poverty, and serves as co-chair of the Roxbury Cultural Network.
Our 4th Sunday offering this morning supports the work of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry. The UU Urban Ministry operates programs that provide education and enrichment programming for children and youth, emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing from domestic violence, and job- and education-readiness training for survivors of domestic violence, bringing together people from different walks of life to work together toward justice and equality. First Parish is a member congregation of the UUUM.
Guest preacher Mary Margaret Earl will offer us a reflection on the legacy of slavery, the ongoing challenge of racism, and how we build relationships from there. The choir will sing When the Poor Ones.
The Rev. Ms. Mary Margaret Earl is Executive Director and Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry. In this ministry, she has worked to strengthen bonds between UUs and the Roxbury neighborhood where the UUUM operates. She is on the Faith in Solidarity leadership team, which works to connect faith leaders with those impacted by poverty, and serves as co-chair of the Roxbury Cultural Network.
Our 4th Sunday offering this morning supports the work of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry. The UU Urban Ministry operates programs that provide education and enrichment programming for children and youth, emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing from domestic violence, and job- and education-readiness training for survivors of domestic violence, bringing together people from different walks of life to work together toward justice and equality. First Parish is a member congregation of the UUUM.
Community Events
Events are supported by First Parish - locations vary
STRIDE with the Scituate Unity Council
Wed, Feb 26 (6:30 pizza / 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)
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 three subcommittees focused on community outreach and education; advocacy for inclusive and diverse texts, curriculum, and discussion for kids; and support and advocacy when incidents happen in schools or the broader 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.
To RSVP or to be put on the mailing list, please follow this link
Wed, Feb 26 (6:30 pizza / 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)
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 three subcommittees focused on community outreach and education; advocacy for inclusive and diverse texts, curriculum, and discussion for kids; and support and advocacy when incidents happen in schools or the broader 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.
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) - Feb dates 02/10 and 02/24
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) - Feb dates 02/10 and 02/24
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.
UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES OF OUR TIMES - Community Book Discussion
Wednesday, Feb 12 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
(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. Discussions led by John Scopelleti.
Robin DiAngelo is a sociologist who came up with the term "white fragility" to describe the defensiveness white people display when confronted with examples of racism. In her 2018 book she explores that fragility and how it helps to maintain racial inequality.
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: All About Love by bell hooks, 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.
Wednesday, Feb 12 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
(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. Discussions led by John Scopelleti.
Robin DiAngelo is a sociologist who came up with the term "white fragility" to describe the defensiveness white people display when confronted with examples of racism. In her 2018 book she explores that fragility and how it helps to maintain racial inequality.
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: All About Love by bell hooks, 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.
CONSIDERING THE END OF LIFE
Sunday, March 1 (2 p.m.)
We are hosting a forum on the Massachusetts End of Life Options Act, now pending in the legislature. This Act (H.1926/S.1208) would allow qualified, terminally ill adults to request and self-administer medication to end their life in a humane and dignified manner if they choose. Members of the UU Mass Action working group will speak and answer questions.
This event is open to the public.
Sunday, March 1 (2 p.m.)
We are hosting a forum on the Massachusetts End of Life Options Act, now pending in the legislature. This Act (H.1926/S.1208) would allow qualified, terminally ill adults to request and self-administer medication to end their life in a humane and dignified manner if they choose. Members of the UU Mass Action working group will speak and answer questions.
This event is open to the public.
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 March 14th, the Blue Boat sails again— and for this show, the proceeds support Scituate Peer Recovery. 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 March 14th, the Blue Boat sails again— and for this show, the proceeds support Scituate Peer Recovery. 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.
"GRATEFUL": A Small Group Gathering
Beginning in January, we will offer small group discussions based on Diana Butler Bass' book Grateful: The Transforming Power of Giving Thanks. As with the Brene Brown series last year, the discussions will include a brief video based on the book, time for journaling, for reflecting in silence and aloud with others.
Beginning in January, we will offer small group discussions based on Diana Butler Bass' book Grateful: The Transforming Power of Giving Thanks. As with the Brene Brown series last year, the discussions will include a brief video based on the book, time for journaling, for reflecting in silence and aloud with others.
New UUs
Sundays March 8, 22, 29, April 5 (12-1pm)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 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.
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What's going on in our parish life?
