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, Jan 5 Releasing the Chains
In our final Christmas Carol service and our first of the new year, we'll look at how we can, as Scrooge said, "honor Christmas in [our] heart[s], and try to keep it all the year." Pamela Barz preaching.
In our final Christmas Carol service and our first of the new year, we'll look at how we can, as Scrooge said, "honor Christmas in [our] heart[s], and try to keep it all the year." Pamela Barz preaching.
Sunday, Jan 12 A House Built with a Stolen Beam: An Ethical Dilemma for our Time
David Bernat, a former colleague of Pam’s at Wellesley College where he was the Jewish Chaplain and she the UU Chaplain, will join Pam in leading this service. David currently serves as the Executive Director of the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts. He has a PhD in Biblical Interpretation from Brandeis, and has published in the areas of Jewish ritual, and violence in sacred texts. David has held faculty positions at UMass Amherst and Wellesley College.
David writes about his sermon: In Rabbinic norms of Jurisprudence, found in the Mishnah and Talmud, there is the idea that a thief who is apprehended must return the stolen item (along with a penalty, typically 1/5 of the items value). If the stolen object has been changed irrevocably, lost unrecoverably, or consumed totally, the thief is responsible for compensation equal to the value of the stolen property (plus the standard penalty). They propose a scenario- what if the the stolen object is a large beam which the thief uses as a foundation for a house-- do you destroy the house and return the beam, or does the thief compensate the original owner for the value of the wooden beam. We will explore what this scenario and its resolution might say to some contemporary hot-button ethical issues, such as slavery and reparations, repatriation of land to Native Americans, or ill-gotten gains received as charitable donations.
The choir will sing The Sound of Winter.
David Bernat, a former colleague of Pam’s at Wellesley College where he was the Jewish Chaplain and she the UU Chaplain, will join Pam in leading this service. David currently serves as the Executive Director of the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts. He has a PhD in Biblical Interpretation from Brandeis, and has published in the areas of Jewish ritual, and violence in sacred texts. David has held faculty positions at UMass Amherst and Wellesley College.
David writes about his sermon: In Rabbinic norms of Jurisprudence, found in the Mishnah and Talmud, there is the idea that a thief who is apprehended must return the stolen item (along with a penalty, typically 1/5 of the items value). If the stolen object has been changed irrevocably, lost unrecoverably, or consumed totally, the thief is responsible for compensation equal to the value of the stolen property (plus the standard penalty). They propose a scenario- what if the the stolen object is a large beam which the thief uses as a foundation for a house-- do you destroy the house and return the beam, or does the thief compensate the original owner for the value of the wooden beam. We will explore what this scenario and its resolution might say to some contemporary hot-button ethical issues, such as slavery and reparations, repatriation of land to Native Americans, or ill-gotten gains received as charitable donations.
The choir will sing The Sound of Winter.
Sunday, Jan 19 Creating Justice
On this Martin Luther King, Jr., Sunday, Laura Wagner, the Executive Director of UU Mass Action, will join us in reflecting on how we can join with others on creating justice. Pamela Barz will lead the service with Laura.
The choir will sing We Have a Dream.
On this Martin Luther King, Jr., Sunday, Laura Wagner, the Executive Director of UU Mass Action, will join us in reflecting on how we can join with others on creating justice. Pamela Barz will lead the service with Laura.
The choir will sing We Have a Dream.
Community Events
Events are supported by First Parish - locations vary
STRIDE with the Scituate Unity Council
Wed, Jan 29 (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.
For planning purposes, RSVP's are appreciated (especially if you're coming for 6:30 pizza.) To RSVP or to be put on the mailing list, please follow this link
Wed, Jan 29 (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.
For planning purposes, RSVP's are appreciated (especially if you're coming for 6:30 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) - Jan dates 01/13 and 01/27
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) - Jan dates 01/13 and 01/27
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.
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.
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?
