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, June 21 This Is What Community Looks Like
This is our last regular Sunday service before moving to summer services (more on that below). We will celebrate the strength and connections of our First Parish community with the ritual of Flower Communion. Pam will be preaching on the origins of this ritual in Czechoslovakia in the 1930's and how it sustained the Unitarian congregation in Prague during those violent and fearful times. We will enjoy an anthem from our choir! And we will share flowers. Usually in flower communion, each person brings a flower to the service and then receives one, symbolizing the gifts we offer to and receive from this congregation. For this Zoom service, we ask each person to have a flower to show.
This is our last regular Sunday service before moving to summer services (more on that below). We will celebrate the strength and connections of our First Parish community with the ritual of Flower Communion. Pam will be preaching on the origins of this ritual in Czechoslovakia in the 1930's and how it sustained the Unitarian congregation in Prague during those violent and fearful times. We will enjoy an anthem from our choir! And we will share flowers. Usually in flower communion, each person brings a flower to the service and then receives one, symbolizing the gifts we offer to and receive from this congregation. For this Zoom service, we ask each person to have a flower to show.
June 28 - Sept 6: Summer Services
Sunday, June 28 we will all attend the UUA's General Assembly Sunday worship together. This is the largest annual gathering of UUs joining in worship. The Rev. Ms. Joan Javier-Duval will preach on Beyond the Water’s Edge: "These are uncertain and volatile times. These are times that call on us to work towards our collective liberation while also tending to our spiritual needs and caring for others. How do we ready ourselves for what is being asked of us? How do we keep moving even when we don’t feel ready." Ms. Javier-Duval serves as minister of the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, VT. The service streams at 10 a.m. More information on how to access it and the First Parish coffee hour which will follow will be shared next week.
Sundays, July 5-September 6 we are joining with other UU congregations in New England to share services. Each congregation will take a turn hosting worship - they will plan, lead, and record the service which will then be shared over YouTube. We will watch the service at 9 a.m. on Sundays (the time of our regular summer services) and then gather to reflect on it and share news of our lives over Zoom coffeehours. First Parish will lead worship on Sunday August 30 for a blessing of the backpacks as the new school year begins.
Sunday, June 28 we will all attend the UUA's General Assembly Sunday worship together. This is the largest annual gathering of UUs joining in worship. The Rev. Ms. Joan Javier-Duval will preach on Beyond the Water’s Edge: "These are uncertain and volatile times. These are times that call on us to work towards our collective liberation while also tending to our spiritual needs and caring for others. How do we ready ourselves for what is being asked of us? How do we keep moving even when we don’t feel ready." Ms. Javier-Duval serves as minister of the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, VT. The service streams at 10 a.m. More information on how to access it and the First Parish coffee hour which will follow will be shared next week.
Sundays, July 5-September 6 we are joining with other UU congregations in New England to share services. Each congregation will take a turn hosting worship - they will plan, lead, and record the service which will then be shared over YouTube. We will watch the service at 9 a.m. on Sundays (the time of our regular summer services) and then gather to reflect on it and share news of our lives over Zoom coffeehours. First Parish will lead worship on Sunday August 30 for a blessing of the backpacks as the new school year begins.
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
SCITUATE RACIAL JUSTICE EVENTS
Ongoing Weekly Standouts
in support of Black lives and the memory of George Floyd
Sundays, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at First Parish: We followed the lead of black clergy leaders from across Boston who asked suburban UUs (and people of all faiths and none) to hold standouts in their own towns, starting June 7. You are invited to gather on the front lawn of First Parish to bear witness for that hour. Please wear a mask and bring a sign if you would like (or come early to make a sign).
Ongoing Weekly Standouts
in support of Black lives and the memory of George Floyd
Sundays, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at First Parish: We followed the lead of black clergy leaders from across Boston who asked suburban UUs (and people of all faiths and none) to hold standouts in their own towns, starting June 7. You are invited to gather on the front lawn of First Parish to bear witness for that hour. Please wear a mask and bring a sign if you would like (or come early to make a sign).
- Sundays, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at St. Luke's: The St. Luke's community invites you to join them as well.
- Mondays, 2:00 p.m. at the Town Common: to witness and protest.
- Daily, 10 a.m. at the 3A Rotary: to witness and protest.
STRIDE
Scituate Together for Representation, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity
Wednesday, June 24 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm on Zoom
The agenda for the June meeting includes a current events discussion about how we can react and take action. How can we participate in meaningful, inclusive, and authentic conversations on social media about the topics of race and equity? Also on the agenda is how to support the One Community, One Book reading of Katherine Applegate's Wish Tree.
STRIDE hopes to continue the former Unity Council'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
Scituate Together for Representation, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity
Wednesday, June 24 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm on Zoom
The agenda for the June meeting includes a current events discussion about how we can react and take action. How can we participate in meaningful, inclusive, and authentic conversations on social media about the topics of race and equity? Also on the agenda is how to support the One Community, One Book reading of Katherine Applegate's Wish Tree.
STRIDE hopes to continue the former Unity Council'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) - June dates 6/08, 6/22
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) - June dates 6/08, 6/22
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!
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.
SAVE OUR STEEPLE!
The steeple of First Parish is undergoing storm damage repair. Any contributions help keep this Scituate landmark stay shipshape! (Donate button above.)
The steeple of First Parish is undergoing storm damage repair. Any contributions help keep this Scituate landmark stay shipshape! (Donate button above.)
What's going on in our parish life?
