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, Feb 3 This Delight-Filled Universe
We begin our worship series on Joy with a reflection on the ways joy is present in our lives. Pamela Barz preaching. We will also celebrate the joy of Imbolc/Candlemas/Groundhog Day when the Earth in the northern hemisphere turns away from Winter and toward Spring, the joy of First Parish’s 385th birthday, and the joy of membership anniversaries with cake, party hats, and even a bubble machine! The choir will sing Dansi Na Kuimba ("Dance and Sing").
We begin our worship series on Joy with a reflection on the ways joy is present in our lives. Pamela Barz preaching. We will also celebrate the joy of Imbolc/Candlemas/Groundhog Day when the Earth in the northern hemisphere turns away from Winter and toward Spring, the joy of First Parish’s 385th birthday, and the joy of membership anniversaries with cake, party hats, and even a bubble machine! The choir will sing Dansi Na Kuimba ("Dance and Sing").
Sunday, Feb 10 The Warmth of Joy
Since joy doesn’t exist in a vacuum, this Sunday we will reflect on the relationship between joy and sorrow – are they in opposition or connected? Pamela Barz preaching.
As part of the service we will bless completed prayer shawls to be given to people experiencing times of transition, joy, or sorrow. And everyone who has received a prayer shawl in the past is invited to bring it to church today. Our music will be led by the group Earth Harmony.
Since joy doesn’t exist in a vacuum, this Sunday we will reflect on the relationship between joy and sorrow – are they in opposition or connected? Pamela Barz preaching.
As part of the service we will bless completed prayer shawls to be given to people experiencing times of transition, joy, or sorrow. And everyone who has received a prayer shawl in the past is invited to bring it to church today. Our music will be led by the group Earth Harmony.
Sunday, Feb 17 The Joy of Creativity – A Multigenerational Service
How does creating something spark joy? Rather than just reflecting on the question, this morning we will experience the joy of creating during our worship time. After a brief opening, adults and children will be invited to take part in a creative process, choosing among writing a poem, arranging flowers, creating a representation of joy out of clay, making a joy collage, or playing a hymn on bells and drums. At the end of the service we will gather together for our annual chocolate communion (led by Pamela Barz).
How does creating something spark joy? Rather than just reflecting on the question, this morning we will experience the joy of creating during our worship time. After a brief opening, adults and children will be invited to take part in a creative process, choosing among writing a poem, arranging flowers, creating a representation of joy out of clay, making a joy collage, or playing a hymn on bells and drums. At the end of the service we will gather together for our annual chocolate communion (led by Pamela Barz).
Upcoming Community Events at First Parish
"DO NOT BE AFRAID": A Small Group Gathering
5 weeks, starting the week of Jan 7 at 7 p.m. (in private homes)
*** There are a couple of spots still available, for a Monday night group and a Thursday night group. ***
Please consider joining a small group discussion using the work of Brene Brown, professor at the University of Houston, author of such books as "Braving the Wilderness," and "The Gifts of Imperfection." Her TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability has become one of the most-viewed talks. Our discussion, Do Not Be Afraid: Defeating Fear with Hope, Peace, Love, Joy and a Wholehearted Life will use her work to reflect on how we let fear govern our lives and how we can move out of fear into more hope, peace, love, and joy.
5 weeks, starting the week of Jan 7 at 7 p.m. (in private homes)
*** There are a couple of spots still available, for a Monday night group and a Thursday night group. ***
Please consider joining a small group discussion using the work of Brene Brown, professor at the University of Houston, author of such books as "Braving the Wilderness," and "The Gifts of Imperfection." Her TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability has become one of the most-viewed talks. Our discussion, Do Not Be Afraid: Defeating Fear with Hope, Peace, Love, Joy and a Wholehearted Life will use her work to reflect on how we let fear govern our lives and how we can move out of fear into more hope, peace, love, and joy.
FRANKENSTEIN Discussion
Wednesday, January 30 at 7 p.m. (note new date!)
What does Mary Shelley’s novel have to say to us today? As part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the publication of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, in her Sunday Oct 25 sermon, Pamela Barz preached on the novel (you can read her sermon here). Join us for further discussion!
Wednesday, January 30 at 7 p.m. (note new date!)
What does Mary Shelley’s novel have to say to us today? As part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the publication of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, in her Sunday Oct 25 sermon, Pamela Barz preached on the novel (you can read her sermon here). Join us for further discussion!
THE BLUE BOAT COFFEEHOUSE
Saturday, March 16 from 6–9pm
The Blue Boat sails again on St Patrick's Day weekend! Once again we will 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.
Saturday, March 16 from 6–9pm
The Blue Boat sails again on St Patrick's Day weekend! Once again we will 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.
BOTTLES & CANS DRIVE throughout January!
One of our major fundraisers each year is sorting bottles & cans at the transfer station. We need volunteers to sort and bag; others to transport to the Cohasset redemption center; and one person each week to coordinate them.
Please sign up for a shift here.
One of our major fundraisers each year is sorting bottles & cans at the transfer station. We need volunteers to sort and bag; others to transport to the Cohasset redemption center; and one person each week to coordinate them.
Please sign up for a shift here.
MONDAY NIGHT MEDITATION
(2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm) - Feb dates 2/11 and 2/25
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 2/11 and 2/25
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.
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 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?
