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, March 10 Waiting to Grow
Pamela Barz will begin our series on Jesus’ parables with a sermon on the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast from the Gospel of Matthew. The Girl Scouts of our congregation will take part in the service in recognition of Girl Scout Sunday. The choir will sing Source of Peace.
Pamela Barz will begin our series on Jesus’ parables with a sermon on the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast from the Gospel of Matthew. The Girl Scouts of our congregation will take part in the service in recognition of Girl Scout Sunday. The choir will sing Source of Peace.
Sunday, March 17 The Spirituality of Imperfection Bill Ketchum preaching
The longest of Jesus' parables, the story of the prodigal son, Luke 15: 11-32, is a lesson on mistakes and forgiveness. The characters in the parable all made mistakes but it is how they responded to their errors that Jesus uses for his message of forgiveness. Likewise in our lives, do we learn from our mistakes and respond with love and compassion? We will look at an ancient story with meaning for our modern lives. The choir will sing I am Finding My Way Back to Now.
The longest of Jesus' parables, the story of the prodigal son, Luke 15: 11-32, is a lesson on mistakes and forgiveness. The characters in the parable all made mistakes but it is how they responded to their errors that Jesus uses for his message of forgiveness. Likewise in our lives, do we learn from our mistakes and respond with love and compassion? We will look at an ancient story with meaning for our modern lives. The choir will sing I am Finding My Way Back to Now.
Sunday, March 24 Must We Be Fair?
Pamela Barz will consider the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20: 1-16), where all, no matter how long they labored, receive the same wage at the end of the day. The choir will sing Draw the Circle Wide.
Pamela Barz will consider the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20: 1-16), where all, no matter how long they labored, receive the same wage at the end of the day. The choir will sing Draw the Circle Wide.
Sunday, March 31 When Lawyers Hear Stories Anne Robertson, guest preacher
The Bible as law is full of contradictions, loopholes, and complex questions. The Bible as story is clear as day. Anne Robertson will use the paradigm-breaking story of the Good Samaritan to look at what the Bible says to us today. The choir will sing When Our Heart is in a Holy Place.
See below for Rev. Robertson's bio and a description of her books. Copies of her latest title will be available Sunday, courtesy of Buttonwood Books.
The Bible as law is full of contradictions, loopholes, and complex questions. The Bible as story is clear as day. Anne Robertson will use the paradigm-breaking story of the Good Samaritan to look at what the Bible says to us today. The choir will sing When Our Heart is in a Holy Place.
See below for Rev. Robertson's bio and a description of her books. Copies of her latest title will be available Sunday, courtesy of Buttonwood Books.
Upcoming Community Events at First Parish
PARABLES DISCUSSION
Select weeknight evenings March 6 - April 3 (see below) from 7 - 8:30 pm
Each week during our sermon series on Jesus’ parables, Pamela Barz and Bill Ketchum will lead a discussion of the story to be preached on that Sunday using a method of Bible study which uses art and discussion to look at what the story might say to us today. No knowledge of the Bible is necessary to participate. The class is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible), though extra Bibles will be available.
Sessions will be Wednesday March 6, Thursday March 14, Wednesday March 20, and Wednesday April 3, from 7-8:30 pm at the church. Come to one or more and hear how your thoughts turn up in the following Sunday’s sermon.
Select weeknight evenings March 6 - April 3 (see below) from 7 - 8:30 pm
Each week during our sermon series on Jesus’ parables, Pamela Barz and Bill Ketchum will lead a discussion of the story to be preached on that Sunday using a method of Bible study which uses art and discussion to look at what the story might say to us today. No knowledge of the Bible is necessary to participate. The class is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible), though extra Bibles will be available.
Sessions will be Wednesday March 6, Thursday March 14, Wednesday March 20, and Wednesday April 3, from 7-8:30 pm at the church. Come to one or more and hear how your thoughts turn up in the following Sunday’s sermon.
THEATRE AND THE SPIRIT: Broadway and Faith
(Monthly series) Monday, March 18 from 7 - 8:30 pm
We begin a new series this month, using plays as a prism for faith. Local playwright, director, and theatre professor Lisa Rafferty will lead this monthly series along with Pamela Barz and Natasha Stewart, Priest-in-Charge of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. During the first session, March 18, we will look at Fiddler on the Roof (book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, based on stories by Sholom Alecheim). Our discussion will be based on listening to songs and reading aloud passages from the script. No advance preparation is necessary, but if you would like to listen to some snippets ahead of time, Lisa suggests this link.
Future discussions will focus on Godspell (Monday May 20) and The Savannah Disputation (Monday June 3). Both of these conversations will be held at St. Luke’s.
(Monthly series) Monday, March 18 from 7 - 8:30 pm
We begin a new series this month, using plays as a prism for faith. Local playwright, director, and theatre professor Lisa Rafferty will lead this monthly series along with Pamela Barz and Natasha Stewart, Priest-in-Charge of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. During the first session, March 18, we will look at Fiddler on the Roof (book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, based on stories by Sholom Alecheim). Our discussion will be based on listening to songs and reading aloud passages from the script. No advance preparation is necessary, but if you would like to listen to some snippets ahead of time, Lisa suggests this link.
Future discussions will focus on Godspell (Monday May 20) and The Savannah Disputation (Monday June 3). Both of these conversations will be held at St. Luke’s.
UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES OF OUR TIMES
Community Book Discussion
Tuesday, March 26 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.
This month we will be discussing The Giver by Lois Lowry.
After many months discussing works about race and privilege, the group has decided to delve into the books that are studied by 6-12th grade students in the Scituate school system. Our January reading was Yoko Kawashima Watkins' So Far From the Bamboo Grove (following up Monster, by Walter Dean Myers, and Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks). We'll discuss the book and how it does (or does not) help create a sense of empathy towards folks who are traditionally under-represented in the books read by Scituate students. Copies of the book are available in the library system.
Community Book Discussion
Tuesday, March 26 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.
This month we will be discussing The Giver by Lois Lowry.
After many months discussing works about race and privilege, the group has decided to delve into the books that are studied by 6-12th grade students in the Scituate school system. Our January reading was Yoko Kawashima Watkins' So Far From the Bamboo Grove (following up Monster, by Walter Dean Myers, and Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks). We'll discuss the book and how it does (or does not) help create a sense of empathy towards folks who are traditionally under-represented in the books read by Scituate students. Copies of the book are available in the library system.
GUEST SPEAKER: REV. ANNA ROBERTSON
"When Lawyers Hear Stories"
Sunday, March 31 10:30 am
A graduate of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Rev. Anne Robertson became the Executive Director of the historic Massachusetts Bible Society on April 17, 2007 after serving churches for 13 years as a United Methodist pastor. Winner of the Wilbur C. Ziegler Award for Excellence in Preaching, she is the author of three books: Blowing the Lid Off the God-Box, God's Top 10: Blowing the Lid Off the Commandments, and God With Skin On: Finding God's Love in Human Relationships, all published by Morehouse Publishing. She is also the author of the popular Bible study series, Exploring the Bible: The Dickinson Series. Born and raised in Hope, RI, Anne is a now resident of Sandwich, MA.
Her new book: New Vision for an Old Story: Why the Bible Might Not Be the Book You Think It Is was published by Eerdmans Publishing in October, 2018 and will be for sale after worship.
"When Lawyers Hear Stories"
Sunday, March 31 10:30 am
A graduate of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Rev. Anne Robertson became the Executive Director of the historic Massachusetts Bible Society on April 17, 2007 after serving churches for 13 years as a United Methodist pastor. Winner of the Wilbur C. Ziegler Award for Excellence in Preaching, she is the author of three books: Blowing the Lid Off the God-Box, God's Top 10: Blowing the Lid Off the Commandments, and God With Skin On: Finding God's Love in Human Relationships, all published by Morehouse Publishing. She is also the author of the popular Bible study series, Exploring the Bible: The Dickinson Series. Born and raised in Hope, RI, Anne is a now resident of Sandwich, MA.
Her new book: New Vision for an Old Story: Why the Bible Might Not Be the Book You Think It Is was published by Eerdmans Publishing in October, 2018 and will be for sale after worship.
SPRING CONCERT
Sunday, March 31 at 3 p.m.
Lily Duff, flute
Win Lawson, trombone
Beth Dubuisson, piano
Come enjoy this showcase of classical pieces (and some jazz!) featuring Lily and Win, who are accomplished musicians, graduating Scituate High School seniors, and First Parish youth.
Sunday, March 31 at 3 p.m.
Lily Duff, flute
Win Lawson, trombone
Beth Dubuisson, piano
Come enjoy this showcase of classical pieces (and some jazz!) featuring Lily and Win, who are accomplished musicians, graduating Scituate High School seniors, and First Parish youth.
THE BLUE BOAT COFFEEHOUSE
Saturday, April 16 from 6–9pm
The Blue Boat sails once more! Once again we will highlight the incredible talent of local adults and youth while raising funds for a local non-profit organization (to be announced for April show), 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, April 16 from 6–9pm
The Blue Boat sails once more! Once again we will highlight the incredible talent of local adults and youth while raising funds for a local non-profit organization (to be announced for April show), 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) - 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.
"DO NOT BE AFRAID": A Small Group Gathering
In January, 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.
In January, 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 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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