Multiplatform Worship

Sunday services are at 10:00 a.m. We gather both in person and online.

Starting May 21, 2023, masks will be optional throughout the campus, including during in person worship. We still strongly support masks for those who choose to wear them. They will remain available at main entrances to the building. We will also continue to have extra ventilation in the sanctuary, with CO2 monitoring, and air filters in other rooms. We also strongly encourage everyone who is medically able to be vaccinated, as this is in line with our Unitarian Universalist value of care for one another. 

Worship Resources

• Zoom link – to participate virtually
• Order of Service – the digital version of the printed listing of elements that we hand out in person on Sunday mornings
• Our Covid safety protocols – so you know what to expect on Sunday morning
• Past Services – check out excerpts from past services on our YouTube page
• Sunday Announcements – the digital version of the announcements sheet we hand out in person on Sunday morning
• Summer Services Consortium Schedule – our full 2024 summer worship schedule

When You Arrive on Sunday

When you enter through the front doors (between the columns facing Lexington Road), expect friendly faces to greet you and answer your questions.

Our accessible entrance is on the right side of the building, near the parking lot’s turnaround circle. We’ll have a friendly face to greet you there, too! Follow the hall straight ahead to the elevator and take it to the Sanctuary level.

Restrooms are on the lower level, underneath the Sanctuary (on the same floor as the accessible building entrance) across from the wall with the nametags. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. We have a single stall, gender neutral restroom as well.

Please sit wherever you would like. Know that our services will be posted online. The pews in the back of the balcony and on the leftmost side of the lower floor (as you face the pulpit) are not visible on the recording.

Children are also welcome in Religious Exploration. Ask an usher or email Rev. Amy Freedman (afreedman@firstparish.org) for more info.

Our service lasts about an hour. Gathering music begins about 5 minutes before the service begins.

During services

Each week, we hear a variety of vibrant and diverse music, prayers, readings, and preaching. As a Unitarian Universalist congregation, each week’s service is designed around a single theme, inviting you to explore your thoughts and feelings around that idea. There is an opportunity to make a financial contribution during the offertory. First Parish shares this collection with a different organization working for justice each month.

At the end of the service, we speak our Benediction to one another. Many of us consider our Benediction to be the heart of our community:

Go out into the world in peace
Have courage
Hold on to what is good
Return to no person evil for evil
Strengthen the faint-hearted
Support the weak
Help the suffering
Honor all beings

After services

There are multiple ways to connect afterwards. Coffee hour is a time to mingle and have open-ended conversations. Often, social action teams or other groups have information about ways to get involved.

The ministers and other worship leaders are available for conversation during coffee hour.

The Worship Sharing Circle is a smaller group that gathers with thoughtful facilitators to reflect on the theme of the service. Worship Sharing Circle is offered in person and on Zoom.

After visiting, if you have any questions or want to talk with someone, feel free to speak with any of the worship leaders or contact the office at contact@firstparish.org.

Thank you for coming, and we hope to see you again soon.