These chalice lighting words were offered by the Rev. Jeff Barz-Snell on November 9, 2025. November 9, 1938 is a somber anniversary for many people in Europe and many people of conscience around the world. On this night 87 years…
Over the last month or so, I have told folks that I feel like I am preparing for a coming storm, as one of the leaders of this church. The storm comprises a dramatic surge in local need as people…
Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness against thy neighbor. ~ Exodus 20:16 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. ~ Proverbs 12:22 Everywhere I look there seems to be a…
We kicked off a six-month book and discussion group last Friday, based on the historian and blog writer Heather Cox Richardson’s latest book, Awakening Democracy. At the start of our meeting I invited everyone to introduce themselves and share one…
This week and the coming days could be quite stressful for many people, including some of us reading this. Over the next few days, I encourage all of us to do the following things: Vote • Breathe …
Four years ago today we held our last in-person service as the world turned upside down and the Pandemic took over every aspect of our lives. In the days that led up to March 15, 2020 it became abundantly clear…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Pogo Last night I attended the Weston Housing Roundtable and Discussion at the Library. There were several members of First Parish Church in attendance, including Nancy Piedra who helped organize and…
Last Sunday, I began my sermon with an abbreviated parody of that most famous of holiday poems, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. I have received so many requests for copies of my version that I am…
Last month was the hottest month around the world since modern measurements began. Wildfires are burning at never before seen levels in Canada, portions of Europe and Asia, and now even Hawaii! The water temperatures off the coast of Florida…
This has been quite a year for many of us as we individually and collectively emerged out of (or into a new phase) of the Pandemic. There have been stories and events that left us sad and frustrated (like the invasion…
