First Parish currently utilizes a hybrid worship format: We are holding in-person services on Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary while also live-streaming using Zoom. Click below to join the live stream!
~
We are still recording the worship services, and a lightly-edited video will be uploaded to our Vimeo showcase during the week following the service.
Our Worship Services
Our service typically lasts one hour and follows a Protestant format (like many UU churches) with readings from the Bible and other thoughtful sources, prayers, and hymns. Sermons and music play an important role in our services as our sermons provide an opportunity for us to reflect on the world, and our music inspires and stimulates connection and reflection.
We have a Christian cross on the altar and a Unitarian Universalist Chalice up front on the side table. This reminds us of the broad beliefs of our congregation and our commitment to an open and affirming faith informed by both Biblical teachings and Unitarian Universalist Principles.
On Wednesday mornings, we gather for meditation at 8:30 am, always concluding by 9:15 am.
Our Covenant and Values
Our worship services reflect our shared values, principles, and beliefs as a Unitarian Universalist Christian congregation:
- Covenant — We do not hold a specific creed, but instead a shared covenant:
“In the love of truth, and in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we unite for the worship of God and the service of humankind.” - Aspiration — “You will be cared for, and you will be asked to care for others.”
- Our History — The more than 320-year-old history of First Parish is closely tied to the history of Weston.
What to Expect
Sunday mornings we meet for weekly service at 10:30 am. An organ prelude starts at 10:20 am. We typically worship in our main sanctuary (where we have the capability to record worship & live-stream on Zoom), but sometimes we hold worship in the Sears Chapel or (weather permitting) outdoors; check our website or the eParish Post (our email newsletter) for schedule changes.
Frequently children begin in the sanctuary before leaving to attend church school. During those services, there is almost always a “time for all ages.” Stop by the Welcome Table or check the bulletin board in the breezeway to see if your children start in the sanctuary or the Sears Chapel.
We always have infant and toddler care and religious education programs for children (Check our calendar for school vacation weeks.)
Online Worship
In March 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic challenged all of our expectations about what it means to gather for worship, and in the interest of public health, we adapted our services and moved them online. Click here to learn more about our Online Worship options.
Program Year – Sundays in September Through June
On Sunday mornings our service is at 10:30 am in the sanctuary, and we usually we have our children join us for the first few minutes of the service. See Your Children’s First Visit for more information.
Following our service, we have an hour of community coffee and refreshments in the Parish Hall.
Summer – Mid-June Through Labor Day
Historically, First Parish takes a worship sabbath for the month of July and then we host summer services in August. The services begin at our usual time (10:30 AM); in order to live-stream them for those who can’t be with us in person, we usually gather in the air-conditioned Sanctuary. We do not have childcare or children’s programs during the month of August.
FESTIVE SUNDAYS AND SPECIAL SERVICES
(Check the church calendar or Parish Post for updates and times.)
- On Festive Sundays (e.g., Thanksgiving, Sundays before Christmas and Easter) we often have more than one service.
- Christmas Eve is a highlight of the year with two or three services, each climaxing with a candle-lit singing of Silent Night.
- Special services such as evening Christmastime services, Holy Week, and others are announced throughout the year.
- Twice a year we have an all-music Sunday when our organ and choir preside. Focusing on the music of a past era and a noted composer, they lead us in a special hour of contemplation. For many of our members, these dates stand out as not-to-be-missed Sundays.
- Communion is offered twice a year during the service.