Connect & Grow
Our Life Together
Our hope is that all who gather here are refreshed and find renewed purpose as we experience God’s presence in community
Ministries of Care and Support
At First Parish Church, we encourage one another through joys, struggles and life transitions.
In-Reach is a program within the church that provides short-term assistance to members and friends in times of illness and loss, and in times of joy. Volunteer opportunities include preparing meals and providing transportation.
Prayer Shawl and Card Ministry
Our Hospitality Team provides receptions for memorial and funeral services and on special occasions.
Our Minister is available to support members and friends in individual situations.
Small group gatherings open to all in the community are ongoing at First Parish Church.
Women’s Craft Group meets regularly: conversation and refreshments and activities for all skill levels are plentiful.
Men’s Group and Family Gatherings are ongoing.
Music programs at First Parish Church offer people of all ages an opportunity to connect and learn.
Nurturing Faith Lifelong
All along life’s journey God calls us to grow spiritually and intellectually, and we respond by engaging in study and discussion on a wide variety of topic.
Adult Studies
We gather after worship in the Parlor for forums with guest speakers, discussions, and films. In all learning forums, we strive to create a space that invites questions and encourages respectful conversation, that’s unafraid to address difficult topics and lives out what the United Church of Christ banner proclaims: Our faith is 2000 years old, but our thinking is not.
Children’s Gatherings
Pre-schoolers and children gather throughout the year to grow in community with their peers, and through crafts, music and storytelling explore our seasons and traditions. Service projects, local outings and interfaith engagements are a vital part of their engagement. These gatherings are also opportunities for young parents to ask questions and share ideas about how they might engage their children at home in faith forming activities.
Sunday Mornings
Families begin together in the Sanctuary and then after a special Children’s Time, children leave worship to join their adult leaders for faith filled activities. Through age-appropriate curriculum that engages the many ways children learn, they explore scripture and stories and the values of Progressive Christian theology. From the very beginning of their spiritual journey we engage in a way that encourages self-confidence and the gift of wonder.
Confirmation
This is a yearlong journey that has as a different feel for each young person involved. Meetings with the minister and mentors offer a safe space for those between 8th and 10th grade to explore our tradition in context and ask the kinds of questions that allow faith to honestly deepen.
Youth are involved in the life of the church. In addition to programs specific to them, youth regularly participate in worship, share musical gifts, participate in service projects and are supported to initiate projects around issues they are drawn to, and serve as leaders in children’s programs.
Safe Church
In order to create a safe environment for all people, First Parish Church has passed a comprehensive Safe Church policy that is updated and shared regularly.