Upcoming Services

Vespers Service – “Together in Uncertainty”

Advent is a time of hopeful waiting and also a time of uncertainty. Come to this vespers service in the Bacon room: we’ll have candles, music, meditation, and an exploration of how we can be together in the uncertain waiting.

“Joy to the World!” – Annual Carol Sing
led by Bradford Conner, First Parish Music/Choir Director

With lots of singing and musical surprises.  Guests will include Deborah Weiner, Sarah Klockowski and Ben Sears.  Come and sing lustily your favorite holiday carol or song!

Long Night’s Journey Into Day:  A Service Honoring the Winter Solstice

Led by Deborah Weiner and Rev. Annie Gonzalez Milliken

With gentleness, chant and ritual, we honor the longest night and shortest day of the year.  We’ll light candles, dress our worship space with evergreens, and sing together to ‘drive the dark away.’  We’ll release that which should die in the fading light, and kindle lights of hope as we celebrate the sun’s return to the earth.  Join us in this service for all ages!

“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” – An All-Ages Celebration of Hanukkah

Led by Rev. Annie Gonzalez Milliken and Deborah Weiner

Based on the story by Eric Kimmel, Hershel of Ostropol had a big problem as Hanukkah came around:  goblins that caused him trouble at every turn! Celebrate the beginning of the Jewish Festival of Lights (which begins on the night of December 22) with Hershel as he triumphs over the King of the Goblins!  We’ll have music and some Sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to mark the beginning of this holiday!

at 3:30pm:

Christmas Eve Family Service

We welcome families of all shapes, sizes and ages as we join in joyful song and celebration to mark the arrival of Christmas.  We will be blessed by the music of First Parish’s three children’s and youth choirs, as well as alumni singers.  We’ll consider the true meaning of the holiday through O. Henry’s story, “The Gift of the Magi” and hear passages from the Bible telling of the birth of a Savior for our world.  Join us, and let heaven and nature sing!  NOTE the earlier time for this worship service.

at 8:00pm:

Traditional Christmas Eve Service

Prelude Music begins at 7:40 p.m.  Service begins at 8:00 p.m.  First Parish’s Traditional Christmas Eve service with a homily by Annie Milliken-Gonzalez, assistance by Deborah Weiner, and our adult choir & soloists accompanied by orchestra performing music by American composer, Randall Thompson including “Alleluia”, “Choose Something Like a Star” and excerpts from “The Nativity According to St. Luke”.  Favorite Christmas carols will include “Silent Night” and “The First Nowell”.

NOTE:  No services are planned on Christmas Day, December 25

Cusp Service with Matt Meyer

Matt is a well-known UU musician and itinerant worship leader. Along with leading Sunday morning worship all over the U.S. and Canada, he is Director of Operations for The Sanctuary Boston, a contemporary spiritual community based in Unitarian Universalism. He is a drummer, storyteller, song leader, and a total delight. Come for a cusp service you won’t want to miss!

“Spiritual Friendship”

Led by Rev. Dr. John Buehrens, Guest Minister

The Transcendentalists fought for racial, gender and social justice with an underutilized tool: spiritual friendships transcending differences. John Gibbons will be back from sabbatical and will both welcome our guest and be welcomed back.

Buehrens was UUA President from 1993 to 2001. He’s now retired in San Francisco and the author of a new book on the Transcendentalists as activists. He and Gibbons have been friends for nearly 30 years. The book will be available for sale and signing.