Welcome!
We welcome you to join us in worship, programs, and community, regardless of your faith tradition, race, gender, or family structure.
Multi-platform worship offers in-person worship with safety protocols and is live-streamed online – join us!
Worship Services
Membership Sunday
Sunday March 26, 202310:30AM - 11:30AM
Announcements
Your voice is welcomed, important and needed: watch your email! Last June, our congregation voted unanimously to adopt the 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism. Here is what it says: “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.” As part of putting this principle into practice, a number of our congregants have spent the past six months reflecting on our physical spaces, both inside and outside the church building. They’ve been looking carefully at what hangs on our walls and resides in our hallways in an effort to create a space that welcomes everyone, today, in 2023. What historical meaning do these things have? How do we find a way for us to own our history as a community, all parts of that history? What do we keep, store, change, invent and create to make this a welcoming space that nurtures all of our spirits and reflects our commitment to the 8th principle! To engage everyone in the process of answering the questions above, a small “Welcoming and Owning Our History” group has created a survey that provides information about artifacts and images, articulates concerns, and solicits your opinion. It also asks you to consider your experience in the various spaces of the church, given your individual physical needs. All of the questions are important and all of your responses are, too, whether you are new to the church or have been part of this community for many years. The survey should take about 15 minutes of your time. It will be sent out on March 19th, with the hope that you will complete it by April 2nd. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
At this time of year we’re often reminded how First Parish remains a special place for all of us. In addition to contributing our time and talents to make the work of the church possible, we also contribute financial support. How do you make a pledge? By filling out our quick “Pledge Form”, available on the Giving webpage.
An update from the RE Hiring Team: We have gone live with the announcement of our search for a Director of Lifespan Faith Exploration (DLFE) which is our new title for the former position of Director of Religious Education. You may view the announcement on the church website at https://fpwatertown.org/hiring-a-director-of-lifespan-faith-exploration/. If you know of anyone who might meet our qualifications, please direct them to our website! Thus far we are pleased to have 5 applicants. We have unanimously agreed to move forward with 4 of them, expecting that more applications will come in. Our team is committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. The entire team will interview our selected candidates virtually starting in the next few weeks. From those interviewed, we will then select finalists who will visit the church and meet one on one with Rev. Sophia. The finalists will also meet with the RE committee. The final recommendation for hiring will rest with the RE Hiring Team taking into consideration feedback from the RE committee and the recommendations provided by the candidates. We are excited to have some very well qualified candidates who meet our criteria for this position! Our team, which has been meeting weekly since the beginning of February, has thoughtfully discussed the qualities in an ideal candidate for our church. We will continue to work together with care to find the person who best fits our congregation’s hopes and dreams for an exciting program of faith exploration for all ages at First Parish. The RE Hiring Team: Matt Calabro Danielle England Rev. Sophia Lyons Sarah McSweeney Martha Pedersen Juliette Pickering Susan Twombly
Our Faith
As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm the inherent worth of all people and embrace the free search for truth without a creed.
Our Minister
Rev. Sophia Lyons is the 30th settled minister of First Parish Watertown.
Our History
The First Parish of Watertown, established in 1630, is one of the oldest parishes in the United States.
In Our Own Words
FPW is a gentle, caring community where I learn and grow. It’s also a place that appreciates what I have to give.
These Zoom services mean so much to me at this difficult time… it’s good enough that I remember I’m part of this community. It’s a lifeline during the pandemic.
We’re a small church that acts big. We have some very energetic people who can do a lot.
Learning
Faith is a lifelong learning experience. Our Religious Education program promotes children’s individual religious exploration in a loving environment. Adult Programs bring religious education to the grownups.
Justice
We commit to being a force for social change in our congregation, our town, and the world. We support anti-racism work, speak out for immigrant rights, fight for climate justice, and welcome and celebrate LGBTQiA+ people.
Connection
Join our community at social events and in shared-interest groups! In times of need, our minister provides pastoral care. This community is sustained by our gifts of time and money.
Stay Informed about First Parish
What's Happening
Read articles including news, updates, and reflections from our minister, staff, committees, and members.
Weekly Newsletter
Stay informed about upcoming worship and events by subscribing to the Arbella, our weekly email newsletter.
Member Directory
Members can log in to our Breeze directory to find contact information, view their pledge, and manage volunteer roles.