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

Worship Service

Sunday October 01, 2023
10:30AM - 12:00PM

“An Open Palm,” Rev. Sophia preaching, with Carole Katz, Samantha Eyster, Charlyn Bethell, and Guy Urban. We are living through a time of widespread historical reckoning and awakening–tracing our fingers over all that we thought we knew, the heritage narratives we have been taught, and asking ourselves whether they convey the whole story, or much truth at all anymore. This service will explore the spiritual difficulties and delights that come with opening ourselves up to new truths, as well as letting old ones…go. We will also partake in a ritual to bless our building and reflect on the possibilities that our now blank walls hold. Slow down and give yourself the gift of church this Sunday.

All are welcome! We offer in person services (masks suggested) that are also streamed via Zoom. If you would like the Zoom link for the service, please contact welcome@fpwatertown.org by noon on Friday. 


 

Announcements

  • line drawing of church building

    Join us after service on Sunday, Sept 24 for a short update on the Welcoming Building group’s plans for next steps and a walk-though tour and ritual as we prepare to take the historical items – Arbella model, banner made by Missy Shay, and ministerial portraits – from our walls to be put into storage until June 2024. This is the first step in what will be an ongoing process to reckon with our history. Sept 24 Sun at noon –  Update from Welcoming Building group followed by walk-through and ritual Sept 26 Tues at 7pm – Q&A session, Zoom (link in newsletter – same presentation as Sept 17) Sept 27 and on –  we will begin the process of taking down the historical items listed above Oct 1 Sun – Blessing in church Oct TBD –  Further discussions about our history (to be planned) If you missed last week’s presentation and discussion, here are the remarks by Charmian and Will , the video shown and timeline of the 8th Principle Task Force. 

Our Faith

silver colored chalice with flame on table with lit taper candle and snuffer

As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm the inherent worth of all people and embrace the free search for truth without a creed.

Our Minister

woman in black robe with white stole stands in front of church building

Rev. Sophia Lyons is the 30th settled minister of First Parish Watertown.

Our History

black and white photograph of wooden Gothic church with square tower at left and low building with peaked roof and round wall at right

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.

K.W.

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.

L.B.

We’re a small church that acts big.  We have some very energetic people who can do a lot.

Anon.

Learning

woman sits cross-legged on carpet telling story with props to children sitting and lying on their stomachs

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

five youth in raincoats with hood stand in the rain holding Watertown Walks for Peace banner

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

six people look up at camera from meal and trivia answer sheet

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.

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What's Happening

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Church Calendar

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