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, 202310:30AM - 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
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
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.