Adult Faith Exploration

Workshops, sacred teachings, films, music, and book groups (to name a few) offer opportunities to explore our Shared Values, challenge our preconceptions, and inspire spiritual healing and growth. Each church year offers different kinds of programming which might be led by a staff member or fellow parishioner. Some of our regular offerings are:

The Heart of the Matter

Rev. Sophia facilitates an open discussion group one Sunday each month following the worship service. Join her to explore our month’s theme and reflect on what worship has brought up for you so as to get to the heart of the matter.

Weekly Meditation Circle

Every Monday evening at 7pm we meet in the sanctuary and spend time developing our spirituality through meditation and other practices, with time for sharing, stories, and spiritual exploration. Please note that this meditation group sits on chairs, not meditation cushions. Church member Sensei Morris Doshin Sullivan leads. He is an ordained Zen monk and Jodo Shinshu Buddhist minister who has studied and taught meditation in several traditions. No need to register, simply show up as you are.

Chalice Circles

This small group ministry offers us a chance to form deep and lasting bonds with other members of the community. For long-time congregants, they present the opportunity to form new relationships or deepen existing ones. For anyone involved, Chalice Circles provide an intentional time and place to sit back, breathe deeply, practice deep listening and explore rich topics that focus on your personal beliefs, and the experience of being human.

Chalice Circles are small groups of 6-8 members who commit to meeting regularly for a period of ten weeks. Registration is open once a year.  By signing up for Chalice Circles you are committing to attend all, or as many sessions as is possible. These groups thrive best when all members are present.

Getting to Know UU Workshop

People who are new to Unitarian Universalism or new to First Parish are especially invited to a “Getting to Know UU” gathering, which usually takes place in early February. We share about what our deepest longings are at church, explore our Unitarian Universalist faith and all that First Parish of Watertown offers, and, best of all, deepen in our friendships with one another.