What’s Happening: The First Parish Blog
The View From Here – December 2025
Greetings Church Family! Welcome to the Season of Light–a time where millions of people around the world draw meaning from Advent, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa. While these traditions vary greatly in belief and context they do have ‘light’ in common–in...
Musically Speaking – December 2025
Even though the weather has gotten cold, I notice a sense of Awe in the air. I admit that I get much joy from tending our yard during the warm season. But, when it gets cold, the trees and plants get to rest. They shed their leaves with the certainty of them...
From the Parish Committee – December 2025
As I reflect on the first half of this church year, and my second year as Parish Committee (PC) Chair, I am truly amazed at all the growth and activity at FPW overall, and in the PC ministry! PC started the year with a retreat in September, where we read Dan...
“On Center” – December 7, 2025
Rev. Sophia preaching, with Kyle Belmont, Charlyn Bethell, Jean Gauthier, Carrie Miller, and Guy Urban. Let's consider the nature of Awe, which is our month’s theme. When have you experienced it? How did it feel? What in your lives changed as a result? Mysticism,...
“Gateways to Awakening: Giving and Thanking” – November 30, 2025
Morris Sullivan preaching, with Djalai Babazadeh, Kyle Belmont, Charlyn Bethell, and Guy Urban.
This time of year, we are often reminded that we receive many gifts in this life, and we have the opportunity to share our blessings with others. Let’s consider how gratitude and generosity are spiritual practices–gateways leading us toward awakening. We will also honor the first day of the Advent season.
Sabbatical announcement and heads up on long range planning
To the Congregation of First Parish of Watertown – I am writing today to fill you in on some exciting long-range plans - Reverend Sophia is planning to take a sabbatical at the end of her seventh year of ministry with us, from Jan 2028 to May 2028. I know some of you...
“Postcards to Mary Oliver” – November 23, 2025
With Rev. Sophia preaching, and Kyle Belmont, Charlyn Bethell, Carole Katz, Debi King, Guy Urban, and the FPW Choir!
Let us delight and take comfort in the abundant blessings of Mary Oliver’s poetry this Sunday! What does it stir in us? What does it ask of us? What does it teach us about our faith? Come to church and let’s ponder these questions together. The joy of Mad Libs will make an appearance, and our choir will sing two pieces of music that simply can’t be missed. Don’t make church an afterthought this weekend–good things are in abundance on Church Street, and we miss you when you aren’t here! See you Sunday!
Donation Drive for the Refugee Center at Boston Medical Center
Hygiene items and clothing donation for the Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights at Boston Medical Center - Donations will be collected in-person by Elisa Portz at the Deck the Halls event on Saturday, December 6th We will be collecting personal hygiene...
“Amplify, Reveal, Restore, Create” – November 16, 2025
With Rev. Sophia preaching, Kyle Belmont, Charlyn Bethell, Laura Horn, Guy Urban, and the Harmony Hymn Singers!
As we continue to reflect on our month’s theme of Abundance, one might wonder: what about beauty? It’s easy to deduce that beauty is in short supply these days, and that cultivating it might even be a luxury. This Sunday we will explore the nature of beauty’s abundance, and learn about its place in spiritual communities, justice initiatives, and a balanced, healthy life. The poet Baron Wormser asks: ‘What would happen if you heeded the admonitions of beauty?’ Let’s try to answer this together! We will also make time to honor the beautiful lives of our transgender siblings who have tragically died this past year for Transgender Remembrance Day. Before the holiday season starts sweeping you off your feet, make time for all the gifts and beauties church has to offer. See you on Sunday!
Seeking a Nursery Care Assistant
We are looking to hire up to two nursery caregivers at FPW who will be responsible for looking after our very youngest on Sunday mornings during worship services. Here is the nursery care assistant job description to learn more. If you know someone who might be...