Sermons

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Morris Sullivan, Laura Horn, Eileen Ryan, Charlyn Bethell, Guy Urban and the beautiful voices of our choir!
Listening for the still, small voice within is one thing, but how about all the times you didn’t heed it? Trusting ourselves isn’t always easy, is it? This Sunday let’s take some time to reflect on inner trust and the ways in which we might better listen to ourselves. Laura Horn will also offer a heartfelt share about why she gives to this church. Slow down, breathe, and come to worship this Sunday!

Guest preacher Rev. Ethan Loewi, with Carole Katz, Jean Merkl, Lynn Bratley, Chuck Dickinson, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.
The history of American religion has been shaped by a series of “Great Awakenings”: periods of intense religious upheaval, when people are moved in great numbers to increased devotion, energy, and passion for their faith. What could a new great awakening look like today, and how could Unitarian Universalists be part of it? We are so blessed to welcome Rev. Ethan to our church this Sunday!

Rev. Ethan works for the Unitarian Universalist Association as a member of the Communications team and a writer for the magazine UU World. He has also worked as a parish minister and hospital chaplain. 

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Missy Shay, Alyssa Lawson, Larry Hanawalt, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.
How might we find our way towards a Spirit of Trust when the ground feels like it’s falling out from under us? The mystics and ancient wisdom teachers teach us that this is where Trust and Faith actually begin! Let’s come together and explore this for ourselves. Please remember that following worship your Faith Exploration Hiring Team and Giving Committee will present on all that is ahead for FPW. Take a breath and come to church–the ground is solid, you are among friends, and beautiful things are afoot!

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Carole Katz, John Portz, Eileen Ryan, Charlyn Bethell, and Guy Urban.  Let us draw from the wisdom of the Earth, those who have come before us, and our larger faith’s practice and promise to help us see the powerful Good News that abounds here at First Parish of Watertown. How are you caught up in it? Come to church this Sunday and find out! We will also sing Melanie DeMore’s Lead With Love again–let us feel in our bodies the Joyful Noise that is this blessed...

Rev. Sophia, with Djalai Babazadeh, David Morrison, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.

Most of the time being inclusive doesn’t happen in grand ways, but in small acts of kindness and care. We can all participate in this, can’t we? David Morrison will tell us a personal story about small act of kindness, and we will take part in a ritual that will help us find meaning in how we offer and receive tiny, beautiful things. Your children are welcome to stay for the whole worship service however fun activities will also be offered downstairs. Now is not the time to flit away from us–come renew your Spirit at church!

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.

Nothing that happens at church is business as usual. No ministry exists here that isn’t serving a higher mission. Let’s reflect on why our church and Unitarian Universalist faith matters, and how all that we do within these walls is oriented towards spiritual deepening, sacred refuge and, yes, healing the world. Your presence is a gift to our community–bring your tender and blessed whole selves to worship this Sunday so that you might lean on the Love that is here. See you on Sunday!

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Carole Katz, Charlyn Bethell, Debi King, Marilyn Boenau, and Guy Urban.

Telling the story of our lives is often how we make meaning of them. Let’s consider why storytelling offers this, and why it is, at this moment in time, it’s crucial. Debi King will also offer us her story in her Journey of Faith! A beautiful thing is happening here at FPW–the sanctuary is full of new and old friends, and the spirit of love and care is in the air. Come to church and soak some of it up–we all need this right now, don’t we? See you on Sunday Dear Ones

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Jean Gauthier, Laurie Wadsworth, and the music accompaniment of John Buchanan and Michael Collins! In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday we will contemplate the dangers of the single story, and the liberative properties of an expanded perception, a multiplicity of stories and a Fuller Truth. Church is bustling, and the sanctuary is full of love–come home to us and make room for those who are new! See you in church. Our reading this morning comes to...

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Morris Sullivan, Eileen Ryan, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.

Our theme this month is Story, and, this Sunday, we will ask ourselves about the stories that have shaped humans’ panoramic past and continues to live on in us today. Rev. Sophia will touch on the power of archetypes for they truly are mirrors into the human soul. What can they teach us about who we are and where we are today? We will also sing a beautiful opening hymn together called “As We Come Marching, Marching,” that sings a song of all people being deserving of bread, and of roses too! Let’s not let the chill or the despair in the air keep us from coming together and singing of hope, resilience, and roses! See you in church dear friends.

Rev. John O’Connor preaching, with and Djalai Babazadeh, Missy Shay, Charlyn Bethell, Guy Urban and some guest puppets!

We are so blessed to welcome the wonderful Rev. John O’Connor to FPW. You won’t want to miss this service. We come together in worship because we need one another. As we prepare for a change in presidential administrations, many are deeply concerned for the welfare of the nation and are especially worried about the more vulnerable members of our marginalized communities. Come and explore lessons from our past experiences, and share in the hopeful wisdom of luminaries, past and present, who offer us a way forward. Being ever mindful that laughter is a balm for the soul, there will be a fun bit with puppets for the Time for All Ages. Come, Come, Whoever You Are!