We have been waiting a lot since mid-March 2020… waiting for a vaccine, waiting to see our loved ones, waiting for a hug, waiting for our communities to be open, waiting for a kinder world… At FPW, there is also waiting for the Ministerial Search Process.
Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? Will the minister understand what I’m living with? How will the community respond to our minister? In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender identity, nationality, physical or cognitive ability, race, sexual orientation, etc.) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. At times, as we get caught...
I had the extreme good fortune of growing up with a father who loved to sail, and who instilled in me a love of sailing. As a child, I spent many weeks over the course of many summers, cruising the Chesapeake Bay, exploring its inlets and coves, sleeping in the cockpit under the stars. It was beautiful and lovely…except when it wasn’t. There were plenty of mosquitos at dusk and dawn, and many hours spent sitting still under a hot sun waiting for the wind to blow. For many years, I did not...
“Movin’ On” by Mark W. Harris June 2, 2019 – It is time to say farewell to church and community. How do we accept the transition to retirement, and move on?
Tidying Up and Sparking Joy” by Mark W. Harris – Do you ever feel overwhelmed with stuff? Getting ready to move to Maine has meant an ongoing purge of books, furniture, clothes and files. What items have I kept because they bring me joy, and what does tidying up do for my sense of balance, letting go and spiritual growth? Let’s explore the religious implications of Marie Kondo’s quest for tidiness.
From Mass Turnpike (I - 90): Take exit 17, (Newton -Watertown).
Follow signs for Watertown. On Galen Street, go east towards Watertown. Just before you cross the Charles River, you will join Rte. 16. After you cross the Charles, move to one of the two left hand turn lanes in Watertown Square, and then turn left on Rte. 20 (Main St.). This is heading towards Waltham.
Take your second right onto Church Street (the Armenian Library and Museum is on the corner of Main and Church Sts.). The First Parish is one block upon your right. Turn right at Summer Street to reach the parking lot.
Public Transportation
From Harvard Square take #71 bus down Mt. Auburn Street. Get off at Dunkin Donuts approaching Watertown Square. Summer St. is on the right, follow for two blocks until you see church on your left.
Parking
There is a parking lot adjacent to the church. It is available for event parking in the evening after 4:00 p.m. and on weekends after 1:00 p.m., but NOT at other times.