Our service starts at 10:00 a.m. Children are invited to begin their morning in the service with their families. Childcare is available for infants through pre-K from 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. Someone will be near the entrance of the church to greet you and answer any questions you may have. They can show you where to go for child care, the service, “coffee time” after service or point you to the welcome table where you can find information about the church and our community.
As you enter the upstairs Sanctuary, an usher will give you a copy of the order of service and can offer an activity bag to engage young children during the service. They can also provide an improved hearing device or large print materials. The service begins with a few announcements and the lighting of the chalice,
Some of the first words you’ll hear in the Sunday service are the words of our covenant: “With open minds and loving hearts, we gather together to search for meaning, to care for one another, and to work together for a better world.”
After a hymn and a story for all ages, children are invited to leave with their teachers for our SEEK Program (Spiritual and Ethical Exploration for Kids). Occasionally we have multi-generational services when children stay for the entire service. Children are welcome to remain at the service any Sunday or you can talk with the Coordinator of the SEEK program before the service or during the week for more information.
Most services include hymns, a prayer or meditation, sharing of joys and sorrows, the collection of offerings, choir selections, a sermon and closing benediction. Unique to First Parish, we turn toward the back of the Sanctuary to sing the last verse of the last hymn. This long-standing tradition symbolizes “facing the world again” with the strength we’ve gained in community. The minister offers a benediction, and the service concludes with a musical response and postlude. We welcome you to join in worship with us, where we celebrate, honor and contemplate together through word, music, and silence.