This Sunday
What’s Church For Anyway?
October 1, 2023
Rev. Deborah Bennett
It’s Sunday morning …. what are you going to choose to do? And perhaps more importantly, why? Over time the role of the religious community in life has gone through some changes. Once a central gathering spot in every town, a source of information (and gossip) and the place to go to ensure one’s soul was ‘right’ with ‘God’, times have changed. The liberal church / congregation of the 21st century now has some stiff competition. Need inspiration – YouTube a ted talk. Need information about history or religion? Wiki has you covered. Want to talk with God – the woods awaits. Want to gossip? Well while I highly discourage this, we all know texting is a 24/7 resource. So…. what’s church for anyway? Come on in, and let’s talk about it!! You may be surprised at the answer.
Sunday Services
From September through early June, Sunday services are held at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of our Meetinghouse. The services are also available via Zoom. You can sign up for our e-blasts and newsletter to receive the Zoom link in your inbox each week, or see Online Services below. You can view past services on our YouTube channel or from our sermon archive page. Services are led by a minister with participation from lay ministers and other community members, including children and youth. The hour-long service includes music, readings, meditations, and a sermon. For individuals who care to, there is an opportunity to briefly share personal matters of joy or concern. After the Sunday Service, we gather for light refreshments and conversation, and online in break-out groups. This is a great way to meet other members of the community and to learn more about Unitarian Universalism.
We also offer programming for children during the Sunday service and invite children to be part of the service by lighting our chalice, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. Each service also includes a story led by Kate Holland, our Director of Engagement and Exploration, another staff member, or a congregant.
During the summer months, from mid-June through late August, we offer more informal summer gatherings led by volunteer or guest religious professionals and lay persons. See our summer schedule for more information.
The most up-to-date information about Sunday services, guest speakers, and topics, is posted on the front page of our site. For information about other activities and events at First Parish, please visit our parish calendar.
We are located in Wayland’s Town Center District, at the intersection of Routes 20 and 27/126 across from the Wayland Safety Building. Directions to 50 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778
Online Worship Services
VIA COMPUTER:
CLICK HERE to join the Sunday Service on Zoom.
VIA PHONE:
Dial 646-931-3860, enter meeting code 972 4243 1414. When prompted, enter password 01778
OFFERINGS:
To make an offering, please CLICK HERE for online giving.
Online Donations and Weekly Offering
All unspecified donations made during the service will be used to support the programs of First Parish. Once a month we share our Sunday donations with a deserving organization. Thank you for your support!
Donation Options:
- Give online www.uuwayland.org/donate
- Text your tax-deductible donation to 833-264-0104 (no dollar sign).
Please have your credit card available the first time you text. - Download the Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement app (Apple) (GooglePlay)
- By check to First Parish - please indicate in the memo line "Sunday Donation - <Date and/or Share Organization>"