The eBulletin

October 15, 2026

A weekly newsletter

Worship at the Meetinghouse and on Zoom ~~ Sunday at 10am

 

"Listening Deeply"



Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister, preaching

Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 10am


To speak our truth with kindness, courage, and curiosity." But it's harder than it seems! It takes practice and discipline. And life is so much better for us, for everyone, when we simply stop talking long enough to just simply and without judgement listen.

 Join us online on Zoom and view the Order of Service Here

First Parish in Transition

Break Barriers, Build Beliefs Workshop
Sat. October 17, 10am - 3pm, Sanctuary or Zoom

All congregants are encouraged to attend - please register online - registrations are still open. Lunch and childcare will be provided if attending in-person.


During the lunch hour, participants may wish to join the No Kings demonstration across Mass Ave at Whittemore Park. 

Religious Education Program

Fall Term continues on Sunday morning, with age-based classes for Pre-K through Grade 7. Nursery available at 9:50a.


Youth Group Lock-in on Friday night, so no Sunday evening Youth Group. OWL meets at 7p. 


Congregational Covenant Update

SAVE THE DATE:

Covenant Task Force Listening Circles
Sun. November 8

11:30am, Sanctuary

We have crafted a Draft Covenant for the congregation to consider as we move forward in our search process. On Sunday, November 8th, the task force will host a Listening Circles event after worship to gather your thoughts and comments. Register for this event online - childcare and light refreshments will be available.

 

Small Group Conversations - Settled Search

October 13 - November 1, various times, in-person and on Zoom


Open groups and focus groups are small-group discussions facilitated by the Settled Search Committee to gather longer-form thoughts and needs regarding search that may not have been captured by the congregational survey. Open groups have participants from across the many spectrums of identity and modes of participation at FP, while focus groups provide space for minority communities of shared identity or relationship to the congregation to be heard clearly. Registration required - please register online via this link.

Upcoming Events at First Parish

October 13 - November 1, varied times, online and in-person: Ministerial Search Committee Small Group Discussions

Register online to participate.


Sat. October 17, 10am-3pm, Vestry and Zoom: Break Barriers, Build Beliefs Workshop

Led by a UUA-trained facilitator, the B4 workshop promotes inclusive thinking and helps prevent discrimination in our search for a new minister. Lunch and childcare provided in-person.


Sat. October 17, 11:30am – 1pm, Whittemore Park: No Kings "Vote Early" Event (led by Charm City Indivisible)


Sun. October 18, 11:30am, Damon Room: UU History and Theology

Aimed at newcomers but open to all.


Mon. October 19, 7pm, Zoom: Transition to Retirement Drop-in Group

Wherever you are in your retirement journey - dreaming about it, almost there, retired! - join this monthly drop-in group on Zoom - email Monique for the link to join.


Tues. October 20, 7pm, Zoom: Diversity Book Club

The October book selection is Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara.


Thurs. October 22, 11am, Zoom: Aging Well

Contact agingwell@firstparish.info with questions.


Sun. November 1, 1:30pm, Mt. Auburn Cemetery: Mt. Auburn Cemetery Walking Tour

Space is limited - please register online.


Thurs. November 5, 7pm, Vestry: Keep Immigrants Safe - Training by Hand in Hand


Sun. November 8, 11:30am, Sanctuary: Covenant Task Force Listening Circles

Recurring Offerings this Month

Click on the title of each event for more information and how to join.

Featured Events

UU History and Theology Workshop

Sun. October 18

11:30am, Damon Room

New to First Parish or just want to learn more? Discover what UUs believe, where our faith comes from, and how we got here. Attending both Pathway to Membership workshops (UU History and Covenants) is highly encouraged for those considering joining our congregation. This workshop is aimed at newcomers but open to all.

Mt. Auburn Cemetery Walking Tour

Sun. November 1

1:30pm, Offsite

All Soul’s Day is a day we remember those who came before us. Join us at beautiful Mt. Auburn Cemetery to honor social justice heroines who are buried there. Tour will be led by Maureen Dolan and will be about 2 miles on mostly flat terrain and last about 2 hours. Limited to 16 people. Please register online.

SAVE THE DATE:

Bylaws Discussion: Voting at Congregational Meetings

Sun. November 22
11:45am, Parlor

We're exploring changing the First Parish bylaws to allow every member to participate and vote in Congregational Meetings - whether they are in the sanctuary, at home or across the country. Join us to discuss remote voting.

News and Notes

Congregational Covenant Update


Your Covenant Task Force - Tali Avery, Anthony Fernandez, Julie Garry, Amy Hadley and Tina Schultz - have crafted a Draft Covenant for the congregation to consider as we move forward in our search process. Check out the draft covenant today on our website, and join us on November 8 for listening circles (facilitated small group discussions) about the draft and the covenanting process.

Newcomers - Events and Connection

Pathway To Membership Workshops

Join Pathway to Membership workshops (offered monthly, October through March) to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, First Parish, and what membership means. You don’t have to be new to UUism or join First Parish afterwards, though you will have that option.

Monthly Potlucks

(last Wednesdays, 6pm) Monthly potlucks are a great way to get to know people here at First Parish. All ages are welcome! Bring a dish if you can, but come even if you cannot bring a dish!

Connect with Us!

Fill out an online Connection form if you haven't already, and join our member database, Realm, if you choose. Stop by our Welcome Table on Sundays (or join our post-service social hour after Zoom worship)

 

First Parish Office Hours

Monday - Friday
10am - 3pm


To reach office staff outside of office hours, email office@firstparish.info; that email will reach both Ebiere and Allison, one of whom will respond when back in the office.

 

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