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. Registration required - learn more about the groups and register online via this link.

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

Register online to participate.

OPEN GROUP OFFERING THIS SUNDAY, October 25, 12pm, Zoom and in-person (childcare available in-person). Register in advance if planning to attend.

Tues. October 27, 7:30pm, Zoom: Grief Support Group

Wed. October 28, 11am-4pm, Vestry: Red Cross Blood Drive

Only a few spots left to donate - if you would like to volunteer to support the drive (set-up, etc), please email John at blooddrives@firstparish.info.

Wed. October 28, 6pm, Vestry: Monthly Community Potluck

All are welcome - bring a dish to share if you are able, but join us regardless!

Thurs. October 29, 12pm, Zoom: Older Men's Lunch

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

Space is limited - please register online.

Wed. November 4, 7pm, Zoom: Congregational Transitions and Staffing: Ministers of Peer Congregations Panel

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

Learn practical ways to support the immigrant domestic workers who care for our homes and communities, including house cleaners, nannies, gardeners, day laborers, and caregivers. RSVP via email at STAR@firstparish.info.

Sun. November 8, 11:30am, Sanctuary and Mon. November 9, 8pm, Zoom: Covenant Task Force Listening Circles

Tues. November 10, 7pm, Parlor: 2026-7 Financial Roundtable

Committee leaders - send documents, timelines, and goals to share to Carolyn by November 7.

Fri. November 13, 6pm, Vestry: Alliance Event - Multigenerational Living

We’ll talk about multigenerational living arrangements, childcare, elder care, sandwich generation experiences, and coping with the challenges of long distance caregiving, plus questions and stories that you bring along!

Recurring Offerings this Month

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

• Lectio Divina: Weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
• Meditation Groups: Sunday mornings on Zoom and Monday evenings in person.
• First Parish Choir and Bell Choir: Thursday evenings
• Spirit Talks: Weekly, Monday evenings
• Men's Group: Alternating Sunday evenings
• Older Men’s Lunch Group: Alternating Thursday afternoons
• Grief Support Group, fourth Tuesday evenings on Zoom
• Women's Book Group, first Thursday evenings on Zoom
• Diversity Book Club, third Tuesday of every other month, evenings on Zoom
• Transition to Retirement, third Monday evenings, Zoom

Featured Events

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.

Congregational Transitions and Staffing: Learning from Ministers of Peer Congregations

Wed. November 4
7pm, Zoom

Join us on zoom for a moderated panel of UU ministers who lead congregations of similar size to First Parish. If you have suggestions for topics you'd like to have covered, please submit your ideas IN ADVANCE to transitionteam@firstparish.info by Sunday, Nov. 1.

2026-7 Financial Roundtable

Tues. November 10
7pm, Parlor

Annual working meeting with committee leaders and finance team to set priorities for the upcoming year. Your group may already have specific documents, timelines, and goals to share - please send along to Carolyn by Saturday November 7th, for distribution in advance of the session. Please RSVP via email: treasurer@firstparish.info.

SAVE THE DATE:

Annual Harvest Moon Fair

Sat. November 21

10am - 3pm at the Meetinghouse

Once a year we transform the Meetinghouse into a fall market, with booths, food, and fun for all ages. Interested in volunteering? Email fair@firstparish.info.

HMF Quilt Raffle Tickets

Raffle tickets for the Harvest Moon Fair quilt will be for sale on Sundays after service starting October 25th! Cash payments are accepted after service, or pay by cash or card at the Fair. Contact flashquilt@firstparish.info with any questions.

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 learn more and discuss remote voting.

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.