Services and Sermons

Our Services

Every September through June, regular Sunday morning services at First Parish are held in our historic sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. Our minister, Rev. Hardy, preaches about three Sundays a month (see the calendar for specific dates). Other worship services are conducted by guest ministers or lay speakers. Generally our Social Justice Committee, Religious Education Committee, and Youth Group each conduct one service per year. Our Christmas Candlelight service -- usually held on December 23 -- attracts as many as 200 participants. A big attraction of the candlelight service is the annual appearance of the United Brass Quintet. Music is important at First Parish, and it is provided by our church organist, our church pianist, a church choir, a children’s choir, and other groups and individuals.

We value participatory elements in our worship services, which afford the opportunity to collaborate, express joys and concerns, and make personal connections with one another during the service. The children’s participation is important to the congregation. They attend the first portion of the service nearly every week to listen to a story or help with readings. After the service, parishioners and guests meet and enjoy fellowship at coffee hour in our parish hall.

From late June through late August, informal, lay-led services are held each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Poetry readings, discussions on a variety of topics, and occasional outings are popular with many parishioners.

For many at First Parish, our Sunday activities are at the heart of our community experience. They provide spiritual inspiration and intellectual stimulation, and an opportunity to share the fellowship that unites and sustains our congregation.

Our Sermons