First Church and Parish in Dedham Unitarian Universalist

Worship Begins at 10 am on Sunday Morning. 

Sunday Services at First Church and Parish

As with all Unitarian Universalist churches, First Church offers it’s minister a free pulpit.  While we don’t follow a lectionary or a proscribed liturgical calendar, some of the services throughout the year have special traditions or themes:

Opening Sunday: Traditionally a "Water Communion" service where members of the congregation bring a sample of water from a summer vacation or some important place, and have an opportunity to reflect upon the meaning of these connections as we reconvene after the summer. This service is generally held on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Thanksgiving Sunday: On the Sunday before the holiday weekend, cans are collected for the Dedham Food Pantry. Also, members are invited to bring a loaf of bread that represents a tradition in their family, and the breads are shared as part of the service and served during social hour.

Hanging of the Greens: Usually held on the first Sunday of Advent, during the service the church is decorated for the holidays by members of the youth group.

Christmas Pageant: A holiday themed play performed by the children, Sunday school teachers and members of the choir is the center of worship during one of the Sundays in December.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Begins at 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve with caroling on the steps of the Meeting House, the 7 pm service is a traditional retelling of the Christmas story with carols.

Music Sunday: A service featuring extra musical selections by the choir, often several pieces of one of the larger choral works.

Easter Sunday: Church members may contribute money towards the purchase of flowers for decorating the church for this service, and may take home a plant after the service. Bring an Easter egg to hang on the Easter egg trees!

Children's Sunday: The children of the church participate in a service designed by them and their leaders.

Coming of Age Service: The young people from the Coming of Age group make the service their own as the final part of their program.

Alliance Sunday: The Women's Alliance creates the service.

Flower Communion Service: Typically held in the spring, parishioners are invited to bring a flower to make a communal bouquet, and then take home a different flower after the service.

If you have been to worship and would like to offer feedback please fill out the following form and return it to the church office.  Worship Evaluation Form

Sermons

For past sermons by our Minster The Rev. Rali Weaver click here

If you would like an audio version of the 2008/2009 church year sermons they are available on CD from the Church Office for a donation of $20.  All proceeds will benefit the 2010 operating budget of the First Church and Parish in Dedham. 

Click on the title below to read or to Listen to hear a podcast of the sermon

Sept 27, 2009  Situational Ethics     Listen

Sept 20, 2009  Do without Doing    Listen

Sept 13, 2009   Water is Wide           Listen

      Click Here to view the Water Communion Slideshow