Founded November 8, 1638
670 High Street
Dedham , MA 02026
ph: 781-326-7463

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
March 7 When Systems Fail Us Listen
Feb 21 What the Communist Manifesto Had to Teach Listen
January 31 Cultivating a Joyful Heart Listen
January 24 New Measures of Progress Listen
January 17 The Greater Good vs. The Common Good
January 10 Cleaning the Slate Listen
December 24 Christmas Eve Listen
December 13 Christmas Pageant The Spirit of the Christmas Tree
To see a slide show of the pageant click here.
December 6, 2009 Embracing Chaos Listen
November 29, 2009 Forgiveness
Seth Carrier Ministerial Student
November 22, 2009 We Gather Together
November 15, 2009 What Keeps Us Separate
November 8, 2009 Changing History Listen
November 1, 2009 For All The Saints Listen
October 25, 2009 Let the Mystery Be Listen
October 18, 2009
Cross Species Communication Listen
October 11, 2009 Welcoming the Other
Seth Carrier Ministerial Student
October 4, 2009 Foundations of our Faith
Sept 13, 2009 Water is Wide Listen
670 High Street
Dedham , MA 02026
ph: 781-326-7463