Feeding the Mind, Body, and Spirit

For more information on the groups described here, please contact the parish office.

Women’s Alliance
The Women’s Alliance of First Parish is a branch of the UU Women’s Federation, which is headquartered at 25 Beacon Street in Boston. The Alliance meets the second Monday of each month at noon, from September through June for lunch, business and a program.

During the year, the Alliance sponsors the Treasure Shoppe at Pies-on-the Common, the flea market in May, receptions for memorial services, luncheon speakers, the Holiday Boutique in December, and activities based on common interests. All women of the parish, members and friends are welcome to attend Alliance meetings and to participate in our events.

Men’s Club
The First Parish Men’s Club has been meeting regularly since 1946 with the objective of helping First Parish men to know one another better. The Club holds about six meetings from September to May. Meetings consist of a social time, a catered dinner, and an interesting speaker, all at a nominal cost.

Dinner Discussion Group
Now in its eleventh year , the highly popular Dinner Discussion Group attracts up to 25 people for a potluck dinner and discussion about a pre-determined topic. The group meets on the third or fourth Saturday of each month, at an individual’s home. It provides opportunity for socializing, sharing, and getting to know better other parishioners and friends.

Book Discussion Group
Members of the Book Discussion Group meet monthly, on the first and third Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:00 to discuss a cooperatively selected book.

Adult Religious Education
The Adult RE Council offers a varied program of courses and workshops that nurture and stimulate the religious and personal growth of the adult church community. More information on the Adult Education program.

Covenant Groups If you would like to develop deeper relationships within the church community, and consider meaningful life topics at the same time, a Covenant Group might be for you. These are facilitated groups of 5-10 people who meet every two or three weeks. Their purpose is to make deeper connections, to reflect and learn together, and to become more engaged with each other and the larger church community. New members are always welcome, either to join a group or to start a new one when the limit of ten people is reached. At each meeting the group addresses a new, challenging question together. If interested in participating in a Covenant Group, call or email the parish office.

Coffee and Muffin Group
The Coffee and Muffin Group is an open gathering of First Parish members, friends, and guests who meet regularly in the Huntley Room on Thursday mornings, from 8:00 to 9:30. The group is intentionally unstructured and informal, with its sole purpose to provide an opportunity for attendees to get better acquainted and to discuss any topic that might be raised by anyone in the circle. There is no agenda and no sign-up required. People are invited to attend whenever they choose and may leave early. The group asks only for a voluntary donation for the coffee and muffins. Everyone is welcome to give it a try.

Social Hour Social Hour is a natural extension of the worship service. It is the time when parishioners can informally gather each week for refreshments and conversation, in Scott Hall. Twice a month, the junior and senior youth groups host the refreshment table. Any donations given for the baked goods they provide benefit their annual project.

Newcomers are invited to visit the Newcomers Table for nametags and informational material, and to meet members of First Parish. All parishioners are urged to visit church committee tables that provide information about their current programs and projects.

Special events, such as the Women’s Alliance Holiday Boutique, also take place during Social Hour.