What's Happening
at First Parish -
Our Weekly Newsletter

September 11 - September 21, 2019


 We aspire to be a beacon
of liberal religion, strong community,
and transformative service.

We aspire to be a Beacon of…..
 … Liberal Religion
Sunday September 15 
 Cherishing the Earth and Ourselves: What's the Story
We begin a new worship series based in creation spirituality, the understanding that the Earth and every bird, bug, stone, tree, and human being are good and interconnected. During the next six weeks we will explore how this understanding can inspire and empower us to protect our Earth. On this first Sunday, we'll look at the stories which help shape our understandings of our relationship to the Earth. As the Religious Education program begins a new year, we will bless all the participants before they go off to their classes. The Choir will sing What a Wonderful World .
Sunday September 22 
But What Can I Do?
In the second of our series Cherishing the Earth and Ourselves , we will reflect on the powerlessness we often feel and what we can do. On this first Sunday of autumn, the Choir will sing Turn, Turn, Turn, ( to Everything there is a Season).



From the Religious Education Director

We officially start classes by blessing the students and teachers this Sunday. We have added a class for children aged 2-5 this year and thank the teachres for leading this group. All the classes will be introducing the children to each other this week and also introducing the theme of Unitarian Universalism.

I have a personal announcement, it is almost nine years to the day that I started seminary on my journey to become an ordained minister. On September 22 nd a church in Carver will hear me speak and then vote on whether to call me as their next settled minister. It is with very mixed emotions that I prepare to move forward to a new position. We love the welcome which First Parish has extended to us. We immediately felt like part of the congregation and are sad that we will be leaving. We will be in church as the “call to ministry” proceeds and I will be leading worship at First Parish October 13. I will also be assisting teachers with the Religious Education program through the fall session.

See you in Church!
Bill Ketchum
Minister's Community Office Hours
Have an idea to share? A question to explore? Join members of the congregation for conversation and connection at the Lucky Finn in Scituate Harbor, Saturday September 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
September's Community Book Discussion on Issues of Diversity
If you're looking for something to read on the beach, by the pool, or while you're hiding from the rain, consider picking up the book we'll be discussing on Tuesday September 17 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) in the Book Club Room at the Scituate Town Library:  All about Love by bell hooks. In this short book, the first of a trilogy on love, author, professor, and feminist bell hooks offers a re-definition of love, not as romance but as the basis of a social ethic for individuals and nations. Copies of the book are available in the library system and also in a pdf version:   http://wtf.tw/ref/hooks.pdf
Womensphere UU Retreat for Women
Womensphere, a Unitarian Universalist women's group in south-eastern New England, invites ALL women to the 2019 Fall Retreat "Circle of Women - Circle of Friends" at Senexet House in Woodstock, CT, on Saturday Sept. 28th - Sunday, Sept. 29th. Come, explore ritual in our lives and honor Gaia and our world. Join singing, dancing, crafts, games, meditation, and sharing. For more details, email  bcdwomensphere@gmail.com
Mark Kiyimba to speak about the struggle for LGBT Rights in Uganda Sunday, Sept 22, 2019, at 12 PM
First Parish of Norwell UU Church 
 24 River Street, Norwell

The Rev. Mr. Mark Kiyimba is the founder and senior minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Kampala, Uganda. The congregation run a school for 650 children who have lost parents to HIV and AIDS and an orphanage for 22 children infected with the virus. preaches the acceptance of all people which has led to persecution in Uganda. His talk is free and open to the community.


Transformative Service
Vigil for Children in Detention, September 13, 7-9 pm
The First Parish Church of Kingston invites us to join them at a Vigil for Children in Detention to bring attention to the conditions under which children are being held on our southern border. The Vigil will be ehld outside the church, 223 Main St. in Kingston. Parking is available across the streat at the Beal House (their parish house) at 222 Main Street. Please bring flashlights and votive candles in glass containers if you have them. 
Scituate FACTS Needs Volunteers
First Parish is part of the coalition of Scituate FACTS, the community substance awareness group. They are looking for volunteers, adults and students this fall. You can find out more at their  Open House,next Wednesday evening, September 18th from 6:30-8:00pm the Scituate Town Library. It begins on the patio with snacks and info tables, then moves into the Community room at 7:00 for a presentation.

The Scituate Food Pantry Needs....
Coffee, sugar, toothpaste & toothbrushes, juice boxes, and mustard.
Please bring items to church on September 15.
Are You Concerned About Diversity in Scituate?
Come learn about the work of Scituate's Unity Council and how to get involved on Thursday, September 26 6:30-8 p.m., in the Gates Middle School Dining Commons. The Unity Council has been meeting for a few years, offering opportunities for conversation about issues arising in town and in the world, and is looking to refocus those efforts as it also begins to work with the Unity Councils of Cohasset and Hingham. For more information, speak with Pamela Barz.
Calendar for September 11- September 22

Wed. 11th
10:30 am Fididdlers

Sun. 15th
9:00 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Worship

Tues. 17th
6:30 pm Community Book Discussion
Scituate Town Library

Wed.18th
10:30 am Fididdlers
7:00 pm Parish Committee

Sat. 21st
8:30 am Minister's Community Coffee Hour
5:30 pm RE Meeting

Sun. 22nd
9:00 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Worship and RE
Save the Date

September 28th
Blue Boat Coffeehouse

September 29th
Synergy Sunday

October 5th
Potluck Supper

October 9th
Unity Club Supper

October 13th
Animal Blessing Service

November 2nd
Silent Movie Night - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Our Mission
Liberal Faith: We commit to participate side-by-side across generations  in worship, religious education, social activities, environmental protection,
and social justice work—learning, sharing, and growing together. 

Strong Community : We commit to care for one another, nurture the light that shines within each of us, and support each other’s individual search for truth and meaning.
 
Transformative Service: We commit to pursue diversity, justice, equality, reason, and discourse;
provide inspiration through music, creativity, and the arts;
and work cooperatively to affect positive change in our community and beyond.