Pluralism, First Parish Northfield, Unitarian

In Praise of Our Differences, Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer

It is important for our Unitarian Universalist congregations to discern what we hold in common and find ways to live our values in the world. Pluralism is one of the values our Article II Study Commission has proposed for our collective consideration. Let’s explore how an enthusiastic embrace of our differences might help us grow our souls and bless the world, individually and together.

Our Sunday service for May 19 begins at 10 am at the church, corner of Parker and Main Streets in Northfield, and on Zoom. All are welcome. To participate via Zoom, please send an e-mail to fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com for a link.

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About First Parish

The present First Parish Unitarian Church, built in 1879, is adjacent to the site of the first church in Northfield. The original was “in the street,” now the middle of Main Street, which was common land.

Here, cows, swine, and sheep ran free while the houses and people were fenced to protect the home gardens from the wandering beasts.

The church holds a fine E&GG Hook organ #48, built in 1842. The Town Clock in the steeple is an 1871 Howard Company clock.

The mission of First Parish of Northfield Unitarian is to embrace the spiritual through imaginative contemplation and reflection; to nurture fellowship, service and charity; and to share, celebrate and affirm diversity and explore common needs among members, friends and the larger community.

Growing out of the Judeo-Christian tradition, we also seek inspiration from great philosophers and world religions. We cherish diversity among our members, and require adherence to no creed.

As members of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we accept the following principles agreed to by its member churches:

– Every person is a person of inherent worth and dignity.

– Human relations should be based on justice, equity, and compassion.

– Spiritual growth should be encouraged in our congregation but we should accept one another without regard to judgments about our spiritual growth.

– The search for truth and meaning should be free and responsible.

– Within our congregation and society at large the rights of conscience should be respected and a democratic process followed.

– We should work for the goal of a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

– We should respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

By First Parish Northfield, Unitarian