Category: Sunday Services

Sunday, November 6: Dan Tinen on “Faith, Hope, and Democracy”

Unitarian-Universalism is a religion that holds great faith in democracy. It’s one of our Principles and Purposes, it’s how our congregations are organized, it’s how our denomination governs itself. We vote on our budgets, our ministers, our public statements, even the statements of principle we covenant to affirm and promote.

But is our faith in the democratic process justified? In two days following this service The United States will hold its midterm elections, and our media are filled with messages of exaggerated fear, demonization of opponents, and slanted opinions in an effort to get our vote. This is enough to shake anyone’s faith. Sunday we will try to find signs of strength and hope in the midst of all this, and fortify ourselves for whatever may come.

The service will take place in person and online. All are welcome, wearing a mask. Contact fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com for the link to join online.

Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer, Ann Linge and members of First Parish, Unitarian, will lead a program titled “We Are – A Service of Remembrance and Hope” at the church on Sunday morning as well as online. This participatory service for all ages is inspired by the Catholic tradition of All Souls Day. We will honor our ancestors and loved ones who have died. You can participate by bringing a photo or object that reminds you of an ancestor or a loved one. Our Time for All Ages will give us a chance to honor some of our Unitarian Universalist ancestors who shaped this tradition we share. Poems and music will comfort and inspire us and together we will create an altar to honor the people and pets we lovingly remember. Contact fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com for the link to join online.

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Courage” is the theme for the Chalice Circle service at First Parish of Northfield, Unitarian, on Sunday, October 23. Ann Linge will lead a program of reflection and sharing on this repeating opportunity in our lives. The service begins at 10 am in person at the church in downtown Northfield. (There will be no Zoom call this week.)

There is so much we do not know. The longer we live, the more chances we get to practice befriending the uncertainty of our human being. Cultivating our capacity to be courageous can help us find our way. Come explore “Courageous Uncertainty” with us in this service for all ages, 10 am Sunday, October 16, led by Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer.

Midway through the service, Rev. Alison Cornish will host a discussion for youth about what they might hope or imagine for their own youth group.

This Sunday’s service will take place in person at First Parish of Northfield, Unitarian, on the corner of Parker and Main Streets, and online via Zoom. Contact fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com for the link to join online.

Join us in person or via Zoom as we REJOICE and RESONATE with some Heart Centered Kirtan in the acoustically superb sanctuary of First Parish Unitarian in historic Northfield, MA.

Heart Centered Kirtan for First Parish Northfield Unitarian

Sunday October 9 10:00 – 11:00 am In Person & Via Zoom

For Zoom link and password, email heartcenteredkirtan@gmail.com before 9:00 am Sunday!

Scroll down for COVID protocols.

Heart Centered Kirtan is a mantra music whose modern adaptation of the ancient practice of kirtan — a meditative and inspiring form of devotional call-and-response singing — weaves Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras into an original blend of modern musical styles. The band is Libby Volckening (keys/vox), Ezra Landis (guitar), Walker Landis (bass) and Owen Landis (percussion). Everyone is welcome. Come let the music clear your mind and soothe your heart.

About COVID protocols: > Masks are required. > Please be respectful of social distance with people not in your pod. > Please join us via Zoom if you have any symptoms, such as cough, fever, etc. ~OR~ if you have had recent exposure to someone with COVID. For Zoom link and password, email heartcenteredkirtan@gmail.com before 9:00 am Sunday!

Donations in any amount appreciated, and 100% will be forwarded to the church. Donate via HCKs website: https://heartcenteredkirtan.com/donate Questions? Call/text 413-834-4524, email heartcenteredkirtan@gmail.com, or visit www [dot] heartcenteredkirtan [dot] com

This Sunday, October 2, at First Parish of Northfield, Unitarian, Dan Tinen will speak on “A Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” Youth and young adults are experiencing high rates of depression and anxiety. What can society do to craft therapeutic communities that mentor and support those who are struggling with life? What do religious institutions have to offer in this crucial task? All are welcome to join the 10am, in-person gathering at the church on the corner of Parker and Main Streets in downtown Northfield. Contact fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com for the link to join online.

“Belonging” is the theme of the Chalice Circle service at First Parish of Northfield, Unitarian, on Sunday September 25 at 10am. Parishioner Tony Stavely will lead an exploration of “belonging” in its several senses of meaning as they apply to our lives, conduct, and relationships to one another. All are welcome to join the 10am, in-person gathering at the church on the corner of Parker and Main Streets in downtown Northfield. Contact fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com for the link to join online.

Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer

18 September, 2022

You are warmly invited to join us for our annual multi-generational Ingathering Service. Come remember what it means to belong. Come practice learning to trust that there is more, always waiting for our attention. Please bring a small vial of water for our ritual of gathering the drops of each of us into a larger whole. Our service will be held at 10 am in person and available via Zoom. Contact fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com for the link to join online.

Sharing Spiritual Practice, Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer: Our service this Sunday will offer a time and place for people of all ages to engage in a variety of shared spiritual practices. I have some practices I’d like to share with you – and I’d also like to make space for you to share with one another. If there is a spiritual practice that is important to you that you’d like to share during our service, please send a note to Melissa via fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com by the end of the day on Friday. Our service will be held at 10am EDT in person at First Parish in Northfield and on Zoom. To participate via the Internet, send a message to fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com for the link.