This week, we spent some time clearing out the meeting house in anticipation of our summer refurbishing. I’ll say the sanctuary looks very different with so many worship and decoration staples removed, but we wanted to make sure it all stays safe and clean while the work gets done. So what did we take out? The biggest job was moving the two pianos, for which we hired piano movers; our grand piano on the sanctuary floor went to the gathering hall, while the upright piano in

Sunday, June 7, we gathered for Part 2 of our 77th Annual Meeting – this time in the large Meeting Room so we could take advantage of the air conditioning! We began, as always, grounded in prayer. The spirit of the meeting was one of gratitude, reflection, and anticipation. We quickly approved the minutes from our previous annual meetings and then moved into hearing reports from our staff and ministry pillars. In a sign of both trust and strong communication, the congregation

Over the last month, you may have heard me talk about joining the Westwood Community Coalition for Combating Hate, an initiative spearheaded by the Westwood Public School administration. This coalition came about because of a rise of hate incidents throughout the Westwood school system, including antisemitic, racist, and homophobic graffiti and language. While each of these incidents have been addressed by the schools individually, the administration recognized a larger pat

When summer arrives every year, life at First Parish tends to look different. We close our office for the summer, we have fewer activities at the church, our music and children's ministry take a break, and worship shifts to the Gathering Hall. As our community embraces the idea of getting out into the world when the weather is warm, it’s only natural to let the casual and relaxed feeling of the summer take over church life as well. But we do have some opportunities to come

The 7th Annual Meeting of the Southern New England Conference is set for September 25-27 at the DCU Center in Worcester. This month, the conference announced that Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock will serve as the keynote speaker. For over twenty years, Rev. Dr. Warnock has served as the Senior Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, the historic spiritual home of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Following the theme of the meeting, The Ties That Bind, Rev. Dr. Warno

The Council recently gathered for a thoughtful and forward-looking meeting as we prepare for our upcoming Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 7, immediately following worship in the sanctuary. Please mark your calendars to participate, when we’ll reflect on the many meaningful moments of the past year and ratify our slate of officers and committees for the coming year. There is a lot happening in the life of the church! We’re especially excited for upcoming services and events, in

With the winter behind us, we are planning the second phase and looking at the third and last phase of our capital campaign work. Last year the focus was the exterior of the Meetinghouse and steeple. This summer we will work the insides of the Meetinghouse. We are getting updated quotes but are still optimistic that much or even all of this can be accomplished. Here are the key pieces: Restore Bell to Operation Our steeplejack is lined up to gingerly raise the bell off

I’ve been to a lot of worship services in my life, each a unique experience of connecting with a community while connecting with God. I’ve worshipped in a church sanctuary with just a few people scattered around the pews, and I’ve worshipped in a sanctuary that was more like a stadium, with thousands upon thousands of people in attendance. I’ve worshipped in services that were around fifteen minutes long and worshipped in services that were still going when my friend and I

As we celebrate Earth Day this week, did you know the UCC has a blog focused on environmental justice? It’s called The Pollinator, and the latest post is about a UCC church creating a natural play space for children in the middle of an urban city center. You can read more about the efforts of the First Congregational Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by visiting the Pollinator blog. You can also go there to sign up for the Pollinator e-newsletter and receive news, education,

T he Church Council met on April 8, and the conversation was full of both gratitude and forward‑looking energy. From a joyful Easter season to plans for worship, service, and staffing, it was a meeting that reflected the vitality of our church community. A Joy‑Filled Holy Week and Easter Holy Week was a true highlight. Easter Sunday brought our strongest attendance in several years, and we welcomed three new members – a wonderful reminder of how meaningful this season is for

Saturday, May 16 - More Than a Fundraiser - A Community Tradition with Deep Roots Mary Masi-Phelps, Church Moderator Each spring, our First Parish Yard Sale returns - not just as a fundraiser, but as a celebration of community, belonging, and the enduring spirit that defines our church. For many, the yard sale is a chance to hunt for treasures, support parish programs, and enjoy a day out. But for me, and many others, it’s so much more: it’s a doorway into meaningful connecti

Recently, I read an article written by our Southern New England Conference Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives, Rev. Dr. Chris Davies. Rev. Davies wrote a Holy Week Primer ( https://www.sneucc.org/postdetail/holy-week-primer-19658793 ) for a local newspaper but also sent it out to the entire conference so we could share in learning. I highly recommend giving her article a spin because it is a quick encapsulation of what we do in Holy Week, what happens on the da

Holy Week is right around the corner, and we’re looking forward to sharing this meaningful season together. From palms and processions to quiet reflection and joyful celebration, there’s something for everyone throughout the week. Here’s a look at what’s coming up—and a quick update on Christian Education. WHAT'S HAPPENING DURING HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday, March 29th : We’ll kick things off with a palm procession beginning in the Gathering Space. If the weather cooperates, we’ll

Here’s a roundup of news and notes this month from the wider church: Did you know that the United Church of Christ has a daily devotional? It is Sent to your email inbox every morning. Stillspeaking Writers Group offers a short theological reflection from pastors across the United Church of Christ. Sign up for the daily devotional here . For Good Friday, the UCC Council of Conference Ministers will be streaming a Seven Last Words worship service on April 3 rd at 12 pm.

As part of our effort to keep everyone better connected, I’ll be sharing a monthly snapshot of what’s happening at Church Council. I serve as your Church Moderator, and this is a quick look at what we discussed in March. A quick refresher: What is Church Council? Church Council is the governing board of the church, as laid out in our Constitution and Bylaws. Council includes the Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, Pillar Leads, and a few Members At Large, with our Pastor serving as

Each week will include a post with a regularly scheduled update, and every week will have a different post perspective. I’ll start each month’s rotation with some insights into what I’m hearing, seeing, doing, or thinking about. The second week of the month will have a council meeting reflection from our moderator, Mary. The third week of the month will offer a roundup of thoughts and links from the wider church, including from our UCC association, conference, and national

As summer closes, we look forward to the new school year with Sunday School! We unfortunately have not yet filled the position of lead...

The theme from General Synod 2025 This month, I attended to our connection with the wider church as a visitor at General Synod our...

On the weekend of October 25, 26, and 27 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), First Parish of Westwood will be hosting an all-church retreat...

Friends, the end of the summer is upon us, and it’s a been a summer full of peace prayers. Whether you’ve folded one crane or hundreds...