Author: Lori Pandit

UU Writing Group will meet on Monday February 3 rd from 7 to 8:30am. Our writing
assignment for this month is to write from the prompt… “Something Illegal I did.” We will also
as always hear any past writing assignments from those who were unable to attend prior
meetings. The group is held both at church and offered on zoom. The zoom link is
https://zoom.us/j/96449910738

Theology Discussion Group: Sat Feb 8 th from 10 to 11:30am

Regularly on the 2 nd Saturday morning each month Rev. Steve (I) have hosted an hour and a half
Adult Ed Theology program from 10 to 11:30 Each of these sessions stand independently and
are open to both our members and outsiders. Each session will have a meditative piece, an
academic/educational component, and a reflective piece designed to aid people exploring their
past and their beliefs. No preparation beyond your own curiosity is required. Come. No RSVP
required.

Saturday February 8th EcoTarium Museum trip 12:15-3:30pm ($19 entry price)

We will leave church at 12:15 to carpool together or meet at the Ecotarium in Worcester at 12:45 a field
trip to the EcoTarium Science Museum. There is no need to RSVP for this event. We will get
tickets at the door on our own on that Saturday. Free to go online, or to local libraries for the
possibility of discounts or free tickets. The Ecotarium is located at 222 Harrington Way,
Worcester, MA 01604 508.929.2700  info@ecotarium.org
Rev. Steve has office hours on Monday’s and Friday’s from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Best to call
or text to see that he is not out of the office, but on Monday’s and Friday’s he is regularly at the
church or about town. (617) 852-2292

Other Events Coming Up

March 23 rd, 2026, Be the Change: Activist Dinner Party:
A Living Theatre Service

With Rev. Steve and a broad cast of your First Parish friends. In an age of endless problems; the infomercials with the sad eyed children; the news of a mounting trash heap floating about the pacific, how do you keep fresh? What is the psychological perspectives and tools that prevents nihilism? How
do you balance the desire to savor life with the call to save it.
*This service/Theatre production is an opportunity to get your head and soul on right at a dinner
party with some great souls. It will most likely take place in the Parish Hall, quite likely in an in
the round arrangement.

A series on Death and Dying titled “End of Life Planning for All of Us:
Getting Emotionally and Practically Prepared”

Coming on Saturdays March 1 through March 29

Led by Licensed Certified Social Worker, End-of-Life Doula and First Parish Church newcomer Pamela Gasek, with support from Rev. Steve Wilson this series will involve 5 90-minute workshops. Each of these workshops will combine elements of the practical and emotional aspects of aging and death. Find out more here.

Find yourself enchanted as this favorite local family band shares their soul-stirring songs wrapped in heavenly harmony!

Award-winning songwriters, Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli, along with their radiant and talented daughter, Anelise, will be sharing an unforgettable evening of Joy. You’ll enjoy fresh new original songs along with Holiday classics & your favorite hits from the 70’s. This Inclusion-loving family will lift your holiday spirits with a soulful, harmonious experience you won’t soon forget!

Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 advance.

“Blue Christmas” 5pm Sunday Dec 22^nd, 2024 5pm @ The Episcopal Church on 45 Howard Street will be hosting a Northborough Interfaith Clergy service designed to provide a balm to those for whom the holidays bring as much pain as joy. This service will have a solemn, reflective tone. The Episcopal Church is located 1/8^th of a mile from our church down Howard Street across from the Cemetery. 

Half Plate Determinations: 
It has been said a few times to me that we need to create a more formal path and procedure for who can nominate an organization, and how the decision is made. I determined that it is the Worship Team who manages the Half Plate Collections. 

I am sure we will continue to talk about this, and while honoring those already involved find at least a slightly more organized process by which people can feel involved. That process feels like something that should be very transparent. Not that it is not, I have heard from more than one that it is just slightly confusing. 

Just so it is documented here people have suggested that The Virginia Thurston Healing Gardens, The Barre Meditation Center, The Worcester Food Pantry, and the Worcester Islamic Center, have all come up as good options for a half plate. I would add Koalas in Care as an option.

Friday, December 20, 7pm, in the Meetinghouse

Find yourself enchanted as this favorite local family band shares their soul-stirring songs wrapped in heavenly harmony!

Award-winning songwriters, Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli, along with their radiant and talented daughter, Anelise, will be sharing an unforgettable evening of Joy. You’ll enjoy fresh new original songs along with Holiday classics & your favorite hits from the 70’s. This Inclusion-loving family will lift your holiday spirits with a soulful, harmonious experience you won’t soon forget!

Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 advance.

Sunday, December 29, 2024:
Second Annual Pancake Breakfast 
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Parish Hall
Sponsored by First Parish Governing Board