Congregational Updates
Featured
Ordination of Rev. Sophia Doescher, First Parish in Cambridge Assistant Minister
On Sunday, April 19, the congregations of First Church in Belmont and First Parish in Cambridge ordained Rev. Sophia Doescher, First Parish's Assistant Minister. This meaningful ceremony marks the completion of Rev. Sophia's ordination process and affirms the UU community's support of her religious leadership.
Ordination Service on Sunday, April 19, taking place at First Church in Belmont
On Sunday, April 19, the congregations of First Church in Belmont and First Parish in Cambridge ordained Rev. Sophia Doescher, First Parish's Assistant Minister. This meaningful ceremony marks the completion of Rev. Sophia's ordination process and affirms the UU community's support of her religious leadership. Rev. Sophia shares a few words of gratitude and invitation below:
Thank you to all who could join me at my ordination! It was a celebration brimming with joy and love! A beautiful reminder of how our ministries and our communities are woven into the fabric of Unitarian Universalism; connected to all who have come before, and all who will come after. I'm incredibly grateful for your love and support at the ordination, and the thoughtful cards and conversations I've had with so many of you since.
If you were unable to attend but you would still like to experience the ordination, here is a link to the recording:
https://www.youtube.com/live/IAMKI3fVHGI. As one of the ministers said in the ordination, this is a ritual that we can participate in across time!
The Meaning and Magic of the Holidays
Dear First Parish Family,
For some of us the holidays are a time of joyful celebration. For others, I know, this season can be a lonely and difficult time. Either way, all of us can share in the meaning and magic of the season by celebrating and serving others this month at First Parish.
This Sunday Val Frank, Sophia Doescher and the First Parish Jazz Trio will lead a beautiful winter solstice service, a celebration of darkness and light.
On Christmas Eve, help us prepare and serve a special Christmas lunch for our Wednesday Meals guests. You can sign up here for volunteer shifts throughout the day. Thank you!
Then please join us at 4 pm on Christmas Eve for our annual Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols. The First Parish Choir is preparing some beautiful music for this service, and I will offer a Christmas homily. Invite your friends and family to join us for this special celebration! Our earlier start time allows you to return home in time for Christmas Eve meals and celebrations.
And if you are having a hard time this season and could use some pastoral support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sophia, Val or I at care@firstparishcambridge.org.
I look forward to sharing this season with all of you.
Dear First Parish Family,
For some of us the holidays are a time of joyful celebration. For others, I know, this season can be a lonely and difficult time. Either way, all of us can share in the meaning and magic of the season by celebrating and serving others this month at First Parish.
a reminder that all month long we are collecting winter socks, hats and gloves for guests of our Meals Program and Y2Y Youth Shelter. Please bring these items to church and place them under the Christmas tree in the Parish Hall.
This Sunday Val Frank, Sophia Doescher and the First Parish Jazz Trio will lead a beautiful winter solstice service, a celebration of darkness and light.
On Christmas Eve, help us prepare and serve a special Christmas lunch for our Wednesday Meals guests. You can sign up here for volunteer shifts throughout the day. Thank you!
Then please join us at 4 pm on Christmas Eve for our annual Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols. The First Parish Choir is preparing some beautiful music for this service, and I will offer a Christmas homily. Invite your friends and family to join us for this special celebration! Our earlier start time allows you to return home in time for Christmas Eve meals and celebrations.
Below is a holiday calendar that describes in more detail all the events taking place this season at First Parish. I hope you’ll join us for as many of them as you can.
And if you are having a hard time this season and could use some pastoral support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sophia, Val or I at care@firstparishcambridge.org.
I look forward to sharing this season with all of you.