Join us for Homecoming Sunday! As we come together to celebrate the beginning of a new church year, we’ll reflect on the importance of community and friendship in our lives. When times are tough, we must nurture our relationships, turning to one another for encouragement and support. Only in relationship, can we discover the meaning of our lives. Preaching: Rev. Robert Hardies

Ticket required. Harvard Book Store welcomes Robert B. Reich, former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton and author of eighteen books, for a discussion of his memoir Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America at First Parish in Cambridge. He will be joined in conversation by Richard Parker, professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, co-founder of the magazine Mother Jones, award-winning biographer, and former advisor to Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou during the Great Recession.

The phrase “Good Morning” may be just about the most universally used set of two words in the English language. For many of us, it is the first thing that we speak on any given day and we repeat it dozens of times. But does “Good Morning” mean that every morning is automatically good? What about mornings that are not good? Join us to reflect on the nature of beginnings, the intentions we put into the world, and the art of connection. Preaching: Valentin Frank

We live in uncertain times filled with both possibility and peril, not to mention the daily joys and challenges of living. What are your hopes, dreams and fears in this moment? What are the urgent spiritual, moral, ethical, and religious questions that are on your heart as we face these turbulent times? Please submit your questions ahead of time to Rev. Rob and on Sunday he’ll answer as many as we have time for. Preaching: Rev. Robert Hardies

Join us for a perfect sermon—which, spoiler alert, might not be perfect at all. Many of us carry a quiet belief that if we just try hard enough, we can get it all right. How can we practice letting go of the temptation of perfection? What might happen if we do? Preaching: Sophia Doescher, M.Div.

The summer months remind us that a vacation can be a beautiful thing. But it has its limits. While we can take a vacation from work and from the routines and stresses of our daily lives, I’ve discovered to my dismay that I can’t take a vacation from…myself! From my imperfections, attachments, insecurities and foibles. How do we learn to accept ourselves for all of who we are? Preaching: Rev. Robert Hardies

Stories, wisdom and tales on keeping going. Of course, there’s a lot to be said for the wisdom of quitting too but this morning we’re focused on how to keep going – from potty training to pilgrimage! Preaching: Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen

Stories, wisdom and tales on keeping going. Of course, there’s a lot to be said for the wisdom of quitting too but this morning we’re focused on how to keep going – from potty training to pilgrimage! Preaching: Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen

We are seeing, across the country, attempts to legislate transgender individuals out of existence. The long history of transgender and gender queer experience teaches us that this effort will not succeed. Join us this Sunday in holding up our trans siblings in their full and divine personhood and envision the kind of future we can work towards together. Preaching: Caleigh Grogan

My faith calls me to work in service of peace and justice; I believe it is not only the right thing to do, but the only thing to do if we desire a future for the human race. Join us in exploring what makes us human and how we might affirm and promote humane ways of being in the world especially in the face of international violence and disregard for human life. Preaching: Caleigh Grogan

“This land was made for you and me” the famous folk song goes. It feels particularly important this Fourth of July to think about who is included when we think about “Americans” and who is left out. Join us in exploring national identity and honoring the diversity of people and perspectives that make this country what it is. Preaching: Caleigh Grogan

In times of disaster, people find courage and form extraordinary communities to bring hope and aid to each other. At times like this it’s important for us to be reminded of the power we have to make a difference in the world and in doing so transform ourselves. Preaching: Rev. Hank Peirce

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of chattel slavery in the United States. Let us rejoice in what it means to be free and reflect on the work of continued liberation for ourselves and one another. Preaching: Caleigh Grogan