Prior Services

How do we know if we are ready for a change in our lives? What is the signal that we are willing or open to transformation? Do we prefer not to change or do we seek the lessons found in change? Over the last couple of months, we have faced probably one of the biggest...

Please join the friends and members of the First Parish of Sudbury as they gather to worship in a Quaker Meeting Style. This offers those gathered to sit in silence and speak, when truly called by God, to share their truth. The Quaker meeting will be held in our...

This month’s worship theme was supposed to be all about Sabbath; what is a sabbath, how do we take time for one, are they truly sacred and other sorts of sabbath filled thoughts. The train of thought might have then gone towards how we currently need a sabbath in a world that is far too busy to take time for family and reflection. But times they are a-changing as folk singer and songwriter, Bob Dylan shared in a 1964 album. So instead of contemplating Sabbath this Sunday join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and the congregation of First Parish online as we wonder and wander in a different direction contemplating if, “Laughter really is the best medicine?”

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Finding peace in a mother’s arms is the notion that one might hope for on Mother’s Day, but a mother’s love is more complicated than that for many. Mother’s carry the expectations of the world on their shoulders, nurturers, peace makers, healers and caretakers of the hearth and home. How can we truly love our mothers for who they are, respect them for how they provide and give them a break when our expectations are way to high? Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and the congregation at First Parish as we remember the reality of motherhood and reset our presumptions.

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Hemingway once shared that, “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” Is it the world that breaks us or the circumstances of living life fully? What do we gain if we live life and play it safe? Daring to live fully will take us on amazing journeys and provide immeasurable lessons and maybe even some wisdom. Being afraid of being hurt and brokenness, for we are all ultimately hurt and broken as Hemingway shared, is how we grow and thrive beyond the safety of the mundane. How do we dare to leap into life during times such as these? Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and the congregation at First Parish as we candidly talk about the healing process and what the other side, wholeness might look like.

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Where can one find the divine? Like Thoreau in Walden Woods or maybe in one’s garden? This Sunday we will focus on the intersection of the divine and the spiritual that is found in Transcendentalism and beyond. What might a spiritual practice of stewardship for the environment look like? How can we live into caring and cultivating our lives and our environment to thrive? Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and the congregation at First Parish as we bring our mother earth front and center.

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Join our guest speaker, Gail Hardenbergh, this Sunday as she shares her thoughts about, “Out of Tune? Neurobiology to the Rescue!” She’ll explore ways we can help ourselves during this highly stressful period in our lives.. Gail is a local psychotherapist and longtime congregation member.

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What can we find in the story of the resurrection, if we do not believe in original sin or resurrection, that might inspire us to feel renewed and live more fully? How much of the tradition of this time of year is an amalgamation of Judea Christian and Pagan traditions and beliefs? What about just enjoying a fun sermon about Bunnies, Eggs, and Whatnot? Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and the congregation at First Parish as we celebrate the best of spring, wear your favorite hat!

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Palm Sunday is traditionally a time of Joy in the Christian calendar, a time of homecoming. Life is a journey that ultimately brings us home for good or for ill. What can we expect upon arrival and what might unfold unexpectedly? This week will be treated as a holy week of discovery. To live through the darkest night and arrive renewed at Easter. Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and the congregation at First Parish as we meander through the unpacking of Christian mythology, religious tradition and participate in a week of discovery, heartbreak and renewal.

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This sermon has evolved into a discussion about Resilience. What have we faced in our lives and how can we find meaning in difficult times. At a time when I am unable to hug you in person, I hug you with words. Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty as she shares her thoughts about this time in history as an opportunity for ingenuity and self-reflection about what is most important in this one precious life.

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