Prior Services

At this time of year, we celebrate the journey of coming out of darkness into the light. Traditionally, we hold this Revelry service in person together. This year, we will share some of our favorite videos of past performances by our First Parish Morris and Rapper dancers and a Mummers’ play. Come join our festive celebration of the Winter Solstice and the celebration of the return of light!

To view a recording of this service, click “Read More” below.

Our favorite songs, whoever the artist or whatever the style, were created in a strange alchemy of study and inspiration, of strict practice and of letting go. Spiritual Practice is a similar combination of dedication, muscle memory, and...

Watching falling snow is a practice of patience that reminds us that with each flake there is accumulation and change. During this time of year, when we hunker down and fill our time with expectant waiting, how do we look out on the world and find peace? Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty as she seeks the wisdom of the sages, across spiritual practices, and throughout time, to find the all-important places of stillness in our lives.

Click “Read More” below to view a recording of this service.

To be sure, we have much for which we can be thankful during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. However, the holiday also allows us to take stock of where we are as a nation. If we are honest, we will recognize that there is much in need of...

At different points throughout history, we have been separated from one another for different reasons. Challenges present themselves that keep us apart, but these are the times that help us to realize what we may have taken for granted for years: connection and being together. How will we gather in love and “Thanks Giving” this year with the spirit of celebration firmly planted in our hearts and minds? Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty in conversation about the joy of the season and the gathering of family (bio or chosen).

Click “Read More” below to view a recording of this service.

The pillars of emotional intelligence can help us to gain control of our lives and our responses to the triggers and buttons that reside, like landmines, just below the surface. We may be mildly aware of these “soft spots,” and unlike our IQ, which is a fixed number that we cannot improve, we can increase our EQ on a daily basis. Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty as she expands on the six EI pillars and shares her thoughts about strategies with which we can refine our reactions to life and the triggers that sting.

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How do we understand the difference between IQ and EQ? Each is important in its own right. Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty will delve into Emotional Intelligence and how it can inform and guide us on our journey: where we find those spiritual gems and why expanding our EQ will bring us a deeper sense of joy in our lives.

Click “Read More” below to view a recording of this service.

This Sunday we will look at the ways that we face into loss, sadness, and grief and how we work with our Emotional Intelligence to locate the silver linings that may exist just below the surface. Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty as she honors our losses and uncovers and embraces the learning held within all of our experiences big, small, painful, or enlightening.

Click “Read More” below to view a recording of this service.

Can speaking our minds have disastrous consequences? What about the old adage of not talking about religion and/or politics being a good idea, does it still hold? When we do speak from our heart, does anyone really listen, or do we just tune out? Are truth-telling and authenticity truly an important skillset to cultivate for oneself and expect from one another, or does a person’s word really mean far less than it once did? Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty as she wonders about the importance of what might be considered “old notions” of integrity and communication.

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Join us as three generations of First Parish members come together to share their beliefs and the experiences that contribute to what sustains and inspires them. Come hear Gail Hardenbergh, Sheila Davison, and Ben Reiner share their thoughts — and Peg Espinola share some music!