Connecting with the First Church community is about more than attending on Sunday mornings. You can request pastoral care from our minister, ask for or offer help with our Caring Community team, rehearse and sing with the choir, volunteer to lead a small group, attend the Grief Group, join the Social Justice Action Committee, and more. To learn more about our ongoing programs, fill out a connection card to sign up for the weekly email newsletter and check our events page.
Children and Youth
We offer childcare during worship services and are planning to offer religious exploration workshops soon. We offer the Our Whole Lives sexuality education program annually. We would love to have you join us for any or all of these events as we work to rebuild our family programs at First Church JP, and to foster a community that seeks social-justice-based religious exploration opportunities for young people in Jamaica Plain and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon the young, but to stir up their own; not to make them see with our eyes, but to look inquiringly and steadily with their own; not to give them a definite amount of knowledge, but to inspire a fervent love of truth…
William Ellery Channing
Unitarian Theologian
Music
Music is one of our joys at First Church. During services, all are encouraged to sing enthusiastically regardless of musical background or ability.
Choir
The First Church Choir sings during two Sunday morning worship services each month, and is an integral part of every worship service. Rehearsals are held two times each month on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. A wide variety of musical styles are included in the repertoire, and all congregants are welcome! The Choir does not meet regularly during the summer months.
Recital Series
The First Church Recital Series offers several musical performances each year in our Parish Hall, including a Family Concert for all ages in March. The recitals feature professional musicians and have included performances of classical, jazz, opera and voice, folk, musical theatre and original musical composition. More about the First Church Recital Series →
Spiritual Practice, Support, and Community Groups
We meet in small groups to explore spiritual/religious practices and provide mutual support. Anyone is welcome to participate in as many or as few groups as they would like. Participants do not need to subscribe to any particular belief, only be interested in participating in the group with an open mind and heart.
If you are interested in one or more groups, or have an additional idea for a group, please contact Rev. EB.
Community-Building Circles
We host monthly Community-Building Circles most First Tuesdays of the month, 6:45-8:3 pm. Longtime church member Roy K. and Rev. EB host Circles to create a safe and supportive space for us to come together. Our purpose is to foster and deepen connections, create beloved community, and identify ways we can work together for a more just and inclusive society. Roy draws from almost two decades of experience as a Circle Keeper and Restorative Justice trainer and coach. Newcomers welcome! If you can, bring a dish to share for supper starting at 6:45. Check the events page or email us for information.
Crafts and Cookies
Please join First Church’s informal craft circle! We meet select Thursdays from 6:30-8:00pm.Bring a current project or use our coloring books and craft kits. Check the events page or email us for information.
Social Justice Action Committee
The Social Justice Action Committee (SJAC) is a vital part of First Church’s mission to move the UUA principles of equity and justice into action. SJAC supports projects related to affirming our convictions for a more socially just world. More about our social justice efforts →
Grief Group
The Grief and Growth Circle helps participants work through grief experiences, struggles, questions and accomplishments. In a world where grief is often downplayed or discouraged, we offer acceptance: a place to openly express feelings, normalize and honor grief, and simply be heard. To join this group, please email office@firstchurchjp.org for more information.
Elders Group
Are you around 80 years old or older? Want to build community with peers? Join Rev. EB and fellow congregants for conversation on elderhood, aging, and planning for the future. The Elders Group meets on the second Tuesday of the month, from 1:30pm-2:45pm. The events are in-person at varying locations. For the location, please contact Rev. EB.
Heart of the Chalice
We are a small group of First Church congregants who gather monthly to support each other’s spiritual practices and to practice spiritual rituals together, such as meditation and chalice lighting. While we share a spiritual search for truth and meaning, we have no common creed. We listen deeply to what is in each person’s heart. We explore accessible readings, chosen by members — poems, short essays, and selections from various religious traditions. Members take turns with facilitation. We welcome you to join us for as often as you choose. Email us to learn more. You can read the Guidelines for Heart of the Chalice Sharing to get a sense of how the meetings go.
The group meets monthly via Zoom on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:45am.
Caring Committee
The Caring Committee is comprised of FCJPUU members and friends who respond to requests from other congregants for practical care, such as preparing and delivering meals, medications, or groceries, driving someone to a medical appointment, and helping people with other needs or errands. There is no charge for these services. To request help from the Caring Committee or to get more information, please email us at caring@firstchurchjp.org.
Pastoral Care
Rev. EB is available to meet with congregants to provide pastoral care in times of distress, indecision, theological wondering, or just to get to know you. She writes, “It is truly my honor to accompany people through the twists and turns, joys and sorrows of life. Listening to you always opens my heart to more love and compassion. Plus, it is literally my job!” Read more →
