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6 Eliot Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 office@firstchurchjp.org 617-221-3059 We are on the unceded territory of the Massachusett people, who have lived in reciprocity with the land for thousands of years. Our church building sits at a junction of roads that were once Indigenous trade and travel routes. First Church’s Puritan ancestors are responsible for the theft of these lands and for cultural and physical violence against Indigenous people. At least three of the church founders enslaved people of African descent. This church was also financially supported by members who were merchants profiting from the unpaid labor of enslaved people and the commodities they produced. Our congregation has begun the work of repair by learning and telling our more complete history. We will continue to work with community and denominational partners as we strive to make our community whole. We invite you to bring your open heart, your ideas, and your commitment into this work.

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Archives: Services

On Friendship

September 25, 2022 at 11:00 am Rev. Marshall Hawkins

There are four Greek words for love in the Bible, each a different aspect of the notion. We will reflect on philia, friendship love, this Sunday. Rather than an absorbed, face-to-face love, philia is a side-by-side love, it’s participants having common interests. In friendship love, “Do you love me?” means “Do you see the same … Continue reading On Friendship

The SIZE of Grief

September 18, 2022 at 11:00 am Heather Vickery

These last few years have been full of struggle, sorrows and grief in ways that few of us have ever experienced before. Many of us have experienced intense, personal losses during the pandemic, but all of us have experienced communal grief. How do we make meaning of our individual and collective grief? How do we … Continue reading The SIZE of Grief

Reconnecting

September 11, 2022 at 11:00 am Rev. Marshall Hawkins

We kick off the start of the new church year by reflecting on the theme of reconnecting–with one another here at First Church, with others in our society in these times of great division, and with the spirit. As Rev. Elizabeth Bukey is in the early stages of her sabbatical, our sabbatical minister is excited … Continue reading Reconnecting

Reflections on Labor Day

September 4, 2022 at 10:00 am Dennis O'Brien, Lyra O'Brien

Some of the history of Labor Day and our personal experiences in the Labor movement.

Circle Worship

August 28, 2022 at 10:00 am Leslie McClain

Join Leslie for a circle-style worship of ritual and interactive reflection.

Circle Worship

August 21, 2022 at 10:00 am Abby Krueger

Join Abby for a “potuck” service on the theme of “home.” Bring a poem, a quote, a couple-minute reflection, a song, etc, to share with the congregation.

Relationship, Rest, and Religion

August 14, 2022 at 10:00 am Rev. Elizabeth Bukey

On Rev. EB’s last Sunday before sabbatical, join us for a circle-style worship of ritual and reflection on her sabbatical themes of rest and reconnection, with a tiny bit of fiber arts.

Caregiving

August 7, 2022 at 10:00 am Abby Krueger

How do we respond when we are called to care for someone else? how to we give and accept care? what costs and rewards do we find?

Not Failing

July 31, 2022 at 10:00 am Rev. Elizabeth Bukey

An undercurrent of burnout, exhaustion, and discontent is flowing through many of our lives, especially those in helping professions. What if we were not each failing individually, but doing our imperfect best amidst larger systemic failures?

The Wrong Question

July 24, 2022 at 10:00 am Rev. Elizabeth Bukey

How should we live with one another, really? The ancient teaching story of “The Good Samaritan” has been a touchstone for thousands of years; on this Sunday, we hear it again and ask one another what it offers.