Church guide

Stay cool this weekend, friends. https://patch.com/massachusetts/braintree/massachusetts-cooling-centers-escape-heat-wave

Our prayers go out to our Muslim neighbors in these frightening times. May the hearts of those who wish you harm be changed by our enduring efforts and love.

FPCoG Annual Meeting: May 19 at 11:30 am Dear All, Our congregation is governed by Congregational Polity. This means the congregation itself is our highest source of authority and we make our most important decisions through congregational vote. All Members and Friends of First Parish are asked, invited, encouraged and urged to attend the Annual Meeting next Sunday after the service, May 19th at 11:30 AM. Below you will find the warrant with articles I-VI along with the proposed slate of elected leaders for next year, and the proposed change to our By-Laws related to the Ministerial Fund. Members (who have signed the Membership Book) are able to vote at the meeting but everyone is welcome to attend and speak. If you are not sure whether you are a voting member, contact the church office. Next year's proposed budget (Fiscal Year 2020) is posted on the church's website in a wonderfully clear and easily understandable format, thanks to Irv Rockwood. Click here to see the proposed budget. We will vote on the budget at the Annual Meeting. Paper copies are available from the church office and in church this Sunday. Childcare will be provided during this meeting with healthy snacks for the kids. Blessings, Elea

Next Sunday after church we will have our second annual Vigil in recognition of the original purpose of Mother's Day, created by Julia Ward Howe in 1970, as a day for peace. The vigil is in honor of those who have been killed in the past year through homicide, suicide, firearm accident or mass shootings. We will read some of the names of those killed. All are welcome to attend and to share in the reading of the names. The gathering lasts about 30 minutes and is somber but we do not use graphic language so parents and grandparents, please use your judgment about your kids.

Pastoral Visitors offer one-on-one support with trained visitors during hard times.

Caring Committee offers cards of caring and support, home-delivered meals in times of illness, recovery or grief and rides.

"In 2018 there were three anti-Semitic assaults in Massachusetts and 141 other incidents, including harassment and vandalism, the ADL said." Anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise in our communities, with more than twice the anti-Semitic assaults nationwide in 2018 as there were in 2017.

The following statement is from Heidi Beirich, director of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project, following the deadly shooting at a California synagogue earlier today: “Today we saw another horrific act of antisemitic hate at Congregation Chabad in Poway, California, six months to the day after the deadly shooting that killed 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Once again, a young white male has apparently been influenced by dangerous online white supremacist propaganda. And once again, we see how this propaganda can lead to terrorist acts. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and everyone who is affected by this terrible tragedy.”

The Clock Strikes Twelve Once Again! Good News! Phil D'Avanza, our meticulous clock repair expert has wrought a miracle by fashioning new and very complex mechanisms to allow the Bell Tower Clock to once again strike the hour. There are still some final tune-up steps to take with the clock (now solid as a rock in its reinforced frame) and the bell strike, but in the meantime, listen and you shall hear the midnight striking of the bell wrought by Paul Revere. Here is Phil D'Avanza admiring his handiwork. The second picture is the brand new "SNAIL", a key element which through the magic of mechanical physics directs the bell to wring the "correct" number of times with each passing hour. This is one of many replacement parts that Phil D'Avanza created along to the way to bringing our beautiful bell tower clock back to life again.

Come and celebrate with us TOMORROW NIGHT! Save the Date for our Passover Seder on April 27th at 5:30 PM!

Here's the schedule of events for Easter Sunday: Easter Sunrise Service at 5:30 AM Easter Egg Hunt at 9:00 AM Easter Celebration Service at 10:00 AM

Save the Date for Easter Sunday! Sunrise Service at 5:30 AM Easter Egg Hunt at 9:00 AM Easter Celebration Service at 10:00 AM

Tomorrow at First Parish!

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Artwork from today’s joyous Youth-Led Service Becoming was the theme. #uugroton

Joins us Sundays 10am - 11:15am 11:15am Coffee and snacks Infant/child care provided Religious education for youth #uugroton

Joins us Sundays 10am - 11:15am 11:15am Coffee and snacks Infant/child care provided Religious education for youth #uugroton

Joins us Sundays 10am - 11:15am 11:15am Coffee and snacks Infant/child care provided Religious education for youth

HERE'S THE EASTER SUNDAY 2018 MESSAGE from Rev. Elea. Click the image below to see the video recording of "Roll Away That Stone," or click on this link to hear audio-only: http://uugroton.org/nbu/public/sermons/2018-04-01.mp3 #uugroton

PASSOVER SEDER PLANNED FOR APRIL 7th! The First Parish Church celebration of the Jewish Festival of Liberation will take place 5:30-8:00 pm on Saturday night, April 7th. All are welcome - all ages & beliefs, Jews and non-Jews alike. We tell the story of how the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, and re-dedicate ourselves to the present-day struggle for freedom for all people. There will be a nut-free, unleavened potluck... and an important role for children (lots of special jobs!) Sign up at Coffee Hour or contact Sara W. or Kaitlin K. The video here is from one of the traditional songs sung at last year's Seder. #uugroton

HEY KIDS -- READY FOR THIS YEAR'S EASTER EGG HUNT? It all starts at 9 am, April 1st, on the Common (or inside in the vestry if weather doesn't cooperate). This is the 8th annual egg hunt at FPCOG. Children of all ages from toddlers to middle schoolers are welcome to hunt for surprise-filled eggs on the Common in front of the church. Bring boots for mud and your own basket, if you like. The littlest ones and kids with mobility challenges or other special needs get extra time, and we make sure there are plenty of eggs for all. Coffee and pastry for grownups, too! #uugroton

JOY TO THE WORLD! First Parish Church of Groton ended its 2017 Christmas Eve service with this jubilant hymn, followed by a blessing by the Rev. Elea Kemler. #uugroton

"Ubi Caritas," the choir anthem performed at the 2017 Christmas Eve service at First Parish Church of Groton. The title is Latin — it comes from the first line of a traditional western hymn that begins, "Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est," which translates to "Where charity and love are, God is there." #uugroton

A simple beginning... the Christmas Eve service at First Parish Church of Groton, December 24, 2017. Also: a brief portion of the first carol, "O Come All Ye Faithful." #uugroton

MEANWHILE, DOWNSTAIRS... before the Christmas Eve service began, a lively carol sing was enjoyed by one and all in a warm, casual setting. #uugroton