When six blind men try to identify an elephant by touch, the words they chose describe all manner of objects that are not an elephant. Many view this parable as a story about the differences between religions identifying the same God, but this story also points out just how differently the Universe can be understood, perhaps one of the greatest challenges to a belief called Omnism.

Worship Leader: Turner Bridgforth

Worship Associate: Jen Johnson

Music Leaders: Dan Loschen

What does it mean to be courageous? From where does courage arise? How are you called to be courageous in the widening circles of your living?

Worship Leader: Rev. Tracy Johnson

Worship Associate: Jen Johnson

Music Leaders: Ana Popa

How do we be good in the world today? Some people aren’t doing good at all; many are struggling. Many people want to be good by helping, and do not know how. Is being good simply not being bad? Is being good obeying? What does it mean to side with Love?

Worship Leader: Turner Bridgforth

Worship Associate: Jen Johnson

Music Leaders: Dan Loschen

The hard work of transformation depends on the nourishment of pleasure. Today we will explore the power of playfulness in eroding the fear that power-over tactics hope to instill in our hearts.

From the stars we came and to the stars we will one day return. What that relationship means while we are alive is different for us all. Perhaps they remain connected to who we are. Perhaps they connect us to the infiniteness of the Universe. The possibilities perhaps are as infinite as the stars themselves.

Worship Leader: Turner Bridgforth

Worship Associate: Jen Johnson

Music Leaders: Dan Loschen

Resolutions are everywhere this month, but how do we actually arrive at one? What questions need attention first? In a world that encourages constant desire, how do we recognize when we have “enough?”

Many ideas and beliefs about reincarnation spread out across the planet. What changes us from one life to the next and makes us who we are now? The choice to change through New Year's resolutions? Entering a new world of other people’s perceptions? Or perhaps chaos? Perhaps there is more at work than karma to make you you.

Worship Leader: Turner Bridgforth

Worship Associate: Jen Johnson

Music Leaders: Dan Loschen

First Parish Dorchester warmly invites you to our Candlelight Service, led by Turner Bridgforth, with special music by guest soloists.

Come together in community as we celebrate the season and its manifold meanings. Experience the joy of singing familiar carols, reflecting on the light in our lives, and embracing the spirit of connection and hope.

Today we mark the Winter Solstice on the wheel of the year.  Where do we go to find light in times that otherwise appear bleak?  What is this light that  beckons us?

Worship Leader: Rev Tracy Johnson

Worship Associate: Jen Johnson

Music Leaders: Dan Loschen

Twinkly Lights

As winter grows colder and the darkness of night fills our lives more each day we face challenges daily that can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. And yet, this month is so rich with celebrations around the world and throughout time, often using tiny lights as part of the festivities. Tiny lights, shimmering in the darkness, holding meaning for all of us, though perhaps in different ways.

Worship Leader: Turner Bridgforth

Worship Associate: Jen Johnson

Music Leaders: Dan Loschen