Adult Programs

New UUs Course (Old UUs welcome, too!)
Tuesdays, February 26, March 4, and March 11, 7–9pm, Parlor
Would you like to know more about First Parish and its history, people, and customs? Would you like to meet people who started attending First Parish recently? Would you like to learn more about what Unitarian-Universalism is? Are you thinking about joining First Parish and want to know more about what membership means? Have you been a member for a while but still
want to learn more about this community? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then please join us for our New UUs course.
You will meet several of First Parish's lay and staff leaders, learn about our local history and the history of Universalism, Unitarianism, and Unitarian-Universalism, and have opportunities to share your own thoughts, stories, and questions. Newcomers to First Parish are particularly encouraged to attend, especially if you have recently joined the church or are considering membership. But anyone who wants to learn more about First Parish and UUism is welcome.
Advance registration is required. Please register by 9am on Monday, February 25, by contacting our Office Assistant, Kim Tracy, at (781) 648-3799, ext. 10, or emailing, kim@firstparish.info

Would You Like to Know More About the Qur'an?
Wednesday evenings, beginning January 30, 7pm, Vestry
If so, please join us for a three-evening introductory course taught by Lori Kenschaft. The first session will introduce the basic themes of the Qur'an, with a focus on translation issues. The second session will explore the Qur'an's teachings about relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, war, and peace. The third session will explore the Qur'an's teachings about women, gender, and sexuality. Please bring to each class an English translation of the Qur'an; any translation is welcome, since we will be comparing translations.
This course will meet on Wednesday evenings, January 30 and February 6 and 13, from 7 to 9 in the Vestry. You must attend the first session in order to attend the later sessions, since the background presented in the first meeting is essential for understanding the later discussions. Youth and adults are very welcome.
If you plan to join us, please sign up with Kim Tracy at (781) 648-3799, ext. 10, or email kim@firstparish.info, so we know how many photocopies to make. If you have any questions, please talk with Lori.

Compassionate Communication Group
Improving relationships through communication is the goal of many, and requires a surprising amount of skill. The Compassionate Communication group conducts empathic conversations in pursuit of stronger and more robust relationships in personal, family, church and professional life. The group focusses mainly on Marshall Rosenberg's textbook, Non-Violent Communication, which owes a lot to principles of conflict-resolution, negotiation, Gandhi and meditation. Reading and everyday experiences are discussed. The group meets every other Monday from 7 to 9 PM in the Pierce Room along with two amusing puppets: a giraffe and a jackal.
For more information and specific meeting dates, contact coordinators Christine Rafal and Carolyn Stevens via email to communicationsgroup@firstparish.info

Covenant Groups/Small Group Ministry
Covenant Groups are small groups that provide adults in our faith community the opportunity to share their spiritual journeys on a deep level. Groups meet in members' homes and have a regular format for personal sharing. If you are interested in joining a group or knowing more about the program, look for the Covenant Group brochure on the information table in the main front entryway to the church, fill out the card inside the brochure, and leave the card in the designated box, or email smallgroupmin@firstparish.info.

Earth Based Celebrations Group.  
The following celebrations are planned for the year—please mark your calendars and make plans to join us! Learn more by email to pagans@firstparish.info

First Parish Meditation Group.  By focusing on mind/body sensations in meditation, it is possible to become more mindful in daily life. We hold drop-in groups Mondays, gather at 6:00pm and start at 6:15 (in the preschool room) and Sundays, gather at 9:00am and start at 9:10 (next door at the Senior Center at Maple and Academy St)  We sit for 35 minutes in the style of Vipassana (Insight) Buddhist meditation, and beginners are welcome.   ALSO  - 2 ongoing discussion groups meet one Sunday night each month. A waiting list is now forming to join a group.  For more information, contact Lynn Rosenbaum via email to meditation@firstparish.info

Women's Book Group meets on the third Sunday of the month, 7:15pm, Parlor Alcove. Participants decide jointly on readings.

• September 21 -The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann

See the list of readings since fall of 2001.   Contact Jean Nagle with questions or email womensbookgroup@firstparish.info .

Writers' Group
The Writers' Group gathers monthly, usually on a Sunday.  Bring writings, if you like, or just come and join right in... We have great ways, to get quickly to what we each have to say, no matter what our writing styles or experience.  If you like to write or might even like to explore that possibility, come join us... For more, information, please contact us at writersgrp@firstparish.info.

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