Excitement, Warmth, and Commitment
First Parish: People, Spirit, Justice
Easter Sunday Service
“Planting Trees We’ll Never See”
Led by Rev. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education, and Rev. Carolyn Patierno, Adjunct Minister
Sunday, April 5, 10:00am
At the Meetinghouse and on Zoom
Congregational Art Show
Opening on April 12, 11:30 am, Parlor. Our next Congregational Art Show, Hope & Resistance in Difficult Times, will run from April 12th through September 4th, 2026. Click here for more information.
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Spirituality
We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves.
Learn MoreTransition!
First Parish is in our Interim time as we follow the Unitarian Universalist Association’s framework for when a Minister leaves a congregation. This two-year Interim Period lets the congregation think about who we want to be as we prepare for and hire a new Settled Minister.
Learn MoreNew to First Parish?
Find out about our services, religious education program, social justice efforts and community involvement.
Start hereUpcoming Events
Latest News
No Kings Rally at First Parish draws thousands
Thousands gathered peacefully on the First Parish lawn for Arlington's first No Kings rally, co-sponsored by First Parish and Indivisible L.A.B. on March 28, 2026, joining millions around the country for the third No Kings Day of Action since President Trump's second term began in January 2025.
Read More more about No Kings Rally at First Parish draws thousandsMessage from the Parish Committee
The Parish Committee addresses questions about the Parish Minister's contract, provides some history about our ministerial structure, and makes some suggestions for the future.
Read More more about Message from the Parish CommitteeMeet our Ministers
Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Rev. Erica Richmond, and Rev. Stevie Carmody
First Parish is served by the elected leaders, volunteers, and staff. First Parish is also fortunate to be served by three full time ordained ministers, each with their own portfolio and passions in ministry. Each of the ministers preach and participate in worship services and are available for pastoral care, weddings, and memorial services.
Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kūpono Kwong (he/they) is the Interim Lead Minister hired by the Parish Committee in August 2025. Rev. Erica Richmond (she/her) is the Parish Minister hired by the Parish Committee in August 2020. Rev. Stevie Carmody (he/him) is the Minister of Religious Education hired by the Parish Committee in August 2023.