firstparishmedfield.org

FIRST TIME VISITORS

A warm welcome to First Parish, Medfield!

Visitors and Newcomers are always welcome at First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Medfield. We want you to be comfortable during your visit with us, and to feel free to learn about our faith community. Because many of us have been visitors or newcomers we know how important it is to do this at your own pace. We extend our friendship to you and are glad that you have come to view this site.

Our congregation is comprised of folks from many different backgrounds and religious orientations. We come together as a community in search of spiritual meaning and growth, while, at the same time, living in harmony with the world and respecting an individual's right to the freedom of his own religious beliefs. For additional information about who we are, what we believe, and what we do, we encourage you to look at the rest of our website. If you have any questions, please get back to us.

We hope we'll have the chance to personally meet you soon.

 

Your First Visit

Perhaps you haven't been to church in a long time, and/or you've never been to a U.U. worship service? You may have many questions about what it is like to attend a Sunday service at First Parish Medfield. Below are answers that we think will help you.

· When does the service start?

Sunday church services begin at 10:a.m. and last approximately one hour.

The church year begins September 13, 2009 and lasts until June 13, 2010. We take a break during the summer months.

· What should I wear?

We are an informal group. Some men wear jackets (with or without ties), others wear jeans; some women wear dresses, others wear pants or jeans. A good rule of thumb is to wear what makes you feel comfortable.

· Where do I park?

There is some parking and one designated "guest parking" space behind the church. There is also parking on North Street or in the lot next to the Montrose School.

· Can I bring my children?

Yes, children are definitely welcome in our worship services at any time.

It is our custom to have children accompany their families to the first part of most Sunday worship services. During this time there is a "Moment with the Children" when the children are invited to come up to the front of the sanctuary, if they wish, to listen to a brief story or idea. Shortly afterwards, the children depart for their religious education classes. (See website for more information about Children's Religious Education program.)

At other times we have "inter-generational" worship services where the children remain for the entire service. They usually have a role in this service.

· Is there childcare?

Yes, Our "nursery" provides a safe and caring environment for infants, toddlers and younger pre-school aged children. The nursery is located in the Vestry, which is downstairs from the sanctuary, and is easily accessible for parents during the service. Care is provided from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m.

· Where do I enter the church?

The church can be entered either through the center door at the front entrance of the church; or via the Vestry door, which is handicap accessible and opens from the church parking lot. If one enters through the Vestry door, you can either take the elevator up to the sanctuary or cross through the vestry and walk up the stairs to the sanctuary.

· Will I be welcomed?

Yes, we will make every effort to help you feel comfortable during your visit with us. You will be greeted in the vestibule before you enter the sanctuary by a member of the Membership Committee and by our minister. We will ask you to sign the guest book and offer you the option of wearing a nametag. We will give you an information sheet about what to expect during the service and we'll invite you to coffee hour following the service. You'll then proceed into the sanctuary where the usher will also greet you and hand you the order of service.

· How does a typical service flow?

The service begins with a welcome from our minister, Rev. Bob Mcketchnie. There is music at the beginning of the service and we sing two or three additional hymns. We have a special time early in the service when members, friends and visitors can share a special joy or concern with the congregation. Often there are readings by the minister or the members, and we have a time for silent meditation. The sermon occurs near the end of the service.

· What are the sermons like?

The sermon is usually delivered by the minister, a guest minister, speaker, or a member of the congregation. It usually centers on thought provoking thoughts or ideas. Because the sermons can vary in content and spiritual meaning, it is often a good idea to visit our Sunday service a few times to get a full appreciation of our principles and faith.

· How large is the congregation?

We are a small U.U. church with a congregation of about 120 people. This includes members and "friends".

· What if I'm part of an interfaith family?

Many of our FPUU families come from varied religious backgrounds. They have chosen our church because we respect and celebrate many different faiths.

· Will I be pressured to join?

No, we will welcome you and be friendly, provide you with information about our U.U. faith, and then let you decide if our church is what you are looking for. We usually like newcomers to attend services for several months before they join. Membership involves certain privileges and responsibilities- see Path to Membership -and should be considered carefully.