The buildings that are home to the First Parish in Framingham closed on March 13, 2020. If we were to care for one another and do our part to "flatten the curve" we'd need shift congregational life into virtual spaces.

 

On Sunday March 15, we held our first virtual service on Zoom. Rather than do our usual single service at 10:00 a.m. we offered three services.- a Family Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. followed by two Community Gatherings, one at 10:30 and one at 3:00 p.m. Each of the Gatherings is planned for about 35 minutes and is followed by a brief coffee hour (using Zoom break out rooms as needed.) The order of service includes recorded music, chalice lighting, the traditional First Parish affirmations, moments of sharing, an offering reminder.  I offer readings and a brief reflection. We are doing our best to keep physically distant and connected as a community.

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From our first virtual service March 15, 2020

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Welcome

Welcome to my home office and library in Ashby.  Though our connection is virtual. . .there is something precious about being present with and for one another from so many places, many of them, perhaps all of them home places. I'll guide us through our time together, with the hope that it allows us to center down despite anxiety, uncertainty.

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To read more from this service, click on the document link:

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From our second virtual service March 22, 2020

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No Strangers

To escape the confines of my house, I go for a drive every day.  Sometimes I end up at the drive through in the Starbucks closest to my house.  Sometimes I just drive a back road, sometimes I end up in Willard Brook State Forest just down the road from my house.  When I pass another car or when the barista at Starbucks greets me. . .I realize that being isolated. . . staying home. . . . limiting my presence in this big old world beyond the walls of my home. . . it is too easy to encounter others as strangers – strangers who might be dangerous to  me.

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To read more from this service, click on the document link:

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