There are many volunteer opportunities at First Parish!

10:00am-11:00am
AT: sanctuary
Join us on Sunday, February 5, 2012 as our Senior High youth lead us in worship and as we honor some of our younger youth with the First Chalice and First Mentor Rite-of-Passage ceremonies.  The teens of First Parish of Sudbury, inspired by a “Blessing of the New Drivers” being offered by interim minister, Rev. Gary Kowalski, will be exploring those times in life when you have to be prepared for the unexpected by keeping your hands on the wheel.

The “first chalice ceremony” publicly recognizes a transition for the 8 year olds at First Parish of Sudbury as they start to learn to think for themselves and develop strategies to guide them in their decision-making process.  At this Youth Sunday worship service these youth will receive personal-sized chalices, the Unitarian Universalist symbol of the freedom for individuals to seek out and follow their own religious truths. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m.

The “first mentor” rite-of-passage is a ceremony for youth who are eleven or who are in middle school and new to First Parish of Sudbury.  Each youth has selected an adult, a First Parish friend, with whom they have discussed why it is important to be a Unitarian Universalist in today’s world.  During the Youth Sunday worship service these mentors will introduce the youth to the community and offer special words in their honor. The youth will be presented with a small gift from First Parish that symbolizes its ongoing affirmation and support for them.

7:00pm-8:30pm
AT: Brackett Room
Gary will lead a book discussion group starting January 8 from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Brackett Room using Huston Smith's classic The World's Religions, an eight week tour of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Primal Traditions. The class is free and open to the public, but you might want to add this book to your Christmas list if you want to participate. Please note: we will be using the non-illustrated version of Smith's book. The pictures are nice, but the text is much abbreviated in the illustrated edition.

9:00am-1:30pm
AT: commons
Here's a chance to spend quality time with the one you love fine-tuning your relationship. Gary Kowalski will offer a half day Valentine's Special on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 9:00 - 1:30 in the Brackett Room for married partners and committed couples who want to strengthen their primary
bond. Fun, non-threatening communication exercises enable participants to revisit the reasons they value their partners, express affection, set priorities and think creatively about ways to grow their love. You will leave with a mutual contract for concrete steps you plan to take together to enhance your satisfaction! The workshop is free, but limited to six couples. Participants should bring a brown bag lunch. Please contact Rev. Kowalski to reserve your spot.

7:00pm-10:30pm
AT: Parish Hall
Coffee House on the Rocky Plain presents
a Youth Night Saturday, Feb. 11.  The doors open at 7pm. All the performers will be local teenagers.  Admission is $5. Cookies and drinks will be on sale.

10:00am-11:00am
AT: sanctuary
Our interim minister reflects on some of the quirky, weird and calamitous weddings he has officiated at over the years, and on the difference between the outward trappings of the Big Day and the actual significance of the bond the wedding represents.
Today we share the plate with the Domestic Violence Roundtable.

7:00pm-8:30pm
AT: Brackett Room
Gary will lead a book discussion group starting January 8 from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Brackett Room using Huston Smith's classic The World's Religions, an eight week tour of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Primal Traditions. The class is free and open to the public, but you might want to add this book to your Christmas list if you want to participate. Please note: we will be using the non-illustrated version of Smith's book. The pictures are nice, but the text is much abbreviated in the illustrated edition.