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FIRST TIME VISITORS

We extend a warm welcome to you from First Parish, Medfield.

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

 Our congregation is comprised of people from many different backgrounds and religious orientations.  We come together as a community in search of spiritual meaning and growth.  At the same time, we promote 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.  We hope we are able to answer some of your questions and that we will 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 worship service at First Parish Medfield.  Below are answers that we think will help you.

  • When does the worship service start? Sunday Church services begin at 10 A.M. and last approximately one hour.  The church year begins September 11, 2011 and lasts until the 2nd Sunday in June, 2012.  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, some wear pants or jeans.  A good rule of thumb is to wear what makes you feel comfortable.
  • Where do I park? There is limited parking with one handicapped space and a designated “guest parking” space behind the church.  There is also parking on North Street, or in the lot next to the Montrose School (across the street).
  • 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 to listen to a brief story or idea.  Shortly afterwards, the children depart for their religious education classes.  (See website for more information about these classes.)  At other times we have “inter-generational services when the children remain for the entire service.  They usually have a role in this service.
  • Is there childcare? Yes, our “Little Lights Nursery” provides a safe and caring environment for infants, toddlers and younger pre-school aged children. The nursery is located in the church Vestry, which is downstairs from the Sanctuary, and is easily accessible for parents during the worship service.  Care is provided from 9:45 A.M. 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 at the right up to the sanctuary, or pass through the Vestry and walk up the stairs to the Sanctuary.
  • Will I be welcomed? Yes, we make every effort to help you feel comfortable during your visit with us.  A member of the Membership Committee and our minister usually welcome you in the entry space before you go into the Sanctuary.  We will give you the option of signing our guest book and wearing a name-tag. Then you’ll proceed into the Sanctuary where the usher will greet you and hand you the Order of  Service. We will also invite you to coffee hour following the worship service.
  • How does a typical worship service flow? Although our services don’t conform to a strict liturgy, there is predictability to their flow. The worship service begins with a welcome from our minister, after which we have a short time of announcements.  There is music at the beginning and two or three hymns are sung throughout the service.  There is a special time early in the service when members, friends and visitors can share personal joys and concerns. Later there are often readings by the minister or congregants, and we have a time for silent meditation.  The sermon given by the minister or guest speakers occurs near the end of the service.
  • What are the sermons like? The sermon is given by the minister, a guest minister or speaker, or a member of the congregation. It usually centers on a thought provoking idea or moral question.  Because the sermons can vary in content and spiritual meaning, it is good idea to visit the Sunday worship service several times to get a full understanding of our principles and faith.
  • How large is the congregation? We are a small community U.U. church with a congregation of approximately 125 people.  This includes member and friends from Medfield, Millis, Walpole, Norfolk, Dover and Medway.
  • What If I’m part of an interfaith family? Several of our families at First Parish Medfield are from mixed religious backgrounds.  They have chosen our church because we respect and celebrate different religions.  They feel very comfortable worshipping together with their children at First Parish.
  • Will I be pressured to join? No, we will welcome you, be friendly, and provide you with information about our U.U. faith.  We urge you to attend several times to get comfortable with us and the U.U. beliefs.  If, after some time, you think First Parish is a good fit for you, then you may want to talk with our minister or a member of the Membership Committee. They can explain the privileges and responsibilities of Membership.  You can also check out the Paths to Membership on this site.