Mission
Our mission statement, adopted by a vote of the Parish on February 11, 2007:
“We welcome all to our inclusive spiritual community. We affirm our Unitarian Universalist Principles and put them into action by worshipping together, caring for one another, and working for a safe, just, and sustainable world.”
Welcome
Welcome to First Parish in Cohasset, Unitarian-Universalist. We are a lively, multi-generational community of spiritual seekers. We first gathered as a religious community in 1721, when Nehemiah Hobart was ordained as our first minister. We are grounded in the past, inspired by the present and planning for the future. A congregation with roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition, our membership today affirms a variety of sources for spiritual inspiration. We are bonded by our dedication to Unitarian-Universalist principles, to supporting one another in our individual spiritual exploration, and to living out our faith in the larger world.
Our programs in religious education for children and adults, social outreach, worship, and pastoral care support us in our journeys. We seek wholeness in our individual lives within the warmth, compassion, and strength of a spiritual community. You are most welcome to join us, learn more about us and share your journey with us.
Our Community
Our community convenes in the present Meeting House which was built in 1747 and serves today, as it did then, as a visual centerpiece of Cohasset Common. The Meeting House and the newly renovated Parish House are the landmarks of a vibrant spiritual community for nearly three centuries. While some families have multigenerational ties to First Parish, new parishioners are regularly and warmly welcomed into our community.
People come to First Parish for spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and thoughtful consideration of the world around us. Our community is currently comprised of approximately 200 members primarily from Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, and Scituate. There are approximately 50 children enrolled in religious education. Our members and friends come from a variety of religious backgrounds and experiences. Our congregation welcomes everyone willing to participate in the free exchange of ideas in a democratically organized fellowship.
Sunday Morning Services
Worship Services are held Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting House. Lay-led services are held during the summer months. Everyone is welcome to coffee hour in the Parish House for light refreshments after the Sunday service.
Religious Education
Religious education programs begin now at age 1 with the toddler program entitled “The Precious Years.” It is important that our children enjoy their participation in religious education, and our goal is the enrichment of everyday life, through talking, listening, sharing, and caring. Our programs seek to raise consciousness so that our children may ultimately discern for themselves what is everlasting, right and good.
Adult Life Enrichment
A full program of adult courses and gatherings, led by our minister and/or lay members, help us enrich our faith and explore the challenges of contemporary life.
Music
Music is an integral part of our service at First Parish. Our Music Director coordinates adult and junior choirs .
Lay Committees
Numerous committees exist to help us work together and create a united community.
Outreach
First Parish has actively supported, among other programs, a homeless shelter in the Parish House, the Cohasset Food Pantry, Wellspring in Hull, the Bloodmobile, Habitat for Humanity, the Heifer Project, Relay for Life Cancer Walk and the Project Bread “Walk for Hunger”.
Our Mission
First Parish in Cohasset draws on its roots as a Unitarian- Universalist Congregation, and has adopted the following seven principles of faith as its mission:
We Affirm and Promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregation
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
