to make connections between my desire for social justice and church

because it contributes to life's routine

to get out of house

business to attend to :-(

To take part in and support my Church and Parish community.

The atmosphere, the freedom, the acceptance, the love of justice embodied in the sentiment that no one is free until we are all free, until all human beings are acknowledged as equal, the love and compassion in the sermons, the freedom of thought, the balance of care for the individual and the rights of all individuals, and Dr. Mikkelson's sermons in particular. Going to church makes me feel happy and good - it is a light in my life and it makes my whole week better.

inform community of relevant happenings

to fuse close relationships and religious etc. perspectives

To work on connecting my experience in the church with social action concerns.

the sense of being a part of the community—not just socializing, but being there as part of a thing

To participate in making music.

To take part in and support my Church community.

To hear Thomas

For inspiration. To get re-centered and grounded.

The sermons

Thomas' sermons are often extraordinary. Thomas is my singlemost top reason for coming. No matter what the topic, I learn, am lifted, and often moved by his words, vision, and demeanor.

I attend church in Cambridge only once or twice a year. ...

I would like to experience a greater sense of intellectual challenge, but rarely feel that way. The UU message often feels overly "I'm OK, you're OK, which ultimately does not demand that much from any of us.

For the calm, warmth and joy that I experience during service.

to sing and pray, both expressions of my spirituality

sing in choir, help out…

To make announcements. Being physically present with a pithy announcement is the most effective way of generating interest in your group or event, bar none.

When I first came to the Boston area, First Parish was a refuge of kind, caring and social people. It was exactly what I needed and I am grateful. I came regularly and am thankful for the community, friends and worship I found here.

We no longer live in New England, but when we are visiting, we like to go to First Parish

to worship with a community of people, to think in new ways based on the sermon

To be moved, inspired, to sing (but I often don't like the rhythym and tone of the music)

work in RE

Will be taking advantage of RE

to commune with like-minded folks especially during challenging times (9/11, post re-election of Bush, etc.)

To participate in some political or social cause; to hear a particular speaker

To learn about and share information about social justice activities in the church & larger community

To be a part of the community

Teach RE

Fellowship, Contact with others, joining in groups (e.g. Men's group).

to sing in the choir

Usually attend elsewhere now for geographical reasons only.

Not only for spiritual growth, but to be inspired and reminded of my duty within my community, both at grass roots level and nationally (during elections).

I have regular responsibilities at the church on Sunday mornings.

I would be interested in (a), but I don't find it at FP.

To feel like part of a community

There is a lot of pressure among members of our church to be at Sunday services; participating in the life of the congregation in other ways is invisible and "does not count." This irritates me. I dislike the self-righteous and judgmental attitude many people have towards those who do not attend every Sunday service, as if that is the only way to be seen as a "good" member of the church. It really bothers me, and I know I am not the only one who feels this way.

prayer and meditation in sacred space