First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist

10/28/2026

As we approach Election Day for our nation’s midterms (and a slew of ballot questions), we may find ourselves wondering: How do we maintain hope for a better future, with so many recent obstacles and setbacks? What does it mean to ‘heal the heart of democracy’ today? Where do revolutionaries find their optimism? We’ll reflect on these questions, as well as hear from our First Parish Choir and share our joys and sorrows. Please also remember that this Sunday is “fall back” (so, you get an extra hour of Halloween fun and/or sleep!).

10/24/2026

Want to volunteer with and get connected at First Parish in Needham? Join the Parish Committee during social hour TOMORROW at 11:30 am to learn about how First Parishioners care, learn, and serve together — plus, there will be treats!

Learn more at uuneedham dot org

10/23/2026

THIS SUNDAY! New to Unitarian Universalism, or to First Parish? Interested in learning more about UU theology, ethics, history, governance, and activism? Join Rev. Catie Scudera and DRE John Newhall for a UU 101 workshop on Sunday October 26 from 12:30-3:30 pm, onsite (23 Dedham Ave) in the Parlor. RSVPs appreciated (but not required) to Rev. Catie (minister at uuneedham dot org). All are welcome! Learn more at uuneedham dot org

10/22/2026

For Sunday October 25th’s multigenerational service honoring Halloween and All Souls, we’ll remember our loved ones of blessed memory in different ways and through different rituals throughout the service. We’ll reflect on the question of who has positively influenced us to creatively “make ways out of no way” in our personal lives and in wider society. Those participating from afar are encouraged to log into Zoom for this service (included in the weekly e-newsletter, the Bell Notes) so you can take part in the interactive rituals. We’ll hear music from our children’s choir, SongSquad, and our Music Director Laura Nevitt. And, as always, Halloween costumes are welcome and highly encouraged!

Learn more and subscribe to the e-newsletter at uuneedham dot org

10/21/2026

First Parish enjoyed food & fellowship together this past Sunday at our first communal potluck dinner! Will we see you at the next one on Sunday November 15 from 5-7 pm?

Many thanks to our members Cathy and Wendy for their organizing and hosting prowess, and to all those who participated and contributed to the delicious buffet!

10/16/2026

We love to see First Parishioners in the news “living their beliefs through action and care for our world”! Thank you Aidan for your work with Safe Streets Needham, and thanks to the needhamobserver for covering this important issue.

Aidan Boni was a freshman at Needham High School in 2018 when 16-year-old Talia Newfield and 17-year-old Adrienne Garrido were hit and killed by a car in the crosswalk on […]

10/15/2026

CEOs of many tech companies developing Artificial Intelligence/Large Language Models have been “boosting” that the technology will one day save the world, or “dooming” that it may one day destroy humanity. How helpful or dangerous is AI? And, How helpful or dangerous is it to a special talent of humanity’s, creativity? We’ll explore these ideas this Sunday October 18th at 10:30 am, both onsite and through the YouTube livestream. We’ll also hear music from the First Parish Choir, our kids will head to religious exploration opportunities after the Time for All Ages, and we’ll share our joys and sorrows. Learn more about Sundays at First Parish at uuneedham dot org

10/13/2026

Wondering about the pros and cons of all-party primaries? Not sure about the effects of keeping or repealing the 2016 ma*****na legalization or 2024 gun control laws? What about the impact of same-day voter registration? ​

F​irst Parish's Lane Lyceum program is proud to host the League of Women Voters of Needham NEXT TUESDAY at 7:30 pm over Zoom ​to present highlights of the nine ballot questions on Massachusetts ballots this November, plus the local Needham ballot question about Pollard Middle School. The questions are complex, and this opportunity will help you make informed decisions.​

Karen Price and Carol Patey are both active members — and former presidents — of the League of Women Voters of Needham, MA.​ Karen has served in many roles in the Needham League and the Massachusetts League. Locally she has also served on the boards for the Needham Observer and the Needham Area Immigration Justice Task Force. Professionally she served prior to retirement as Director of Scientific Administration for the International Breast Cancer Study Group.​ Carol retired from several decades as an analyst at the US Government Accountability Office and is enjoying her work with the League, as well as quilting, gardening, and singing with a community chorus. She lives in Needham with her husband.

​Learn more about the Lane Lyceum series at uuneedham.info/LaneLyceum

10/12/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day! First Parish remembers that we gather on the occupied land of the Massachusett and Pawtucket, who have stewarded the land now called Needham for generations. How are you honoring indigenous history and resilience today?

10/11/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY! On Sunday October 18th at 5 pm, all are welcome to enjoy an evening of food and fellowship at First Parish's Multigenerational Community Dinner! Pasta and gluten-free pizza will be provided, and all are invited to bring either a vegetable side dish, a dessert option, or a soft drink to share. Our Director of Religious Exploration, John Newhall, will offer kids' activities so parents can keep their conversations going.

Please email in your RSVP to organizer Cathy Livingston by Thursday October 15th to help us plan; include your name and the total number of adults & children planning to attend.

For more details, see the Bell Notes e-newsletter, visit our website uuneedham dot org, or contact the First Parish administrator at office at uuneedham dot org.