Events 2
Sermon: “Disreputable Ancestors”
Rev. Dr. Stephanie May
As the 400th anniversary of the founding of Boston approaches in 2030, our origin story confronts us with the legacy of our puritan ancestors. Â While lauded for centuries by many, the reputation of these founders and their relevancy to today has become more contested. How might we speak of our puritan ancestors whose beliefs and actions we may question or reject today? How might telling fuller stories about our origins as a church, city, and nation intersect with the work of justice in our contemporary moment?
As Boston’s first church, we host an annual Charter Day service in collaboration with the Partnership of Historic Bostons to mark the naming of Boston on September 7, 1630. Later this fall, First Church Boston joins with the Partnership, American Ancestors, the Mass Historical Society, and others to host a day-long conference, “Puritans in the 21st Century: Politics, Myths, and the Future” on Saturday, November 7. Learn more at https://www.americanancestors.org/events/puritans-21st-century-politics-myths-and-future
For Families: Childcare for children aged 1-8 is available. Rev. Hank Peirce, Assistant Minister of Storytelling, will share a story for all ages in the service. Following the story, older children are invited to remain in the service after or to join Anna and Rev. Hank for stories, play, and craft. Children of all ages are also always welcome in the sanctuary.
Sanctuary Boston – September 16, 2026 at 6:30pm
Contemporary Worship with Sanctuary Boston
Monthly on the third Wednesday, 6:30-8pm eastern
Sanctuary Boston is a community of vibrant worship, centering the experience and leadership of young adults. To learn more or to view our full worship schedule, please visit thesanctuaryboston.org
In person at First Church Boston and online at this link.
“Thirst" Sermon by Rev. Dr. Stephanie May with EboniĂ© Smith-Cooper – September 20, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Sermon: “Thirst”
Rev. Dr. Stephanie May
We come together for the annual Water Communion service to celebrate the gift of shared religious community. Through ritual, music, story, and a short sermon, we mark the beginning of a new year centered on the theme of mission.
As you are able, please bring a bit of water from a meaningful place or event from your summer, or water will be provided. Participants will be invited to briefly share a phrase to highlight the meaning. (For example, Rev. Stephanie brings water from the Grand River beside her brother’s home in Michigan.)
For Families: Childcare for children aged 1-8 is available. Rev. Hank Peirce will share a story for all ages in the service. Following the story, older children are invited to remain in the service after or to childcare for stories, play, and craft. Children of all ages are also always welcome in the sanctuary.
Image: Photo by Tim Cooper on Unsplash
Read with the Rev September: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi – September 20, 2026 at 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Read with the Rev: Two Options!
Sunday, September 20, 12:30pm — Join an in-person event drawing on the ideas of the book. Includes time for storytelling. Optional: bring a favorite photograph or portrait of yourself. Light Lunch provided. All invited. No need to have read the book.
Wed, September 23, 3:30pm — An online discussion of the book for those looking to dive deeper into the book and/or unable to join in-person.
A few copies available in the Narthex or check your public library.Â
Read with the Rev September: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi – September 23, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Read with the Rev: Two Options!
Sunday, September 20, 12:30pm — Join an in-person event drawing on the ideas of the book. Includes time for storytelling. Optional: bring a favorite photograph or portrait of yourself. Light Lunch provided. All invited. No need to have read the book.
Wed, September 23, 3:30pm — An online discussion of the book for those looking to dive deeper into the book and/or unable to join in-person.
A few copies available in the Narthex or check your public library.Â
“Our Invaluable Attention” Sermon by Rev. Dr. Stephanie May – September 27, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Sermon: “Our Invaluable Attention”
Rev. Dr. Stephanie May
In a culture saturated by information and media, multiple entities vie for our attention. With so many options, how do we decide what or who receives our attention? Drawing on the bestselling book, Theo of Golden, the sermon explores how intentionally choosing to pay attention can be a transformative gift.
For Families: Childcare for children aged 1-8 is available. John Newhall, Intern Minister, will share a story for all ages in the service. Following the story, older children are invited to remain in the service after or to join Noah and Anna for stories, play, and craft. Children of all ages are also always welcome in the sanctuary.
Image: Photo by Ahnaf Piash on Unsplash
Fall Potluck Dinner – October 3, 2026 at 12:00am
Worship Service – October 4, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Worship Service – October 11, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
JWS Street Fair – October 17, 2026 at All Day