Every Sunday morning at 11:00am, we worship together in-person in our modern Paul Rudolph-designed building in Boston’s Back Bay. People holding a wide spectrum of beliefs (and doubts!) join together to raise their spirits and voices in thanks for the life we have been given. We sing hymns, hear our professional choir, and share quiet time in prayer and meditation. It is our intent to create vivid, compelling messages and to comfort those in worship.

We also offer the option to view Sunday services on a Facebook Live-stream feed at 11:00am. Our Facebook page also includes a library of past worship services.

FIRST CHURCH IN BOSTON
Order of Service

Sunday, Septmber 25 2022
Rev. Edmund Robinson, Minister

Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Music Director

Prelude           Wondrous Love                                     Dale Wood

Welcome and Opening Words   

Opening Hymn  # 132   Bright Those Jewels                               
                                                                           ORIENTIS PARTIBUS
                       
Chalice Lighting   That light we see is burning in my hall. 
                        How far that little candle throws his beams!
                        So shines a good deed in a naughty world
                                              —   Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice

First Church Boston Affirmation

Love is the spirit of this church, and Service its law. This is our great covenant, to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.

Announcements

Anthem         “Unclouded Day”        Rev. J.K. Alwood, arr. S. Kirchner
Responsive Reading  #  682

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Sermon Reading

Sermon Hymn  # 138  These Things Shall Be                     TRURO

Sermon        “The Dawn of Everything”   Rev. Edmund Robinson                                                                     Call to the Offering

Offertory       “Pilgrims’ Hymn”                             Stephen Paulus  

Donate by Text

You can use text messaging on your smartphone to send a contribution to the First Church offertory. Text a number representing your dollar amount (5, 10, 20, etc.) to (617) 917-5610. You will receive confirmation by email.

Doxology  # 377                                                   OLD HUNDREDTH                  
Extinguishing the Chalice  

We extinguish this flame but not the light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment.  These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Closing Hymn  # 148  Let Freedom Span Both East and West
                                                                                               McKEE                                                                                                                                                             
Charge to the Congregation

Postlude         Fanfare on McKee                       Charles Callahan

Welcome Back!

Let’s make it a great year!

This morning’s flowers provided by

the First Church Trustees