Worship Services

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, listen to our minister and other guest speakers—we share in a quiet time of 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, January 29, 2023
Rev. Edmund Robinson, Minister Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Director of Music
Prelude Prélude Modal, Op. 6 No. 1 Jean Langlais
Welcome and Opening Words Rev. Edmund Robinson
Opening Hymn No. 304 “A Fierce Unrest” SALVATION
Chalice Lighting
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 “Stars” Ēriks Ešenvalds
Responsive Reading No. 568 “Connections Are Made Slowly”
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Sermon Reading
Sermon Hymn No. 122 “Sound Over All Waters” ST. DENIO
Sermon “Ad Astra Per Aspera” Rev. Robinson
Call to the Offering
Offertory Andante un poco Adagio, Johannes Brahms
Clarinet Sonata in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1
Alex Lyons, clarinet
Robert Winkley, piano
Doxology 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 No. 113“Where Is Our Holy Church?” St. Michael
Charge to the Congregation
Postlude …from Outer Space