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