News

We have a special treat for those who cannot make the Freedom Trail field trip led by Mary Toropov on August 16th. That same morning at 9am, First Parish Cohasset will host Randy Fayan as a guest musician at our Meetinghouse. Randy, a graduate of Brown University and Music Director at the First Unitarian Church in New Bedford, is an amazingly versatile, irrepressible, enthusiastic organist-pianist. He studied classical piano under Linda Jorle and Diana Smirnov and studied or

Join us for a Teddy Bear Picnic in Carriage House Nursery School's outdoor classroom, Happy Hollow!

Rodney died at home on July 22, 2026. Rodney was born March 27, 1935, the only child of Malcolm Gannett Hobson and Dora Linwood (Tirrell) Hobson of Weymouth. Rodney grew up on Chard Street in Weymouth (where the truant officer knew where to find him) and graduated from Weymouth High School in 1953. He played for the Weymouth High School football team where he did a “bang-up job” as their center and was “an important cog in keeping Weymouth a schoolboy powerhouse.” (Quincy Pa

It is great sadness that First Parish reports the death of long-time congregation member, Martha Gjesteby, due to a steady decline after a fall in April. A celebration of life will take place at the First Parish Meetinghouse on Friday, September 18th, at noon. All are welcome. Link to full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/martha-gjesteby-obituary?id=62164206&utm_source=webshareapi&utm_medium=share_button&utm_campaign=wsapimobile_beta ‘

It is great sadness that First Parish reports the death of former congregation member, Dana Cushing. Dana died suddenly at home on Monday, August 3rd. A Celebration of Life will take place at First Parish in the Meetinghouse on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11am. All are welcome. Link to full obituary: https://www.mcnamara-sparrell.com/obituaries/dana-cushing

Family fun event!

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/scituate-ma/lynne-swift-12934232

Guest speaker, Rebecca Reid, will explore the rapid rise of artificial intelligence by sharing stories from her middle school English classroom in Boston. Through personal experiences, ethical guardrails, and Unitarian Universalist values, we will reflect on how AI acts as a mirror of our society and how we can navigate technology with intentionality and care. Rebecca Reid is entering her 10th year as a Special Education English teacher in Boston Public Schools, where her dep

Miguel Servetus is often remembered by Unitarians because he was exectued for questioning the doctrine of the Trinity. We should also remember Sebastien Castellion, who - prompted by Servetus' death - advocated for religious freedom. The story of Servetus and Castellion has become even more relevant today, with the rise of Christian nationalism. (Based on a question asked during last year's Question-and-Answer sermon.)

We all like the story of the Good Samaritan, and we use that story to remind others of the importance of loving our neighbors. But do we really want to love all our neighbors with no exceptions? What about those politicians you really dislike? When can we make exceptions to "love your neighbor"? (Based on a question asked during last year's Question-and-Answer sermon.)

Can we talk about current events while being sensitive to people's differing opinions? As both a political independent, and a religious freethinker, I see parallels between political conversations and religious conversations. As Unitarian Universalists, we're fairly skillful at talking with people who have diverse spiritual viewpoints. Why can't we use those skills in the political realm as well? (Based on a question asked during last year's Question-and-Answer sermon.) Can w

Music at First Parish in Cohasset plays an important role in the ministry of the church. It offers an opportunity for our members and children to participate in the creation of something beautiful and it enhances our spiritual joining at our Sunday services. Adult Choir Our adult choir provides music for our worship services almost every week. They are also called on from time to time to provide their talents to other events, such as the annual Martin Luther King Breakfast, u

First Parish will host a memorial service for long-time member, Leslie Ann Fallon, at the Meetinghouse (30 N. Main St. / Cohasset) on Monday, 6/29/26, at 10:30am. All are welcome to attend. Leslie was well known for her generous spirit particularly at Christmas when she made her annual holiday contribution of donating all of the wreaths that adorn our Meetinghouse and Parish House. Click on this obituary link to read more: https://www.mcnamara-sparrell.com/obituaries/leslie-

Need Your Help in Our Search Some of you may have seen this posting in our weekly First Parish updates, but whether you have or not, please keep reading and take a few minutes to think about who you know who might know someone who might help up fill the vacancy. Kathleen Reardon, our bookkeeper for the last 4+ years, has decided to leave us to attend to pressing family commitments, leaving us in need of a new bookkeeper starting with the new church year in July. The best w

Adopt an Island First Parish native and pollinator garden project. Help with weeding, planting, watering, and maintaining.

PATRIOT'S DAY | April 20, 2026 | 2-3:30 PM On Patriot’s Day, April 20th at 2PM First Parish will be hosting a reading of the Bill of Rights at the Meeting House for the Cohasset community. The Rusty Skippers will be performing a patriotic medley of songs. Please join us!

Our “ share the plate ” for April is designated to Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry (UUUM) . The UUUM is a non-sectarian, non-profit social justice organization that has its offices at the historic First Church in Roxbury - a Boston landmark. Their mission is to work across race and place to dismantle racism and white supremacy culture and to advance racial, social, and economic justice. The UUUM envisions a Greater Boston where all people live with freedom and di

Dan will be away on study leave from 4/6-4/10. During that time, please reach out to Patty in the office for any ministerial emergencies that cannot await his return: (781) 383-1100 or admin@firstparishcohasset.org .

October 31, 1937 — March 24, 2026 Scituate First Parish extends condolences on the recent death of long-time friend, Robine Andrau. Robine's family welcomes you to join them for an informal memorial gathering to celebrate Robine at the Lightkeepers Cottage, 15 Lighthouse Lane Cohasset, MA. Friends and family are welcome to stop by Thursday, April 9, 2026 any time between 4:00pm and 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Robine’s name to Rosie’s Place. Full