A Christmas tradition in Portland is our Pageant of the Nativity. Since 1926, our members (some for generations!) don beautiful costumes for a magical transformation into members of the holy family, angels, shepherds, Wise Men, and disciples. The church is full to overflowing. Many of the costumes are the originals, made from fabrics brought back from the Holy Land by two nieces of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The pageant is our acknowledgment of our history and our witnessing of our Christian heritage.

We have had Small Group Ministry meetings for several years. The SGM functions as a place where our members and friends can get to know each other and share their spiritual quests in a confidential setting. Groups range in size from 5–8. A member of the group presents a topic for group members to discuss. SGM is a feature of the church which breaks down the congregation in a way that members can meet new friends and share in their spiritual search in a way that is both pertinent and profound. The SGM groups are also a way to develop church leadership. SGM groups have led Sunday services and SGM members have become more active in the life of the church.

Worship at First Parish

The Sunday worship service is probably the single focal arena where the congregation is united: it’s very important! From thereon, there’s a wide divergence of thought. That the minister enjoy preaching and give spiritual energy to the congregation is of paramount importance.

Sunday morning is a time when most of us plan to gather for worship. The congregation likes readings that range from poetry to children’s stories. Once a month, the minister’s “off” Sunday, the pulpit may be filled by someone from the broader community. It may also be filled by a member of the worship committee or of the congregation.

Each Sunday, a lay member of the church is the “Worship Leader.” He or she makes the welcome and chalice reading, as well as invites the congregation to greet each other, and often reads one of the readings. This is a wonderful way for the congregation to get a sense of members of the church and for church members to get comfortable being seen and heard.