What is First Parish Chelmsford?

Updated

First Parish Chelmsford is a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, that describes itself as celebrating "people of every background, identity, and life story." If you are considering a visit, the main entry point is Sunday worship at 10:00 AM, offered both in person and by YouTube livestream. The congregation also runs youth faith formation, small groups, and community events, and its website provides a "Plan Your Visit" page for newcomers.

Worship and Sunday Services

Sunday services begin at 10:00 AM. The website lists two ways to take part:

  • In person at First Parish
  • Livestream on YouTube (the site notes the stream has no chat)

An Order of Worship is also referenced on the site, which can help a first-time visitor follow along. Religious Faith Formation for Youth meets Sundays at 10:00 AM as well, with youth updates noted as starting 9/20/26.

Groups and Community Events

The congregation's calendar shows a mix of recurring and one-time gatherings. Examples from the listed events include:

Event Timing
Families Friday's Games Night Fridays, 7:00–9:00 PM
New Women's Small Group First Sunday of the month, 4:00–6:00 PM
Retirees, 70's+ Better-Yeared Group Nov 8, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, with a guest speaker on continuing care retirement communities
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Sat. Nov 21, 2026, 6:00 PM at Chelmsford Center for the Arts, 1A North Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824

The site also mentions a "Geography of Grace" series and a Share the Plate collection, which in October supports Edesia Nutrition, a Rhode Island nonprofit working on childhood malnutrition.

Who It's For

The congregation explicitly welcomes people of every background and identity. Beyond Sunday worship, the site points to specific audiences:

  • Families — games nights and youth faith formation
  • Older adults — the retirees' group for those in their 70s and up
  • College students in the Boston area — connection through Sanctuary Campus, which hosts meetups, small groups, retreats, and Wednesday evening worship, with an online form to get connected

How to Get Involved

The website offers several starting points: a "Plan Your Visit" page, a "New Here?" section, staff information, and a Donate option. If you want to learn more before attending, the Latest News and Latest Sermons sections give a sense of the congregation's current activities and preaching—for example, a recent sermon, "Flower Communion 2026," by Rev. Ellen Rowse Spero, and a news post announcing Rev. Spero's decision to retire as minister.

For a first step, the most direct route is to check the Plan Your Visit page and the Upcoming Events calendar, then attend a Sunday service in person or via livestream.