Free Market of Ideas

Through our Free Market of Ideas, we at First Parish seek to reach out to our communities and raise the level of public discourse on matters of common concern, as well as to introduce to the general public ideas and concepts that might not be readily available elsewhere.

Programs of the Free Market of Ideas are held at the church on a regular basis, and are always free of charge. You are always most welcome to attend any of these events that might be of interest to you! Watch this space for upcoming programs, or if you would like to be on our Free Market of Ideas mailing list, please contact us.

A UU-Zen Consort
Wednesday
April 7 and April 21, 2010
7:30 PM

The Bio Channel / A & E
Biography: Bruce Springsteen
Tuesday
April 6, 2010
7:30 PM

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days
Tuesday
April 13, 2010
7:30 PM

Wednesday, March 11, 2010, 7:30 PM

A UU-Zen Consort
(a gathering)

The Zen Consort (Consortium) is a gathering of individuals who would like to be able to meditate, or put aside concerns of the day and empty out their minds. What happens after that is an individual response. Some people will encounter the truth they live by, probably in an intuitive understanding or visualization that describes it in a way previously unknown to them. Some people will encounter nothing more than a peaceful hour away from it all -- but for some of us, that's a prize worth having! And some will discover something very new. Recently, the group has been exploring the Mandala as a means to clearing the mind and (perhaps) finding an intuitive pathway to inner peace. The Mandala is a circular, repetitive design; materials to create one will be on hand and suggestions about its possible content will be offered. If the result is an hour of calm and relaxation, the Consort considers that a success! If the process is fun-filled and pleasant, the Consort considers that a success, too. And if the mysteries of the Universe are revealed -- well -- the Consort considers that a bonus! All interested persons are welcome. For more information, call Deborah Allen at 508-574-2220.

Rescheduled! Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 7:30 PM

The Bio Channel / A & E

Biography: Bruce Springsteen

The Boss was Born In The USA but knew he had to share his music with the world. The dynamic songwriter, singer and musician Bruce Springsteen gained worldwide success through his intense ballads and rousing anthems. This documentary, produced for The Bio Channel and A & E explores various aspects of Springsteen’s life and career. Among the featured commentators is our own Rev. Jeffrey Symynkywicz, author of The Gospel according to Bruce Springsteen.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7:30 PM

Sophie Scholl:

The Final Days

A 2005 Academy Award Nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, Sophie Scholl—The Final Days is the true story of Germany’s most famous anti-Nazi heroine brought to thrilling dramatic life. Sophie Scholl stars Julia Jentsch in a luminous performance as the fearless activist of the underground student resistance group, the White Rose.

Armed with long-buried historical records of her incarceration, director Marc Rothermund expertly re-creates the last six days of Sophie Scholl’s life: a heart-stopping journey from arrest to interrogation, trial, and sentence in 1943 Munich. Unwavering in her convictions and loyalty to her comrades, her cross-examination by the Gestapo quickly escalates into a searing test of wills as Sophie delivers a passionate call to freedom and personal responsibility that is both haunting and timeless.

In German with English subtitles. All interested persons are welcome. Free.