At Fourth Presbyterian Church, we believe that because God meets us in human life through Jesus, no part of life is outside the reach of grace. Prayer, study, music, conversation, rest, and even the ordinary work of showing up for one another all become places where God is already at work.

Our adult programs reflect that conviction. We gather not to escape the world, but to notice where holiness is unfolding within it. In shared meals and quiet prayer, in thoughtful engagement with scripture, in learning, healing, and song, we practice paying attention to the God who meets us in real bodies, real questions, and real community. These offerings are meant to support a faith that takes everyday life seriously and trusts that it is precisely there where God chooses to dwell.

Scroll below to explore our programs for adults and find a place to step in.

Daily Online Prayer Service

What began during the pandemic as a simple half hour of prayer and fellowship online has become a steady, meaningful part of our shared spiritual life. These gatherings keep us connected across distance, making space for people who have moved away to remain present, known, and woven into the life of the community. These services are also streamed live on YouTube on Tuesdays and Thursdays

The zoom link and worship bulletin can be found on our online worship page:

Online Worship Page

Wednesday Study Group

A variety of book studies, Bible studies, and other classes aimed at spiritual growth

Coming up:

The History of Fourth Church

A series of talks, articles and stories with Pastor Burns about our history from 1870 until now. Wednesdays, 6:30pm-7:30, from Sept. 23 until November 18.

Our first three sessions:

Sept. 22 1870 -1929 Read Chris Elwood’s history of FPC
Sept. 29 1930- 1985 Read Kathy Dawson’s dissertation chapter on FPC
Oct. 7 1985-1989 Special Zoom Guest: Rev. Michael Granzen (pastor at the time)
Oct. 14 BREAK
Oct. 21 – Nov. 18 sessions will focus on different aspects of the last 35 years, including …
building changes, community programs, press articles, organizing, spiritual practices

Choir

Music matters here and sits at the heart of our Sunday life together. Help lead music in worship and join in special moments like the Passion Play and the Christmas Concert. This is a welcoming, low-pressure way to share your voice and help shape the sound and spirit of our worship. All are welcome, and no experience is necessary.

We meet for practice in the church sanctuary.

Adult Sunday School

Join Pastor Tim and intern Ethan for a dedicated time to spend studying Scripture, theology, poetry, and other spiritual topics.

Join us in person 5 Vinton Street, the blue house next door to the church, or on Zoom at the link below:

Join on Zoom

Peace by Piece

A gentle, supportive space for those carrying trauma or loss. Whether your wounds are recent or long held, visible or unseen, you are welcome here. You may share your story, or simply listen. This is a place to be held with care as healing unfolds, piece by piece, together.

You can learn more about the program at the link below:

More on Peace by Piece
Burns, Andy, Barry at Boston Bowl in custom Fourth Church Holy Rollers shirts

Bowling

You are invited to join us for fun church outings to Boston Bowl. Barry, head of the Bowling Committee, will announce outing dates during church announcements.

Thank you to our bowling leadership, Barry, Andy, Jacob, and Laura!

Boston Bowling 820 Morrissey Blvd, Dorchester, MA 02122

LGBTQ+ Bible Study

A once-monthly Zoom Bible study connecting Presbyterian churches from around the Boston area. This group centers LGBTQ+ voices while welcoming allies, creating space for honest questions, faithful imagination, and deep engagement with scripture and contemporary theology. Together we’ll read the Bible through a queer lens, share insights from lived experience, and explore how these ancient texts speak to our lives now.

Upcoming meetings:

  • Tuesday, February 17 – Hebrews 1-2; Queer Bible Commentary pp. 696-699
  • Monday, March 16 – Hebrews 3-4; Queer Bible Commentary pp. 696-702
  • Tuesday, April 21 – Hebrews 5-7; Queer Bible Commentary pp. 702-704
  • Monday, May 18 – Hebrews 8-9; Queer Bible Commentary pp. 705-707; Queers the Word pp. 71-72
  • Monday, June 15 – Hebrews 10; Queer Bible Commentary pp. 707-710
  • Monday, July 20 – Hebrews 11:1-19;
  • August – no meeting; enjoy the end of summer!
  • Monday, September 21 – Hebrews 11:20-40; Queer Bible Commentary pp. 709-710
  • Monday, October 19 – Hebrews 12-13; Queers the Word pp. 68-70

You can join in via Zoom using the link below:

Join on Zoom
Queer Bible Commentary PDFQueers the Word PDF

Church Retreat

Each year we travel together to Wilmot, New Hampshire for a quiet, grounding retreat away from the pace of everyday life. Set in a peaceful natural setting, the weekend offers time for rest, reflection, shared meals, and thoughtful teaching.

$60 for adults, $40 for kids age 4-12 (Ages 0-3 are free)

FRIDAY EVENING (come at 6pm or when you can)
Supper, singing, some opening words and more activities

SATURDAY
Optional morning meditation at 7:30
8am Breakfast, (retreat pancakes from Burns/Laura and French Toast by Kathy B)
9am Singing!
Rev. Dr. Mike Motia – longtime intern, friend, and member of Fourth, brings a teaching and
some practices from Augustine
Intergenerational Creativity Exercise
Lunch
1pm- FREE TIME (for hiking, resting, swimming, boating, games…)
Afternoon Prayer Groups,

Dinner (prepared by Peter Slade)
Blessing Service, Square Dance called by Laura Massie,
and Camp Fire with s’mores

SUNDAY:
Breakfast, Clean up, Home for worship in South Boston