Welcome to First Parish Church UU in Waltham!
We're glad you're here! We invite visitors to sign the guest book by either entrance to receive our newsletter. If you're visiting on a Sunday morning, please join us in the parish hall after the service for coffee and conversation. Sign the guestbook so that you can receive a newsletter (The Courier) for a few weeks. And stop by the Visitors' Welcome table where a member of the community will greet you and answer any questions that you may have.
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion. We believe personal experience, conscience and reason are the final authorities in religion. We put religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds. Not bound to any formal statements of belief or creed, we gather in community to share our gifts in a free and open search for truth and meaning in our lives. We are guided by many faith traditions and wisdoms, and by our shared values and principles.
First Parish is a Welcoming Congregation, affirming the worth and dignity of all people regardless of age, sex, race, or sexual orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Membership
Why come to church? Why First Parish?
What is expected of me as a member of First Parish Church?
Why come to church? Why First Parish?
There may be at least as many benefits as there are members! Here are some things our members have to say about this question:
"I love the community and support."
"This is a safe and warm community for me and my son."
"It's important to serve others in Waltham. This is a place where I can do that."
"This is a place to think about spirituality—it's a place of warmth."
"First Parish is an extension of my family. People are very supportive."
"I'm here because of the people and the courses in spirituality. First Parish makes me think and feel more alive."
"This is a place where I can be my authentic self."
What is expected of me as a member of First Parish Church?
Love is the spirit of this church
And service is its law.
This is our great covenant:
To dwell together in peace,
To seek the truth in love,
And to help one another.
Members covenant with one another to become actively involved in the life of the congregation, supporting one another on our spiritual journeys and supporting the congregation's mission and vision in the wider world. We do this through:
Worship and the Celebration of Life: Attending worship regularly, participating in life passages, community rituals and activities.
Spiritual Growth: Participating in our spiritual and community development programs, taking time for personal meditation and reflection, developing connections with each other and the wider world.
Shared Ministry: Serving the community within and beyond the church walls by leading spiritual and community development workshops, participating in worship services, teaching religious education, working for justice, singing in the choir, joining the motion choir, working on a committee, taking a position of leadership, hosting coffee hour, greeting visitors.
Stewardship: Taking care of what we value and enabling it to flourish by making a generous annual stewardship pledge, caring for our buildings and grounds, participating in special fundraising campaigns, and understanding congregational governance.
Living Our Faith: Practicing our principles in daily life, voting at congregational meetings, getting involved in social action work, and creating and supporting initiatives that are rooted in our principles and values.
Sharing the Vision: Letting others know about the transformative power of Unitarian Universalism.
Do I have to be a member to:
- Come to events and other activities at First Parish?
- Speak with the minister?
- Enroll my children in the Sunday morning programs?
- Join a committee or a task force?
- Lead a workshop?
- Sing in the choir?
- Pledge financial support?
- Vote at congregational meetings?
With the exception of having a vote at congregational meetings, you do not have to be a member if you wish to do any of these. In fact, these are all great ways to get to know us and to begin imagining how you might find your spiritual home here. But joining the church brings all the above plus your commitment to a wonderful community and faith experience, a voice in the important decisions about our present and future.
How do I become a member?
It's easy. You are welcome to join our congregation whenever you feel that First Parish is where you want to discover and grow your spiritual home. Contact our minister, the Rev. Marc S. Fredette, if you'd like to explore becoming a member at First Parish in Waltham. Email Marc or call him at (781) 899-0174 to set up time to meet!