Mission

The mission of First Parish in Waltham is to be a caring, inclusive, spiritual community committed to using free inquiry and the power of love to achieve peace, justice, and a sustainable world.

The vision of First Parish in Waltham is to:

1. Expand our Community

The congregation will grow larger and reflect a greater range of human differences.* Our building will be filled with individuals and families who have discovered a sense of belonging.

2. Build a Culture of Inclusion 

We will support the development of opportunities for meaningful engagement with others, both inside and outside First Parish in Waltham.

3. Care and Support 

We will improve our ability to sustain pastoral care, outreach to members and friends, and foster spiritual growth and connection.

4. Building and Grounds

We will continue to maintain and care for our grounds and building and strive for accessibility and environmental sustainability where we gather. We will support a newly updated and working kitchen to help us gather and celebrate in a welcoming, safe facility.

5. Environmental Sustainability

We will identify and embark on a path towards greater environmental sustainability in all areas of church life.

*Note: Regarding Expand our Community:  “range of human differences” includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability, or attributes, religion, religious or ethical value system, national origin, and political beliefs.

Relational Covenant

To thrive collectively and individually, we the members of First Parish in Waltham covenant to:
Create an Uplifting Environment

• Appreciate the differences among us, warmly welcoming all who wish to join.
• Nurture one another with caring words, kind actions, and compassionate concern.
• Share ideas freely, listen willingly, disagree respectfully, and forgive graciously.
• Celebrate the joy and beauty in our lives and support each other in times of need and grief.

Work Together Harmoniously

• Work cooperatively toward our goals and openly appreciate each other’s unique gifts.
• Honor all voices and be open to changing our minds and our behavior, recognizing that we may not always agree
• Accept that we all have limitations in role, responsibility, resources, ability, and time.

Resolve Conflict Compassionately

• Assume good intentions from others and acknowledge the impact of our behavior, no matter what our intentions were – and be ready to apologize.
• Deal with conflict by persistently working in direct, honest, and caring ways to remain in relationship.
• Forgive ourselves and others when we don’t live up to this Covenant and begin again with love.