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.

Vision:

The vision of First Parish in Waltham is to be a dynamic and inclusive community that reflects the rich diversity of humanity, where individuals and families find a true sense of belonging.

We commit to fostering meaningful engagement both within our congregation and with the wider community, serving needs greater than our own.

We seek spiritual growth in our congregational life, and depth in our quality of pastoral care.

Our dedication to accessibility, environmental sustainability, and stewardship of our building and grounds empowers us to create a welcoming, safe, and environmentally conscious space for all, both now and in the future.

Guided by our call to love, we strive to be the people the world needs.

Our 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.