First Parish in Brookline is a caring community and sanctuary for diversity. A Welcoming Congregation in the Unitarian Universalist Association, we seek to make a place for all ages to experience and celebrate community, to teach and learn from each other in an environment guided by respect and love, and to actively work for social justice. Worship is deeply theological, musically inspired and intellectually challenging. We are united not by creed but by a belief that the human spirit needs tending and the struggle to live a moral and ethical life is transformative and essential. You’ll feel welcome here.
Our Mission:
Called by Love, Sustained By Community, Committed to Justice
We strive to be a welcoming, diverse and loving congregation that nurtures spiritual growth for individuals and families, celebrates multicultural community, and works together to demand social justice, dismantle racism, and care for our living earth.
We acknowledge the Massachusett people as the custodians of the traditional lands we worship on at First Parish. We recognize that their sovereignty was never ceded. They continue today as the Massachusett Tribe of Ponkapoag.
We practice land acknowledgement because in this country, treaties continue to be broken, land continues to be taken, and the extractive relationship to the land continues.
Join us Sundays at 11:00 am.
Our annual canvass begins this coming Sunday, March 16 with an opening testimonial by Elena Garofoli, co-chair of the Canvass. See you today in Brookline at 11am in-person and online!
Back by popular demand, folk dance guru Marcie van Cleave will lead us all in folk dances from all over. Join us on Saturday evening, March 15th! No experience necessary Free and open to all at the First Parish in Brookline, 382 Walnut St. Light refreshments offered. Donations welcome. See you there!
As we step into the month of Ramadan, we wanted to share some information about Ramadan. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday February 28, 2025, and will end on the evening of Sunday March 30, 2025, with the exact dates contingent upon the sighting of
Faith Formation at First Parish in Brookline is a place of connection and growth at every age. The goals of programs for youth and adults are to help each person develop a respect for her or his own self worth, concern for others, an enjoyment and appreciation of worship, reverence for the sacred and all life, rich and meaningful spiritual life, and an enduring connection with Unitarian Universalism.
Building Community and Deepening Relationships matter here!
The Beyond our Sunday Service: Opportunities to Learn, Grow, and Thrive in Community at First Parish document describes two dozen opportunities here to try something new or pursue longtime interests and passions—all while learning, growing, enjoying ever deepening relationships with others. Some describe boards and committees responsible for First Parish governance, operations, and programs. These, too, offer intentional opportunities to learn, grow, and enjoy—in community! Check them out!
At First Parish, social action is where we harness our energy-for-transformation. We acknowledge that our physical church sits on indigenous people’s land. That we must advocate fiercely for those most affected by systemic racism, gender bias and other forms of oppression. That we must lift up and speak out for the poor and the planet. This is our calling.
