First Parish in Wayland
A Unitarian Universalist congregationYou are welcome here!
Our Doors and Hearts are Open
Together, we seek to deepen our spiritual and human connections.
We build community and join together to make a better world.
We hope you will join us!
Whether you’re a seeker, a singer, a book lover, an activist, a knitter, a friend, or a fellow traveler, you’ll find a home at First Parish.
A Message from Our Minister
Rev. Lauren Smith
This Sunday
Services at First Parish
10:00 a.m.
This House of Mercy – Water Ingathering
September 13, 2026
Rev. Lauren Smith
The Angel of the Waters fountain in New York City features a beautiful representation of the Angel of Bethesda. Her name comes from the Hebrew, beit hesda, meaning “house of mercy.” As we come together this fall, as we mingle our waters, we celebrate our own house of mercy and its power to heal and restore.
Water Ingathering is a beloved tradition in many Unitarian Universalist congregations. All are invited to bring water from a special place as we begin the new church year.
If you can’t join us in person, learn how to watch online from our Worship page.
Past services are available HERE.
What Are You Looking For?
Community
We find joy in each other’s company, for worship, for service, and for fun.
Spiritual Exploration
We gather to celebrate and contemplate life together.
Social Action
Want to change the world?
So do we. Our Social Action programs offer lots of ways to make a difference.
Religious Education
Our Spiritual and Ethical Exploration program is for all ages.
Music
Music from all genres enriches and nurtures our spiritual growth.
A Community, Seven Days a Week
We don’t just gather on Sundays. We get together on many days and in many ways to strengthen our bonds with one another.
- Book groups
- Family suppers and games
- Monthly lunch
- Meditation group
- …and more!
Discover the myriad ways we spend our days as a community…
Community Events
All Are Welcome
Wayland Festival – Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
We hope you’ll join us at the Wayland Festival, which will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wayland Town Center. (Rain date is October 4.) We’ll be marching in the parade, which starts at 10:30 a.m.! Highlights of the day include food...
Stop & Shop Bouquets Support Our Pantry Garden!
The First Parish Pantry Garden will once again benefit from Stop & Shop’s Bloomin’ 4 Good Program. For the month of September, the Pantry Garden team will receive $1 for every specially marked bouquet of flowers sold at Wayland’s Stop & Shop. The Stop &...
Outdoor Movie Night in Weston – Aug. 20
First Parish Church in Weston will host a summer movie nights on Aug. 20, both at 7 p.m. Bring your own blanket, lawn chair, sleeping bag, or other lounging gear; the movie will be started as soon as it’s dark, but folks are invited to gather starting at 7:00 p.m. to...
Our Values in Action
Art in the Narthex
During September and October, John Thompson’s artwork will be on exhibit in our Narthex, the “front foyer” of our Meetinghouse. John and his wife Nathalie are long-time First Parish members. John is a painter and printmaker whose art explores the natural world. Childs...
Sharing Our Offering: The UUA Disaster Relief Fund
On September 13 and 27, half the offering on each date will be donated to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund. The Disaster Relief Fund is a mutual aid program of the Unitarian Universalist Association that allows congregations to support each other when disasters strike....
First Parish in Wayland Welcomes Rev. Lauren Smith
In August, Rev. Lauren Smith joined First Parish in Wayland as our new minister. In her nearly 20 years as a Unitarian Universalist minister, Rev. Lauren has also served congregations in Portsmouth, N.H. and San Mateo, Calif. "Our congregation is excited to welcome...
We Welcome Your Visit
If you’re wondering whether First Parish might be right for you, reach out to learn more.
Explore our website, subscribe to our newsletter, come to a community event or a Sunday Service. We welcome your visit.
Our History
Since 1640, First Parish has been a warm and welcoming spiritual home. We draw inspiration from our long history rooted in liberal religious ideas.
Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism takes inspiration from the world’s great religions, the natural world, and the human experience. We affirm our values in seven UU Principles.