We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation with open hearts and open doors.
We seek to deepen our spiritual and human connections.
We build community and join together to make a positive difference in the world.
Please join us!
Christmas Eve at First Parish
On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, First Parish will offer two services to celebrate joy, reflection, and tradition. The 4 p.m. service is ideal for families with younger children. It will be held outdoors if weather permits. (Check the website in the event of bad weather.) The highlight of this engaging service is a living Nativity pageant with lots of audience participation. The service will include a performance of the Children’s Bell Choir. At the 7 p.m. candlelight service, candles, carols and reflections will usher in Christmas Eve. These services will be led by the Rev. Dr. Stephanie May. All are welcome!
This Sunday
Services at First Parish
10:00 a.m.
See our COVID policies and Service attendance info HERE.
“A Ceremony of Carols” – by Benjamin Britten
December 11, 2022
Music Sunday
Presented by the First Parish Choir with harpist Juli Miller, Music Director Polly Oliver
Homily “Wolcum” by Rev. Dr. Stephanie May
Britten’s beloved piece presents an enchanting mix of Middle English and early Modern English texts, Gregorian chant, and an ethereal harp interlude. How does the music and the season transcend one language and one time?
We are open for in-person services and also offer online access. Click here for more information about our services.
What’s New at First Parish
December Theme: Earth-Based Religions
I see a time of Seven Generations when all the colors of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life and the whole Earth will become one circle again. ~ Crazy Horse, Oglala Lakota Sioux Our focus this month covers a multiplicity of...
Music Sunday: Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols
Please join us on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. for a special Music Sunday service. Enjoy Benjamin Britten’s joyful Ceremony of Carols, presented by the First Parish Choir and virtuoso harpist Juli Miller, under the baton of Music Director Polly Oliver. This enchanting mix of...
Christmas Services at First Parish
On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, First Parish will offer two services to celebrate joy, reflection, and tradition. The 4 p.m. service is ideal for families with younger children. It will be held outdoors if weather permits. (Check the website in the event of bad weather.)...
Annual Community Carol Sing
On Sunday, Dec. 4 from 2 to 5 p.m., Wayland's annual Holiday Open House returns with in-person festivities, including the Community Carol Sing at 4:30 p.m. on the steps of First Parish. Additional holiday activities will take place at the Grout-Heard House Museum, the...
Our November Theme: Judaism
As we continue our year of “Exploring Difference,” our focus in November is on Judaism, an ancient monotheistic religion rooted in the land known as Israel. In her book, “Here All Along,” author Sarah Hurwitz describes Judaism not simply as a religion but as a “story...
Community Thanksgiving Service
Join us on Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. for a service sponsored by the Wayland Interfaith Leaders Association. This annual tradition seeks to bring together our diverse faith communities in a service of shared gratitude. This year, First Parish in Wayland will host in our...
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Curious About First Parish?
Visiting is the best way to get to know us. But you can also learn more here.
Not Your Parents' Sunday School.
Our Spiritual and Ethical Exploration program is for all ages. Learn more here.
Want to Change the World?
So do we. Our Social Action programs offer lots of ways to make a difference.
Our Mission
To Build Community by forging caring connections and supporting one another through the joys, sorrows and mysteries of life.
To Search for Meaning by creating opportunities for all ages to explore values and principles that orient and guide us through life.
To Deepen our Spirituality by gathering to share words and music, by nurturing private moments of reflection, and by cultivating reverence.
To Make a Better World by engaging in compassionate service and promoting social justice.
Welcome
We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation that affirms human dignity, community action, freedom of religious thought, and the power of love.
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.