First Parish members are engaged citizens and activists, and we are involved with many different community organizations and projects. Read on to learn more about some of our current initiatives.
Ongoing Social Justice Commitments
We are committed to many social justice issues even if we don’t have a specific project or special initiative at this time.
Some of these social values include:
- acknowledging and fighting against prejudice & racism, and affirming that “Black Lives Matter”;
- being certified as a LGBTQ+ Welcoming Congregation and continuing to support sexuality and gender rights;
- speaking out about the impact of climate change;
- fighting to protect our democracy and civil rights;
- supporting low-income housing initiatives and local soup kitchens;
- …and much more.
Partakers "College Behind Bars" Mentoring
First Parish Weston has been involved with the Partaker’s College Behind Bars Mentoring Program for at least 15 years, offering financial support and facilitating the formation of mentoring teams.
What Is Partaker’s College Behind Bars Program? College Behind Bars programs are committed to reducing recidivism by supporting incarcerated individuals seeking college degrees. The Mentoring program works in conjunction with college behind bars initiatives to offer powerful mentoring relationships that benefit students, mentors, their families, and the broader community.
What Does it Mean to be a Mentor? As a mentor, you join a team of 2-4 people who visit a student in prison—always in pairs with a flexible schedule. The focus is on friendship and encouragement rather than academic tutoring. Mentors are often moved by how grateful and responsive the students are to their support, and often surprised by the profound impact the mentoring experience has on their own lives.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact the First Parish Administrator at Info@FirstParishWeston.org.
Defending Democracy Community Discussion Group
Defending Democracy is a community-wide discussion group informed by the latest book by historian and author, Heather Cox Richardson, Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America.
As our country begins a new chapter, the need to learn about our history, make connections, share ideas, and defend the institutions of our democracy become crucially important.
Bristol Lodge Suppers
First Parish helps support Bristol Lodge, an organization in Waltham that provides shelter and food for those experiencing homelessness. We have a monthly commitment on the fourth Wednesday of the month to prepare and serve dinner. Anyone can join in on the cooking, serving, and helping.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom
First Parish has put out signs that say “Peace, Salaam, Shalom” and one that says “Stop the Attacks on Israel. Stop the Starvation in Gaza.” (updated August 2025) The two messages call for understanding and peace during a time full of conflict and strong emotions. We avoid taking political sides; we remain firmly on the “side” of compassion and peace.
Learn more about why we put out the signs by clicking the link below.
Supporting Local Minority-Run Non-Profits
As a result of the difficult and tragic events around the country during the summer of 2020, our church has found our interest reinvigorated in racial justice and equality here in the United States. We were inspired to consider how we could make a difference, and we decided we wanted to work with local minority-run non-profit organizations. A small team worked with the Standing Committee to do extensive networking and research, and identified two organizations that we have decided to support: the Boston Teen Police Academy and No Books, No Ball.
Visit the link below to learn more about this grant initiative, to watch worship services at which Officer Daryl Owens (Founder and Director of the Boston Teen Police Academy) and Tony Richards (Founder and Executive Director of No Books No Ball) offered moving reflections, and read summaries about the organizations and our proposals.
All-Parish Read: "The Good Life"
Join us in reading “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.” What steps can we take and what decisions should we make to increase our chances of living a happy and fulfilled life?