The following represent the CORE VALUES of First Parish Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ at this time in our history:

1. We value Transformational Worship, which we define as being fed and nourished by the Holy Spirit - through music, preaching, and prayer - in such a way that we find ourselves feeling accepted as we are; challenged to grow beyond where we are now; and refreshed, joyful, and helped to live from a Grace-filled center when we walk out the door into our week. (Romans 12:2)
2. We value Fellowship, which we define as enjoying each other's company, sharing both joys and concerns, caring for one another despite our differences, and deepening our connections with one another in our family of faith. (Acts 2:42)
3. We value Tradition, which we define as the rituals associated with the rhythms of life and faith, rituals that BOTH connect us to our democratic congregational roots that go back centuries, AND allow us to adjust to changing times, mindful that when Christ is at the center of what we do, our traditions can creatively evolve in order to stay relevant. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
4. We value Christian Education, which we define as a growing understanding and knowledge of God that continues throughout life, helping both adults and children to form (and re-form) our faith and align ourselves with God's Vision. (Colossians 3:16)
5. We value Preserving Buildings, which we define as providing an environment, rich in history, to support the work of the congregation so that we can continue to pass on our faith to future generations, as it was passed on to us, for the "up-building" of community. (1 Chronicles 29:16)

The following represent ASPIRATIONAL VALUES of First Parish Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ; these are values we hope to embody in the near future:

1. We aspire to value Social Outreach, which we define as following Christ's example of caring service, which involves finding a better balance of connecting with BOTH those who are currently part of our fellowship AND those who are not, inviting all to experience a community whose mission is characterized by love, care and justice for all. (Matthew 25:40)
2. We aspire to value Building Up the Community, which we define as seeking to follow Christ together, in unity, cooperating with one another, speaking the truth in love, and trusting that each of us has the best interests of the church at heart, even when we disagree. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

The following is our PURPOSE STATEMENT, which is a description of what we feel God is calling us to do, based on our Values:

Awaken to the Light and Love of God
Be a Joyful Beacon to our World