First Parish Church of Groton, MA

03/19/2026

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) is seeking volunteers to assist with supporting incarcerated individuals as they prepare for reentry into the community. One of the areas of need is substance abuse and prevention. If you feel you are qualified to support this population, please contact Donna Nowak, Prison Ministry at First Parish, with a description of your experience. She will forward your interest on to the Director of Volunteers at the DOC. Donna's email is [email protected].

03/19/2026

Here is an opportunity to submit your public comment opposing the Trump administration's cruel proposed rule that would strip asylum-seekers of their ability to work.

As UU's in a community of faith, we believe every human being has inherent dignity and the right to provide for themselves and their families. This rule would trap thousands of people in poverty or force them into exploitative work while they wait for a judgment on their asylum case.

The comment deadline is April 24. It takes less than 5 minutes. Your unique, personalized comment can help delay and fight this rule.

Submit a public comment opposing the proposed rule that would strip work permits from people seeking refuge and push families into poverty.

03/04/2026

In honor of our beloved Barbara Rich, a Partakers volunteer in MCI Shirley, First Parish is hoping to increase our commitment to the College Behind Bars program in MCI Shirley. There are currently 11 Tufts University students there who need mentors. We can help.
An education drops the national recidivism rate (the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend) from 50% within 1 year of release from prison to 5%. This not only affects tax dollars spent on the prison complex but also bridges the relational gap between those on the inside and the outside. Mentors visit their student in pairs once per month, focusing primarily on building supportive relationships with their mentees, allowing them to benefit from the knowledge, skill, ability or experience of the mentor which is critical for helping the student stay motivated and see themself capable of long-term success.

For more information, contact Donna Nowak, Prison Ministry at First Parish, [email protected]. She will send you a flyer and a link to an online info session on Thursday, March 12 at 6:30. Karen Roduta and John Appleton, First Parish volunteer mentors are happy to talk to you about their experience volunteering with Partakers at MCI Shirley.

01/15/2026

Supporting Refugees & Immigrants Today: Current Challenges, Policy Updates, and How You Can Help

Prescott Community Center, Groton, MA
Room 105 and Gym
Saturday, Jan 24, 2026, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

The International Institute of New England (IINE) has been helping refugees and immigrants for over 100 years. Under the current administration's policies, this group and their access to essential services are heavily limited. Hear from IINE's Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer about how changes in federal policy and funding are affecting immigrant communities, what IINE is doing about it, and how you can help.

The Groton-area-based Neighbor-to-Neighbor project collaborates with IINE to offer vital services for recent immigrants and refugees, including English language classes, food distribution, and mentorship. James Nehring, Paula Rayman, Lynn Courtney, and Lois Young will join us to discuss the project and encourage people to get involved and help others.

The Prescott Community Center, Groton Neighbors, Groton Public Library, Groton Center, and First Parish Church of Groton cosponsor this program.

This is a FREE program. Registration is required to attend.

The International Institute of New England (IINE) has been helping refugees and immigrants for over 100 years. Under the current administration's policies, this group and their access to essential services are heavily limited. Hear from IINE's Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer abou...

01/15/2026

What is Your Word of the Year?

The year is still new and if you haven't yet, it is time to choose a Word of the Year.

For those who are newer to First Parish, we have a 16 year tradition of inviting people to choose a word for the new year. This is not a resolution, but something you want to pay attention to and invite more of into your life in the year ahead. Maybe it is something you want to learn more about or practice or just wait and see how it shows up for you in the year ahead.

When you know your word, email it to the office so we can keep adding to the list for 2026. -- [email protected]

09/24/2025

Please support our church with a financial donation: https://link.uugroton.org/donateDelivered on September 21, 2025 at First Parish Church of Groton by Rev....

09/02/2025

A New Church Year Begins at First Parish Church of Groton, MA!

Spiritual Exploration Open House, Saturday, Sept. 6, 1-3 PM
Sunday Service, September 7, 10 AM

Are you looking for a sense of community? Are you trying to raise kind, ethical kids? Are you looking for ways to give back? Do you need more singing and music in your life? Or do you just need an hour to rest and hear some words of hope? We can help!

Saturday, Sept. 6, 1-3 PM: Open House for Families with kids from infant through 18 to learn about our Spiritual Exploration programs for kids and youth. Come by to take a tour, meet the staff, play, and have a snack. Bluey Storytime with Strega Mama at 2 PM. Bring your backpack or school/work bag for a blessing to start the year.

Sunday, Sept. 7, 10 AM: Service for All Ages to begin the new year. You are welcome to bring a little bit of water with you – from your hose, kitchen sink or anywhere else. We offer weekly childcare for the youngest with caring, experienced childcare staff.

We warmly welcome neurodiversity and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. We can't wait to meet you.

To learn more visit www.uugroton.org or email: [email protected].

08/28/2025

Join us for an Open House to learn more about our Spiritual Exploration offerings for children/youth ages 0-18. 💕

And bring your backpack for a special blessing 🎒

08/28/2025

Message from our new Student Minister, Erin Scott!

You are invited to join me in my first public act for justice as the newest member of your Ministerial staff. The PRAYERS FOR LIBERTY WALK will take place on Labor Day, September 1st, from 9:00 - 5:00. I will be walking until 12:30.

I understand that this is a day traditionally spent on holiday. We who plan to walk feel this moment demands that we demonstrate for justice— just as those in the Labor Movement marched and demonstrated for a just and livable future.

“Prayers for Liberty” held an interfaith clergy march from Lexington to Boston last May. Hundreds of faith leaders from all different sects and creeds came together in support of democracy and human rights. They are now planning to march again— this time inviting as many lay people as possible to join them for all or part of the walk. I hope you will come with me.

We will begin outside Hancock Church, across from the Lexington Battle Green. I will be there with the UU Groton church banner (see picture). I will only be marching as far as the UU Church in Arlington Center. If you like, you may continue on without me. The march will end at the statue of The Embrace on the Boston Common.

For more information, including a route map and detailed schedule, please visit
https://www.prayersforliberty.org/labor-day-walk

07/17/2025

TONIGHT! GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON:
Honor the Memory of John Lewis with Indivisible First Middlesex

Thursday, July 17, 8-9pm

Groton Common (across from Groton Public Library)

Main Street and Lowell Road, Groton, MA 01450

Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of nonviolent action to respond to the attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the current administration and to remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.

On July 17, the anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’s passing, we’re taking action across the country to defend our democracy and carry forward his legacy of Good Trouble.

From voter suppression bills like the SAVE Act to the criminalization of protest, the current administration is launching a full-scale attack on our civil and human rights. But we know the truth: in America, the power lies with the people, and we’re rising to prove it.

This is more than a protest; it’s a moral reckoning. A continuation of the movement Lewis helped lead, and a new front in the struggle for freedom.

Please note: A core principle behind our Good Trouble Lives On actions is a commitment to nonviolence in all we do. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.