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]