The United Parish of Auburndale [64 Hancock Street] is located in Newton, MA across the street from Lasell College and within walking distance of the MBTA commuter rail (Auburndale) and the Greenline Subway (Riverside). There are twenty-five to thirty parking spaces at the United Parish of Auburndale and street parking is unrestricted on Sundays and Saturdays.
The beautiful, Romanesque style church building, built in 1857, is the oldest wooden church in Newton and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary offers traditional seating for up to 400 and the attached Parish Hall facilitates seated receptions of up to 100. An education wing houses a thriving weekend religious education program of 80 children and includes a large, welcoming nursery. Facilities such as the Sanctuary, Parish Hall, lower level Dining Hall and Kitchen and even the educational space are available for use by community groups for nominal donation. Arrangements are made through the church office.
The UPA congregation was formed in 1980 when Centenary United Methodist Church and Auburndale Congregational Church federated. At the time of federation the United Parish claimed one common purpose:
To maintain and promote the public and private worship of God; to advance the teachings and spirit of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of faith; to develop Christian fellowship and to minister to and in the world; and to support and enable members in their individual ministries.
Today we strive toward…
- An inclusive view of people.
- An expansive view of God.
- A steady commitment to justice.
The UPA is a theologically liberal church. We do not insist that newcomers wishing to deepen their commitment to this faith community articulate a particular creed in order to become members. First, we strive to be inclusive of all people. Recognizing that people come to faith and churches for complex reasons we simply endeavor to offer a sense of “home.” Second, we strive toward an expansive view of God. The life of faith is a pilgrimage and we offer programs for all ages to equip pilgrims on that journey of faith. Third, we strive toward justice. Outreach beyond the walls of UPA offers both mercy–such as food for food pantry–and Justice–such as pressing legislators for budget which meets the needs of the poor and oppressed in our local, national and world community. We do not insist that participants or members articulate a particular creed. But we do expect those who come to know the inclusive, expansive love of God to respond with lives of integrity.
Recent examples of programs for adults
- Book studies (Toxic Charity, Rodzina, The Artist Quarreled, Eiffel’s Tower, America Crucifixion);
- Progressive Bible studies (Exploring the Bible, Weekly Lectionary Study);
- Lenten and Advent studies (Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life, Companions in Christ);
- Sunday Forums (Imagine No Malaria, Queer Identity, Canoeing the Entire Charles River);
- and several fun groups such as Ageless Adventures (parties, concerts, tours), Family Friday Meals, Adult Choir, Golf Tournament and Prayer Shawl Knitters.