First Presbyterian Church hosts and supports a number of ministries in the community:
350.org FPCW participated in this year's International Day for Climate Action and continues to cultivate efforts within our community and beyond that respond to climate change. Check out our Green Church page for more information about how we've attempted to respond to climate change in our own ministry.
Mission at the Eastward (ME): Mission at the Eastward (MATE) is a cooperative parish of eight churches and five ministries in rural, West Central Maine that rely on shared ministry to provide programming that otherwise they could never do alone. Each summer, members of the church travel to Maine to assist in this rural mission through building and work projects.
Ministry and Mission to Laos: First Presbyterian has a special missional sister partnership with a community in Laos. The church collected enough money to buy a rice field for the community there who were in deep need of food support.
Camp Wilmot (NH): Camp Wilmot offers a Christian based camping experience with programs suitable for all ages. First Presbyterian is highly involved in supporting Camp Wilmot and contributes scholarship money to help campers attend camp. In addition, this past summer we hosted a group of eco-campers in our building who helped us in the installation of organic gardening boxes.
The Oasis Coffeehouse: The Oasis Coffeehouse is a welcoming community where you can enjoy an evening of affordable entertainment by local, national and international performers including singer-songwriters, folk musicians, blues, jazz and other genres. The space is intimate, safe, inclusive and alcohol-free. This not-for-profit coffeehouse, run by volunteers, offers a lounge area where homemade baked goods and fair-trade coffee and tea are available along with free WIFI. Proceeds go to support the coffeehouse and its performers. We host shows on the first Friday of each month. Detailed schedule information may be found here.
The Oasis Gallery: The Oasis Gallery features the works of local artists from contemporary to classic, oil painting to photography. Two artists show their work for about 2 months at a time. The gallery is open to the public on Sundays from 2-5 PM by appointment, as well as during all Oasis Coffeehouse events.
Community Day Center of Waltham: This mission to the homeless and low income population of Waltham is housed in the fellowship hall of the church. The CDC is a day "drop-in" program that is focused on assisting homeless and low income guests with resources to help them take "next steps" in their lives (i.e. employment, housing, health care, social services, fellowship). Eben Forbes serves as Executive Director of this separate non-profit organization, and members of the church volunteer and serve on its board. About 50 guests are served daily.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Our building hosts 6 separate groups throughout the week (weekdays at noon, and Saturday evenings), and we see supporting those struggling with addiction as part of our mission.
Waltham Ministerial Association FPC participates regularly in an ecumenical association of area ministers and works with the association to engage in ecumenical action and dialog, responding to issues of justice in the Waltham community.
Two other churches that use our space for weekly worship:
Waltham Seventh Day Adventist meets Saturday mornings at 11:30 a.m.
Iglesia de Dios, a Spanish-speaking Pentecostal Congregation, meets Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.