First Presbyterian Church hosts and supports a number of ministries in the community:
350.org FPCW participated in the annual 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.
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.
Chaplains on the Way: The mission of Chaplains on the Way is to provide chaplaincy services for people who are poor, homeless, newly-housed, and/or living with mental illness and/or addiction; to act as a bridge between those served by the chaplaincy and local faith communities; and to work for systematic change to end homelessness and to better serve people struggling with mental illness and addiction.
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.
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.
More Light Presbyterians: FPCW works hard to advocate for the full participation of all LGBTQI persons in the life and leadership of the church and the community. We are members of More Light Presbyterians, march regularly in the Boston Pride Parade, and work with a number of LGBT groups in the area.
Presbyterian Environmental Ministries We are an Earth Care Congregation. Our church cares deeply about the earth, believing it to be God's creation and gift to us, its stewards. We have taken a number of steps to make our building and our ministries environmentally friendly.
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. 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. We've recently hosted an exhibit, "Love Makes a Family" from the Family Diversity Project. See events for more information on current exhibits.
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.
WAGLY FPC is a congregational sponsor of the West Suburban Alliance for GLBT Youth.