Walpole Unitarian Church
Welcome!
One church, many paths
...even spiral ones!
Come, Come, Whoever You Are!
We're so glad you found us!
The Walpole Unitarian Church is a congregation of people who have been committed and involved in the church for decades, as well as newcomers just entering our community.
We embrace a diversity of religious beliefs and practices, celebrating and honoring faith traditions that offer an abundance of common ground and richness of thought and spiritual exploration.
Our Upcoming Services:
All fully vaccinated folk are welcome!
We'll take every safety precaution in accordance with health guidelines. Some may prefer to wear a mask and/or maintain social distance, and are most welcome to do so. Windows will be open and box pews will be available for those who would feel more comfortable.
If you've not received the COVID-19 vaccine, please wait to join us until after you have been fully vaccinated. It will be a joy to be together!
October 17 – “Mawlid, Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad,” led by Rev. Elaine Bomford. Religious scholar Karen Armstrong has written two biographies of the Prophet Muhammad. In a spirit of respect and desire to deepen understanding, we explore his birth and life through Armstrong's engaging stories and commentary.
October 24 – “Moby-Dick: An American Bible,” led by Keith Penniman. In 2011, Nathaniel Philbrick published a little book titled “Why ReadMoby-Dick?” Keith will attempt to answer that question, and share some truestories about his whaling ancestors. Sea shanty included!
Events at Our
Church and Hastings Parish House
Who are we?
We are an active congregation with links to many activities.
Read more about our many events
Spiritual Discussion Series continues
Meditation
Social Justice Committee forms
Spiritual Discussion Series Continues
All are welcome to join us on a Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Hastings House, followed by lunch (bring your own) at noon.
Thoughts and Meditations:
Meditation on Thursdays
Need a moment?
The meditation group meets every Thursday evening, from 7 – 8 p.m.
at Hastings House in Walpole. It begins with a reading followed by
silent meditation. Everyone is welcome.
What are we reading?
Our Book Club meets on a Monday of the month via Zoom at present.
For information on our group, or this book
Stop by our new spiritual bookshelf at the church!
Mystics Circle
The Mystics Circle is held on the second Friday evening of every month, beginning with a potluck at 5:30pm, and followed by a discussion at the Hastings Parish House in Walpole on a wonderful range of topics.
Weddings
Our church and parish house offer a traditional setting for your special celebration, including weddings, anniversaries, baptisms, and child naming ceremonies, with our ministers officiating. It is also available for other group parties and events.
Member Organizations
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Unitarian Universalist Association
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Northern New England District of the UUA
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Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
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Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council
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Standing on the Side of Love
Our Mission
Our Welcoming, inclusive Congregation embraces Spiritual Exploration, Social Justice, and Love for each other and the Planet.
Our Church by Leola G.
When all this is over
By Dorothy Grover-Read
When all this is over,
maybe we’ll think how beautifully the spring birds sang,
how bright the pink moon shone.
Perhaps we’ll remember the first warm breeze
that nudged the mulch from the way of daffodils,
the squirrels who entertained us,
or the elder’s tears when a stranger brought bread.
Maybe we’ll recall the passing nods of greeting,
the middle-aged couple dancing in the empty street,
the letter written in beautiful cursive,
or the smell of first-cut grass.
When all this is over,
perhaps we’ll think about angels who sewed masks for strangers,
and sang to each other from a distance,
those who carried food to our cars,
heroes in hospitals who focused on hope,
Parents who kept their children safe and smiling.
Our hearts may remember the return of dolphins to Venice,
and mountains fresh and visible for lack of haze,
the planet saying “See how easy this could be? See?”
Perhaps we will rethink the word “essential,”
and remember how we made soup, made bread, and made do.
And when this is all over,
maybe we’ll recognize
we’ve always been connected,
listen a little deeper, notice a little more,
waste a little less, and live a little better.
~ Dorothy Grover-Read