A Congregation Anchored in Boxborough Since 1784
The United Church of Christ, Congregational of Boxborough sits on Massachusetts Avenue across from Town Hall, in the historic heart of a small Massachusetts town. The congregation was founded in 1784, when its members first built a meetinghouse on a hill on Middle Road, carrying timbers from the old Harvard church to do it. On its present site, members raised a one-floor meetinghouse in 1833 and later donated the land across the street so the town could construct its first Town Hall. Two centuries later, the same partnership between the congregation and the town continues. Some of the church's facilities are leased to the Boxborough Council on Aging in support of seniors and veterans, and the buildings host support groups, scouting troops, and learning circles throughout the week.
In 2001, the congregation voted, raised the funds, and worked together to add a new wing with a bright Sanctuary and an independent childcare center, the Boxboro Children Center. In 2013, the members unanimously agreed to become an Open and Affirming congregation. Between 2018 and 2022, the Open Doors campaign raised money to renovate the 1833 historical building and the Community Center, with members doing much of the Community Center work themselves to stretch every dollar.
When COVID-19 arrived, the congregation adapted quickly, shifting to Zoom worship and creating an online choir. Out of that season came the FreeBee Market, a Saturday morning food-gleaning and sharing event on the church's front lawn that has become one of the town's most joyful gatherings.
Welcoming All, Caring for the World, Growing in the Spirit
The church's mission statement is short enough to memorize and wide enough to live by. Welcoming All. Caring for the World. Growing in the Spirit. The congregation treats the words as both identity and assignment, organizing nearly every program around one of those three commitments.
Welcoming All begins with the Open and Affirming covenant adopted in 2013 and continues through practical choices. The buildings are wheelchair accessible, with an elevator to the second-floor Sanctuary, large-print bulletins, and hearing-assisted devices. The community is also intentional about being Dementia Friendly, a designation the Called to Care Ministry Team pursued after seeing how many members and neighbors were walking the long road of memory loss.
Caring for the World shows up in hands-on outreach. Several times a year, a regular Sunday service is replaced by an action service: packing meals for people experiencing homelessness, raking the yard of a neighbor who needs help, or building care packages for veterans. At least nine percent of annual pledges go toward outreach through the Faith in Action Team, and ten percent of the income from the annual Merrie Christmas Fair goes the same way. The congregation is in covenant with North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity, supports World Central Kitchen and Earthjustice on a sustaining basis, and responds with grants and labor when disaster strikes.
Growing in the Spirit happens through prayer shawls knit by the Prayerful Handworks team, Bible studies, book groups, anti-racism workshops, the Adult Mission Trip to Maine, and choirs that rehearse on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Children are woven into the same rhythm rather than sent off to a corner.
Sunday Worship at 9:30, In Person and Online
The week centers on Sunday worship at 9:30 AM in the Sanctuary. The service is hybrid: people gather in the pews and others join on Zoom, with the meeting ID and passcode published each week. A link is also shared for those who cannot make the live hour. Services are recorded and posted to YouTube and Facebook so anyone can watch or listen later.
Worship here is described as full of progressive theology, personal connection, reverence, and laughter. Each week combines music old and new, readings from the Bible and contemporary texts, prayers, and a sermon. Music plays a central role. The congregation generally stands to sing all the verses of a hymn, drawing from a hymnal or a printed bulletin. When the choir is not singing, members of the congregation carry the music themselves.
On the first Sunday of each month, the church celebrates Communion. Grape juice and gluten-free bread are shared. Every other month the congregation comes forward to dip the bread in the juice; in the alternating months, bread and juice are brought to each seat. Communion, like the rest of worship, carries no requirements about age, beliefs, membership, or baptism. Everyone is welcome at God's Table.
Volunteers help lead worship by reading scripture, lighting candles, welcoming people at the door, and handing out bulletins. After the service, Coffee Hour offers a chance to meet members and friends, share a snack, or head outside to the playground with the children.
A Sanctuary Where Children Belong
Children are welcome and celebrated throughout the service. When worshipers enter the Sanctuary they find the prayground on the left, a corner with kid-sized tables and chairs, coloring supplies, and reading materials where children can stay connected with worship without being expected to sit still for an hour.
Each service includes a Worship for All Ages moment. Children are invited to sit in the front row to hear a story from the pastor, then follow activity leaders out to the Pipe Room for their own time together. Older youth gather for Confirmation in four workshops during the year, exploring their own beliefs about Jesus, the meaning of life, and the afterlife, then sharing what they have discovered in a Sunday service.
Volunteer helpers and parents stay close by. Children who want to stay in the Sanctuary with their family are welcome to take supplies back to their seats, and the front-row chairs are intentionally loose so parents can turn and see the prayground at any moment.
Music as a Pillar of Worship
Music is woven into the identity of the congregation. The Senior Choir, directed by Cindy Blanchard, sings in worship about three Sundays each month. Blanchard holds a BA in music from Bowdoin College, an MA in conducting from Trenton State, and did advanced graduate work on trumpet and voice at Juilliard. She joined the UCCB choir in 1997 and has directed it for more than ten years. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings at 8 PM, and no musical training is required.
Esther Kim serves as Church Musician. Kim completed her undergraduate studies in Korea, earned a Master's in Church Music from a Baptist theological seminary, and went on to study Worship Studies at Christ For The Nations Institute and Worship Leadership at Dallas Baptist University. She plays piano and has recently begun serving as an organist, supporting the flow of each service prayerfully.
Other ensembles and visiting musicians round out the year. The Sounds of Peace is an a cappella group that sings for those who are ill, homebound, or nearing the threshold between this life and the next. A Junior Choir offers young singers a place in the musical life of the church. Throughout the year, guest musicians have included a flute ensemble, a harpist, a violinist, a clarinetist, a saxophone quartet, a Dixieland band, and The Saturdays, a group of parishioners whose music has become a regular highlight.
An Open and Affirming Congregation
In 2013, after a season of conversation, study, and prayer, the congregation unanimously adopted an Open and Affirming statement and became recognized as an ONA congregation within the United Church of Christ.
The statement reads: "We, the United Church of Christ, Congregational Boxborough, value and welcome a diverse congregation. We are an Open and Affirming (ONA) church, believing that each of us is created in God's image. We celebrate everyone, including people of all ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family configurations, economic circumstances, physical, cognitive or emotional abilities, education, or spiritual and religious traditions. All are welcome to participate fully in the life, leadership, ministry and mission of this church as we seek to grow together in a safe and nurturing community of faith. We strive to demonstrate in all ways that 'no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!'"
The commitment is ongoing rather than settled. The church keeps a booth at the local Pride Day in Acton, partners with the LGBT Asylum Taskforce, and continues to do the slow work of welcoming in practice as well as in print.
A Dementia Friendly Faith Community
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Called to Care Ministry Team recognized that dementia, in some form, had touched the lives of many in the congregation. Members yearned to love and support the people in their midst who were beginning that long journey, and to extend that same welcome to neighbors.
The team undertook the practical work of making the buildings accessible, set up an educational resource library that anyone in the community can use, and began hosting workshops on dementia and caregiving. The congregation now identifies itself as a Dementia Friendly Faith Community and occasionally offers brief midweek worship experiences designed with the needs of caregivers and those with dementia in mind.
The FreeBee Market and the Little Free Pantry
Food insecurity sits at the heart of much of the congregation's outreach work. The Little Free Pantry, just off the farmers' porch across from Town Hall, is stocked with nonperishable food and open 24 hours a day. There are no expectations and no requirements. Neighbors help neighbors, and you do not need to be a church member to drop off items or become a pantry steward.
The FreeBee Market grew out of the COVID response. A volunteer network created Saturday FreeBee markets on the church's front lawn, where rescued supermarket food is shared alongside seedlings, baked goods, and homegrown vegetables. The markets became a safe, joyful place for connection during the pandemic, and they have continued ever since, supported by a freezer and outdoor activities for kids added with grant funding. The Glean Team now partners with local supermarkets to rescue food that is still fresh and distribute it to local food pantries.
The Community Support Fund grew up alongside these programs. During the pandemic the congregation raised significant money to help neighbors, and now provides thousands of dollars in grants each year to community members facing financial need. Grants help cover rent, utilities, and medical bills, and the staff team connects neighbors with other area resources. One hundred percent of donations to the fund go directly to local families in need.
Faith in Action Across the Region
The Faith in Action Ministry Team, formerly the Missions Ministry Team, organizes the congregation's wider work. Each year the church serves dinner at the Community Supper, participates in the Acton-Boxborough United Way Day of Caring, and packs meals with Rise Against Hunger. Members have built wheelchair ramps, contributed to anti-racism and bystander training workshops, hosted storytelling events about immigration, and welcomed transgender asylum seekers to share their experiences.
At least nine percent of annual pledges and ten percent of Merrie Christmas Fair proceeds go toward outreach. The church supports World Central Kitchen and Earthjustice on a sustaining basis and is in covenant with North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity, providing both money and labor. Special collections are organized in response to disasters or specific causes such as retiring medical debt.
A Green Team within the Faith in Action ministry raises awareness about climate change and environmental justice, extending the call to care for creation into the congregation's daily practices.
The Adult Mission Trip to Maine
For several years, the Adult Mission Trip has spent a week each July working alongside Maine Seacoast Mission in its Housing Rehabilitation Program. The work goes well beyond hammers and nails. Crews paint, garden, and listen, learning the stories of the families whose homes they are repairing. The trip is open to all levels of physical ability and expertise, and scholarships are available, so the experience is as much about companionship and care as it is about carpentry.
The trip is organized through the Spiritual Nurture Ministry Team, which sees mission work as a way of growing in the spirit alongside neighbors near and far.
Music Events that Open the Doors
Music has long been one of the ways the congregation opens its doors to the wider community. Three annual events have become fixtures on the calendar.
Music Sunday is usually held in the spring. Anyone in the congregation, of any age, is invited to bring a favorite song or two to share. Players, singers, and listeners all gather for an afternoon that ends with refreshments to celebrate the gift of music.
The Folk Coffeehouse, usually in February, brings performers from the church and the wider community into a coffeehouse atmosphere with warm cider, helping everyone get through the last weeks of winter.
The Bluegrass Christmas Concert has become a tradition for many people as the start of the holiday season. Talented musicians share bluegrass Christmas classics and original pieces, drawing listeners from across the region for an evening that has come to mark the year's turning.
Social Gatherings and Annual Traditions
The Merrie Christmas Fair has marked the beginning of Boxborough's fall-winter holiday season for more than seventy-five years and is hosted by the wider community in partnership with the church. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, families come for the Attic Treasures dollar shop in Town Hall, photos with Santa, a centerpiece sale, holiday music, the Sugar Plum Cafe, an open fire outdoors, and a Silent Auction that runs both in person and online. Ten percent of the fair's proceeds go directly to the Faith in Action outreach budget.
Other traditions keep the calendar full. On Fifer's Day in June, the church serves its famous strawberry shortcake and a place to sit and talk. In the fall, the Pie Social showcases the talents of the congregation's bakers. December brings a Cookie Swap, where bakers trade their creations. Souper Bowl Sunday fills the fellowship hall with chili, soup, and stews on Super Bowl weekend.
Special Services Through the Year
Beyond Sunday worship, the congregation gathers for services that mark the seasons of the church year.
The Longest Night Advent service offers a quiet, meditative hour for those dealing with loss or having a difficult time, even in the middle of the holiday season. The Ash Wednesday service often begins with a soup supper and includes meditative music, with ashes from last year's burnt palms offered to anyone who wishes to receive them. On Maundy Thursday the congregation shares a meal together and tells the story of Jesus' final days through readings and music. Easter sunrise begins at the top of the hill on Middle Road, the original site of the 1784 meetinghouse, with music and communion before the congregation walks down to the Community Center for Easter breakfast.
The Blessing of the Animals service invites people to bring their pets to be blessed. Collars and photographs stand in for animals who cannot attend in person, and prayers are offered for pets who have died.
Spiritual Nurture for All Ages
The Spiritual Nurture Ministry Team oversees the church's education and formation work. Children and youth are invited to all worship services, and each service includes a word for all ages and activity sheets. Confirmation is offered to eighth graders and older youth in four workshops that lead into a Sunday service of shared beliefs.
Adults find their own rhythms. Bible studies, book groups, and adult discussion groups meet throughout the year. The Adult Mission Trip offers a week of service and companionship. The Called to Care Ministry Team provides one-on-one visits, meals, cards, phone calls, and the occasional ride for those facing bereavement, health issues, or caregiving responsibilities.
Life Events: Weddings, Baptisms, and Funerals
The church hosts baptisms, weddings, and funerals as part of its ministry. Baptism is described as a celebration of God's love for each person, just as they are. While infants are usually baptized, anyone of any age is welcome, and baptisms normally take place within a Sunday service so the whole congregation can promise to support the person being welcomed.
Weddings are celebrated for couples of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The pastor works with each couple to plan a service that reflects who they are.
Funerals and memorial services are opportunities to mourn and to celebrate a life. The pastor is glad to work with families in advance of a death to learn the wishes of the person who is dying.
A Five for Five Congregation
UCCB participates as a congregation in all five of the national and statewide UCC offerings each year. One Great Hour of Sharing funds emergency relief and disaster response locally and globally. The Christmas Fund supplements pension and healthcare for retired clergy with little pension support. Neighbors in Need supports ministries of justice, compassion, and advocacy. Strengthen the Church invests in leadership development for new congregations and youth programs. The Pastoral Excellence Program develops and sustains excellent pastoral leadership.
Giving and Planned Giving
Most church members commit an annual pledge that supports worship, music, spiritual nurture, pastoral care, youth mission trips, and outreach. Pledging provides more than half of the annual budget. Sunday offerings, special collections, and donations support the church's ministries and missions.
The church also offers a full range of planned giving options. Gifts can be made through a will, retirement plan, life insurance policy, charitable gift annuity, pooled income fund, or charitable remainder trust. The UCCB Endowment Fund, established in 2015, holds all planned gifts and special gifts so designated, with the Finance Team administering the fund in alignment with the church's investment policy. Income from the fund supports the church's mission far into the future.
Facilities that Serve the Community
The renovated campus offers a range of spaces available for rent. The Sanctuary, on the second floor of the church building and reached by elevator, holds up to 165 people. The Gathering Room, also on the second floor, holds 82. The Community Center, a separate building behind the church, holds up to 65 and is home to the Council on Aging during weekdays. The Conference Room holds 10, the Pipe Room holds 10, and the Lobby holds 20. The outdoor spaces are occasionally made available for events such as the FreeBee Market.
The buildings are air conditioned, well maintained, and fully accessible, with plenty of parking. They are not available for partisan political causes or candidate meetings.
The People Who Lead the Congregation
The settled pastor is the Rev. Fran Graveson, M.Div., who was called to be the full-time pastor in March 2025. Before seminary, she had a corporate career in project management in the technology sector. She graduated from Boston University School of Theology and has served with the Worcester Area Mission Society, Open Spirit Multi-Faith Collaborative, MACUCC Interfaith and Ecumenical Taskforce, the LGBT Asylum Taskforce, and the New Arrivals Group of the Massachusetts Council of Churches. She lives in Uxbridge with her wife, Jenn, and has a son, Jeffery, who lives in New Hampshire.
Nikki Graham serves as Office Manager and can be reached at 978-263-7387 or boxborochurch@verizon.net. Cindy Blanchard directs the Senior Choir. Esther Kim serves as Church Musician. Lenny Connolly serves as custodian, keeping the historic buildings in good repair and earning particular popularity with the children at the Boxboro Children Center.
Like other UCC congregations, UCCB is self-governed by its members. A nine-member Church Council, including the Moderator, Vice Moderator, Treasurer, Clerk, and five at-large members, oversees the congregation's life. Members are elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting each January on a rotating basis. The Nominating Team, Pastoral Search Team, Pastor-Parish Relations Team, and Finance Team round out the governance structure.
Practical Information for Visitors
The church is located at 723 Massachusetts Avenue, Boxborough, Massachusetts 01719, across from Town Hall in the center of town. There is plenty of parking, with visitor spots right up front. Worship is held at 9:30 AM every Sunday from fall through spring and at 10:00 AM during the summer. Visitors can join in person or online through Zoom, with services also recorded for later viewing on YouTube and Facebook.
Come as you are. There is no dress code and no expectation about age, beliefs, membership, or baptism. Children are welcome in worship, in the prayground, in Sunday School, and at the choir. Large-print bulletins and hearing-assisted devices are available. Both buildings are wheelchair accessible, and the Sanctuary is reached by elevator. The church is a Dementia Friendly community, and the staff welcomes any conversation about how to make a visit as comfortable as possible.
Church office hours during the summer run Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to noon, with the office closed on Mondays and Fridays but staff reachable by phone or email. The pastor can be reached at uccbpastor@gmail.com.
Acknowledging the Land
The congregation begins its telling of its own story with a land acknowledgment. The church is built on land once inhabited and cared for by the Nipmuc and other indigenous peoples. Members are grateful for that stewardship and acknowledge the hardships caused for indigenous neighbors by the colonization and development of the area.
A Congregation that Lives in Its Town
For more than two centuries, the United Church of Christ, Congregational of Boxborough has been a partner in the life of its town. It leases space to the Council on Aging and to veterans' services. It hosts the FreeBee Market, the Little Free Pantry, and the annual Merrie Christmas Fair. It shares its sanctuary for community concerts and its playground with the children who come to the Boxboro Children Center downstairs.
Members, friends, and visitors come from many surrounding towns, and online worshipers join from as far away as Ireland and Africa. Whether a person is looking for meaningful worship, a welcoming community, ways to volunteer, a place to meet neighbors, or simply an opportunity to learn and grow, the church's welcome holds true. No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.