Merger Vote on October 18, 2026
Merger between First Church Winthrop and Union Combined Parish

On October 18, 2026 immediately after 11am worship, First Church Winthrop will hold a special Church Conference to vote on merging with Union Combined Parish (Boston, MA). 

The Church Council as well as worshipping members have been involved in the discernment of this merger since June 2026. In the process, we have come to understand that our beloved congregation, First Church Winthrop, is not viable or sustainable. 

We cannot continue as a standalone United Methodist congregation. The two options on the table for us is to either merge with the Union Combined Parish or to close. ​Merger with the Union Combined Parish is the recommendation of the District Superintendent, Clergy Team, the Congregation’s Officers, and the Church Council.

All formal, professing members of First Church Winthrop are invited to this special Church Conference on October 18, 2026 immediately following 11am worship, where we will vote on merging with Union Combined Parish. 

Read the summary of the proposed merger in the Pre-Conference Materials below.​​

View Pre-Conference Materials and Merger Summary Here

View the Merger Resolution Here

You are a beloved child of God

You are welcome at  
First Church of Winthrop

Through prayer and service, First Church seeks to reach out to all people.
With willing hands, compassionate hearts, and open minds, we strive to be examples of the Living Christ.

Welcome! We'd love to have you join us for worship services at First Church.
​We gather at 11:00 a.m. in our Sanctuary each Sunday (September - June) and at 10:00 a.m. in our Chapel during the summer months (July and August).

Our worship includes Scripture, song, Holy Communion, and the fellowship for all of God's children. All are truly welcome.
Our church building is located at 217 Winthrop St., Winthrop, MA, 02152, with parking available in the lot behind our church building.

If you'd like to learn more about our church and its ministries, please explore our website using the links in the menu above,
or feel free to contact our church office via email or phone. We hope to see you soon!

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First Church also continues to offer opportunities for virtual worship. Our Sunday worship service video airs on our local TV station, WCAT Channel 3, at 9 a.m. the following Sunday morning and 6 p.m. on Sunday evening. The video will also be posted on YouTube.

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​First Church of Winthrop
​is an active and welcoming
United Methodist church
in Winthrop, Massachusetts.
​
​You can learn more about our ministries:
Statement of Affirmation and Inclusion

Whether you're a life-long Christian
who cherishes our faith traditions,
a spiritual seeker with lots of questions,
or anywhere in between,
we hope you'll find a home
at First Church of Winthrop, United Methodist.