The United Parish of Auburndale is a federated church located in Newton. Formed when the Auburndale Congregational Church and the Centenary Methodist Church merged, the church welcomes all people, regardless of age or religious background. The United Parish has been an open and affirming and reconciling ministries congregation since 2000. The church building was constructed in 1857 in the Romanesque style and was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1986.
Mayyim Hayyim is a Jewish center for learning, spirituality, and performing the Mikveh, a ritual immersion in living water to purify an individual. Immersion is performed for women after menstruation and childbirth before they resume sexual relations; for a bride and groom, separately, before they are married; for someone who is converting to Judaism; and for Orthodox men before holy days, rituals and holidays. People also use Mikveh to find comfort after a trauma, or to celebrate or signify transitions in life. Mayyim Hayyim also provides education on various topics for students in the fourth grade through adulthood. Please visit the website for more information.
The Walker Center for Ecumenical Exchange is a hotel and conference center that begins every morning with a continental buffet breakfast. The building was originally used as housing for missionaries and now serves as long-term housing for students from abroad who are here to study theology. The center also serves as a bed and breakfast for those visiting the area. In addition to rooms in the main building, there are four guest houses available to rent for retreats and two meeting rooms that hold conferences and lectures.
The Episcopalian Parish of the Messiah hosts regular services and offers religious education on Sundays. Brookline Infant and Toddler Care is responsible for managing the church’s preschool program for children ages three months to pre-K. Rev. Suzanne Colbern is the interim priest.