First Congregational United Church of Christ believes that education is a life long spiritual practice. We are Living Our Faith Together (L.O.F.T.)
Many of our explorations and activities are inter-generational, while other programs recognize include special interests and provide age appropriate groupings and one time excursion opportunities.
May and June Adult Education Opportunities
Please click here to see the form and where to send it to share your ideas.
A Bible Study group meets one hour before worship on Sunday morning most Sundays. All adult participants are sent biblical passages and questions by electronic submission ahead of time. Whether you prepare or not, lively faith discussions and theological insights are embraced in this adult learning experience. Learn more . . .
Nurture Programs, offered by individuals and hosted by church commissions, engage a wide variety of topics. Recent programs have involved: discussions on various forms of individual/community/global outreach in the city, the justice and witness work of the United Church of Christ, diverse spiritual practices, Advent and Lenten conversations about faith, multi-faith multi-cultural concerns, and updates on the LGBT ministries of the United Church of Christ. Most Adult Nurture Programs are held on Sunday mornings, after the fellowship hour from noon to 1 pm. Members and friends who have ideas for Adult Nurture Programs are encouraged to suggest topics, speakers, activities and projects. Programs can be educational or simply fun opportunities to enrich the our community (such as our annual Easter Pancake Breakfast/Brunch. We insist that some Nurture programs that are intergenerational (such as going to a baseball game), while others focus on educational themes and the interests of particular age groups.
Procedures for planning and overseeing an Adult Nurture program
Trained spiritual director Bonnie Hardy and lay leader Priscilla Waters, lead a group called Mending Hearts. Click here for more information. The group gathers once per quarter to embrace personal loss. Loss can come in a moment of intense missing or can be experienced in long months of desolation. Loss may include the death of a loved one, loss of identity, loss of health, or continuing sense of loss when relating to grief in the past. Mending Hearts encounters God through art, music, and the written word. The group is entirely confidential. We accompany each other as companions along the spiritual path. The next session is Sat. May 4 from 10-noon. Click here to read the group guidelines. Call the church office for more details.
Knit for Others and Quilters gather regularly to plan projects, share insights, and pray for each other and the church. They meet on third Thursdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Call the church office for more details.
Movies in the City happens when the Social Action and Awareness Commission invites people to view films and meet together afterward for dinner and discussion. Movies in the City are advertised on the website and in the weekly and monthly e-newsletters. Sometimes we pop our own popcorn and gather in the First Church Living Room to see a good movie on a DVD and engage in discussion afterward.
Walking for the Homeless, for AIDS/HIV Research, and Unity in the City, and DC Pride, are opportunities throughout the year where people of the church gather to support, discuss, and make a Christian witness in the city. Sponsored by the Social Action and Awareness and the Membership and Outreach Commissions. Members, friends, and the wider community get involved. More information is available by calling the church office.
Other Adult Education Opportunities are set up as people indicate interest: book groups, dinner groups, and new Nurture Programs come and go as we explore our community and our faith.