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.

Adult Bible Workbench meets one hour before worship on Sunday morning year around. 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. The Adult Nurture Program list is circulated twice a year with dates, times, and topics.  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.

UPCOMING ADULT NURTURE PROGRAMS Sundays, noon to 1 pm
May 20 Program on Gun Control read more
Read about the Gun Control movement
May 27 and June 3  Program on Aging read more
June 17 Conversation with Michael Joseph read more
Book groups, movie nights and theological conversations are being planned for the summer.
Everyone is invited to make suggestions for Adult Nurture Programs.
Form for CE Adult Ministry Suggestions.

During the past year MeetUp Conversations to Nourish Body and Spirit have been held on the third Thursday of each month.  A group has met at 6 pm at “Noodles on 11″ (a restaurant at 11th Street NW and NY Ave) to share a light meal and enjoy discussion of current topics.  On May 17 the group will attend the Taize Service at the church, and on June 21, a final MeetUp will discuss the importance of sabbath and vacations to our mental and spiritual health. New programs for Adults are taking shape for the fall, so the MeetUp is going to take a break.

Knit for Others and Quilters gather regularly to plan projects, share insights, and pray for each other and the church. 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.

Walking for the Homeless, for AIDS/HIV Research, and Unity in the City, DC Pride, Penn Quarter Festival 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.

Christian Education Newsletter is sent electronically each week to all interested church family participants.  It includes an update on programming for children, youth, adults and educational events for the entire inter-generational family. If you are interested in receiving the CE E Letter or in learning more about L.O.F.T. opportunities for you and your family call Rev. Bonnie Hardy at the Church Office or email her at 4bhnotes@gmail.com.