Belonging to a church home fosters community, opportunities for spiritual growth, and a framework for a life grounded in faith. Through worship, service, study, and fellowship, we invite you to explore your faith, ask questions, and grow in your relationship with God.

Church life at First Congregational UCC is multicultural, intergenerational and focuses on building community, nurturing spiritual growth, and building a more just world together.  It provides a space for individuals to connect with God and one another in many ways – all optional – including:

Sunday Mornings:

• Bible Workbench: Bible Workbench is a First Church small group, which meets on Sunday mornings before church in the chapel (on the second floor) and on Zoom (hybrid group). No prior knowledge of the Bible needed.
• Sunday School for Children & Adults: Our children and youth attend Sunday school during a portion of the worship hour. Adult educational programs to nurture the soul are often provided following worship.
• First Church Choir: Under the direction of our Director of Music Ministry, the First Church Choir sings regularly throughout the academic year with a special musical program in December. The choir currently rehearses two Saturday mornings each month and warms up on Sunday mornings at 9am on the days they sing in worship (twice/monthly during the academic year).
• After Worship Coffee Hour – every Sunday after worship, we encourage people to linger over coffee and snacks for fellowship. This time provides a casual opportunity to meet newcomers, catch up with old friends, and be in community.
• First Sunday Potlucks: We enjoy community potlucks on the First Sunday of the month. These community meals are open to all and take place following worship in the Community Hall on the second floor. Look for announcements about the monthly themes in the weekly newsletter.

Opportunities for personal connection:

• Small Groups: We currently offer two monthly small groups. Our Young Adult group meets both online and in-person for social events and service opportunities. Our Movie Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month to discuss a film that members have watched in advance.
• Book Groups: Each year we offer Lenten Learning Circles in the six weeks leading up to Easter. The Learning Circles each focus on a book, workbook, or podcast related to antiracism and meet weekly by Zoom for discussion. During the summer, First Church typically participates in an “all congregation read” of a selected book, with a Zoom discussion of the book in August.
• Breakaway Meditation: Every Wednesday from 12:15- 12:45 a small group gathers by Zoom (and in the chapel on site) for Breakaway Meditation, a time of briefly checking in with one another, listening to a reading, and spending 12-15 minutes in silent meditation. All are invited to attend; no experience necessary. To learn more, email Nora at knoramarsh@icloud.com.

Opportunities for individuals to make an impact in the community

• Drop-In Center: On Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00, First Church partners with Sasha Bruce Youthwork and Table Church to host the Drop-In Center for unhoused and precariously housed young adults (as well as others). Pizza is served, movies are enjoyed in the Living Room and staff is available to help match young people to services. Volunteers must undergo training to participate.  
• Opportunities for play: From talent shows to backyard music gatherings to baseball outings, church members share their talents and interests.

We are a joyful, justice-seeking community. All are welcome.

As a church with a congregational policy, the members of First Church are partners with the pastor and other staff in providing leadership to the church. Each commission at First Church is responsible for providing strategic direction on a specific area of church life. Current commissions are: Care of Parish, Christian Education, Facilities, Finance, Investment, Outreach & Membership, Social Action & Awareness, and Worship. Individuals may serve as a voting commission member, or if they are not members of the church, as a friend of a commission. In addition, individuals may participate as a volunteer in a particular project of the commission to which they are especially drawn. Commissions typically meet monthly.