Adults

Faith is formed and grows in the midst of relationships of trust, including across generations. In our life together in the church, we aim to practice with one another the kind of community we hope for the whole world.

from our Blueprint for Faith Formation

Our congregation believes that learning occurs in all kinds of ways and continues for a lifetime. From current events to Bible studies, we are open to gathering together in small groups to explore our faith, how it impacts everyday life, and how to practice it in the wider world.

Offerings are driven by the interests and needs of the congregation and leadership is often shared by staff and lay members. We welcome your ideas and participation! For more information, contact Lianna Campos, our Minister of Faith Formation. Below is a sampling of gatherings. To learn more about our unique opportunities for connection and growth, visit our small groups page.

Learn and Grow With Us

Sunday Morning Forums

Gather with others on select Sunday mornings immediately before or after our worship service for learning opportunities which may include guest speakers and small group conversations on pertinent topics for living the Christian faith in our congregation and the community. Recent topics have included the challenges of finding purpose in our later years, action steps to address climate change including home electrification, and conversations with gun owners interested in preventing gun violence. Check the Weekly Email Update and Calendar for current offerings.

A book with a pair of glasses lying on it

Book Groups

There is nearly always a book group or two meeting in the First Congregational community, and this shared learning experience has provided opportunities to delve more deeply into current issues and to expand our perspectives. Our book groups have sparked new ministries and built connections within and outside of our community. Recent books have included Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in with Unexpected Resilience and Creative Power by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone, and Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Read more about Small Groups for current offerings.

Bible Study

Join us for Bible study. It is a come and go event, so join us whenever you are available to attend. We read the passages together so there is no preparation needed. If you sign up, you will receive a reminder on the Monday of that week identifying the passages and providing the Zoom link where we gather. We try to find practical understanding for today’s life. The group meets on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th (when applicable) Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45 p.m. on Zoom. Contact: John Bisceglia.

MacKenzie Lectureship

The MacKenzie Lectureship was established in 2000 in honor of the Rev. Bruce MacKenzie and his wife Jeanette upon Bruce’s retirement as Senior Minister of First Congregational Church after his 27 years of service here. It provides for an annual lecture and workshop by national leaders for members of the congregation and the community and serves as an enduring legacy of the spirit of intellectual and theological inquiry which were so much a part of Bruce MacKenzie’s vision and ministry.

2025 Mackenzie Lecture

Memoir Writing

Have you ever wanted to write stories about your life experiences? Learn from other writers in a collaborative environment by writing in response to weekly “prompts” and then sharing your writing with the group. Our goal is to establish a regular writing practice. Writers in other genres – fiction, essays, non-fiction, journaling, or historical fiction – are welcome. The group meets every Wednesday in the upstairs conference room in the Faith Center, 1:15-3:00 p.m. Contact: Nancy Wade.

Men's Breakfast

Do you hunger for conversation that is more than just talk? Then join us for the much-famed Men’s Breakfast. This is an open community of men who have a heart for our church community and our world. Every week we check in with one another, have a conversation around a theme or topic, and share our stories while taking a heart and head approach to inviting personal and communal transformation. Men’s Breakfast meets every Friday 7:00-8:30 a.m. in the Standish Room and Zoom in the Faith Center. Contact: Linda Kowatch.

Persons hand holding coffee and reading open poetry book

Online Poetry Group

Join this lively, friendly group once a month to share and discuss poetry, the language of the spirit, as well as literature, art and current events, both personal and in the news. We share poems and other literature connected with an agreed-upon theme. Writing poetry is not a prerequisite. This group is a safe place to share writing and thoughts. It meets on the fourth Fridays, noon, on Zoom. Contact: Diana Shellenberger.

Two caring women holding each other's hands

Women’s Spirituality Group

Women’s Spirituality Group (WSG) welcomes all women interested in deepening their faith and sharing in a safe environment. Each week we share joys and concerns. We then often discuss books, podcasts, short films, or video series together. Our group welcomes guest presenters, and sometimes we visit local museums, walk and pray in a labyrinth, or explore other forms of spirituality. We are a weekly drop-in group (Tuesdays, in the Heritage Room and via Zoom). Join us this week! Contact: Linda Kowatch.

Movie Group

Do you enjoy thought-provoking movies, popular releases, and “artier” films from the U.S. and abroad? We watch a film on our own. As a group, we discuss the movie of the month. During the first part of the conversation, we recall more concrete aspects of the movie: the characters, settings, events, and dialog. Then we deal with more abstract issues: motivations, intentions, meanings, and takeaways. Bring a snack to share and your own drink(s). Movie Group meets monthly on the second Friday of each month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the home of a volunteer host. Contact: Dean Fowler.

Retreats

First Congregational Church offers annual weekend retreats for adult men and women, and each group heads to a nearby mountain location for a time of appreciating the glory of God’s creation, as well as learning, sharing, and living in community. In addition, one-day retreats are often held to explore a particular issue, such as Living the Sabbath or exploring the mystical essence of Christmas. These inspiring gatherings are led by members of the congregation, our ministers, or visiting clergy or lay leaders. Watch for notices!

Wonder Women

Wonder Women is a “drop in” group of women who meet to share thoughts and experiences on “aging gracefully” after age 60 in our ever-changing world. The group chooses a book to read or a video to watch and then we come together to share thoughts, experiences and questions from our reading. We invite you to join us as we journey on our exploration of what it means to “age gracefully.” Wonder Women meet on the first and third Thursdays, 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room or on Zoom. Contact: Alma Alber.