The Christian life is a journey through seasons and celebrations.
Our faith finds meaning and expression in the longing of Advent’s night, the arrival of Christmas joy, and the shining of Epiphany’s light. Ashes mark the beginning of Lent and trumpets herald the rising of Christ on Easter morning. On the day of Pentecost, God fans embers of faith into the fire of commitment as the Holy Spirit arrives to stir us up in God’s purposes now and forever.
10:30 am Children’s Christmas Pageant – Sanctuary | YouTube
Mary and Joseph join angels dancing, shepherds scurrying, and magi searching to find the baby Jesus lying in a manger in a story narrated by our middle school youth. Joyful Noise and the Faith Singers will provide choral music.
7:00 and 9:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Rejoice in the promise coming, the starlight guiding, the new life being born. Celebrate how God has come to be with us! In both services, our worship culminates in the soft singing of Silent Night, lighting candles, and the sounds of Joy to the World!
7:00 pm – Sanctuary | YouTube
Enjoy the music of the season with our Congregational Bells and Chancel Choir.
9:00 pm – Sanctuary
Christmas music will be offered by a Brass Ensemble.
3rd Sunday in January
In Morning Worship, we honor the faith and courage of this modern-day saint and the dream expressed in the movement for Civil Rights, as we renew our commitment to work for racial justice.
6:00 p.m. in Plymouth Hall
Lent begins with a Service of Ashes and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, accompanied by an intergenerational music ensemble and a simple soup supper.
10:00 a.m. on Pine Street
Between the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. services, we remember Jesus’ entry into the city of Jerusalem with a brief outdoor ecumenical Blessing of the Palms, a combined church choir, and a parade led by a live donkey. We join our neighboring Pine Street congregations in this celebratory community event.
7:00 p.m.
In a Service of Shadows with Holy Communion, we remember Jesus’ anguished prayer, his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his death on the cross.
5:30 p.m.
In a Service of Lamentation, we face the death of Jesus on the cross, lament the world’s brokenness, and affirm the conviction that God’s mercy still is over all.
9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
In Services of Joy with our Handbell choir, Chancel Choir, a brass ensemble, and a chancel overflowing with flowers, we celebrate the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection.
3rd Sunday in October
In 1987, First Congregational Church became the 16th congregation in the United Church of Christ to adopt an Open & Affirming covenant, making explicit the inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender expressions. We give thanks to God who loves us all.
1st Sunday in November
With tenderness, we remember those who have gone before us and who now live in the arms of God’s eternal embrace, and we celebrate the communion of the present and the past.
On designated Sundays throughout the year we lift up one or more of our Covenants for particular focus, learning, and celebration. Accessible to All Sunday happens in the spring. Mental Health Sunday is held in August.
On these four Sundays scattered throughout the year, our children and youth lead the congregation in worship as we celebrate the ways all of us are growing in faith.
