There's a Place for you at First Church
Small groups are a great way to get connected to the community. First Church offers many group meetings and projects for you to plug into. Additionally, we have seasonal and on-going programs where our community comes together for learning, fellowship, and of course, food!
The Kinship Garden Dinner and a Talk presented by Adult Ed
Small Groups
Here are some of the small groups that meet on a regular basis
Here are some of the small groups that meet on a regular basis
Bible Study: Tuesday at 10am in Fellowship Hall, studying the passage to be preached on the following Sunday. Skeptics welcome, no experience necessary. This group breaks for Advent, Lent, and Summer
Widows Who Lunch: A monthly meeting for lunch for women who have lost their spouse. Location changes month to month.
30 Minutes of Joy: Director of Music Ministries, Bill Speed, shares music for 30mins each Thursday at noon. You may attend in the Sanctuary or on the Facebook live stream
Sunday School: We have a vibrant and flourishing Sunday School Program. The Sunday School teachers are a beautiful small group who care for the Christian Education of our young ones. To be a Sunday School teacher, one needs to have a background check. Learn with our children the beloved stories of the Bible.
Kinship Garden: A small group of dedicated gardeners work in our Kinship organic garden from early spring to late fall. All of the produce is available for individuals to harvest for themselves and to be donated to our local food bank. Volunteers are always welcome to lend a hand!
Sunday School Backpack Collection
Ongoing and Seasonal Events
Harvest Fair: Held on the first Saturday of November, Harvest Fair is a great opportunity for fellowship! The church campus is filled with items, separated out by genera, for the public to come peruse. Many volunteers are needed the week prior to the sale to help with sorting and set up. It's a great time to be together!
Sunday Forums: Many Sundays there is a Sunday Forum following the 10am worship service in Fellowship Hall. We invite guest speakers to present on issues like social services, community happenings, justice efforts, environmental concerns, and many more.
Dinner and a Talk: Presented by our Adult Education committee, on occasional Wednesday Evenings there is a dinner catered in by a local restaurant and a presentation from a local author or other esteemed guests.
Lenten Study: During the season of Lent (the five weeks preceding Easter) we hold a Wednesday Evening dinner and study. The study varies year to year. In recent years we've looked at different theological books and done a deep dive on the elements of our worship.
Backpack Collection: Organized by our Peace, Affirmation and Justice Committee, twice a year we collect toiletries and other essentials for men and women returning home from incarceration. We pack these bags and bring them to Project MORE in New Haven for distribution.
Habitat for Humanity: We have a strong relationship with Raise the Roof, the Habitat for Humanity of the Shoreline. Twice a year, First Church puts together a team for a day of building.