News

The First Congregational Church, UCC, Stockbridge has recently completed a significant renovation project on its historic 1865 Johnson organ, funded through its Capital Campaign. These renovations were undertaken by the firm Messrs. Czelusniak et Dugal, Inc. of Northampton, Massachusetts. The concert of rededication will take place on Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 pm and will…

The Rev. Dr. Rick Floyd and Jeremy Ridenour are offering a six-week course during Lent that will provide an overview of the doctrine of the atonement. Atonement theories provide a narrative to understand how the death and resurrection of Jesus saves us from sin, death, and evil. Throughout church history, there has never been a…

Original followers of Jesus weren’t known as Christians – they were known as people of the way. Methodists got their name because those who observed them noticed that they had a clear method for how they interacted and how they made choices.  Here in Stockbridge, we embrace the goal for our faith to show up…

Stockbridge Festival Chorus, a 38-year old community chorus based at The First Congregational Church of Stockbridge, begins rehearsals on Sunday, January 26 in preparation for its concert on Saturday, April 12 of the Mozart Requiem. All rehearsals take place in the church’s sanctuary, located at 4 Main Street in Stockbridge, from 1:00 pm to 3:00…

From Pastor Brent: I have always been drawn to good conversations about interesting books while enjoying a savory meal.  I am delighted to invite you to be a part of just such an endeavor in the new year. A cherished friend and colleague Mark Longhurst published a delightful new book called The Holy Ordinary –…

I have a complicated relationship with New Year’s resolutions. As a hopeless optimist who believes that the impossible might be possible, I love the idea of resolutions. With more heart, more attention, more commitment there are so many things that we can do to improve our lives and our communities. Already I’m getting excited about…

Date: Wednesday, January 8, 2024 Time: 5:30pm–7:00pm You are warmly invited to come together for this month’s community supper. In these full times it is a blessing to gather together around the table for food and fellowship.  This month we are happy to have a “chili bar” on the menu. We will also have some kid friendly…

Dear Church Family, Happy New Year!  Yes, I know, this is the December newsletter and yet I say Happy New Year!.  The church calendar wisely begins each year not according to human logic or design, but God’s.  Each year we begin the new church year by remembering the new beginning God offers to us through…

On Saturday, November 2, there was storytelling, singing, and all-around merriment! Plus pie!  The show is available on the church’s YouTube channel, just click: Livestream.  And it’s not too late to make a donation!  

Dear Church Family, November is always a liminal space. Liminal spaces are great gifts in that they are those in between times where we hold on to what has been even as we lean into what might yet be. This November is a particularly liminal time.  Summer has held on into a long and beautiful…

The First Congregational Church has a long tradition of youth and children putting together a Christmas pageant.  This year, kids have a chance to help write the script. From the Board of Christian Education: Dear Families and Friends, We continue writing the Christmas pageant Sunday, October 27. Here are important questions for parents: Does your…

Dear Church Family, There has been a breath, a wind, a Spirit moving through this place.  With the new program year, we have witnessed a resurgence in attendance and participation.  We have focused on the idea of covenant and our mutual promises to one another.  Joy abounds. It takes a lot to keep something like…

What: YOUTH GROUP KICKOFF When: Sunday, October 6, 11:30-3:00 Where: Benedict Pond Lunch: Included Transportation from FCC:  leave at 11:30, return at 3:00 Option to meet us at Benedict Pond:  arrive at 12:00, leave at 2:30 RSVP by Friday, 9/27 to let us know the names of those coming, any food restrictions, and which transportation you…

Grace and peace to you.  I hope that your summer was a gift full of blessings.  I am very much looking forward to September 8th, the start of the program year here at the church, and the fullness that comes with it. We call it Rally Sunday.  It comes from the idea that we are…

As summer winds down, we traditionally gather for a special Sunday. This church calls it Rally Day – other UCC churches call it Re- Covenanting Sunday. Both names are helpful for they describe what is at the heart of that Sunday – a joyful day to reconnect in relationship and faith. On September 8 –…

All the current news and announcements! 2024-08 newsletter … I was blessed with connecting with a couple dozen people who love this church and are practicing loving God and neighbor too.  Some could best measure the length of their connection to this church in decades, while others maybe better in years or months.  Each meeting…

The Jonathan Edwards Room will be busy in July, with kids making and creating, Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 3:15.  Other users of the church are asked to enter the building through the back office door.  Of course, the ramp is always available, so please don’t hesitate to use it if needed. From the Second…

… I see that little fig tree now also as a symbol of our church here in Stockbridge.  There are times when our life is verdant and growing and other times when scale seems to cover our shared life and leaves are dropping.  The pandemic and other current challenges have impacted our shared life in…

This summer I invite you into the fullness of our faith and the joy and meaning that comes with it. This summer I invite you to take the time to linger in quiet and relaxed relationship. This summer I invite you to do less and abide more. This summer I invite you to experience sabbath.…

Pride Month: Worship, Parade, and Community Conversations  As an Open and Affirming (and extravagantly welcoming) Congregation we are planning to engage with our LGBTQ+ Community in a celebration of Pride Month. The community conversation about Austen Hartke’s “transforming – the Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians” is off to a great start.  Registration is closed,…