News

Fun and Fellowship AUGUST 9, 1:00pm Pittsfield State Forest ¨  Barbecue with potluck salads and desserts ¨  Bring your own plates/utensils ¨  All-Berkshire UCC clergy and congregations ¨  Rain or shine  

Dear Church Family, Grace and peace be unto you! Connections matter.  One of our sacred books – The Bible reminds us that Jesus prayed “the glory that you (God) have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one” (John 17:22).  Another of our sacred books – our…

Dear Church Family, I remember being fascinated by the simple arcade game “Whack-a-Mole.  Perhaps it was the different cartoonish smiling moles that popped up begging to be whacked. Perhaps it was the music that kept getting more frantic as the game went on. Perhaps it was that no matter how many moles you hit another…

Dear Church Family, In J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece The Lord of the Rings, an intrepid group sets out on a journey to save the world against formidable odds.  It isn’t long before the energy and purpose so present at their departure gives way to the reality of their predicament.  They become literally and figuratively lost in…

As an Open and Affirming Church, we gathered in worship to remember and proclaim that we are all the beloved children of God each of us made in God’s own image.  The stirring text from Galatians reminds us that through Christ all barriers have been broken down and that we are all one mosaic in…

If you have read the church history, How Firm a Foundation, and have questions, or have a story to share that is not in the book, join historic architect and co-author Michael Lynch for a book discussion on the following Thursday evenings, May 29, June 6, and June 12 from 6-7pm. Even if you haven’t read…

Dear Church Family, Easter was such a joy!  Thank you to all who helped plan, implement, or participate in worship, music, fellowship, egg hunts, flowers and more.  There was good news to be shared, and we did! We now face the same question that the early followers of Christ did – now what?  The answer…

Community Supper – Kick off to Summer! Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Time: 5:30pm–7:00pm Location:Jonathan Edwards Room 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 the menu will feature quiche. As always, you are…

Yes, God so loves the world as to give the only begotten one as whoever believes may not die but have eternal life. God sent the only begotten into the world not to condemn the world but that through the only begotten the whole world might be saved.  John 3:16-17 Inclusive Translation Dear Church Family, …

This year we invite you to an intentional, daily practice that will help you not only to be present to every moment but do so in a way that cultivates, gratitude, joy, and wholeness. Being open to the challenges of our world and the fullness of self requires vulnerability and courage.  This year we invite…

The March newsletter is available. We are approaching one of the longest and most important seasons, Lent.  It is a season that leads up to one of the most important days of any year – Easter.  Lent is a serious and reflective time. It offers the gift and possibility of exploring our lives, our choices,…

Livestream recording available – see below. 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…

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…

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…