News

Our Board of Mission & Action is looking to deepen the church’s partnership with Berkshire Co-Act (Community Organizing for Action) and many opportunities to volunteer are available.  Co-Act develops grassroots initiatives guided by collaboration and community needs, supporting sustainability, coordinating collaborative action, and tapping the power of community. Co-Act will hold a silent Auction on…

This past spring, the book Shaping Public Theology: Selections from the Writings of Max L. Stackhouse was published. It contains an edited collection of writings of our very own Rev. Dr. Max Stackhouse, who has been called one of the fathers of Public Theology. On August 17th, in worship and during a luncheon and program…

In late May, a team from the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge went out into the world to bring love and hope. Although Hurricane Sandy seems like a distant memory, there are still many places in New York and New Jersey that have yet to be repaired or restored. Outgoing Mission and Action Chair Terry…

While the adult choir rests their voices for the summer, a pick-up choir (or, as Minister of Music Cathy Schane-Lydon calls them, a Fly-By-the-Seat-of-Your-Pants Choir) will gather several times over the summer to offer music in worship. All who are interested are invited to gather at 9AM on Sundays for a brief rehearsal. This is…

On Memorial day, we will open the doors to our sanctuary from noon to 2PM to offer a place for prayer and contemplation for those who are participating in the town festivities. With soft music and the chance to light candles in prayer, we will be a sanctuary to those who wish to pray for…

Calling all artists to submit one or two pieces of art for an art installation to be on display at the First Congregational Church from mid-May to June 15th. Works should reflect upon the theme “God’s Creation” and may be delivered to the church office for installation by Sunday, May 11th. Please include a short…

Music on Main presents its fourth and final concert of the season with “An A Cappella Extravaganza” at 3PM on Saturday, May 10th. Vocal groups Strike a Chord and Tapestry will share the concert, presenting a cappella music from two distinct traditions. Strike A Chord, a coed a cappella group, will perform an eclectic mix…

The journey to new life takes place in the shadow of encroaching darkness. Gather with others to ponder, to confess, and to mourn. And then await the unfolding of God’s promise that death has been put to death–the promise of reconciliation and resurrection. Maundy Thursday Service – April 17, 7:30 PM Good Friday Service –…

The Prayer Shawl Knitting Group of the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge has joined dozens of other churches and individuals to participate in the Marathon Scarf Project sponsored by Old South Church in Boston (UCC). Marathoners from around the world come to Old South (located at the finish line of the Boston Marathon) for its…

Do you shop at Price Chopper? If so, you may have earned enough points by shopping to redeem for free cookware without even knowing it! If you don’t need this cookware, the Board of Mission & Action invites you to redeem your points and bring your free pots and pans to the church so that…

A new program launched in 2014 by the Board of Mission & Action provides seed funding to individuals in the church who wish to start a new service or mission venture, whether short or long-term. We are pleased to announce the award of our first grant to Sophie Randolph to support her volunteer work in…

Are you a teen or tween? Or the parent/guardian of one? In response to the growing numbers of children and youth in our church, our newly-formed youth group (young people in middle school through high school) have been meeting regularly on Sundays during worship. Since forming, the group has solidified and begun to map out…

The United Church of Christ (UCC) is continuing to organize and support volunteer work crews to repair private homes in New Jersey that were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in November 2012. We have the opportunity to join with another UCC group on a service trip the week of May 18-23, or to organize our…

Our Pastor, Rev. Brent Damrow, was invited by Governor Deval Patrick to offer the closing prayer and benediction at the governor’s final State of the Commonwealth address on January 28, 2014. Brent previously worked with the Governor’s staff while Executive Assistant Minister at Old South Church in Boston, where he coordinated the Interfaith Worship Service…

Following worship on February 23rd, the church will be hosting an Opportunities Fair where you will have the chance to learn about the various boards, committees, and organizations that help foster our life of worship, learning, service, and fellowship together. Come, check it out and see if you feel a calling to get involved with…

On Sunday, February 9th at 5:00 pm, leading Chinese Christian philosopher Dr. Zhibin Xie (English nickname is “Ben”) will join us to offer comments and lead a conversation on Christian developments in China. At 6:00 PM we will adjourn to KOI Chinese Restaurant on Rte. 23 in Great Barrington for dinner (self-pay), fellowship, and continued…

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we report that the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge has followed what we feel is God’s call and identified our next Minister of Music. By unanimous recommendation of the Search Committee, and the unanimous vote of the Church Council, Catherine Schane-Lydon will become our Minister of Music…

Our March 2, our Mardi Gras celebration begins with a parade through the sanctuary at the close of worship. And what’s a Mardi Gras parade without a band? We are looking for musicians to join The Saints Band. We believe that every instrument has jazz in its soul and everyone has the soul of a…

UPDATE: The Governor’s address, which was postponed due to snow, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 28th at 7PM. We are pleased to announce that our Pastor, Rev. Brent Damrow, has been invited by Governor Deval Patrick to offer the closing prayer and benediction at the State of the Commonwealth address in Boston. Brent previously…

January 13, 2014 It is with a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm that we report that the Search Committee for the Minister of Music is ready to present a candidate to the congregation. In our interview process we received multiple applications and from those applications narrowed the field to four candidates whom we brought…