News

Dear Church Family, As April begins, we are literally left with the question, now what?  With Easter still lingering on the air and with resurrection still echoing off our hearts, we are left with that question – now what?  First, I say, just linger – just take a deep breath and let in all the…

Palm Sunday – March 24 –10:00a.m.   Join the crowd to welcome Jesus as he enters the holy city of Jerusalem.  A Palm Processional will kick things off as we honor Christ and look forward to the Holy Week that follows. Maundy Thursday – March 28 Evening Worship 7:00pm   Gather with the disciples in the upper…

Palm Holy Week and Easter are replete with chances (see page 11).  While the story is compelling, the music is transforming, and the liturgical elements are inviting, the element that brings them all together in powerful ways is the gathering.  Setting aside the time to encounter all of these things together magnifies the meaning and…

Justice Task Force News Land AcknowledgementThe Justice Task Force is very pleased to report that on February 4 the congregation unanimously approved a land acknowledgement.  But our work is not done. Are you interested in joining us as we move forward? Please contact any member of the Justice Task Force (Charlotte Rodgers, Diane Piraino, John Canning,…

Children’s Special Music Rehearsal Sunday, January 28, 9:15-9:55 We are weaving in one more thread to the incredible children & families programming at our church: Children’s Special Music is happening (was called Kids Choir/Music)!  We will rehearse starting January 7 from 9:15-9:55 before church on most Sundays.  Our first big date singing in the service…

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On New Year’s Eve day, The First Congregational Church, Stockbridge held joint service with the West Stockbridge Village Congregational Church.  To watch the service, please click here.  The bulletin may be downloaded by clicking here.

December 24 at 5:00 p.m. With doors opening and preludes beginning at 4:30, all are welcome for our traditional service of lessons and carols.  Part of the reason for this earlier time is to be more child friendly.  The service will be filled with familiar stories and favorite carols.  We will finish worship with the…

Advent is known as a time of waiting and preparation.  It is to wait for God’s inbreaking in our lives and in our world and a time of engaging that we might be ready or capable to receive God’s gift and decisive action.  It is to prepare to meet everything in our lives and in…

Would you like to sing in the Christmas Choir on Christmas Eve?  Peter Frost, the Minister of Music, would like to know! If you are a chorister who is currently unable to sing in our church choir, but you love to sing arguably the most beautiful sacred repertoire, meaning Christmas music, please join us. If…

Dear Church Family, November is a special month. It is a month that begins with memory and ends with preparation.  It is a month that includes both harvest and Thanksgiving.  It is a month when seasons change and while life slows down it also moves toward.  It is a month perfect for being church. Pastor…

The First Congregational Church of Stockbridge Hosts Music on Main Series Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 3pm Violinist Muneko Otani – Cellist Ronald Feldman – Pianist Hui-Mei Lin featuring works by Boulanger, Beethoven, and Brahms The Music on Main series, hosted by The First Congregational Church of Stockbridge, is pleased to present violinist Muneko Otani, cellist Ronald…

Dear Church Family,   Liminal seasons strike a deep and resonant chord in my life.  For some reason, these moments of transition between seasons almost always bring hope and energy to me.  I also find a welcome and natural invitation into times of reflection and consideration.  Maybe it is the barrage of change upon my senses,…

Four Main Street is even more alive than usual.  To make everything happen and to extend the kind of welcome we want, we rely on a number of volunteers from our church family.  These roles include: Hospitality – we need both greeters for the front walkway and hosts for fellowship hour. Worship – we would love to…

Last year’s small group studies of Rachel Held Evans book “Inspired” led to many rich discussions and new perspectives on stories in the Bible. Her writing style is very accessible, and she shares reflections on her faith with honesty, humor and humility. She died tragically at the early age of 37. The book “Wholehearted Faith”…

There is simply nothing quite like reading and considering the full Bible together.  There is wonder in discovering new details or meaning in stories we thought we knew so well.  There are connections between the stories that are suddenly illuminated either in ways we hadn’t noticed or because our life situation now helps us to…

Wow – what a full summer.  I hope that you have enjoyed this blessing and the myriad of opportunities to find truth, beauty, peace, and hope (including all we have shared here at #4 Main Street).  I certainly have – it has been rich and good. I also have to say that I am excited…

For the entire month of August, the Board of Mission & Action is asking for donations of new items to be distributed to local veterans in need. These items will be given to veterans’ organizations in Leeds, MA and in Pittsfield.  The new items that are needed are men’s undershirts and toiletries such as razors, shaving…

Scholarship Announcement Calling all students who are matriculated in undergraduate or graduate programs:  If you’re a church member, or child of a church member or employee, please apply for a scholarship by August 30.  All you have to do is send an email request to Will (office@stockbridgeucc.org) or Margaret Hornick (mhhornick@gmail.com) specifying where you are enrolled and what degree…

Books are a treasure in so many ways.  They can, all at the same time, be both grounding and freeing.  They can draw you into their story even as they remind you to see your own in new ways.  They can set you off on a great adventure while they also evoke your true home. …