News

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,…

Thanks to our terrific team of Livestream technicians, each service is available in “real time” on Sunday morning.  And they remain available on our YouTube channel, found here. Each recording also has the service bulletin available.  Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to All of Us Having a birthday this year? Come celebrate with a potluck lunch and party on Sunday, May 5!  This year’s theme is The Four Seasons. Bring a dish to share, sit with your seasonal siblings, sing seasonal songs, eat cake…And speaking of cake, are you willing to bake one? Email…

Stockbridge Festival Chorus Spring Concert, Saturday, April 27, 3:00 pm at The First Congregational Church of Stockbridge. Featured work is Melodious Accord: A Concert of Praise by Alice Parker for chorus and solo quartet, accompanied by Berkshire Brass, harp, and piano. Tracy Wilson, Music Director. Admission is $20 at the door, $10 for community chorus…

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…