News

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. …

All church artists are invited to show art this summer – July, August, and September using any media: graphite, colored pencil, watercolor, oil, acrylic, multimedia, photography, small sculptures, etc.  Please bring your artwork to church and place it on the shelves in the JE Room now until the end of September.  Be sure to label…

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 10 we kick-off…

One of the major projects of the Capital Campaign is the renovation of the Jonathan Edwards Room.   This is our chance to create a space that fits everyone’s needs. We have collected input from all the program boards as well as outside groups who use the room.  Now, we need suggestions from individuals in the congregation. …

On June 25th the First Congregational Church, UCC of Stockbridge hosted a panel discussion about housing.  Learn about the impact of housing affordability and how housing initiatives in our area are making an impact. The discussion was recorded: Panelists include Carolyn Valli of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Eileen Peltier and Jennifer Meehan of Berkshire…

Cathedral of the Beloved Volunteers needed Our congregation is in charge of providing a meal for the COTB street ministry in Pittsfield on Sunday afternoon, July 23. COOKING DAY is Saturday, July 22, at the church. We need more volunteers to help us prepare the meal. Please sign up on the JE Room bulletin board,…

Lee Dixon (1932-2023) Lee Dixon passed away after a brief illness on May 19, 2023. An amazing music teacher, she would often be found perched on the piano bench surrounded by happy children sitting in a circle on the floor.  With her passion of music as choir and chorus director, singer and accompanist many lives…

The latest news from First Congregational Church! Download July newsletter Dear Church Family, Summer offers a chance for a much-needed change of pace.  Summer offers a tantalizing invitation to seek beauty, rest, and peace.  Summer offers the excuse to let go of some of the formality and seriousness of our living and find delight in…

Grace and peace be unto you. I give thanks to God for you and for this shared journey that we undertake together. There is an opening in the air – can you feel it?  Flowers are opening to the warmth and promise of Spring. Businesses and attractions are opening to an influx of visitors. Our…

On May 21 the church held its Annual Meeting after worship.  At its heart, the Annual Meeting is a celebration of our journey as a family of faith.  Yes, there is important business to conduct like incorporation, by-laws review, updates on some important processes, and election of lay leadership.  All of that was done in…

Dear Church Family, Christ is Risen!  What a joy Easter was this year.  From the blast of brass to the shower of colors; from calls to worship led wholeheartedly by young ones to a scrumptious brunch served by culinary ones; from the chill of the morning air to the warmth of love everywhere; from the…

Justice Task Force – Early History of First Congregational  ChurchYou are invited watch the lecture (on YouTube) presented on April 23 by Joshua Hall, “Overview of the Early History of the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge, mission church to the Mohicans.”  Josh is the Historian for First Congregational Church of Stockbridge, and is known for…

Stockbridge Festival Chorus Concert: Sunday April 23 at 3:00pm. The 50-voice Stockbridge Festival Chorus is presenting its Spring concert at The First Congregational Church of Stockbridge located at 4 Main Street. The main selection is John Rutter’s Requiem, Jordan Rose Lee, soprano soloist, and two additional pieces by local composer Steve Murray. SFC is conducted by…