News

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…

Dear Church Family, The moment of the Easter Proclamation, one of my favorites of the church year, it is almost here.  Part of what I love is the joy and unity of it all – voices raised in acclamation.  Part of it is the articulation of faith – publicly leaning into mystery.  Part of what…

For the latest news, announcements, and photos, read the March newsletter. Download March newsletter MARCH 2023 CALENDAR – UPDATED Lent is upon us.  It is such a rich and pregnant time in the church year.  As creation begins to stir into life all around us, Lent is our invitation to a new life as well. …

There are few things in life that are as joyful, powerful, and connecting as sharing a meal together. The word companion, in fact, literally means those who share bread.  While the Last Supper is a meal we celebrate in the Bible, Jesus used that setting to break down barriers, teach by example, and welcome.  He…

Every Wednesday afternoon several of us meet by ZOOM at 1:00 PM to study the Scripture text that the preacher for the following Sunday has chosen. We would love to have you join us. What happens during this hour? First, we have a prayer and greet each other and check in on how our week…

Each Thursday, the First Congregational Church sends out an email filled with news about the church community. You’ll find a message from Rev. Brent Damrow and discover ways to participate in the life of the church.  Interested? Sign up with this form.  We look forward to sharing news with you.

Call for Singers Stockbridge Festival Chorus – Spring 2023 REQUIEM by John Rutter – with small instrumental ensemble and organ Sunday, April 23, 3:00 PM Rehearsals: Begin Sunday, February 5, 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Rehearsals will take place every Sunday until the concert (no rehearsal on Easter Sunday, April 9). Two additional Saturday rehearsals will…

I hope to engage with many more of you who find yourself suddenly transported by Scripture to a brand-new world this Epiphany Season.  I hope that together we might pause long enough not just to watch that world pass by, but to inhabit it – even if just for these short, fleeting days.   Peace and…

Inspired – Small Groups Rachel Held Evans (1981-2019) is a treasure.  She is known for her books and articles about faith, doubt, and life.  She has been featured in everything from the Washington Post and NPR to BBC and Christianity Today.  She served on President Obama’s Council of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.  She was a great…