News

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…

Keep up on all the church news! download January newsletter

The Christmas Fund/Veterans of the Cross is an annual United Church of Christ offering that supports our UCC clergy, both retired and active. It provides financial support in emergencies and augments the pensions of those who do not receive enough to live on. I have seen the impact of this fund in my work visiting…

Dear Families, What a joy to have twenty-two children this past Sunday here at 4 Main Street.  Thank you to everyone who helped plan all of the events and engage the children.  We love our children and see them as the future not just of this church but this way of life, this understanding of…

News, photos, and more! download december newsletter From Pastor Brent’s message: Happy New Year!  By the time you receive this newsletter, a new liturgical year will already be underway.  The church year starts, wisely so, with Advent – a return to an amazing story of faith.  It is a story replete with stunning imagery.  It…

It was a night of storytelling, singing, all-around merriment (and pies)! Saturday, November 5 at 6:00pm. Written and hosted by David Anderegg, the evening will feature an illustrious cast of musicians and actors.  Proceeds will benefit the preservation of the historic 1824 building of the Congregational Church in Stockbridge. For more information and livestream link,…

Lots of news! download November newsletter From Pastor Brent’s message: Dear Church Family, By the time you receive this, we will be closer to Christmas looking forward than we are to Labor Day looking backward.  Even closer to the moment you are reading this letter is the beginning of Advent.  Take a deep breath, relax;…