News

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;…

Lots of news and announcements! DOWNLOAD OCTOBER NEWSLETTER From Pastor Brent’s message: Dear Church Family, I love seasons.  I love the seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter because they invite us to notice particular gifts of each.  They draw our attention to blessings and gifts that make up the whole of life and that…

As with many things these days, the All-Church Picnic felt all the more wonderful because of its absence over the last two years. Over twenty church members, family, and friends joined our hosts Kay and Neil Holden and Tracy Schneyer at Mohawk Lake on the last Sunday of July. The sky was blue, the water…

The Language of the Heart This Fall, you are invited to come together in an exploration of not just one of the most beloved parts of the Bible, but also one of the most important.  This study will focus on the Psalms as living treasures that can and do speak truth into our times.  There…

Have you picked out your outfit yet?  Have you imagined where you might sit?  Have you thought about who you are looking forward to seeing or maybe bringing?  Have you been told that you are off the hook for making lunch reservations afterward? I hope so, but if not there still is time (although not…

FOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP Don’t miss this special Sunday with music, song and the start of Sunday school and fall activities! Kids!  The children will come to the tent after the Children’s Time for a mixer: kids and teachers will learn fun things about each other.  After the church service we will have fun activities:…

Walter Brueggemann maintains that Sunday morning is central to the life of the church.  One of the reasons is that collective worship, study, and fellowship are foundational for us to become the body of Christ.  Another reason, though, is that it stakes a claim on the importance of our church family to our lives.  It…