News

Worship Feedback Requested We continue to understand that worship is at the heart of our shared experience.  It is that common time where we disentangle ourselves from the demands and expectations of the world and entangle ourselves in our covenant with God and neighbor.  It is a time for honesty, beauty, truth, hope, and possibility. …

We both wait for the birth of the Christ Child that already happened two thousand years ago and wait with open hearts that the Christ Child may indeed be born again in us this very year. We help celebrate with the Community Advent Wreath. This 54-foot diameter Advent Wreath on the lawn of the church. …

There is an unmistakable element of surprise that is inherent in Christmas.  Presents thoughtfully selected, wrapped up in beautiful packaging, their contents unknown until opening.  We go to sleep one night and the next morning wake up to a sense of anticipation and newness – a rush of footsteps on the stairs, shouts of excitement…

In the coming months much of our energy will be put into fostering resilience.  These efforts will take many forms including worship, formation, fellowship, small groups, live radio shows, and even spooky organ concerts. Download November Newsletter

The First Congregational Church announces the return of the Lake Mahkeenac Radio Theater!  It was live streamed on Sunday, October 25 at 5 pm. This “live radio” show is loosely based upon radio variety shows of the past. It features comedy skits, beautiful singing, and dramatic monologues in a family-friendly format, and as always, the…

Dear Friends in Christ, Grace and Peace to you from the one who was, who is, and who always will be.  I write to you with great joy about our plans to gather for worship in the Sanctuary for two more upcoming Sundays (October 25 and November 8).  We will be meeting in drastically reduced…

We are working here at the church to imagine ways that both help you to explore interiority while staying connected. I am imaging learning circles, outward adventures, one-on-one partnerships, group networks and more about ways that we can bring our passions together, share the gifts that God has blessed us with, and not just survive…

Thought we forgot your birthday?  Think Again! The All-Church Birthday Party is coming up…Sunday, October 4th.  We will not have a parade of cakes at the church, but we will have several nice cakes to choose from!  We will not be able to eat together but we will deliver your piece of cake right to your…

There will be no evening worship on Sunday, October 25.  Instead, please attend the online fundraiser The Lake Mahkeenac Radio Theater! Worship is at the heart of who we are, how we encounter God, how we are shaped as family, and what we find ourselves called to do.  We have added a  third weekly worship…

We are imagining moments big and small in new ways; sometimes offering something similar, sometimes introducing something new. We know that there is uncertainty about what the fall and winter months might bring as our nation continues to struggle with the pandemic and as national elections loom on the horizon. We plan to meet them,…

Worship is at the heart of our shared journey. It is in worship that we come together bringing the fullness of our lives and our world, our joys and our challenges into the presence of God and one another. Through worship, we are shaped for the living of our days by remembering our story, loosening…

… My hope is that we find ways, especially during these summer months, to take advantage of the chance to safely connect outside.  This is about how we feed you and/or help you engage with your faith, each other and the world.  It will give us the strength and endurance to withstand any uptick in…

What times these are! I offer prayers for you and for all who are struggling, relaxed, confused, lonely, over-employed, under-employed, sick, caregiving, or in any other way affected by the pandemic being caused by COVID-19. Remember the words of the angels (do not fear) and the mantra of the prophets (speak truth).

The People’s Pantry in Great Barrington needs volunteers through the duration of the the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering involves moving produce, meat in coolers, milk and prefilled grocery bags outside onto tables under a tent. Volunteers are needed for three slots each week: Monday 4-6:30 pm; Thursday 8:30-11 am; Thursday 11 am-1:30 pm. College and high…

After prayer and in consultation with some of our colleagues, we are still planning to offer a place to gather in worship, mindful of the following…

I begin with the greeting of the angels: Do not Fear! I follow with the wisdom of the prophets: Speak truth! We are in unfamiliar and rapidly changing times. People are reacting to the Covid19 Pandemic in very different ways..

The First Sunday in Lent offers the ideal place from which to start the journey: the Communion Table. There we gather to hear an ancient truth, to re-member, and to put ourselves back together as the body of Christ. There we receive blessings that we might be healed and restored and—just as importantly—that we might go forth to be a blessing.

A new, monthly small group program will kick off in February, centered around the podcast On Being with Krista Tippett and several books featured in her conversations. Read on for Pastor Brent’s inspiration behind this new faith formation offering.

From our Sexton: In the category of “other duties as requested” was the recent investigation of the church’s bell. Eugene Burns, a self-described passionate fan of church and lighthouse bells made by the Meneely Bell Foundry (1826-1950) in Watervliet, NY, called to ask about our bell. As it was a nice day, and not wanting…

In December the Jr. Youth Group held its second event of the year. A group of twelve gathered in the JE Room with steaming hot chocolate in hand to talk about the significance of light in the Bible and at Christmas time.