News

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.

From September through December, two different groups worked through a fourteen section study on the Gospel of Matthew. We studied Matthew as, starting in Advent, Matthew will be the Gospel the Lectionary supplies for worship most often for the coming year.

As the lights of Christmas fade and give way to the light of that star of Epiphany we turn from birth and new beginnings to journeys and following The Way. Starting with the magi journeying from afar, to the baptism and the voice from heaven claiming him as beloved, to stories of water changing into wine, the blind seeing, and life bursting forth Epiphany brings us along for us to come and see.

Faith is not a spectator sport. Instead we bring our faith to life through our choices, our actions, our participation. We gather mid-week on a cold, dark night to the point where the sanctuary and our hearts can barely hold it all in.

Help make this a special Christmas season for other families by choosing a tag (or 2 or 3!), with an age-appropriate gift request, from our Christmas tree.

The First Congregational Church of Stockbridge seeks a dynamic and visionary leader for our music ministry. An Open and Affirming Congregation located in the Berkshires, we are blessed with great musical resources within the church and the wider community.

From this month’s newsletter: “One of the many blessings of living in the Berkshires is that it is a place people like to visit…When Sunday morning rolls around, the question can be “what do we do about church?” Here is what I encourage you to do, though: bring them to church!”

Please bring your loose change to coffee hour on Sunday, October 27, as the kids will be collecting for UNICEF.  It’s an opportunity for kids to try out their Halloween costumes a few days early!

From this month’s newsletter: “Following the example of Jesus of Nazareth, we throw open our doors and our lives to welcome stranger and friend. As a place of sanctuary, we honor the struggles of all who enter, and discern, celebrate, encourage and employ their unique gifts and talents.”

Join Construct for its 50th Anniversary WALK – Walk Into the Future – on Sun., Sept. 22, with registration beginning at 12:30 pm. Music, food, entertainment. Bring your families, friends, kids, and (licensed and leashed) dogs. Help build communities and house families, step-by-step and brick-by-brick. There are many ways to get involved. WALK – GRAB YOUR…

Numerous artists are sharing their paintings and photography on display in the JE Room during October and November, exploring the theme of “God’s Autumn Colors.” Take a look and enjoy the show!

From this month’s newsletter: “That Sunday we sang a new-to-me song in four-part harmony, and a couple of familiar melodies with new words, poetic and thought-provoking…I had paid attention to the words because they were different. I liked paying attention to the words, a form of prayer.”

Mark your calendars! Sunday school resumes and the choir returns to the loft on Sun., Sept. 8. We’ll have our first Sunday school lesson, meet the new teachers, and have a giant test! OK, no test. But, we are most definitely planning to celebrate on the front lawn after church with food, games, and activities…

Take part in our Council Fundraiser – the Golf Scramble!! We take to the links on September 11 to raise money for the care of our historic buildings and vibrant programs. This month we ask for your assistance. Here are some ways you can help: Help field a team! If you play golf, get a…

Wondering what to do this Fall when the kids go back to school, the leaves begin to tumble, and the days start to shorten? Why not consider one of our adult formation classes? Multiple studies confirm that Bible Studies and other learning opportunities are some of the best ways to deepen your faith and connect…

On August 15 at 7:30 pm, First Congregational Church, Stockbridge, will host a joint choral concert by the B’Shalom Chorale of the Berkshires and the Berkshire Lyric Chamber Chorus. Led by Jack Brown, the two groups will perform both together and separately in Jewish and Christian sacred choral music from several centuries. There is no…