If you are looking to deepen your connections and friendships with people in Christian community consider joining a small group. Exploring your faith with fellow church members within your age group or your identity is a unique experience that can provide another way to get support in your faith journey.
Youth Group meets on selected Sunday afternoons from 1:15pm to 3:00 p.m., and for occasional service opportunities and social events on Friday afternoons and evenings this Fall. During the pandemic, the Youth Group is continuing to meet in person in the playground at 11 Garden Street or at various offsite locations while the weather allows for it. As the weather gets colder, a transition to zoom is possible.
Contact Youth Group leaders Lexi Boudreaux, or Becky Moyer (beckym678@yahoo.com) with any questions!
Our vibrant young adult population at First Church is active in all aspects of the congregation’s life and leadership. The group is open to all those college-age and up who self-identify as “young” adults. In addition to regular get-togethers and outings, we look forward to gathering at the parsonage in late September for our annual Young Adult Open House, hosted by Dan Smith and Nancy Kilburn. Join us for lively conversations about our lives and our faith on weekly zoom calls, and venture into the great outdoors with us for nature walks in the area!
In the spirit of faith exploration and questioning, we currently meet regularly on zoom for our Gentle Blasphemy series as well as exploring the neighborhood when the weather is nice. Please check the church calendar for our next meeting date or contact us directly to sign up on our listserv.
This group is by BIPOC for BIPOC. If you are a Black, Indigenous or Person of Color (BIPOC) member of First Church, please consider joining our periodic Zoom meetings designed as active listening sessions to reflect, heal, support one another, and build community.
Contact Moana Bentin with questions, or to receive a Zoom invitation to participate.
In the beginning weeks of the Fall season, First Church would usually participate in an all-church retreat for worship, fun, and fellowship to start off the year. While we are not able to retreat together during COVID, we hope to continue this beloved tradition as soon as the public health situation allows.
Throughout the year, women at First Church are intentional about creating space for all who identify as women to explore their faith together. All-women Faith and Life Groups, an annual Women’s Community gathering, and other intergenerational opportunities give women from all walks and seasons of life the chance to spend time and make connections with one another. One year we gathered together for an evening of simple soup and salad, with readings, reflections, and prayer. During the pandemic we are restricted to gathering online, but with the same warmth and enthusiasm for supporting each other on our journey of faith.
All who identify as women are welcome to this annual daylong retreat, which usually takes place the first weekend in Lent. Participants take time to rest in silence, explore creative expression, and enjoy a nourishing lunch in each other’s company. Join us for reflection, Lenten preparation, and community. Come for all or part of the day. Your unique presence is cherished!
All who identify as men are invited to join us for a hearty breakfast and even heartier conversations about topics that connect our faith to our lives and our world. One-time visitors, friends, and newcomers are always welcome. In non-COVID times, breakfast is served in the Kitchen and Harter Room, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
In this season of being apart, Men’s Breakfasts are hosted on Zoom calls or on the lawn. Questions? Contact info below. If you’d like to sign up for the Men’s Breakfast email list to receive monthly reminders, contact Dan Smith or David Torrey.
Every year in the late Spring/ Early summer, all folks who identify as men are invited for a weekend of outdoor recreation, simple meals, and heartfelt discussion starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and ending at 10 a.m. Sunday. In past years, First Church members have hosted the retreat at their homes in scenic areas in New England. The agenda is casual, meal assignments are shared, carpooling is encouraged and the memories are warm.