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
Youth Group meets on selected Sunday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. All 9th-12th graders are most welcome!
Come to an Orientation Meeting on Regathering Sunday, September 11, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. to learn about this year’s plans and to put some dates on your calendar.

Young Adults Group
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. Join us for lively conversations about our lives and our faith at our Faith on Tap meet-ups, ice cream strolls, or gatherings at each other’s homes; and venture into the great outdoors with us for nature walks in the area!
Please check the events calendar for our next meeting date or contact us directly to sign up on our listserv.

BIPOC Space, Time, and Community
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.

All Church Retreats
First Church Returns to Craigville for our All-Church Fall Retreat:
Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2, 2022
After two pandemic cancellations (as well as the “year off” we took in 2019), First Church is returning to Craigville Retreat Center for our beloved All-Church Fall Retreat!
All are welcome to join us for a weekend of community-building in fellowship, formation, and fun…. Read more

Women's Community (Seasonal Gatherings and Small Groups)
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 have been restricted to gathering online, but with the same warmth and enthusiasm for supporting each other on our journey of faith.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements of in-person or virtual gatherings.

Women’s Retreat
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!

Men’s Monthly Breakfasts
All who identify as men are invited to join us monthly 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. After many months of Zoom gatherings, we have been meeting in person again, following current masking guidelines.
Send an email to the address below to sign up for the Men’s Breakfast email list, which receives monthly reminders.

Men's Retreat
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.