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We are offering two Faith & Life groups this season, and you are welcome to register. Please contact the group leader to get on the list to receive the Zoom invitation to your group of choice.

Faith & Life Group: Exploring Hope for Peace and Justice in the Holy Land
Thursdays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., via Zoom

Since the vicious attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, and the unprecedented humanitarian disaster caused by Israel’s war in Gaza, along with increased crackdowns in the West Bank, how can Christians effectively engage in this issue? This group will have the opportunity to begin engagement through discussion with fellow congregants. While there will be some reading to get started, how we engage with this issue will be guided by the questions and interests of those who sign up. Examples may include questions such as what work is already being done between Palestinians and Israelis to promote reconciliation? What do we need to know about the history before October 7 to understand today? How can we support our Jewish and Palestinian neighbors? How can First Church engage with the Israel-Palestine Conflict as witnesses to Christ’s peace, aware of power imbalances, but not falling into false binaries? Most importantly, what questions do you have that you would like the group to address?

The group will meet on four Thursday evenings via Zoom with the possibility of additional meetings if there is interest. To be put on the email list for the group, contact Adam Weiss at: adamw@startmail.com. The Zoom link will be sent to those on this list.

Faith & Life Group: Four Centuries of First Church History
Sundays, February 2, 9, 16 & 23, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., via Zoom

Delve into First Church’s history over the centuries on Sunday evenings in February. Facilitated by Henry Gates, each session of this Faith & Life Group will include brief reflections by FCC folks who have particular knowledge of one of the four centuries through which First Church has existed as a community of faith. As we move through a time of transition, join with others to look at how we’ve navigated the waters of change in the past.

• 17th century: Puritan Foundation with Lindsay Miller
• 18th century: Slavery and Revolution with Dave Kidder
• 19th century: Unitarianism & Renaissance with Henry Gates
• 20th century: Church Organizations in Times of War with Peggy Bendroth

Email Henry Gates (hjgates@comcast.net) to register and receive the Zoom invitation.