Growing Closer to God
The Discovery Team wrote in their comprehensive report last spring that First Church “stands at a tender and transformative moment in its life together. This time of transition invites us to reflect deeply on who we are, what we value, and where we feel called to go as a community of faith.” The report highlights that many within our congregation are seeking more spiritual grounding and growth, especially to support us as we live out our values of social justice and anti-racism. And, at the same time, people are not sure exactly what spiritual grounding and growth might look like! With that in mind, this fall we will center our regathering around a question:
What does it mean to grow closer to God, as individuals and as a church community?
We’ll be exploring a range of possible responses to this question, both from an individual and a communal perspective, and also simply affirming that this is a good discussion to have! Join us in worship, small groups, Bible study, and multigenerational formation as we practice our faith together.
Regathering Sunday
September 7
Join us as we begin our Regathering season with Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m., followed by an all-church luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Our theme of “Growing Closer to God” is gleaned from our Discovery Team’s report that highlights how many within our congregation are seeking more spiritual grounding and growth, especially to support us as we live out our values of social justice and anti-racism. And, at the same time, people are not sure exactly what spiritual grounding and growth might look like! Come be a part of this exploration over the coming months, starting with our Regathering Sunday worship!
Night Song Returns
Sunday evenings beginning September 7
7:30 – 8:15p.m.
Sanctuary and via livestream
Night Song is a worship opportunity that offers stillness and sublime music in a darkened sanctuary for respite and reset. We all need time set aside from the demands of daily life and the issues facing our community and our world—a regular time to be still, to find clarity and purpose, and to center ourselves for the coming week. You’ll leave breathing more deeply and recharged to engage with your world. Night Song is a hybrid offering of First Church for in-person attendance in the Sanctuary and viewing via livestream or listening at another time on the Night Song YouTube channel. Learn more about Night Song.
christian formation and church school
10:00 O’Clock Formation Hour 2025-26
This Regathering season, we’re experimenting with a new “rotation model” of formation programs in the 10 O’Clock Hour. Check out the schedule of Sundays below, and plan to join us! We begin 10 O’Clock Hours on Sunday, September 14.
Bible Study @ 10:
“Hello, Bible. My name is ________.”
First & Third Sundays
September 21, October 5 & 19, November 2 & 16, December 7 &21
10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Harter Room and via Zoom
Feel like maybe you would like to get a better feel for what the Bible has to do with your life and the world today? Here’s a chance to take a first step in that direction. Pastor Mike will be helping us get to know the Bible better as part of our 10:00 O’Clock Hour offerings this fall. These sessions are for everyone, no matter your Bible background. The Bible has a fascinating personality, so take the first step in getting to know it: Hello Bible. My name is _____________.
Multigen at 10
Second Sundays
September 14, October 12, November 9, and December 14
10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Margaret Jewett Hall
Come, one and all, to this experiential formation hour for all ages. Sarah Higginbotham will help us connect with folks we may only know by face through games, songs, and activities that allow us to share more deeply with each other.
Small Groups @ 10
Fourth Sundays: September 28, October 26, and November 23
10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Harter Room and via Zoom
In these difficult times, we need to strengthen our hope, perhaps more than ever. Led by Brent Coffin, this monthly adult formation hour provides us an opportunity to get to know one another better through soulful conversations. And together, we will explore how to strengthen our practices of hope, both for ourselves and others. Please join us, whether each month or just once.
Register for Church School
Church School classes begin on September 14! We offer a variety of opportunities for Christian formation for children and youth, including age-based classes, creative arts and pastoral care workshops, child care for little ones, and youth group activities for teens. All children from infants through high school seniors are welcome in the Church School! You can read all the details on the Faith Formation for Children & Youth page on our website. Registering your children helps us to prepare for them, but drop-ins are always welcome.
Confirmation Class Orientation
Sunday, September 7, 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Harter Room
This year’s Confirmation journey for 8th and 9th graders begins with an orientation meeting for students and parents after worship. Fix yourself a plate at the All-Church Luncheon buffet, and then join Sarah Higginbotham for an introduction to the program alongside co-teachers Devin Hansen and Phil Servello-Jones. Classes take place approximately twice monthly on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., leading up to Confirmation Sunday on June 14, 2026.
newcomers gatherings
After-Worship Newcomers Gathering
Sunday, September 14, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Harter Room
Feeling new here at First Church? Thinking about becoming a member? Either way, come join us for a newcomers’ gathering after worship on September 14. Come meet other folks who are new, connect with staff and a few members of the church, learn a bit more about membership, and ask any questions you might have. We’ll even provide lunch! We’ll meet up in the Harter Room after the service (just ask anyone for the location).
Thinking About Joining the Church?
Thursdays, September 18 & 25, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
via Zoom
For those interested in church membership, we’ll also have additional more in depth sessions via Zoom on two Thursday evenings, September 18 & 25, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. (attend both, if possible). Then we’ll welcome new members in worship on Sunday, October 5. See/contact Pastor Mike (mike@firstchurchcambridge.org) with any questions. And welcome!
small groups throughout the week
Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, September 6, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Harter Room
The Men’s Breakfast is a forum for any and all who identify as men at First Church. We meet monthly to share breakfast and to share experiences. We prepare breakfast and participate with a rotating monthly leader. All are welcome! If you would like to be added to the Men’s Breakfast email list to receive reminders of these gatherings, please contact Peter Byerly: p.byerly@comcast.net
Faith & Life Groups: Fall 2025
Call for Leaders!
Are you interested in leading a small group over Zoom or in person this Fall? Contact Beth Spaulding (bspaulding68@gmail.com) to discuss your idea for the next round of Faith & Life Groups, running in October/November, with registration happening in September.
Led by First Church members, Faith & Life Groups are designed to encourage meaningful connections through shared interests, whether exploring a spiritual practice, opening our eyes to the beauty around us, delving into a challenging social issue, or attending to significant life stages (parenting, aging, job transitions, etc.).
Faith & Life Groups involve making a short-term commitment (a single session to several weeks, depending on the group). Pitch your idea for a Faith & Life Group to Beth as we enter into our Regathering season.
Family Night Returns!
Tuesday, September 16, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Sage Hall
Family Night pasta dinners will start up on September 16! We provide pasta and red sauce, you bring a side dish or dessert to share. All are welcome, especially children with their parents and caregivers. Please let Meredith know how many are coming by emailing: familynight@firstchurchcambridge.org. No RSVP is too late! We’ll eat in Sage Hall (our basement playspace) so that kids can play freely after dinner.
And mark your calendars for more Family Nights this fall:
Sep 30, Oct 14 & 28, Nov 18, and Dec 9.
Women’s Community Book Group
Tuesday, September 16, 6:30-7:45 p.m., via Zoom
All those who identify as women are invited to join us for our opening book discussion on Liz Walker’s No One Left Alone: A Story of How Community Helps Us Heal. This is a piece of non-fiction written by the first Black woman to anchor a major Boston TV station, who then went on to seek ordination. Rev. Liz served the community of Roxbury Presbyterian Church, where she developed amazing programs to support and heal her community. We hope this will be the start of another year of community building among women at First Church; please encourage your friends to give this a try. For questions or to receive the zoom link, contact Alex Steinert-Evoy (alex@steinert-evoy.org).
join us on the all-church retreat!
Register for the All-Church Fall Retreat
Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28, 2025
Registration is now open for the 2025 All-Church Retreat at Craigville Retreat Center! The retreat is an amazing opportunity to spend time with our multigenerational church community in a glorious location on the Cape. Join Sarah Higginbotham, Noel Grisanti, and other church leaders for a weekend of community-building in fellowship, formation, and fun. Take advantage of large group gatherings, small group sessions, supervised play/crafting time for kids, worship, group games, a “campfire” sing-a-long, and more. Or, opt for a quiet walk on the beach, bird-watching at the marsh, or whatever your soul needs. Arrive on Friday evening, September 26, and stay through midday on Sunday, September 28, for the full event; or come for a portion of the weekend, for just one night, or even a daytrip on Saturday.