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Pastor JT

Capital Campaign Updates

With the winter behind us, we are planning the second phase and looking at the third and last phase of our capital campaign work. Last year the focus was the exterior of the Meetinghouse and steeple. This summer we will work the insides of the Meetinghouse. We are getting updated quotes but are still optimistic that much or even all of this can be accomplished. Here are the key pieces: Restore Bell to Operation Our steeplejack is lined up to gingerly raise the bell off

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4 hours ago2 min read

The Meaning of the Many Forms We Utilize for Worship.

I’ve been to a lot of worship services in my life, each a unique experience of connecting with a community while connecting with God. I’ve worshipped in a church sanctuary with just a few people scattered around the pews, and I’ve worshipped in a sanctuary that was more like a stadium, with thousands upon thousands of people in attendance. I’ve worshipped in services that were around fifteen minutes long and worshipped in services that were still going when my friend and I

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7 days ago3 min read

Here’s This Month's Roundup of News and Notes from the Wider Church

As we celebrate Earth Day this week, did you know the UCC has a blog focused on environmental justice? It’s called The Pollinator, and the latest post is about a UCC church creating a natural play space for children in the middle of an urban city center. You can read more about the efforts of the First Congregational Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by visiting the Pollinator blog. You can also go there to sign up for the Pollinator e-newsletter and receive news, education,

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Apr 212 min read

Church Council Highlights: April 2026

T he Church Council met on April 8, and the conversation was full of both gratitude and forward‑looking energy. From a joyful Easter season to plans for worship, service, and staffing, it was a meeting that reflected the vitality of our church community. A Joy‑Filled Holy Week and Easter Holy Week was a true highlight. Easter Sunday brought our strongest attendance in several years, and we welcomed three new members – a wonderful reminder of how meaningful this season is for

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Apr 154 min read

The Heart Behind the Annual First Parish Yard Sale

Saturday, May 16 - More Than a Fundraiser - A Community Tradition with Deep Roots Mary Masi-Phelps, Church Moderator Each spring, our First Parish Yard Sale returns - not just as a fundraiser, but as a celebration of community, belonging, and the enduring spirit that defines our church. For many, the yard sale is a chance to hunt for treasures, support parish programs, and enjoy a day out. But for me, and many others, it’s so much more: it’s a doorway into meaningful connecti

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Apr 73 min read

REFLECTIONS ON HOLY WEEK

Recently, I read an article written by our Southern New England Conference Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives, Rev. Dr. Chris Davies. Rev. Davies wrote a Holy Week Primer ( https://www.sneucc.org/postdetail/holy-week-primer-19658793 ) for a local newspaper but also sent it out to the entire conference so we could share in learning. I highly recommend giving her article a spin because it is a quick encapsulation of what we do in Holy Week, what happens on the da

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Mar 313 min read

Holy Week Is Almost Here! Plus, a Christian Ed Update

Holy Week is right around the corner, and we’re looking forward to sharing this meaningful season together. From palms and processions to quiet reflection and joyful celebration, there’s something for everyone throughout the week. Here’s a look at what’s coming up—and a quick update on Christian Education. WHAT'S HAPPENING DURING HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday, March 29th : We’ll kick things off with a palm procession beginning in the Gathering Space. If the weather cooperates, we’ll

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Mar 252 min read

News and Notes from the Wider Church

Here’s a roundup of news and notes this month from the wider church: Did you know that the United Church of Christ has a daily devotional? It is Sent to your email inbox every morning. Stillspeaking Writers Group offers a short theological reflection from pastors across the United Church of Christ. Sign up for the daily devotional here . For Good Friday, the UCC Council of Conference Ministers will be streaming a Seven Last Words worship service on April 3 rd at 12 pm.

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Mar 182 min read

Church Council Update – March 2026

As part of our effort to keep everyone better connected, I’ll be sharing a monthly snapshot of what’s happening at Church Council. I serve as your Church Moderator, and this is a quick look at what we discussed in March. A quick refresher: What is Church Council? Church Council is the governing board of the church, as laid out in our Constitution and Bylaws. Council includes the Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, Pillar Leads, and a few Members At Large, with our Pastor serving as

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Mar 112 min read

Welcome to the Relaunch of our First Parish blog!

Each week will include a post with a regularly scheduled update, and every week will have a different post perspective. I’ll start each month’s rotation with some insights into what I’m hearing, seeing, doing, or thinking about. The second week of the month will have a council meeting reflection from our moderator, Mary. The third week of the month will offer a roundup of thoughts and links from the wider church, including from our UCC association, conference, and national

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Mar 112 min read