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Register for a Fall Faith & Life Group
September 20, 2023
It’s time to sign up for fall Faith & Life Groups!
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) to something that might be delightful, deep, or even transformational. At the same time, you can get to know First Church friends who share your interests.
If you are looking for a way to dip your toes into the life of our church and stay connected outside of Sunday Worship, this is for you!
After registering, you will be contacted by the leader.
Dates and meeting times are to be determined, as availability of those who express interest in participating will be taken into consideration.
Questions? Please reach out to Beth Spaulding or the leader of the group directly.
Becoming a Trans- and Nonbinary-Affirming Church
Leaders: Lisa McCarty and Dan Smith
Email: lisa.j.mccarty@gmail.com
First Church has recently been accepted into a cohort of Southern New England UCC churches working towards becoming trans- and nonbinary-affirming churches. First Church members will be participating in an ongoing multi-church group about this topic. Come join us to hear what we are learning from these discussions, and to contribute your own ideas about how First Church can grow as an open and affirming congregation. This Faith & Life group will begin in mid-October and meet periodically throughout the coming year.
Living and Celebrating the Spirituality of the Seasons: Fall and Winter
Leader: Lee Andrews
Email: leonandrews0703@gmail.com
“Live in each season as it passes, breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of the earth.” -Henry D. Thoreau
Each season offers us unique gifts and challenges, with many opportunities for growth and renewal. Let’s explore together—through readings, conversation, experiences—what this Fall and Winter may be calling us to see and understand about our connection to our Creator and Mother Earth. Lee, who has an M.A. in Theology, has worked as an urban elementary school teacher, nature educator, horticulture and creative arts therapist, pastoral associate/DRE and nursing home/hospice chaplain. The group will meet in person once a week for 6-8 weeks.
Creating a Spiritual Autobiography
Leader: Stephen Opie
Email: opiedesign@gmail.com
Spiritual autobiography is a sub-genre of memoir that traces the author’s spiritual journey. Whether you consider yourself a spiritual or religious person, these writings can provide a fascinating insight into people’s lives and how experiences—significantly, trauma—can shape beliefs. Moments you’ve lived, created, and represented combine to make your emotional and spiritual story. This is a workshop for those who want to use writing to reflect on the passages: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In a nurturing, non-judgmental environment, you’ll write through and into the deeper meanings of your life to create the first draft of your story. The group will meet for six sessions.
Holiday Art Workshop: Art for God
Leader: Henry Gates
Email: hjgates@comcast.net
Come use pastels to briefly make a page of art for God. Sitting before a tapestry-size painting of twelve Christian festivals, make your own festival color square. We’ll use any remaining time to talk about the value of Christian art in church. All materials provided, and all ages and abilities welcome. This one-time offering will be held on Sunday, November 26, 12:30-1:30 pm, in Lindsay Chapel.