HOW WE CARE
The different ministries that First Congregational Church is involved inLots of Ways to Get Involved.
Worship
Vibrant, inspiring and faithful worship of God is at the heart of our life together as church. The Worship Ministry Group considers and cares for all aspects of Sunday morning and special worship services, including Memorial Music Sunday, Advent and Lenten Vespers. Working alongside the Clergy and Director of Music, they help serve Communion, participate in Baptisms, and insure a warm welcome to all who attend in person and virtually through coordinating Action Teams of Greeters, Hosts, Ushers, Lay Readers, Sound and Video.
Outreach
Taking to heart Jesus’ command to love our neighbors, our many outreach ministries and opportunities allow us to serve our community, locally and globally. From feeding our neighbors to rehabilitating homes to providing disaster relief funds, there ongoing Action Teams for all ages to get involved.
Faith Formation
Adult Groups
There are many opportunities for adult faith formation including weekly bible studies, book groups, second hour programs and intergenerational opportunities. For more information contact alisonm@firstcheshire.org
Children’s Ministry
We have numerous and varied faith forming opportunities for our children and youth, including our Sunday morning church school program (for pre-K 4 to 8th grade), family fun events, multigenerational collaborations, service projects, and youth groups beginning in 5th grade. In addition, we offer a professionally staffed nursery on Sunday mornings.
Caring
The ways we care for one another as a congregation come under the wide umbrella of this ministry group. Parish Care Ministries, Fellowship events, organizing our annual Welcome Sunday picnic and games, welcoming New Members into the life of our church, overseeing flowers for worship and much more. We are a congregation that cares for one another!
Finance & Administration
The Finance and Administration Ministry Group oversees the varied administration practices of our busy and active congregation, including setting the annual budget that seeks to fund the ministries to which God is calling us.
Facilities and Grounds
Caring for our picturesque church campus, historic Sanctuary, Meetinghouse, buildings and surrounding grounds, the Facilities and Grounds Ministry Group oversees and ensures a safe and beautiful setting for our active congregation, ministries, and community groups and events.
Eco Action Team
Our Eco Action Team is a group of church members concerned about the current state of God’s creation, working for and advocating environmental responsibility for ourselves, our church, and all others. Those who want to help save the natural planet are welcome to join us. For more information, contact Anne McNulty or Karen Schnitzer.
Strawberry Festival
The festival features farm-fresh strawberry shortcake, an arts & crafts show, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, live music, as well as a variety of games and amusements for the young and young at heart. This is a long-standing, family-oriented, fun-filled festival with something for everyone. Bring a friend! All proceeds go to support the missions and ministries of our church.
Christmas Fair
Shop festive favorites and handmade treasures, including:
- A delicious Cookie Walk with homemade treats
- Gift basket raffles
- Handmade crafts & holiday décor
- Homemade chocolates
- Jewelry & “Granny’s Attic” finds
- Tools, gadgets & more in the Man Cave section!
Food will be available for purchase at the fair, including the church’s famous Christmas corn chowder—a seasonal favorite, and there will be a special visit with Santa!
Free parking is available behind the church.
