BOOK LAUNCH NEXT SUNDAY!

Soul Conversations:

A Pilgrimage of the Heart

by Rev. Susan Izard

Sunday, October 18, 11:30-1:30

free event — register here

We're holding a very special JPWL Lunch and Learn after worship this Sunday — a book launch for our beloved former Minister of Spiritual Life, Rev. Susan Izard! Join us to celebrate Susan's latest work, Soul Conversations.

Susan left an indelible mark on First Church when she retired in 2021; she was the force behind bringing Celtic and Taize worship services here, and she supported the effort to have the labyrinth installed. In Soul Conversations, Susan shares her lifelong journey of learning to recognize, trust, and befriend her soul. Blending memoir, spiritual reflection, and gentle guidance, she explores how soul conversations of our own can help us reconnect with ourselves, with Holy Presence, and with a more purposeful, peaceful way of living.

Free program. A light lunch will be served. Register here. 

In the JPWL GALLERY

Pieces of the Past: 

Mementos from the Church Archive

October 7 - November 12

Archives contain items that we've decided are permanently valuable. Letters, journals, reports, books, manuscripts, photographs – and even furniture or decorative items – are kept because they have continuing value to the organization that created them. They are the real evidence of past events, telling the stories of people, businesses, and governments. They are the facts we use to interpret and understand history.

At First Church, the JPWL Archive contains hundreds of documents, newsletters, and books, along with an eclectic collection of objects that help bring the history of the congregation and its buildings to life. We have Rev. Elden Mills's office telephone, Miss Florence Crofut's silver teapot, a certificate awarded in 1820 for "the best two pairs knit worsted hose," and a cookbook used by the Women's Guild.

The Archive also includes images of the different churches that have housed the congregation over the years. Here are photographs and postcards; paintings in oil, pastel, or watercolor; trivets and tea sets—all depicting a beloved meetinghouse.

Visit the display and see for yourself. These fascinating pieces add depth, color, and a tangible connection to the 300+ year story of our church and the many people who have passed through its doors. The display is open whenever the building is. It will be on view October 7–November 12.

The BOHMAN BOOK REVIEW

When Stars are Scattered

by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson

When civil war breaks out in Somalia, Omar and his brother Hassan must flee to Kenya, where they grow up in a refugee camp and are raised by a foster mother, Fatuma. Once in the camp, Omar is offered the opportunity to attend school. Although Fatuma and others encourage him to go, Omar worries about Hassan, who is nonverbal and might feel anxious without Omar during the school day. 

When Stars Are Scattered is a young adult graphic novel based on Omar’s experiences living in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp. It offers invaluable insight into daily life there – from surviving on limited food to navigating the complex emotions that arise when someone learns they may be resettled. Ultimately, the book is a story of hope. Omar’s message is clear: no matter the circumstances, we can spread hope and encourage others.

-Molly Bohman, Assistant Librarian

Sisters in SPIRIT:

A Circle for Spiritual Exploration



Mini Retreat

Sunday, November 1

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Registration & Info

Sisters in Spirit leaders Mary Mattke and Janice Olson would like to invite the women of First Church to an afternoon of connection, conversation, and faith exploration. Come and help shape what comes next for this emerging group: What programs would you enjoy? What spiritual practice or topic would you like to explore? What kinds of programs or gatherings would bring women together at First Church?

Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to be part of this new community. With support from the Library and Spirit Team, Sisters in Spirit will offer guest speakers, discussions, spiritual practices, retreats, and, most importantly, opportunities to connect and share with one another.

Come as you are, and bring your ideas. Share your thoughts, meet other women, and help Sisters in Spirit grow into a vibrant community! Tap here for more information and to register.

*If you can't attend the mini-retreat, but still want to join Sisters in Spirit, talk to Jennifer to be added to the email list!

A New Home for a

Beautiful Stained-Glass Window

First Church recently welcomed a lovely piece of history: a 1960s stained-glass window depicting Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Measuring 8 by 4 feet, the window now hangs above the altar in the Chapel.

The window originally graced the meeting house of Devon Congregational Church in Milford, CT. After more than 100 years of faith and service to the community, the Devon church concluded its ministry earlier this year. The building has since been sold to a developer who plans to renovate it and create affordable housing. Before closing, the Devon congregation hoped that the church’s beloved stained-glass window, along with a marble baptismal font and other cherished items, would find new homes with other faith communities rather than be sold on the open market.

As luck would have it, JPW Library Director Jennifer deSimas came across a classified ad for the window. Other churches expressed interest, but First Church was ultimately chosen as its new home. Jennifer worked with Stained Glass Resources of Hampden, MA to uninstall, clean, repair, transport, and install the window in the Chapel. We learned that the window was made by Whittmore-Durgin Glass Company of Quincy, MA (tap here for a rather entertaining history of the company).

After considering several locations throughout the building, Rev. Fredd, Jennifer, and Building Supervisor Art Peterson agreed that the Chapel was the perfect setting for the Devon UCC window. The Chapel is a place for quiet worship, Lenten services, and contemplative gatherings such as sound healing and tai chi, making it a fitting new home for this beautiful work of art and faith.

The window came to us in its original light box, which illuminates it from all sides. When lit, it glows with the familiar scene of Jesus offering his disciples the bread and wine of the new covenant. This window is a tender reminder that while churches and buildings may change, the stories, traditions, and objects that hold meaning can continue to find new life in new places. We are grateful to the Devon congregation for entrusting this piece of their history to First Church, where it will be part of our worship and community for years to come.

(Above: DaVinci's The Last Supper, stained glass, by Wentworth Studios, Boston, ca. 1960)

Ongoing Events & Classes

nurture your body, mind, and spirit

with these free programs!

FitMix with Kathi

Tuesdays, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.

All-levels Aerobics in the Auditorium

More info and registration here.

TaiChi & Qi Gong

Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Mindfulness through movement, meets in the Chapel

More info and registration here.

Awakening the Spirit book group (Adult, Hybrid)

Mondays from 12-1:30 pm in the JPWL

Next Meeting: October 19. No Meeting on the 12th!

Register here

Book: How the Qur'an Interprets the Bible by Kaltner & Frechette

Discussion led by Rev. Dr. David Grafton, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at HIU, through October 26 (NO class Oct. 12).

Believe in YourSHELF book group (Middle Schoolers, In-Person)

Third Sundays of each month, 10:15 a.m.

Next Meeting: October 18 in the Community Room

Book: The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho; illustrated by Deb JJ Lee

Food for Thought (Adult, Hybrid)

First Tuesdays of the month, 5:00-6:30

Next Meeting: November 3 in the JPWL

Register Here

Book: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

The novel everyone is talking about! Theo doesn’t say much about himself when he arrives in Golden, but people notice when he begins purchasing the portraits hanging on the walls of the local coffeeshop, tracking down the people depicted, and giving each one their own portrait. In exchange, he asks only for the person’s story. Thus, portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered. A "word-of-mouth smash hit” (NY Times).



Our book groups meet from September through June. Attend in person or via Zoom (you'll receive the Zoom link after you register). Copies of the books are provided free for participants! New members always welcome!



For more information, contact Jennifer or Molly at

860-232-3893 or jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org.