Sisters in SPIRIT:

A Circle for Spiritual Exploration



Mini Retreat

Sunday, November 1

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

JPWL

Last January, a group of First Church women gathered for a weekend retreat and rediscovered the gift of shared conversation, reflection, and laughter with one another. As the weekend came to a close, they began wondering: Could this experience grow into something more?

They began discussing how they might create a welcoming space where women could gather, explore their spiritual lives, learn from one another, and simply enjoy being together. Over the past seven months, that idea has taken shape as Sisters in Spirit—a community created by women, with women, and for women.

Women of all ages and backgrounds are warmly 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.

At the November Mini Retreat, group leaders Mary Mattke and Janice Olson will share plans for the coming year and invite everyone to help shape what comes next. 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?

All women are welcome. Come as you are, and bring your ideas! Share your thoughts, meet other women, and help Sisters in Spirit grow into a vibrant community! For more information, contact Janice Olson or Mary Mattke, or call JPWL at 860-232-3893.

POSTPONED!

Memory Café

New Date:

Wednesday, October 21

1-3 p.m.

Call to register!

Memory Café: Reflections—Growing Up

Join us Wednesday, October 21, for a Memory Café in the JPW Library. Staff from the CT Museum of Culture and History will share artifacts and music from the 1940s–1960s that will spark memories and lively conversation. A dementia specialist and library staff will be on hand to offer support and create a welcoming environment.

Memory Café brings people with dementia and their care partners together for conversation, community, refreshments, and uplifting activities in a safe, supportive setting. Each month will feature a different activity, from music and storytelling to crafts and therapy pet visits.

Registration is required. To register, call the JPW Library at 860-232-3893 or email us at jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org. Each attendee must be accompanied by their care partner for the full hour. Please include the names of both attendees along with a phone number or email address. We look forward to reminiscing with you!

"Not THAT Kind of Christian"

Interfaith Gatherings Explore Christian Nationalism

The JPWL will be partnering with First Universalist Church, the Unitarian-Universalist Society East, and Temple Sinai as we explore the troubling issue of Christian Nationalism in our country—its history, its influence, and its implications for our faith and our democracy. We’re planning two free events. Register here for both events.

Sunday, September 27, Book Discussion

12 p.m.–2 p.m.

Baptizing America: How Mainline Christian Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism

First Universalist Church, 433 Fern St., West Hartford

Explore the history of mainline Protestants' role in intertwining church and state interests and hear ideas for how Christians can uphold democracy while resisting the allure of political power. This discussion will be led by Rev. Dr. David Grafton. Books are available to borrow or purchase at the JPWL!

Sunday, October 18, Documentary Screening

11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

"Bad Faith" (TV-MA; 89 minutes)

Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Rd., Newington

"Bad Faith" examines how Christian nationalism has moved from the political fringes into mainstream American life, influencing debates about democracy, religion, education, and civil rights. The film traces the movement’s development over several decades and explores why it has become such a significant force in American politics today.

We hope you’ll join us for these opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation about the intersection of faith, justice, and our common life. Feel free to contact us with questions or concerns.

JPWL Lunch & Learn

Soul Conversations:

A Pilgrimage of the Heart

by Rev. Susan Izard

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

free event

In her new book, Soul Conversations, spiritual director Susan Izard offers an invitation to pause and listen for the sacred voice within.

Susan, a retired ordained minister of the UCC, 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 can help us reconnect with ourselves, with Holy Presence, and with a more purposeful, peaceful way of living.

Soul Conversations is both a spiritual memoir and a gentle companion for anyone longing to live with more presence, trust, and connection to the sacred within. 

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

The BOHMAN BOOK REVIEW

One Day, Everyone Will Have Always

Been Against This

by Omar El Akad

This nonfiction debut from author Omar El Akkad derives its title from a tweet he made weeks after the war on Gaza began in October of 2023: “One day, when it’s safe, when there’s no personal downside to calling a thing what it is, when it’s too late to hold anyone accountable, everyone will have always been against this.” El Akkad no longer believes the West offers the freedom and justice it promises. This is his reckoning with that realization; with the hypocrisy he notices in a people who claim to believe in that freedom but will take no action to ensure it is upheld.

El Akkad offers readers an emotional testament to the power of our words and actions, or our lack thereof. Despite the West’s apparent apathy to violence, he holds on to the belief that there is still a possibility for something better, that at an individual level we can make the world better for each other. 

-- Molly Bohman, Assistant Librarian

FROM the JPWL ARCHIVE

archive /är′kīv″/ : A place or collection containing records, documents, or other materials of historical interest.

: A long-term storage area, for files that are no longer in active use

First Sunday is

September 13

First Sunday -- formerly Rally Day or Homecoming Sunday -- is here! That means Sunday School starts next week.

Here is a historic glimpse of Sunday School at First Church in 1824: A certificate awarded to Miss Julia Goodman "for her attendance, good behaviour and diligence in the Sabbath School." The certificate is a testament to Julia's accomplishment as well as an illustration of the expectations of her teacher and the beliefs of her time. It features children walking in an orderly line along a dirt road. On the other side, four children kneel and pray under an oak arch. A poem beneath these scenes is entitled "Early Piety:"

Happy the child whose youngest years

Receive instruction well;

Who hates the sinners path, and fears

The road that leads to hell.

Let the sweet work of prayer and praise

Employ our youngest breath;

Thus we're prepar'd for longer days,

Or fit for early death.

Julia lived at a time when religion was central to how people understood morality, childhood, and life after death. Childhood mortality was higher, and death was a familiar possibility. Back then, as now, religious teaching encouraged people—even children—to be prepared for whatever life might bring.

Book Group Discussions

Start Sept. 14!

The JPW Library sponsors three book groups that meet from September through June. Copies of the books are provided for participants, and new members are always welcome! Here's what's coming up:

Awakening the Spirit (Adult, Hybrid): Every Monday, 12-1:30 p.m.

Next Meeting September 14 in the JPW Library

Next Book: How the Qur'an Interprets the Bible: Comparing Islamic, Jewish, and Christian Scriptures by Kaltner and Frechette

Explore how the Qur’an interprets stories and figures shared with the Bible.

Food For Thought (Adult, Hybrid): First Tuesdays, 5-6:30 p.m.

Next Meeting: October 6 in the JPW Library

Book: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

Discover the remarkable story of Frances Perkins, the trailblazing woman whose partnership with FDR helped change the nation.

Believe in YourSHELF (Middle Schoolers, In-Person): Third Sundays, 10:15

Next Meeting: October 18 in the Community Room

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

Two young North Koreans risk everything to escape lives ruled by fear and oppression.

For more information, please contact Jennifer or Molly at 860-232-3893, or at jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org. 

Faithful Fitness

nurture your body, mind, and spirit

with these free classes!



Tai Chi & Qi Gong

Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel (meets in Community Room (#232) on warmer days)

Gain mindfulness through movement. QiGong and Tai Chi promote the flow of qi, or energy, in the body, helping to reduce stress, depression, or fatigue while providing a sense of balance and clarity. These movements can be done while seated or standing; all are welcome!

Instructor: Cynthia Hoag, Dragon Rising Wellness.

More info and registration here.

FitMix Fitness Resumes 9/15

Tuesdays, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. in the Auditorium

A well-rounded class featuring resistance training, cardio, and balance using multiple fitness modalities. Chairs will be used for seated and standing support. Please bring a mat, light weights and a small ball. No tools? No worries! Some tools can be provided. 

Instructor: Kathi Boratko, FitMix with Kathi.

More info and registration here.



Introducing: Living Spirit, Living Justice

Living Spirit, Living Justice explores the places where faith, justice, and action meet. We’ll welcome speakers who invite us to think, learn, and consider how our faith can shape the way we live and work in the world. Our first event is a guided walking tour in Farmington to the sites connected to the amazing story of the Amistad. 

October Guided Walking Tour Explores the Amistad Revolt

Odyssey of the Amistad:

A Trail to Freedom

A Living Spirit, Living Justice Event



Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

First Church, Farmington (75 Main St.)

Cost: $20 per person

Register here

Joseph Cinqué led the revolt on the Amistad in 1839

At a time when our nation continues to wrestle with questions of who belongs, whose rights are protected, how we welcome newcomers and marginalized communities, and what it means to be a good neighbor, First Church in Farmington and the Farmington Historical Society have come together to share a remarkable story of courage, compassion, and social justice.

In 1841, Farmington residents welcomed 38 newly freed Africans from the Mende community of Sierra Leone who had rebelled against enslavement and seized control of the slave ship Amistad. The town’s Congregational church and local abolitionists opened their community to the Mende and rallied behind the legal battle that ultimately secured their freedom.

Come and explore the story of the Amistad revolt, the lives of the Mende people, and the Farmington abolitionists who stood beside them. Following a presentation at the church, guides will lead a 1.5-mile walking tour through the village, visiting key sites connected to this extraordinary chapter in Farmington’s history—and reflecting on its meaning for us today.

The tour will last approximately 1.5–2 hours and will take place rain or shine. Please see Jennifer with questions.



Summer Reading Challenge