Faithful Fitness

Resumes Sept. 10

SIGN UP for CLASSES!

nurture your body, mind, and spirit

Tai Chi & Qi Gong Resumes 9/10

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.

NEW PROGRAM

Memory Café

Wednesday, September 16

2-4 p.m.

Call us to sign up!

Memory Café: Reflections—Growing Up

Join us Wednesday, September 16, for the JPW Library’s first Memory Café, when staff from the CT Museum of Culture and History will share images, artifacts, and music from the 1940s–1960s to spark memories and 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.

Space is limited and registration is required. Each attendee must be accompanied by their care partner for the full hour. To register, call the JPW Library at 860-232-3893 or email us at jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org. Please include the names of both attendees and a phone number or email address.

"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

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.

Book Group Discussions

Start Next Week!

Join Us!

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 ahead for early fall:

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 John Kaltner and Christopher G. Frechette

Explore how the Qur’an retells and interprets stories and figures shared with the Bible. Rev. Dr. David Grafton, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford International University, will lead the discussion.

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. finding courage, hope, and an unexpected bond as they journey toward freedom — facing danger at every turn. Sometimes, survival depends on having someone beside you. This book is the recipient of several awards, including ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children and Booklist Editor’s Choice of 2024: Books for Youth.

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

The BOHMAN BOOK REVIEW

Finding Time for the Timeless:

Spirituality in the Workweek

by John McQuiston II

Finding Time for the Timeless consists of stories of people who have significant amounts of material success — graduate level education, high paying jobs, reasonably happy families — and yet, feel there is something missing. It is written for people who may feel the same. These stories speak to the human need to feel connected to something larger than one's self, and the fulfilment that comes from that connection.

While many of these stories do suggest specific habits one might adopt in order to feel this sense of connection and contentment, it does not read as a to-do list. By hearing the experiences of others, readers will gain helpful wisdom and insight for their own journeys. 

-- Molly Bohman, Assistant Librarian

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

The 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

In 1841, Farmington residents sheltered 38 people from the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone who had rebelled against enslavers and seized the slave ship Amistad. The town’s Congregational church and other abolitionists in the community welcomed the newly freed Africans and rallied behind the legal case that ultimately secured their freedom.

Join us as we explore the lives of the Mende people and the abolitionist-era people of Farmington. After a presentation at the church, guides will lead a 1.5-mile walking tour to key sites throughout the village. The tour will last 1.5 to 2 hours. The event runs rain or shine. Please see Jennifer with questions.

Summer Reading Challenge