Welcome to the First Church newsletter. Please notice that just about everything is "clickable"! In other words, click an image, a logo, or a button to find out more details! | |
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“And the wind whispers, ‘Mary’” – Jimi Hendrix
Dearly beloved,
An anonymous adage teaches us that absence makes the heart grow fonder. While that is certainly true, enough with the weather-related absences already!
This Sunday, we’ll welcome guest preacher, Mary Hanson. I was introduced to her during our recent office manager search. Though she didn’t emerge as the finalist for that position, the wind whispered her name nonetheless because Mary has extensive ministry education and experience – received a Master of Ministry degree from Evangelical Theological Seminary; worked with children for 21 years at Glory Chapel International Cathedral; served as licensed minister with Youth Challenge International for 20 years; and provides occasional pulpit supply at Berlin Congregational Church. I was moved, therefore, to extend an invitation to preach. That’s how the wind works!
Mary’s message is entitled ‘God is Love’. It’s informed, in part, by Paul’s description of love as it appears in 1 Corinthians 13. If love is patient and kind and not irritable or resentful…if love bears all things and endures all things, it follows that God is like that too. She’ll say more when we see her.
Please know that the twice-postponed congregational meeting to approve the 2025 operating budget takes place immediately following worship!
Just! Can’t! Wait!
Rev. Fredd
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Altar Flowers
Our Altar Flowers this week are donated by Suzanne and Webb Carnes in loving memory of their fathers, Stephen B. Kostyal and Webb M. Carnes, Jr.
Light the Steeple
This week the steeple is lit by Harry, Angie, and Lee Ackerman in loving memory
of Bud and Fame Ackerman.
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Call to Congregational Meeting
*This meeting was rescheduled due to the weather on February 9th and 16th*
Notice is hereby given that a Congregational Meeting of the First Church of Christ Congregational of West Hartford, Connecticut, UCC, will be held in the Meetinghouse on Sunday, February 23 starting at approximately 11:15 a.m. to transact the following items of business:
Approve the minutes of the First Church Budget Meeting held on January 28, 2024.
Consider and vote on the First Church Annual Operating Budget for calendar year 2025.
In accordance with the By-laws of First Church, action will be taken only on matters included in this Call to Meeting.
Notice given on January 26, 2025
Linda Bronstein
Secretary of the Church
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Notice is hereby given that a Congregational Meeting of the First Church of Christ Congregational of West Hartford, Connecticut, UCC, will be held in the Meetinghouse on Sunday, March 9, 2025, starting at approximately 11:15 AM.
This meeting is called to transact the following items of business:
To consider and vote on the minutes of the Annual Meeting of First Church held on March 10, 2024.
To consider and vote on the proposed slate of Officers, Team Leaders and Team Members for First Church for the coming year.
In accordance with the By-laws of First Church, action will be taken only on matters included in the Call to Meeting.
Notice given on February 23, 2025
Linda Bronstein, Secretary
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Celtic Worship 2/23
First Church Chapel, 5 p.m.
You are warmly invited to join us for Celtic worship on Sunday, February 23. Celtic Christian Worship is a contemplative service that emphasizes the sacredness of all creation. It is a sensory journey that combines ancient rituals with the enduring message of Christianity, creating a space for deep connection and reflection. In this tradition you’ll find a path to encounter the Divine in the beauty of the everyday through prayer, poetry, music and shared silence. Our February service will be led by Janice Olson. Please contact
Liz Oman-Wilfred or Jennifer deSimas with questions.
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Pizza & Game Night POSTPONED
Unfortunately, we have decided to postpone Pizza & Game Night. Stay tuned for a new date
to be determined.
–Inreach Team
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Open Chapel
The Spirit Team is pleased to once again offer Open Chapel during Lent. This is an opportunity to rest and quietly reflect in the sacred space of the First Church Chapel. You are welcome to drop by for any part of the hour. We hope that you will find peace.
Wednesday, March 12, 12-1 pm
Wednesday, March 19, 5-6 pm
Wednesday, March 26, 12-1 pm
Sunday, April 6, 5-6 pm
Friday, April 18, 12-1 pm
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Sunday School Registration
Sunday School is underway at First Church and all children are welcome to attend!
Parents of children (infants through 8th grade) can register online for childcare or Sunday School by clicking HERE.
If you have any questions, please reach out to
Amanda Bethune faith.formation@whfirstchurch.org
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Coffee and Conversation!
Join Rev Fredd and friends at Nero Kitchen at 13 South Main Street in West Hartford Center on Wednesdays at 10am for coffee and conversation!
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Yoga in the Chapel
Wednesdays from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the First Church Chapel
Join Cynthia Wolcott for drop-in, in-person Yoga. Bring a mat and a blanket (Cynthia has extras you may borrow). Attend as you wish; payment is accepted at the start of each class: $20 per class - cash, Venmo, or check to Cynthia Wolcott. Contact Cynthia at cjwolcott@gmail.com.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
Shrove Tuesday Pancake lunch on Sunday MARCH 2
Join the Inreach Team and Faith Formation following worship in the auditorium for pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverages.
Plan on wearing your wackiest outfits, put on your beaded necklaces, eat pancakes and goof off with us as we get ready for the beginning of Lent.
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Try something new for Lent! People often want to know what you are giving up for Lent. Instead of giving up something, why not add something to your life for Lent. Both the Adult Choir and the Handbell Choir are looking to add people to our ensembles. Don’t worry that you might not have the best voice or enough experience. We want YOU to join our communities. We’ll be happy for you to join us where you are. We will teach you everything you need to know to participate, and you’ll have fun doing so! The choir rehearses Tuesday nights from 7:00 to 8:30, and the Bell Choir rehearses Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 8:15. Speak to Jim Boratko or Jessica Berube-Sengupta for more information. | |
Women’s Retreat:
The Spiritual Practice
of Self-Care
Led by Janice Olson, Yogi and Spiritual Guide
The Guest House Retreat Center, Chester CT, 3 p.m. Friday, May 2 – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Self care is a popular topic these days -- but what is it? More than just "me" time or a day at the spa, true self care involves a mindset of self-compassion and acceptance of imperfection in ourselves and others. Join Janice for an exploration of what self-care means to you and how you might incorporate small changes that will bring more joy and fulfilment into your life. Our time together will include self-reflection and journaling, guided group discussion, prayer and meditation, yoga for relaxation, and a creative activity. There will also be time for rest and relaxation on your own.
The cost: $100 -- includes overnight accommodation, meals, and materials. A list of what to bring will be sent via email prior to the retreat. Don’t miss this special opportunity because of a lack of funds – there are scholarship monies available! In the meantime, contact Jennifer deSimas or Janice Olson if you have any questions. Space is limited
Register here by April 13: The Spiritual Practice of Self Care
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Faithful Fitness Classes
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Qi Gong with Cynthia Hoag - Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel. Register here.
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FitMix with Kathi Boratko - Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Click here for class information and registration.
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Live-Streamed Worship in the Church Library!
First Church’s worship services are live streamed every Sunday in our bright, comfortable John P. Webster Library. Come watch while your toddler plays in our children’s area or if you need a separate place to worship for any other reason. The JPW Library is also open Monday -Thursday from 9 - 5. Everyone is welcome -- church membership is not required! Come in and find your next read!
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Lenten Book Study
Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. (hybrid)
March 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8, 15
Join JPW Library Director Jennifer deSimas Tuesday evenings in March and April. Using short videos and readings from Dr. Amy-Jill Levine’s 2021 book, Witness at the Cross: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Friday, we will explore the events of Holy Friday. “Levine reminds us that the story of Jesus’s death is something we do not just read; we are meant to experience it. Here, she takes us by the hand and walks with us through the story, pausing alongside each of the characters to see and hear and feel how they individually experienced it, how each was affected by it. This is not just a fresh retelling of the Crucifixion narrative; it is a remarkably personal immersion and participation in the narrative. Levine breaks open new dimensions and possibilities of the story’s meaning for all of us” (review). Free program; please register here.
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Book Group News
The church’s John P. Webster Library coordinates and sponsors three book groups that meet regularly in the library. Copies of the books are provided for participants. New members are always welcome to either group! For more information, please contact Jennifer or Molly at 860-232-3893 or at jpwlibrary@whfirstchurch.org.
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Book Group News:
The John P. Webster Library coordinates and sponsors three book groups that meet regularly in the library. Copies of the books are provided for participants. New members are always welcome to either group! For more information, please contact Jennifer or Molly at 860-232-3893 or at jpwlibrary@whfirstchurch.org
• Awakening the Spirit- Meets Mondays from 12-1:30
• Food for Thought Meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m
• Believe in YourSHELF Tween Book Group Meeting this Sunday
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Believe in YourSHELF Tween Book Group Meeting this Sunday
Facilitated by Molly Bohman, JPWL Assistant Librarian
Meets this Sunday 2/23
For students in Grades 6-8: We meet (with snacks!) in the Library.
Join us to discuss The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill.. Join us to discuss The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill. Anya has taken on the responsibility of Moth Keeper for the night village, shepherding the lunar moths her people rely on to sustain the annual blooming of a flower necessary to their night-dwelling ways. However, she grows weary from her strenuous duties and, feeling a pull to experience life in the daylight, decides to visit the sunlit day world. When she glimpses the one thing that could destroy what she’s meant to protect, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences. K. O’Neill brings to life a beautifully illustrated fantasy with lush, gorgeous art and intricate world-building (Amazon.com).
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Light The Steeple in honor of a Loved One
For a $25 donation, you are invited to "Light the Steeple" for one week in honor of a loved one. We ask that you pick a date at least one week in advance of the desired week, and all donors will be acknowledged in our weekly Happenings. Please note more than one donor can fall on any given week. Donations will be added to the Save the Steeple fund. Click "Light The Steeple for a loved one" found on the “Save the First Church Steeple” web page or click here.
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Harvest Meal Packing Event 2025
Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Snow date March 15)
NOTE CHANGE OF DATE Join your friends and neighbors to pack meals to be sent to those in need. It is an incredible way to generate positive energy, foster pride in working together for the benefit of others and have fun! Come by yourself or with a friend and join a team to pack meals for a few hours. We’ll feed you a pizza lunch for all your hard work. Recommended donation is $10 per family. Use Cash or Venmo for your donation! View Flyer here.
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West Hartford Food Pantry
Please drop off donations in the marked blue bins outside the auditorium and around the building. Specific needs include: baked beans, canned fruit/applesauce, pasta & sauce, cold cereal, canned chicken & tuna, 1 lb. packages of rice, 16-18 oz sized peanut butter, soup, macaroni & cheese.
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FCAYC February Love Collection
The First Church Academy is collecting items to be donated to South Park Inn. Items needed include Everyday Supplies: laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, white cotton towels and face cloths. Housewarming Baskets: pots and pans sets, dishes, silverware. Retail Gift Cards: Stop & Shop, Big Y, Target, Walmart. For more information about the South Park Inn or to see the complete list of needed items, click HERE. For more info., contact Dawne Quinn at: dquinn@firstchurchacademy.org or 860-233-9605 ext. 133. Thank you for your support!
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Family News
Jane Springer (center) enjoyed celebrating her 92nd birthday with all of her daughters and even got this beautiful photo in front of our steeple.
For more Family News, click HERE.
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February Reach Out: Support California Wildfire first responders and impacted families
Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, wildfires erupted on January 7 and roared across the Los Angeles area, killing at least 28 people.
Over 200,000 people were under evacuation orders as crews tried to battle back the fires. The fires have destroyed entire neighborhoods and blocks, leaving an unknown number of people homeless. The insured losses from the fires may exceed $20 billion, and total economic losses could reach $50 billion!
First Church Outreach team responding to the need has chosen to donate to the UCC’s California Wildfire 2025 appeal and The World Central Kitchen to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
To learn more and donate please use the links provided, or donate in church (note UCC or WCK on your envelope) or online through the church: https://www.firstchurch.org/ministry/outreach/mission-partners/.
Donate to California Wildfires 2025 - United Church of Christ
Donate to World Central Kitchen
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Taking Photos in Church and Sharing Policy
Taking photos and documenting life events is commonplace now and more and more common in church settings. Lots of members are asking about taking photos at church events and wondering how to share them and to avoid confusion, we came up with some guidelines. Most important: be sure phone is in silent mode and skip solo selfies when tagging church events! Laminated copies of guidelines are at each entrance to the Sanctuary and at auditorium entrance, or view policy here or go to website>Photo Gallery page. Thank you, Amy and Joy.
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Please use the links below to find us all over the internet, and you can also email the office by clicking the envelope. | |
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The church office hours are Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Main number is 860-233-9605 | Email: Office.Manager@whfirstchurch.org
Copyright © 2024 First Church West Hartford, All rights reserved.
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