A Workshop for Parents, Educators, and

Mental Health Professionals

ReConnect

Helping Our Children Thrive

in a Digital World

Sunday, October 4, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Childcare provided

Register here

How can we help children navigate a world filled with screens, social media, and constant digital connection? In ReConnect, personality expert Paul D. Tieger and psychologist Michael Shelby explore the relationship between digital addiction, anxiety, and depression in young people.

Drawing on research into personality differences, they offer parents and caregivers practical ways to better understand their children, strengthen communication, and provide support tailored to each parent's and child’s unique communication style.

Join us for a conversation with Michael and Paul as they shares insights from ReConnect and offers practical tools for building stronger, healthier connections with the children in our lives.

Free event: A light lunch and childcare will be provided!

Tap here for more info and to register.

EXPLORING CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM

Book Discussion Sept. 27

David Grafton to lead discussion on Baptizing America at Universalist Church



Learn how Christian nationalism moved from the political fringes into mainstream American life, and explore why it has become such a significant force in American politics today.

The JPWL is partnering with three other interfaith groups to explore the troubling issue of Christian Nationalism—its history, influence, and implications for our faith and our democracy. We’re planning two free events—a book discussion and a film screening. Register here for both events.

Sunday, September 27, Book Discussion

12 p.m.–2 p.m.

A limited supply of books will be for sale at the event.

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. Moderator will be Rev. Dr. David Grafton, Professor of Islamic Studies at HIU.

Sunday, October 18, Documentary Screening

11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

"Bad Faith 2026: Christian Nationalism in Power" (TV-MA; 89 minutes)

Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Rd., Newington

Christian nationalism has moved from the political fringe into the halls of power. What does that mean for American democracy, church-state separation, and our future?



Celtic Worship Returns

Join us in the Chapel

Sunday, September 27 at 5 p.m.



Celtic Christian Worship is a contemplative liturgical tradition that invites us to experience the sacredness of all creation.

Ancient rituals combined with the enduring message of Christianity create a space for deep connection, offering a path to encountering the divine in the beauty of every day. Prayer, Communion, poetry, music, and shared silence offer respite in these uncertain times.

Our October service will be led by spiritual director and retired American Baptist minister Tom Carr. The free will offering will be donated to the Outreach ministries of First Church. You may contact First Church or the Library with questions.  



Speaker to Discuss Fragile

Wildlife Refuge

Monday, October 5

1-3 p.m.

First Church Auditorium

The Mountain Valley Garden Club & the JPWL invite you to attend a special lecture with Jonathan Manley, President of the Friends of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Jonathan will share his knowledge of the wildlife, birds, fauna, and surrounding landscape of this Soccoro County, New Mexico refuge.

Located partially on ancient Apache territory in the high desert of New Mexico, Bosque del Apache is a rare section of the Rio Grande that has been rehabilitated to perform as it did historically, before man altered the river. This oasis in the desert faces multiple challenges, including a shrinking water supply from the Rio Grande and problematic and inconsistent federal funding.

All are welcome! RSVP to Nancy Ball at shoedog1961@gmail.com by October 4 .



Memory Café

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.

To attend, we ask that each participant be accompanied by the care partner for the entire hour. For more in formation, call the JPW Library at 860-232-3893 or email us at jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org. We look forward to reminiscing with you!



Sisters in SPIRIT:

A Circle for Spiritual Exploration



Mini Retreat

Sunday, November 1

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

Registration & Info

Have you registered? Sisters in Spirit is holding a mini-retreat on the first Sunday of November! Group leaders Mary Mattke and Janice Olson 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.



Soul Conversations:

A Pilgrimage of the Heart

by Rev. Susan Izard

BOOK LAUNCH

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

free event — register here

A special JPWL Lunch and Learn takes place on October 18 -- we're holding a book launch for Rev. Susan Izard's latest work, Soul Conversations, her lifelong journey to recognize, trust, and befriend her soul.

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

More Than Enough

by Anna Quindlen

Polly Goodman has many people in her life to whom she can confide anything. There is her brother, her practically perfect husband, and her book group, in which the only rule is they never discuss the book. Despite all this, Polly feels there is something missing; perhaps an understanding of her family’s history, or perhaps after years of IVF, a baby. When Polly’s book club friends give her an ancestry kit as a joke, it provides exactly the opportunity she needs to begin searching for answers.

In this emotional and heart-felt story, readers will get to know many wonderful people who appear to be almost perfect. This may be because we are witness to their care for others, their efforts to be good people. No one feels fake, or unrelatable as a result. Quindlen offers valuable insight into the human condition, and how to hope in spite of it all. 

-- Molly Bohman, Assistant Librarian

Hybrid

Book Group Gatherings

The JPW Library sponsors three book groups that 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, and new members are always welcome!

Awakening the Spirit (Adult, Hybrid) Mondays from 12-1:30 pm in the JPWL

Next Meeting: September 21

Register here

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

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

Food for Thought (Adult, Hybrid) First Tuesdays of each month, 5:00-6:30

Next meeting: October 6

Register Here

Book: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

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

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

 

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 of Christ, Farmington (75 Main St.)

Cost: $20 per person

Find out more and register here

Residents in the nearby town of Farmington famously aided 38 people in 1841 who had revolted against their enslavers and sailed to New Haven aboard the Amistad. Farmington's townspeople welcomed the newly freed Africans and rallied behind the legal case that ultimately secured their freedom. Join us to learn more about these brave and inspiring people. 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 or concerns.