SOLD OUT:

THIS SUNDAY'S BOOK LAUNCH!

but you can join us virtually

Soul Conversations:

A Pilgrimage of the Heart

by Rev. Susan Izard

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

In Soul Conversations, Susan shares her lifelong journey of learning to recognize, trust, and befriend her soul. Blending memoir, spiritual reflection, and gentle guidance, the book explores how to reconnect with ourselves, with Holy Presence, and with a more purposeful, peaceful way of living.

Our Soul Conversations book launch is sold out. If you would like to join us via Zoom, please register here to hear Susan discuss and read from her new book!

EXPLORING CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM, PART II



Bad Faith:

Christian Nationalism in Power

Sunday, October 18, Documentary Screening

12–2 p.m.

"Bad Faith 2026: Christian Nationalism in Power" (TV-MA; 77 minutes)

Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Road, Newington

Register Here

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? Come watch the film and join the conversation. Dr. Nancy MacLean, Professor Emerita of History and Public Policy at Duke University, will moderate our discussion following the film. 



This series has been co-sponsored by: Temple Sinai, Newington; Unitarian-Universalist Society East- Manchester; the Universalist Church of West Hartford; and the JPWL.

Babies Love Books!

We are thrilled to partner with Babies Love Books, a literacy program from Golden Door: A Center for Immigrants. Golden Door offers the program throughout the greater Hartford area.

Over the past weeks, immigrant moms, dads, and grandparents, and their little ones, have enjoyed reading and crafting together in the church's Activity Room. The intergenerational program is for caregivers and their children ages birth through four, and encourages literacy for the young readers as well as those learning English as a second language.

Each class includes a theme-based story time and related craft activities. Caregivers also receive guidance for sharing books at home. Families can register for library cards, and all participants receive new books to take home to build their own home libraries. We are pleased to share that future proceeds from Lazarus Books, the JPWL's used book corner, will be donated to Babies Love Books.

Celtic Worship

Sunday, October 25 at 5 p.m.

First Church Chapel



Drawing on ancient rituals and Christian traditions that celebrate the sacredness of creation, First Church's Celtic worship service is a quiet, contemplative hour of song and reflection. We meet on the fourth Sunday of the month for prayer, Communion, poetry, music, and shared silence, making space for connection and renewal amid the uncertainties of daily life.

Our October service will be led by Rev. Thomas Carr, spiritual director and retired American Baptist minister. A freewill offering will benefit Mental Health Connecticut. For more information, contact First Church or the Library.

The BOHMAN BOOK REVIEW

Soul Conversations: A Pilgrimage of the Heart

by Susan Izard

In her latest book, former First Church Minister of Spiritual Life Susan Izard invites readers to connect with their innermost selves and listen for the sacred voice within. She draws on wisdom gained through her own spiritual journey, reflecting on what her soul has taught her and how she has remained open to this guidance — this Holy Presence — throughout her life.

Soul Conversations* insightfully combines memoir and spiritual reflection, and is for anyone seeking to enrich their spiritual life, and connection to the Sacred. Readers will appreciate Susan’s sincere devotion to the Holy Presence, and dedication to spiritual direction.  

–Molly Bohman, Assistant Librarian

*Soul Conversations will be available for purchase at this Sunday's Lunch & Learn!

IN THE JPWL GALLERY

Pieces of the Past: 

Mementos from the Church Archive

October 7 - November 12

In addition to all the documents, books, and newsletters that tell the history of First Church, the JPWL Archive contains many of images of the five buildings that have housed the congregation over the years. There are photographs and postcards; paintings in oil, pastel, or watercolor; trivets and a tea sets — all depicting a beloved church.

The tea saucer above is part of a tea service that was commissioned in Austria by Mrs. J.C. Paulison and given to the church during the 1901 church bazaar. Other pieces in the set depict the same image in black with a white or golden-yellow background (I happened upon a piece of this set on eBay several years ago, and bought it immediately. If you see one in your travels, grab it for us!).

We also have hundreds of documents, newsletters, and books, along with an eclectic collection that brings to life the history of the congregation and its buildings. A few of the artifacts are currently on display in the Gallery. These fascinating pieces add depth, color, and a tangible connection to the 300+ year story of our church and the many people who have stepped across its thresholds.

Visit the display during church business hours

October 7–November 12

REGISTRATION ENDS October 26

Sisters in SPIRIT:

A Circle for Spiritual Exploration



Mini Retreat

Sunday, November 1

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

Free!

Registration & Info Here

Sisters in Spirit 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 spiritual practice or topic would you like to explore? What kinds of events or gatherings would bring women together at First Church? What programs would you enjoy?

Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited: We want all of you! 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.

*If you can't attend this mini-retreat, but would like to be added to the Sisters in Spirit email list, talk to Jennifer.

Ongoing Events & Classes

nurture 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.

_______________________________________________

Join one of our book groups to discover new ideas, enjoy good conversations,

and connect with a community of readers!

Believe in YourSHELF meets this Sunday 10/18!

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.

Their next read will be Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case

Awakening the Spirit book group (Adult, Hybrid)

Mondays from 12 - 1:30 pm

Next Meeting: October 19

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.

Food for Thought (Adult, Hybrid)

First Tuesdays of each month, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Next Meeting: November 3

Register Here

Book: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

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.