Faithful Fitness

Re-Starts in September

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.

Book Group Discussions to

Begin After Labor Day

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 led by Dr. David Grafton

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. Comparing Islamic, Jewish, and Christian scriptures, the book offers an accessible introduction to the connections and differences among these traditions. 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, led by Jennifer & Molly

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 a.m.

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, Yunho and Myunghee, risk everything to escape lives ruled by fear and oppression. When fate brings them together, they find 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. 

NEW PROGRAM!

Memory Café

Wednesday, September 16

2-4 p.m.

The theme for the JPW Library's first Memory Café on Wednesday, September 16 is Reflections: Growing Up. Program staff from the CT Museum of Culture and History will share images, artifacts, and music from the 1940s - 1960s to spark reminiscences and conversation. A dementia specialist and library staff will be available to offer support and ensure that everyone feels welcome.

A Memory Café offers people with dementia and their care partners the opportunity to enjoy social interaction within a small group in a safe, welcoming environment with others who understand them because they share similar circumstances. Each month features conversation, community, refreshments, and uplifting activities, such as music, storytelling, therapy pet visits, crafts, and more.

Space is limited, and registration is required. To participate, each attendee must be accompanied by their care partner for the entire hour. Please call the JPW Library at 860-232-3893 or email us at jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org to register. Please tell us the names of both attendees and a telephone number or email at which you can be contacted. 



The BOHMAN BOOK REVIEW

The Assignment by Liza Weimer

High school seniors Logan and Cade are shocked when their History of World Governments teacher, Mr. Bartley, assigns the class a project in which the students must imagine they are Nazi officials and debate possible methods of committing their genocide of the Jewish people during World War II. This assignment is hateful, and they know they must speak out against it. This is not “only” an assignment; Logan and Cade quickly begin to see the harmful implications it has for everyone around them.

While this young adult story is fiction, it is based on a real assignment that was given at a New York high school. Students spoke up in that case as well, and made a difference just as Logan and Cade do in this story. This is a thought-provoking story that exemplifies the power our voices have, and demonstrates how we must use them to stand against hate.     

-- Molly Bohman, Assistant Librarian

Introducing: Living Spirit, Living Justice

For generations, people of faith have heard God’s call to show up,

speak out, and serve, putting their beliefs into action through compassion

and outreach. At First Church, our outreach initiatives continue

that tradition every day.

Living Spirit, Living Justice explores the places

where faith, justice (or injustice) 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 slave ship Amistad (details below). 

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 or concerns.