September 25, 2026 • WWW.WHFIRSTCHURCH.ORG

Friends:

Sunday’s featured scripture (Exodus 16:2-15) will hopefully resonate with any believer who’s ever had ‘beef’ – not in the culinary sense of the word; but in the sense that you experienced interpersonal conflict or spiritual struggle. The text says: “The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.” They were ‘hangry’ and wanted to go back to the land of Egypt from which they had escaped.

The truth that I’d like tease out of the text is that God listens to the desires of God’s people, even when our praying sounds like beefing. God cares for us – so much -- despite our grievances and objections. The follow-up installment of the sermon series is entitled: ‘Wisdom from the Wilderness (Part 2 of 2): Being Heard Is So Close to Being Loved…’.

Be still. Keep going.

rev.fredd

See you in church on Sunday at 10 a.m. – in person or livestream.

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Call to Congregational Meeting

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, October 11, 2026, starting at approximately 11:15 a.m.

This meeting is called to transact the following items of business:

To consider and vote on revision of the By-laws of the congregation.
To consider and vote on the purchase of a piano.
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 September 27, 2026

~Linda Bronstein, Secretary

Memorial Garden Update

Benches surrounding the foundain in the Memorial Garden were replaced last week, with many thanks to the West Hartford Garden Club's donation of three beautiful granite benches.

Pre-K for the Little Peanuts

Looking for gifts or something special? Stop by and shop a variety of items for birthdays, holidays, teachers and more! All proceeds will fund scholarships for the Little Peanuts!

📅Saturday September 26

🕒10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
📍Auditorium

Celtic Evening Worship Services

Celtic Christian Worship is a contemplative liturgical tradition that invites everyone to experience the sacredness of all creation. It’s 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, live music, and shared silence.

📅Sunday September 27

🕒5 p.m.
📍First church Chapel

RECONNECT
A New Framework for Helping Parents Protect Their Child from Anxiety & Depression Fueled by Digital Addiction

Join personality type experts Michael Shelby and Paul Tieger as they explain how to protect kids from anxiety and depression caused by digital addiction in this program designed for parents, educators, and mental health professionals. Childcare will be provided and a light lunch will be served. Register HERE

📅Sunday, October 4

🕒11:30 a.m. - 1p.m.

📍JPW Library

Soul Conversations: A Pilgrimage of the Heart
Free JPWL Lunch & Learn and Book Launch

Join us for a Lunch & Learn featuring Rev. Susan Izard's latest work, Soul Conversations: A Pilgrimage of The Heart; her lifelong journey to recognize, trust, and befriend her soul. Register HERE

📅Sunday October 18

🕒11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
📍JPWL

Covenant to Care: Hat & Mitten Collection

New and gently worn mittens, hats, scarves and other winter clothing will be accepted at church! Look for our designated collection boxes.

📅October 1- December 31

Communication Requests
Website & Family News requests can be sent to: Amy & Joy

Stay connected with what’s happening at First Church! Our weekly Sunday Notes highlights upcoming events, opportunities to get involved, special announcements, exhibits, outreach updates, and more!

Send Sunday Notes & Happenings submissions to: office.manager@whfirstchurch.org

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Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 860-233-9605 | Email: Office.Manager@whfirstchurch.org