Month: February 2023

You can pick up a Lent Devotional with a weekly reflection on the poetry of Wendell Berry at the church (or one can be dropped off for you). Instead of “Lent in a Bag” this year, there are a few resources from past “bags” to help you rediscover Sabbath and rest that you can pick up as well. These will be set out on a table in the sanctuary beginning February 26.

Let’s Talk on March 8, at 1:30 PM in the Parlor will discuss the topic of Lent, Sabbath, and perhaps a poem or two.

We’ll only have a Soup (and more) Supper tentatively as a potluck on Thursday, March 30 with (and likely at) Temple Shalom Emeth in Burlington for an interfaith dialogue & program to learn about about and from each other on the themes of Passover, Holy Week, and touch on the implications and history of antisemitism (and the role Christians have played especially surrounding the story of the Crucifixion). Right now this is still in the planning stages, so stay tuned

A labyrinth will be set up for walking meditation and prayer in the Sanctuary sometime in late March. Another church lets us borrow this beautiful labyrinth, and we’re still working out the dates. Stay tuned!

Palm Sunday is Sunday, April 2.

We will host a Soup Supper dinner church service on Maundy Thursday, April 6, at 6:30 PM inviting our friends from Old South UMC to join.…

Continue Reading →

This Sunday after church join Rev. Emelia in the parlor for the 1st in the (re) Member Class series! Learn about the history of FCCR, from its origins over 250 years ago, to the changes, trials, and celebrations we’ve had over the years.

Can’t make it this Sunday? Next Thursday there will be a link in the Enews for a Zoom version.…

Continue Reading →

Bring on the trucks, and start up the band! This church community always supports our mission collections generously, and it has been no different this month as we’ve been raising funds for Church World Service (CWS) cleanup buckets. At present, donations total $900, which would purchase TWELVE buckets. Plus, the commitment of the Mission Team to match donations up to $500 means we will have another six and a half buckets to add to this number.

If you have not gotten in on the challenge yet, it’s not too late. Simply use the link below to purchase a quarter, a half, or whole bucket – or make a gift in any amount. If you do not use the link here, please be sure to mark your gift with the word “bucket.” Thank you!

Donate Here…

Continue Reading →

Have you been joining us for worship recently (whether it’s the last few months, or the last few years!) and wondering how to become a member or get more involved with the church?

Or maybe you’ve been a member for decades, but are curious about church history, UCC polity, or find yourself envying the Confirmation Classes and want a refresher on things?

This Winter and Spring, there will be a series of classes covering a variety of topics open to anyone to attend. Attend 2 if you’re interested in joining as a new member (attend 3 and receive a (re)member certificate!). New members will join on Annual Meeting Sunday, May 21 at 10 AM.

• History of First Congregational Church
  Sunday, February 26 after church/in-person
  Thursday, March 2 at 7 PM on Zoom
• “What’s that called?” Words & Traditions Explained
  Wednesday, March 22 at 1 PM in-person
  Thursday, March 23 at 7 PM on Zoom
• History & Polity of the United Church of Christ
  on Zoom (Date TBD)
• Volunteer Fair – Learn about each ministry and church group
  Sunday, April 30 after church/in-person

Contact the church office at office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205 to learn more.…

Continue Reading →

February Mission Collection: BUCKETS

We’re “collecting” full clean up buckets for Church World Service (CWS) this month. There is however, no list of materials, and no need to shop. This year we are doing a financial collection.

From the CWS web page: “Hurricanes, floods and other disasters are happening more frequently. When our neighbors around the world experience these unforeseen circumstances, you can make the road to recovery easier with CWS Cleanup Buckets. These buckets are full of essential home recovery supplies that are needed after a disaster strikes.” If you have read or tuned in to the news in recent weeks, you are aware that disasters (plural) have struck across our country. Northern California was victim to an “atmospheric river”. The impact was flooding throughout the area. And when the rains stopped, the disaster did not. Mud slides, prompted by previous years of drought, followed. And shortly before Christmas a series of tornadoes broke out causing devastation across six states. There were 70 deaths in Kentucky alone. Countless homes were destroyed, and others severely damaged.

What can WE do? First, as people of faith we can pray. Pray for those who are working on cleanup, pray for rebuilding, and pray for generosity to help get the people suffering back in homes and on their feet. Practically, we can be a part of that generosity. Each clean up bucket costs $75. Our hope is that you will consider donating a quarter of a bucket for $18.75, half a bucket for $37.50, or perhaps a full bucket for $75.00. And there is this additional good news! The Mission team had set aside $500 in its budget as “matching funds” for disaster relief. Therefore, every dollar we receive for buckets, up to $500, will be matched by Mission! We will welcome your participation in any amount – your donation need not be one of these amounts. It is our hope however, that you will lend your support to help whose lives have been upended. If you would like to donate via check, please be sure to mark your gift as “buckets.” Or use the link below to donate online.

https://churchofreading.breezechms.com/form/050790…

Continue Reading →