Programs

Programs at the

John P. Webster Library!*

events are FREE unless otherwise mentioned. We ask that you register to secure a spot!

The John P. Webster Library (JPWL), along with First Church’s pastoral staff, sponsors frequent programs for adults. Programs on mental wellness, Islam, memoir-writing, antiracism, climate change, social justice, home improvement, and gardening are just a few of the topics we have explored in recent years. Some programs are offered in person in our beautiful facility, and others have a Zoom option.

To stay up-to-date on adult faith formation classes and programs at the JPWL, please contact Jennifer deSimas, Library Director, at jpwebsterdir@westhartfordfirstchurch.org.

Click here for Adult Faith Formation info. which includes book groups, bible study, exercise classes and more! You may read our nearly-weekly newsletter here.

*Some Co-Sponsored events are in different rooms, or off site

“Not THAT Kind of Christian”

Interfaith Gatherings Explore Christian Nationalism

This fall, the JPWL is partnering with First Universalist Church, the Unitarian-Universalist Society East, and Temple Sinai to explore the troubling issue of Christian Nationalism—its history, its influence, and its implications for our faith and our democracy. We’re planning two free events:

Baptizing America: How Mainline Christian Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism

Sunday, September 27, 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Book Discussion with Rev. Dr. David Grafton

First Universalist Church, 433 Fern St., West Hartford

In their 2024 book, Baptizing America, authors Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood explore the history of mainline Protestants’ role in intertwining church and state interests. They offer thoughtful suggestions for how Christians can uphold democracy while resisting the allure of political power. Read the Christian Century review.

“Bad Faith” (TV-MA; 89 minutes)

Sunday, October 18, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Documentary Screening

Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Rd., Newington

“Bad Faith” examines how Christian nationalism has moved from the political fringes into mainstream American life, influencing debates about democracy, religion, education, and civil rights. The film traces the movement’s development over several decades and explores why it has become such a significant force in American politics today.

We hope you’ll join us for these opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation about the intersection of faith, justice, and our common life. See Cathy Mieczkowski or Jennifer deSimas with questions.

Restoring the Spirit: Maintaining Purpose and Hope as Social Justice Activists

6-week series, meeting every other Tuesday: September 8, 22; October 6, 20; November 3, 17

First Church, West Hartford

Afternoon Group: 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Evening Group: 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Please reach out to JPW Library/Jennifer or Molly about attending or simply click here to register.

The work of social and environmental justice is vital—but it can also be exhausting. Restoring the Spirit is a small-group gathering for activists and advocates to pause, connect, reflect, and renew. Reconnect with your calling, build resilience, and support one another. The gatherings will be facilitated by a certified spiritual director engaged in social justice. Come as you are. Leave renewed. Reach out to learn more: obrockmeyer@spiritlifectr.org. Space is limited.

Sponsored in partnership by: The Spiritual Life Center, the John P. Webster Library, and the Interreligious Eco-Justice Initiative.

Memory Café at JPW Library

“Reflections: Growing Up”

Wednesday, September 16, 2-4 p.m.

First Church Choir Room and the JPW Library

A Memory Café is a social gathering for people living with changes in their memory or thinking, and the people who care about them. Each month will feature conversation, community, refreshments, and uplifting activities, including music, storytelling, therapy pet visits, crafts, and more. Our first Memory Café, “Reflections: Growing Up,” features images, objects, and music from the 1940s-60s to spark reminiscences and conversation among participants. A dementia specialist and library staff will be available to offer support and ensure that everyone feels welcome.

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

Introducing Living Spirit, Living Justice

For generations, people of faith—and Congregationalists in particular—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 programs 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). I hope you will join us!

Guided Walking Tour

**The Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to Freedom**

Saturday October 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

First Church of Christ, Farmington (75 Main St.)

Cost: $20 per person; space is limited

Registration and Tour Details here

In 1841, Farmington residents sheltered 38 individuals from the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone who had rebelled and seized control of the slave ship Amistad. The newly freed Africans were welcomed by the congregation of First Church of Christ in Farmington; the town’s strongly abolitionist residents supported the legal case that eventually won the Africans’ freedom.

Join us for an insightful morning into the lives of the Mende people and the residents of abolitionist-era Farmington. Following a presentation at the church, guides will lead a walking tour (1.5 miles) to sites throughout the village which were part of the Mendes’ stay.

LUNCH & LEARN: ReCONNECT

Sunday, Oct. 4 • 11:30-1

JPW Library

Listen as authors Michael Shelby and Paul Tieger explain how to protect kids from anxiety and depression caused by digital addiction in this program designed for parents, educators, and mental health professionals. Personality Type expert Paul Tieger and Michael Shelby, LPC, have combined their extensive experience to create a tool “RECONNECT: A personalized plan to protect your child from anxiety and depression fueled by digital addiction” that allows parents to better understand the harmful effects of their child’s digital addiction while providing individualized strategies to help protect their child’s mental health.

Childcare provided. A light lunch will be served.

Sign up here for free, or see Molly or Jennifer in the library

Located beneath the First Church Meeting House, the JPWL is the go-to place for books and media related to sermons, Sunday School, social justice issues, and so much more!