Programs at the

John P. Webster Library!

please check back frequently to see what is coming up!!

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. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have continued to meet via Zoom teleconferencing. We are looking forward to resuming in-person events! 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

Book Group News! Starting August 29, the Awakening the Spirit book discussion group will be led by Reverend Tom Carr. Tom, an ordained minister of the American Baptist Churches, recently retired as Pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Suffield. He has been active locally in issues of ecology, environmental justice, and spirituality, both ecumenically and on an interfaith basis, for over 30 years. He also works with the Spiritual Life Center in spiritual direction.

New or veteran group members are invited to a meet and greet with Tom at the JPWL Monday, August 29 from 1-2 p.m. where you can pick up your copy of our next read, Ladder to the Light: An Indigenous Elder’s Meditations on Hope and Courage by Stephen Charleston, a Native American elder, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, and a bishop in the Episcopal Church. In Ladder to the Light, Charleston “offers words of hard-won hope, rooted in daily conversations with the Spirit and steeped in Indigenous wisdom.

Our “official start” is 1-2:30 Monday, September 12. Please note the time change! We will meet in person as long as we are able. A Zoom option will also be available. We are delighted to welcome Tom to our community, and hope you can join us on August 29! Please contact JPW Library Director Jennifer deSimas with questions: 860-232-3893.

Memoir Writing Group resumes — David Pontrelli of Writing Works is back with another memoir writing workshop – 8 weeks, this time – starting Monday, September 12 at 4:30! Register _HERE.

Every life holds a tale – or several, and memoir-writing has become a popular way to explore them. Whether you live an eccentric life or an ordinary one, there are stories to tell, and David’s teaching style will help you find and share yours. David Pontrelli, a graduate of Wesleyan University, teaches writing to a wide range of ages and abilities at Capital Community College and in local schools and non-profit organizations. The workshop will be held in-person in the JPW Library in accordance with First Church Covid protocols.

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!

Phone: 860-232-3893

Email: jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org

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