Faith Formation

Adult Programs and Events 

Some events are in person while others are on Zoom. A few offerings are on hold until further notice.

First Church offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to engage adults. In addition to the ongoing programs listed below, the community takes occasional day trips to local theaters, seminaries, and houses of worship to explore spirituality and faith in the wider community. Pilgrimages to places of religious significance, such as the Celtic island of Iona in Scotland or to the Holy Land, offer participants indelible opportunities for understanding and fellowship beyond the building. Adults also occasionally partner with First Church youth groups on service trips.

The John P. Webster Library, along with First Church’s pastoral staff, sponsors frequent programs for adults. Programs on relationships, Islam, antiracism, climate change, social justice, home improvement, and gardening are just a few of the topics we have explored in recent years. To stay up-to-date on adult faith formation classes and events at the JPWL, please contact Jennifer deSimas, Library Director, at jpwebsterdir@whfirstchurch.org.

Ongoing Programs

Weekly Bible Study on Zoom

Church member Jim Warner is running a summer edition of our Bible Study program.

Meet’s weekly on Zoom, sign up here

Awakening the Spirit Book Group

Mondays from September to May, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

Discussions are centered on interfaith dialogue, ethics, theology, biblical scholarship, and spirituality. Bring a bag lunch; beverages and desserts are provided. Copies of the books are available in the library and new members are always welcome. For more information contact Jennifer deSimas at jpwebsterdir@whfirstchurch.org or 860-232-3893. Also click here: Book Groups.

Crofut Café (on hold)
First Sundays from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Named in honor of the JPWL benefactor, Florence Siddette Marcy Crofut, whose lively, generous spirit lives on through our events and programs, the Crofut Café takes place on the first Sunday of each month and features hot and hearty dishes as well as fruit, coffee, and breakfast breads, including gluten-free and vegetarian options – plus, activities for kids. All are truly welcome! Stay tuned for the revamp of this popular program!

Food for Thought Book Group

First Thursday of each month from October to June, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

This group reads autobiography/biography, literary fiction, sociology, historical fiction, and more through the lens of faith and spirituality. For current reading selections, please check the John P. Webster Library Book Groups page. Copies of the books are available in the library and new members are always welcome. Please bring your own dinner; refreshments and desserts are served. For more information contact Jennifer deSimas at jpwebsterdir@whfirstchurch.org or 860-232-3893.

Lunch & Learn author visits, seminars, and workshops

Sundays after worship, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Monthly or bi-monthly lectures, workshops, author visits, and more. Visiting speakers discuss topics ranging from quitting hair dye to elder care to bee-keeping to photography to hygge and beyond.

Men’s Fellowship

Third Tuesday of each month from September to June, 9 – 11 a.m.

Men’s Fellowship provides an opportunity for men of all ages, employment statuses, and backgrounds to share their stories in confidence in a place of faith and mutual support.  Coffee and tea are available, and often members bring a dish or baked good for everyone to share. There is time for personal sharing; often there are speakers on various topics and current issues, and occasionally there is a book discussion. Members and non-members of First Church as well as interested visitors are encouraged to attend. For information contact Joseph Tobin at 860-916-1923 or jmtobin@gmail.com. Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome to join us.

Yoga Classes

**** A message from Nancy on May 23, 2022:

Hi Everyone!

As those of you who are currently taking class know, this is the last week of yoga for a while, as I am taking the summer off from teaching yoga so I can focus on my work as a Shaman and so we can all have a nice summer, outside with people!  I will continue to teach the meditation class, both in person and on Zoom, in addition to my private classes and healing work.  In September, I will poll everyone and see how we will move forward.

xo

Nancy Murray

www.deeppeacect.com