Welcome to First Congregational UCC of Burlington
CLICK HERE for the Thursday 8:30am Bible Study Zoom
Our Bible Study gatherings are in person – 6:15pm on Wednesdays at First Church – and via Zoom online – Thursdays at 8:30am. All are invited to explore scripture together!
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You are invited to worship in person at First Church at 10am on Sundays in our beautiful Sanctuary at 38 South Winooski Avenue in Burlington OR via the live-stream (or later recording) on the FirstChurchBTV YouTube Channel. Fellowship time follows worship at First Church. You are also invite to our contemporary worship service “The Table” at 11:30am this coming Sunday – April 27th – details below.
Lead Minister, the Rev. Elissa Johnk, leading worship on Pride Sunday in 2024.
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THE TABLE: All Belong Here
A Contemporary Worship Offering – Our contemporary worship service will be offered at 11:30 am in the Dining Room – including on Easter! This service will be grounded in the theology and identity of First Church, but designed for a more relaxed, informal setting. Bagel breakfast begins at 11:00 am. Children’s programming will be provided. Wondering what the music of The Table sounds like? CLICK HERE to check out “The Table Spring 2025” playlist on Spotify to listen to the songs inspiring our set lists.
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The Rev. Dr. James D. Ross II: GUEST PREACHER on Sunday April 27th:
We are very pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. James D. Ross II will preach at FirstChurchBTV on Sunday April 27th during both the 10am and 11:30am worship services. What a great Sunday to invite your friends and family to worship.
Rev. Ross is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has been worshipping with us at FirstChurchBTV for several months. He is called and committed to partnering with God and God’s people to transform the church and society into places of justice, joy, and liberation.
Rev. Dr. Ross has served congregations in Washington, D.C. and St. Louis. He also supported churches in their justice work as an Area Conference Minister and as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the UCC’s Southern New England Conference. As a consultant and trained professional coach, he works with clergy, nonprofit leaders, and business executives as they discern how they can best use their talents, skills, and commitments to benefit the organizations they serve and communities in which they live. He is a former journalist, organizational and political communications professional, and nonprofit and foundation executive, and has been active in the effort to end the practice of sentencing children to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Rev. Ross has an undergraduate degree in journalism, graduate degrees in both American Culture Studies and Divinity, and a doctorate in African-Centered Religious Thought and Practice. Rev. Dr. Ross currently serves as Senior Director of Identity Centers and Director of the Interfaith Center at the University of Vermont.
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The Order of Worship, Announcements, etc. for Sunday worship services will be linked below – prior to the worship service:
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Save the date! May 4th is the kickoff worship for our spring sermon series. All are encouraged to attend an afternoon workshop for a thoughtful discussion and practical training – from 1 to 3pm – in how to be an effective neighbor in the midst of challenging circumstances.
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CLICK HERE for more information about our programs for Children & Youth
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CLICK HERE for the Thursday 8:30am Bible Study Zoom
Our Bible Study gatherings are in person – 6:15pm on Wednesdays at First Church – and via Zoom online – Thursdays at 8:30am. All are invited to explore scripture together!
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Who is my neighbor? The one in front of you in need. Looking for a way to serve your church and community? Join our Good Neighbor Crew. Every morning and evening, we need folks to help us clean our grounds and check in with those gathered here in an effort to build relationships and maintain a safe space for all. Email Director of Congregational Life, Ava Bilton, with the days and times you’re available to serve, or signup in the Church Office.
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The FCCB Climate Justice Team offers articles via the Climate Corner (website page) to share ideas about what we can do to help preserve this beautiful world and the life on it that we’ve inherited. CLICK HERE to check out the on the First Church website Climate Corner
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CLICK HERE for the March thru June 2025 Book Group Information.
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Our FirstChurchBTV Outreach Team invites volunteers to donate meals for youth at Outright Vermont gatherings. Want to know more? Please contact Outreach Team member Louise Brewster at lrbrewster@gmail.com for details and potential dates.
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MEAL TRAIN: A First Church Pastoral Care Ministry!
Our PIPC – Partners In Pastoral Care – Team and affiliated volunteers known as: “Friends at First” have been busy in the ministry of providing meals for many years. In collaboration with our clergy, PIPC coordinates meal deliveries within our church community in response to various times of need. Interested in participating in an upcoming Meal Train? Contact: Lucy Samara at lsamara@firstchurchburlington.org
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NAME TAGS BUILD COMMUNITY Please drop by – or call the Church Office – 802 862 5010 ext 4 to request a name tag – let us know your specific name request (nickname, pronouns, etc.). Thank you!
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OUR THRIFT STORE – THE POSSIBILITY SHOP:
• Our Thrift Shop has a long history of serving the community and church!
Donations & Volunteers are needed! Please bring Possibility Shop donations to First Church any time between 10am and 3pm – Wednesday though Friday. Clean clothing and household items in good condition are always needed.
ESPECIALLY NEEDED NOW: Warm winter clothing in excellent condition for all ages. Spring clothing for all ages in excellent condition. Pegboard pegs and hooks for our new Possibility Shop Tool Department!
VOLUNTEERS INVITED:
• Greet customers in the midway (near Church Office) – a great opportunity for readers and knitters!
• Assist with the financial aspects of the shop, @two to three hours per month.
• Handle and help sell older, valuable items that are donated to the shop.
• Questions? call Karan Dewar 802-922-3821 or Brenda Fraser 802-862-4747.
Thank you.