First Church this Week

Posted on June 18, 2020 by sbrown

Welcome to First Congregational UCC of Burlington

This inside – and outside event truly has a task for everyone – every age and ability.  Bring your friends and family – or simply show up and Dave Grace and Doug Viehmann from our Buildings & Grounds Team will put you to work to help First Church sparkle inside and out!

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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.

The Rev. Elissa Johnk, Lead Minister

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Worshiping virtually?

Worship is live-streamed (and the recording is available later) on the FirstChurchBTV YouTube Channel.  The Order of Worship, Announcements, etc. for Sunday’s worship are updated prior to the worship service weekly and are posted here:

 

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Our Connections Team invites you – to enjoy a great free, drop-in breakfast on any Sunday in April!  Want to participate as a volunteer or contributor during April? Use this LINK to volunteer to help build a breakfast!

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April 28th at 9am – Baki Nelson, the Persian Culture
Many in the congregation know Baki as he is frequently ushering in worship or creating a delicious meal for a Fellowship Breakfast or leading our Dragon Boat Team in the summer months. A week from this Sunday, Baki will share many stories from the Persian Culture – and likely some Persian delicacies from his family recipes.

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Dear Friends and Members of First Church,

Jesus taught that, “where your treasure is, there is where your heart lies.”  A little more than three years ago, our Church made the momentous decision to sell our former parsonage to our much-loved tenant, the Ronald McDonald House (RMH).  This change in our mission and ministry has allowed First Church to newly interpret what our earthly treasure is and contemplate, with the help of our Vision and Strategic Implementation Teams, where our common heart now lies.

After much hard work, research, dialogue and prayer, we are now ready to take the next steps in this process, and decide on how best to utilize the RMH funds in furtherance of our goals and faith. On May 19th, after the 10am service, a Congregational Meeting will be held and a vote taken to allocate the RMH funds on an ongoing basis.

In advance of this meeting, on April 28th, the Board of Trustees and Strategic Implementation Team will be making a presentation, following worship, with our recommendations for allocations.  In the weeks that follow, we will hold informal conversations before and after worship – on Sundays 5/5, 5/12 and before worship on 5/19 – to ensure members come to the meeting on the 19th with as much information as possible to allow for a thoughtful, well-informed discussion and vote on this extremely important next step in the life of our church.

We hope you will join us at our weekly conversations over the coming weeks and that you will all join us on May 19th to move forward with vision and in faith.
Susan Ellwood, On Behalf of the Board of Trustees

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Do you ever wish you had a better understanding of scripture? Have you wondered what’s hidden within the depths of Leviticus or 2 Chronicles? Do you find yourself picking up the Bible to read Revelation and putting it down five minutes later when nothing makes sense? Then this Bible study with Director of Congregational Life Ava Bilton is for you.

Join us as we Read Through the Bible together – from Genesis to Revelation (well, a few chapters at a time) – Wednesday evenings starting April 10 from 6:15-7:30pm. This Bible Study is designed to give you the context, clarity, and community you need to read through scripture in a way that is accessible while still being meaningful and sacred.

All you need to bring is your dinner and your Bible. Don’t have a Bible? We recommend the NRSV translation. As church parking is limited on Wednesday evenings, we ask that all attendees who are able use street parking for this event.

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Looking ahead to July… SAVE THESE DATES for PEACE CAMP 2024:

Mon. July 8th – Thurs. July 11th

  • Peace Camp – a truly joyful multi-generational experience – will run from July 8 thru 11, 2024 (5 to 7:30pm) and will be a collaborative event with the College Street Congregational Church.  Dinner is included each evening – and activities are organized by age group from the adult group with the Rev. Elissa Johnk and the Rev. Ken White to groups for youth, older and younger elementary and nursery & preschool.
  • Registration and volunteer information will be available soon – meanwhile mark your calendar and plan to participate!
  • CLICK HERE for a quick video glimpse of a “closing campfire” from July 2023.

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The Women’s Book Group is meeting via Zoom, Monday, February 26th at 7pm via Zoom to discuss The Secret of Life: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, Francis Crick, and the Discovery of DNA’s Double Helix by Howard Markel, with Nancy McClellan facilitating.   To receive e-updates about this monthly gathering, contact Janice Clements: [email protected]. CLICK HERE for the 2023-2024 book selections.

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INVESTMENT STRATEGIES 

Following the Investments and Trusts (I&T) presentation on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing at the 2023 First Church Annual Meeting, interest was expressed in a seminar on the topic to be sponsored by our I&T Team this winter.

As we develop our seminar presentation, it would be helpful to have feedback from you.
Please CLICK HERE for our ESG Investing Poll. We appreciate your response by November 30th to help us tailor our presentation to your interests.

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Learn about the First Church Elmwood Community Snack Project HERE

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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 [email protected] for details and potential dates.

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Sunday Faith Formation Programs for Children &
Youth Program for Middle & High School Youth

  • Kidz Lab – our Sunday Church School for grades K through 6 – begins anew officially on Sunday September 17 during the 10am worship service.
  • Our Nursery/Toddler and PreSchool room open at 9:50 every Sunday morning.
  • REGISTER NOW: Parents/Guardians are asked to complete an online “Faith Formation Registration” for each child/youth participating in the 2023-2024 year.  Use this LINK for the online form.
  • Kids Lab/Church School Questions? Contact Director of Faith Formation, Hilah Clarke

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Youth Programs – a Burlington UCC Collaboration:  The College Street Church & First Congregational Church UCC

YOUTH PROGRAMS: Our successful Youth Program collaboration with the College Street Church will continue for the 2023-2024 year.  For details contact Director of Faith Formation, Hilah Clarke. make sure that you subscribe to our Church Newsletter.

  • REGISTER NOW: Parents/Guardians are asked to complete an online “Faith Formation Registration” for each child/youth participating in the 2023-2024 year.  Use this LINK for the online form.
  • YOUTH GROUP: Every Wednesday 6-8pm youth grades 6th-12th, joint with College Street Congregational Church, gather for fun, food, and faith related activities like “Messy Olympics” and “Penumbra Treasure Hunt.” In March, we will be meeting at College Street Church – in April at First Church.
  • Families with middle and high school youth are encouraged to contact Hilah Clarke, Director of Faith Formation to be added to the e-list for youth program updates.

In June 2023, nine middle and high school youth, our Lead Minister, the Rev. Elissa Johnk; the Rev. Ken White, Minister at College Street Church; and our shared (First Church & College Street) Youth Leader, Jason Vanderlaan, had a meaningful mission experience serving with HOME,Inc. in Orland, Maine. Our group served in a variety of ways including painting the home in these photos!  Our trip leaders and youth are thankful for your support and prayers.

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All First Church Choirs welcome new participants – singers, ringers and instrumentalists are welcome! 

For more information, contact Interim Director of Music, Chris Lyons-Dinh

  • The Sanctuary Choir rehearsals are Thursdays at 7pm at First Church.
  • Our Bell Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:45pm at First Church.
  • Rehearsals for our Children’s – Cherub – Choir and Youth – Alleluia – Choir rehearse following worship most Sunday mornings. The Cherub and Alleluia Choirs are not rehearsing on February 25 or March 3, 2024.

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MEAL TRAIN: A GREAT NEW VEHICLE for First Church!
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 PIPC Chair: Janice Clements at [email protected]

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NAME TAGS help BUILD COMMUNITY We’ve rolled out new, magnetic name tags!  Please use this LINK  to request a name tag  – let us know your specific name request (nickname, pronouns, etc.). Thank you

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ZOOMING: We are hosting regular and periodic gatherings using the platform “Zoom”.  You should be able to join a meeting simply by clicking on the link provided, and following the instructions.  You can also call in using the numbers listed below each event.  For more detailed instructions on how Zoom works, CLICK HERE.

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OUR PODCAST: FIRST CHURCH PHONIC
CLICK HERE for First Church Phonic  – https://anchor.fm/firstchurchbtv- offering you the opportunity to listen to:
– Sermons
– Spirit Seekers Interviews – including recent Spirit Seeker guests: Helen Head, Becky Levasseur, Richard Gagne, Hilah Clarke and Carlanne Herzog!  Listen online on HERE.

 

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    • OUR THRIFT STORE – THE POSSIBILITY SHOP is OPEN: The Possibility Shop is open – 10am-3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
    • DONATIONS: Please bring Possibility Shop donations to First Church any time between 10am and 3pm – Tuesday though Friday.  Clean clothing and household items in good  condition are always needed.
    • ESPECIALLY NEEDED NOW:  Fall and winter clothing in excellent condition for all ages.
    • VOLUNTEERS INVITED: On open days (Wed. & Fri., 10-3); on weekdays when the shop is closed (Tues. & Thurs.); &/or projects at home.
      • Greet customers in the midway (near Church Office), count those entering and exiting, keeping the number within the allotted safe amount… 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.
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First Church Responds to COVID-19: Guidelines & Updates

Posted on April 2, 2020 by sbrown

As people of faith, we understand that Science, Math and Reason are all gifts of God.  As such, we trust the research that indicates we must do our part to flatten the curve.  All of this has informed our decisions to do our part to lessen the advance of the Coronavirus. We are implementing the practices urged by the CDC , W.H.O., and the Vermont Health Department, doing our very best to protect the health of all.    

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UPDATES FROM OUR REGATHERING TEAM: Our Team continues to meet regularly. The fall 2022 update to our guidelines includes recommended (rather than required) mask wearing for all over age two in the church building. In October of 2022 our Regathering Team adjusted our guidelines to permit food and beverages in the building.

  •  CLICK HERE to read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s September 16, 2022 letter that addresses the fall regathering guideline changes that moved to make masks recommended inside the church building.
  • CLICK HERE for information about our guidelines adjusting on October 14, 2022 to allow food and beverages inside the church building

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RESOURCES:

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We are Hiring!

Posted on March 19, 2020 by sbrown

We are hiring!  First Congregational Church (UCC) is a vibrant congregation of approximately 300 members, located in an urban setting in downtown Burlington, Vermont. We are an Open and Affirming congregation with a diverse church family.

We have three staff openings at First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington, VT – if you are interested in applying for Security Personnel, A/V Coordinator, or Middle School Ministries Coordinator, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

A/V Coordinator:  Do you have experience working with A/V technologies? Would you like to make some extra money on the weekend? First Congregational Church is looking to hire an A/V Coordinator to help us make use of our newly installed, professional system! The ideal candidate would be a creative, compassionate leader who is able to train and schedule volunteers, serve as technical support for our Sunday 10 AM worship service and other special events, and run our A/V system themselves when necessary.

We are hoping to hire an A/V Coordinator soon so that they have time to familiarize themselves with our system and our services, as well as organize a small group of volunteers. This position will require 5-7 hours a week, most of which will occur on Sunday morning. This is a great opportunity for a responsible college or graduate student in search of experience or a working professional who is looking for weekend income.

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Middle School Ministries Coordinator:  What’s the job about?  An effective Middle School Ministries Coordinator (MSC) will work with our Youth Ministries Leader to oversee programs and service-learning opportunities which facilitate the spiritual development of the youth (6th-12th grade) in our congregation.

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Security Staff:  Do you have a flexible schedule and want to make a few extra bucks? First Congregational Church is adding another member to our security staff. You will be opening and closing the building for after office-hour rentals, like Alcoholics Anonymous, funerals, and weddings. Shifts may include light event setup (moving chairs and tables, checking temperature settings, or setting up projector and microphones), unlocking the building, directing visitors, cleaning and sanitizing, and locking and securing the building after the event. Must be able to follow instructions for each shift and provide any necessary feedback from the event.

As a church in downtown Burlington, you will have to compassionately communicate and clearly enforce boundaries with vulnerable populations to keep the building and grounds safe, welcoming, and secure for members and guests. You must be willing to undergo a background check and security protocol training.

This is a great opportunity for a responsible college or graduate student, a retired or semi-retired professional.

  • CLICK HERE for details about the position and application process.
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Give to First Church: Giving, Pledging & Special Offerings

Posted on March 19, 2020 by sbrown

STEWARDSHIP is GIVING to FIRST CHURCH: The ministries and missions of First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington rely on the pledges and support of all of our members and friends.

See below for information about giving online and via check – about any current special offerings – and about making a pledge to support First Church during 2023 and about how to make a 2024 pledge.  Thank you.

Online/E-Giving & Giving by Check: One-time donations & recurring pledges  – all of your donations fuel the missions and ministries of First Congregational Church.

TO GIVE ONLINE – connect to First Congregational Church’s secure Online/E-Giving system by clicking here.  Use the drop-down menu provided in “Fund” to designate your donation.YOU CAN TEXT A DONATION to FCCBUCC to 73256 – standard text message rates apply.

Or… GIVE by CHECK – made payable to First Congregational Church (to designate a specific use – such as the Pastoral Care Fund – or a special offering – use the MEMO line on your check) and mail to: First Congregational Church, 38 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401

CURRENT SPECIAL OFFERING:

This special offering invites you to help fund the beautiful display of flowers at First Church for our Easter Festival Worship on March 31, 2024 at 10am – and to support the important missions of the Vermont Conference UCC’s Hope Fund and the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance.

Gifts to this offering give you the opportunity to make a gift “in memory of” or “in honor of” someone important to you.

CLICK HERE or on the graphic above to learn more – and to make a gift online or by check. Questions? Call the Church Office during Office Hours. Thank you.

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Stewardship 2024 – Together we will…

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Stewardship Co-Chair, Steve Hyde’s

December 22, 2023 – Letter to the Congregation

Together we will… and so far, together we have…

This year’s stewardship campaign is going well – but we aren’t done yet!

So far, we have received 109 pledges of monies and/or service in support of the 2024 First Church operating budget. These pledges total nearly 75% of our anticipated 2024 budget.

Our goal is to exceed 130 pledges by the end of the first week in January. If you have yet to make your pledge, please do so. Our Trustees and Executive Team are working to finalize the 2024 proposed budget as they prepare for our upcoming Annual Meeting and will soon begin to take action on all of what we have said we want to do together.

What has been particularly exciting for me is to see what we, as individuals, have shared with each other as expressed in the “Together we will …” statements that people submitted with their pledges. I have posted them on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary for all to see (including the sample below!). Please check it out. When I look at it, I know I am in the right place. I hope you will feel the same way.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or the church office.

Peace and kindness be with you,
Steve

Steve Hyde, Stewardship Co-Chair

The Rev. Elissa Johnk’s November 10 Letter to the Congregation:

Together we will…

One of the most common laments today is about the division in American society – between generations, parties, classes, and neighbors. Here at First Church, we have members from both sides of the political aisle. We have kids in their first few months of life, almost 40 active children, and members who have been here 8 decades. We have folks who own multiple homes, and those who are homeless. And while we might not agree on everything, we do agree on one thing: the importance of being together.

It is, in fact, a sacred responsibility. In the Hebrew Bible, we are charged to set aside the sabbath as a day of “sacred assembly.” Even in the first century, when gathering wasn’t safe, Paul wrote that we were not to “neglect gathering,” but rather to “encourage one another, and continually consider how to spur one another to love and good deeds.”

Gathering is the way we express, practice, and grow our faith. And gather we have. In 2023, we have averaged almost 100 for worship in the building, and over 125 (!) online. We have gathered for benefit dinners, breakfasts, cooking competitions, and simple meals. We have gathered for concerts, art receptions, dragon-boating, discernment and retreat. We have gathered for worship in just about every room in the church, as well as by the lake, on the lawn, downtown in service, and with College Street down the road.

I firmly believe this is why First Church is thriving…    CLICK HERE to read more of the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s message

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Jack Lynch comments on his path to faith
and stewardship at First Church.
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Faithful Friday Worship & Dinner – Sep 2

Posted on August 4, 2016 by sbrown

Faithful Fri Collage - Sep 2016

The theme for our September Faithful Friday Worship and Dinner is “Changes & New Beginnings”. All are invited to bring backpacks, keys, or some object that represents a new beginning in your life, to be blessed as part of our worship service. As with all “Faithful Fridays”, healthy snacks and multi-generational activities will be available at 5:30 – worship and dinner follow at 6pm. All are welcome and encouraged to invite friends to enjoy this informal, meaningful, joyful, faithful, fun event! Upcoming fall Faithful Friday Worship & Dinner dates are: October 7 and November 4.

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Vermont Ibutwa Initiative Receives UCC Grant!

Posted on July 21, 2016 by sbrown

VIBI.Summer.2016.The United Church of Christ Genesis Fund has awarded the Vermont Ibutwa Initiative (VIBI) a $12,000 grant in support of the organization’s efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo! VIBI’s mission is to bring healthcare access, sustainable livelihood opportunities and community support (including school tuition for 100+ children) to women and their children in the South Kivu region of the DRC. The lives of VIBI participants have been destabilized by civil war, rape and the challenges of living in such an impoverished community. The grant, which represents about 25% of the annual budget for this grassroots organization with close ties to our congregation, will be used in the next year to broaden U.S. support for VIBI’s mission. Cleophace Mukeba, VIBI Executive Director and First Church member, accepted the grant with gratitude for the potential that it holds to empower this important work into the future. Lucy Samara, Director of Outreach Ministries (who wrote the grant), joins others on the VIBI Board of Directors to express enthusiasm for the blessing of this important support from the UCC!

The Genesis Fund was established in 1996 from funds raised through the Make a Difference Campaign. The Genesis Fund provides seed money for faith-based projects, domestic and international, that are innovative or experimental, represent a new initiative in Christian mission, or that may be deemed controversial. Many of you will recall that our congregation was an enthused participant in the Make A Difference Campaign in the mid-1990’s; how wonderful to see these resources empowering a global mission with roots in the mission of our congregation!

In the summer of 2016, more than 100 children of VIBI participants in the DR Congo completed a year in school. The photo above captures a moment during a celebration at the end of the school year. The collage also includes pictures of women (all VIBI participants) harvesting beans and corn from the agricultural land that the Vermont Ibutwa Initiative purchased for this collaborative, sustainable livelihood effort. VIBI is making great progress! Volunteers are needed to help organize educational events and programs. Please contact Lucy Samara to learn more. Thank you.

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Outreach & Mission Opportunities – Summer 2016

Posted on July 9, 2016 by sbrown

There are many ways to be involved with mission and outreach efforts at First Congregational Church this summer! Please see below for several opportunities:

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)

OGHS is our annual all-church, ecumenical,  international emergency relief offering and has many powerful stories to tell. The UCC works collaboratively to use OGHS dollars effectively through: National Disaster Ministries, Refugee Ministries, Global Ministries and Volunteer Ministries. Through One Great Hour of Sharing, we are able to reach out with compassion and practical assistance to assist refugees, support sustainable development, and assist worldwide with emergencies.

Every donation to OGHS makes a difference. If you are able to make a gift, please make your check payable to “First Congregational Church of Burlington”, memo: OGHS. You may also donate to OGHS online. There are OGHS offering envelopes on the bulletin board at First Church and they will also be distributed during worship service on June 12 and 19. OGHS dollars are needed for many global development and emergency relief efforts, including in the U.S. Learn more about OGHS online by clicking here.

Spring into Action: Toiletry Drive for JUMP!

JUMP (the Joint Urban Ministry Project) needs our help filling the toiletry cupboard for the summer months. An interfaith, weekday outreach ministry that is hosted by our church, JUMP is open Tuesday through Friday from 9am to noon in our church dining room. JUMP provides much needed assistance to more than 40 Vermont households each week. Every spring, we take our turn supplying much needed toiletries to households in need through JUMP.

Please pick up a bag at church – complete with the shopping list attached – and return it filled anytime in May or June. If you would you like a form for tax deduction purposes, please save your receipts to staple to the forms that are available in our office.

If you shop without one of our bags, please pack the following items in a doubled plastic grocery bag or reusable grocery bag: 2 bars of soap; 2 bottles of shampoo with conditioner; 1 large tube of toothpaste; a soft bristle toothbrush; 1 package of disposable shaving razors; 2 rolls of toilet paper; 1 deodorant; and 1 can of shaving cream.

Meals On Wheels

Meals On Wheels helps people stay in their homes when they are unable to prepare their own meals – what a great mission! Could you be part of our MOW team? We need substitute Meals On Wheels drivers and “runners” for the second Wednesday morning (10am to noon) of each month. If you’d like to help or want to learn more, please contact our Meals On Wheels Volunteer Coordinator Al Weldon (802-864-2583).

Small Potatoes Sandwich Makers

Our Small Potatoes Coordinator, Becky Winward, is seeking volunteers willing to help make sandwiches for Small Potatoes on the following Fridays: June 24, July 22 and/or August 26. 8If you are able to help on any of these dates, please contact Becky (802-862-0183).

Small Potatoes is a free community breakfast and bag lunch that is served on Saturdays at 8am from the narthex of our Chapel. Small Potatoes is a collaborative effort with the Burlington Friends Meeting.

Dismas House Dinners

Rob Backus coordinates our support of Burlington’s Dismas House.  For more than 25 years, members of our church community have provided and shared dinner at the Buell Street Dismas House at 6pm on the third Thursday of each month.  To learn more or to offer to assist in this important mission, please contact Rob at [email protected] (802.310.1772).

Dismas House is a supportive community for former prisoners transitioning from incarceration and university/college students who are also in transition with their lives. Living in community accomplishes the Dismas mission of reconciliation.  Community is fundamentally about relationship and it is precisely the relationship between the offender and their community that is broken, first by the crime committed and subsequently by the resulting incarceration.  In reconciliation, wholeness is restored to the former prisoner and to society.

The Possibility Shop at First Congregational Church

The Possibility Shop, the amazing thrift shop in our church basement that serves the community and our church in many ways, is in need of summer volunteers.  If you are interested in learning more about what’s involved, please contact Becky Winward at: [email protected] or 802.862.0183.    The Possibility Shop is open Wednesday and Friday from 10 to 3 and on some Saturdays from 10 to 1.

The “Poss Shop” mission is to support First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington through the sale of donated clothing and household goods.  Community members with financial needs can access vouchers for clothing and household goods from the Poss Shop through JUMP – the Joint Urban Ministry Project.   The Possibility Shop welcomes donations of clothing and household goods, clean and in good condition, are welcome year round – receipts for donated goods are available from the Church Office.

The Ronald McDonald House

Our historic parsonage has served the housing and hospitality needs of families who have traveled to Burlington with children in need of care at the UVM Medical Center since 1984!  There are a variety of volunteer opportunities from baking dinner or snacks in the RMH kitchen, to weeding and gardening, or being trained to fill a regular volunteer shift in the house or in the RMH Family Room at the UVM Medical Center.

To learn more, please see the RMH website: https://www.rmhcvt.org and contact their office to ask about current volunteer needs: (802) 862-4943.

 

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Summer Church School

Posted on July 9, 2016 by sbrown

Child in WorshipJennifer Jorgenson, our Summer Church School Coordinator and Lucy Samara, our Interim Church School Coordinator, are collaborating to schedule volunteers to serve in the two age group settings that will meet during the 10am worship services this summer. From now through Labor Day weekend, the Nursery/Toddler Room will be open from 9:50 and through the 10am worship service. A Preschool through Grade 2 group will meet after the “Word of God for All Ages” and then through to the end of the worship service, with the exception of the first Sunday of July and August, when the group is invited to meet from 10 to 11am.  Rexy Vachereau and Libby Elder-Connors will be serving in the Church School this summer on a regular basis – volunteers are needed to serve in support roles. If you are interested in serving in the Church School this summer, please email Lucy and Jennifer. Thank you!

The Children’s Resource Table, located at the back of the Sanctuary, will be available to all young worshipers throughout the summer. Each Sunday, it will be fully stocked with coloring and activity pages, books, drawing paper, crayons, and pencils for use during the service.

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Summer Picnic to Welcome Carrie – July 26

Posted on July 8, 2016 by sbrown

Picnic Stock PhotoThe first of several summer picnics to welcome Rev. Carrie Bail will be hosted by the Women of the Church Book Group, with all women of the church invited. Please be sure to invite someone!

Tuesday, July 26 at 5:30pm
Oakledge Park in Burlington
Lower Pavilion (the nearest to the entrance)
Totally Cooperative Picnic!
Bring your own food, including beverage (note that glass is not allowed).
For more information, contact Janice Clements (862-7464).

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Time & Talent Surveys Needed

Posted on June 7, 2016 by sbrown

check boxGod has blessed each one of us with both time and talents. Just as a garden needs gardeners to till the soil and plant the seeds, God calls us to invest our gifts of time and talents in the garden of our congregation. This survey will help you to think about what gifts you can bring to the work of the church, and it will help our church leaders match your gifts and interests to the many opportunities for service that are a part of our ongoing work.

It is important that everyone fill out a survey. Many of you are already known to have participated in a variety of ways. However, there is no one central list of all the ways you have served. You may have areas of interest that no one knows about, or, just because you’ve contributed in a particular way, that may not mean that’s your preferred way of serving the church.

To complete the survey online, please click here. Paper copies are also available in the church office. Please check all areas of interest, expertise or experience and note the ones that interest you most.

Once you have completed the form, feel free to tell us about other ways you would like to serve or make additional comments which might facilitate finding the right person for the right job.

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