Welcome to First Congregational UCC of Burlington
This morning’s Draw Policy Presentation will be available via Zoom at 11:15am
Topic: Draw Policy Team – Presentation
Time: Jan 19, 2025 11:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86991334801
Meeting ID: 869 9133 4801
Dial by your location: 1 646 931 3860 US
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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.
Six Stone Jars: The Economy of Jesus
This winter, we turn to the stories of the Gospel to explore the radical economy of Jesus the Christ. In today’s Western culture – driven by constant demands on our time and resources – equity, wholeness, and meaning seem more and more elusive. Faced with similar challenges in the Roman Empire millennia ago, Jesus offered a new order: a new way of thinking about who we are, what we have, and how we relate to each other. As the Rev. Marcia McFee writes, “In his economy, the true measure of abundance is fullness for the whole community.” On Sunday the 19th (during the 10am worship service) we begin the sermon series with a fullness Christ offers to all – the fullness of hope.
The Order of Worship, Announcements, etc. for Sunday worship services will be linked below – prior to the worship service:
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The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held Sunday, February 2nd at 11:30am in person in the Sanctuary and over Zoom. The Trustees are holding informational preview sessions January 19th and 26th at 9am and 11am in the Library. CLICK HERE for more information and ongoing updates about the Sunday February 2 FCCB Annual Meeting
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Did you get a 2025 Star Word?
If you have yet to get a 2025 star word there are several ways to do that now:
- Watch the Star Sunday Worship Service on YouTube HERE
- Play the Star Word Reveal video HERE and press pause at a random moment to find your word.
- Drop by the Church Office on Sunday morning – or Wednesday thru Friday between 10am and 3pm and request a star.
- Phone (802.862.5010 ext 4) or email the church at info@firstchurchburlington.org and leave us your address and we will mail you a randomly chosen star!
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A Fun Farewell to the Rev. Ken White:
For All That We Have Shared, We Are Grateful
Come join the fun on Saturday, January 18th. College St. Congregational Church will be hosting a Karaoke and Games Night in honor of Ken and Lucia. Fun begins at 6:00pm in the Assembly Room (downstairs). Bring your favorite games, your joy for singing, snacks, and beverages (especially Coke Zero – Ken’s favorites), and contributions in honor of Ken’s ministry Ken that will go toward the non-profit of Ken’s choosing.
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HYGIENE KITS FOR JUMP – January 19: The First Church Outreach Team invites your special commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday on January 19 by supporting part of the on-going mission of JUMP – the Joint Urban Ministry Project.
JUMP is a collaborative ministry with 37 years of history offering practical assistance, warm hospitality and informed referrals in response to the needs of nearly 50 households/individuals weekly from donated space here at First Congregational Church of Burlington – nearly 3,000 adults and children were assisted during 2024. JUMP receives support from more than 20 area faith communities, many individuals, area business, community organizations and foundations. Assistance includes vouchers to thrift shops (our Possibility Shop and the First United Methodist Church thrift shop), laundromat access, vouchers for gasoline and to purchase groceries, utility grants, and hygiene supplies.
We are invited to support JUMP by donating hygiene supplies using the list posted here and available at church. Nearly 50 sets are needed weekly – our support is appreciated and needed! Bring your donation into the Sanctuary on the 19th and put on the pulpit area – or drop off at the Church Office during the week. Thank you!
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Dear Members and Clergy of VIA – Vermont Interfaith Action – Faith Communities,
Our 2025 Day of Action at the Vermont Statehouse is just around the corner – on Wednesday, January 29th from 7:45 AM to 12:30 PM. We are trying to get a head count for those who are joining us. So if you could let us know by registering here that would be greatly appreciated. VIA will be holding a pre-day training for those who might have questions or who have never attended one of these events on Wednesday, January 22nd at 7:00 pm by zoom. You can register for this event here.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Peace,
Melissa Battah, Executive Director
VT Interfaith Action (VIA)
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Stewardship 2025
10,000 Reasons to Give: Our 2025 Stewardship Campaign – “10,000 Reasons to Give” is ongoing – more pledges are needed to meet important ministry and mission budget goals! To learn more and to watch the beautiful videos recorded for the campaign – use this LINK. There are so many reasons to give to this church – please add yours when you pledge online – or by using a printed form available in the Church Office.
CLICK HERE or on the image above to watch The Rev. Elissa Johnk’s video about her reasons to give.
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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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Our Outreach Team invites all to participate in the “Silent Vigil for Racial Justice” & the Elmwood Community Shelter Snack Project (donating prepackaged snacks) on the first Sunday monthly. Thank you!
Learn about the First Church Elmwood Community Snack Project HERE
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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 up-to-date 2024-2025 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.
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.