Welcome to First Congregational UCC of Burlington
The Practice of Awe: Cultivating a Life of Spiritual Depth
In this season of Lent – the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday when we walk with Jesus through the wilderness – we are choosing to focus on the practice of awe. Sure, the wilderness may seem empty, barren, even scary to many, but here in Vermont, we know that wilderness is beautiful. This is the place God’s wonder is fully on display. So this Lent, let each Sunday be a reminder of the many ways we have to engage with the wonderful mystery of life and creation, remember what it means to be amazed, and let yourself surrender to the transformative call of the wild.
Sundays thru to Palm Sunday: April 13 – Maundy Thursday: April 17 – Good Friday: April 18 – Easter Sunday: April 20
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THE TABLE: All Belong Here
A Contemporary Worship Offering for Lent
Our contemporary worship service will be offered at 11:30 am in the Dining Room. 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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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.
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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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HOLY WEEK VIGIL: Can you stay awake with me?
Sign up details and additional information will be on an easel in fellowship time this coming Sunday. To participate for one hour – in the Maundy Thursday thru Good Friday Prayer Vigil at First Church – sign up at church or email Lucy Samara for more information.
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CLICK to learn more about this special offering!
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LENTEN PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: The Practice of Awe
Photography is an accessible way to focus in on – and to practice – awe. If you are interested in participating in this group, regularly, or when you can during Lent, email Communications Coordinator, Lucy Samara at Lsamara@firstchurchburlington.org for the Zoom link.
We’ll meet Mondays at 7pm thru April 14 on Zoom to join in conversation and prayer as we share photos participants have captured around a weekly theme related to awe. Special expertise is not required – just a cell phone or other digital camera and curiosity. The theme for March 17 is “Beauty & Wonder.”
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The Zoom Link for this gathering will be posted at the top of the front page of the First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington website every Wednesday morning.
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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.