Welcome to First Congregational UCC of Burlington
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.
- This Sunday is our third annual joint worship with College Street! Join us for this full sanctuary, global ecumenical event & welcome all from the College Street Church to worship together with joy at First Church.
- Following worship – all are invited to fellowship in the Chapel – and to a “crock pot lunch” in the Dining Room &/or to participate in our monthly Silent Vigil for Racial Justice on the front lawn at First Church (details below).
NEW START DATE for FRIDAY BROWN BAG LUNCH DISCUSSIONS: All are invited to bring a lunch and gather with the Rev. Elissa Johnk – at FirstChurchBTV – at noon on Fridays October 6, 13, and 20 – to discuss the sermon series.
THIS SUNDAY – October 1: The Rev. Elissa Johnk and the Rev. Ken White will lead “World Communion Sunday” – including part three of our fall sermon series – during the 10am worship in person at First Church and live streamed/recorded on YouTube.
- The Rev. Elissa Johnk offered the first and second sermons in the series on September 17 & 24 – the video links are available here:
- “Kidz Lab” – our Church School program for grades K thru 6 – welcomes all during the 10am worship. Our Nursery/Toddler and PreSchool programs are open throughout the 10am worship. For more information contact Director of Faith Formation, Hilah Clarke.
Use this LINK to read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s September 28 letter.
- Learn more about NIN – Neighbors In Need HERE
- Contribute online using Realm and selecting NIN from the giving options.
- Or, contribute to NIN by check to First Congregational Church, MEMO: NIN
Worshiping remotely?
- SUNDAY – October 1: The Rev. Elissa Johnk and the Rev. Ken White will lead “World Communion Sunday” – including part three of our fall sermon series – during the 10am worship in person at First Church and live streamed/recorded on YouTube.
- On Sunday morning you’ll find linked copies of the Order of Worship, Announcements, and Celebrations & Prayers, etc. using these “click buttons”:
Also on Sunday October 1:
THIS WEEKEND: Get ready to “enter” your favorite crock pot creation &/or enjoy lunch and cast your vote for the best tasting dish next Sunday! All are welcome and invited to this special event sponsored by our Women’s Fellowship. Donations will be invited.
Interested? Please deliver your Crock pot creation to the First Church Dining Room before the 10am worship on October 1. The winner will receive our first annual “Golden Ladle Award” and bragging rights for the next year!
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All are invited to stand in solidarity for racial justice NEXT SUNDAY October 1st from 11:30 – noon. Donations of pre-packaged snacks invited for BTV’s new pod shelter during this time.
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Service & Program Opportunities:
Engaging, meaningful service projects for all ages – in community settings, at FirstChurchBTV and at College Street Church – will follow a brief collaborative 10am worship in prayer and song at the College Street Church.
For more information, contact Director of Music, Amy Shortt.
- 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 and Youth Choirs will resume – following worship on Sunday September 17 with a special “Drum Circle” for all!
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VERMONT FLOODING UPDATE from the VTCUCC
The Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ – VTCUCC – is actively involved with flood relief work.
- Use this LINK to learn of ways to give time and resources in support of this work – including specific volunteer initiatives in Morrisville, Montpelier and Barre.
- Use this LINK to read stories from the frontline of the flooding written by UCC Ministers from Barre, Waterbury and Morrisville.
The Vermont Conference UCC has organized an offering to support folks in need in Vermont churches and communities impacted by the flooding.
The Vermont Conference invites your donations for Vermont Flood Relief online by CLICKING HERE (include note VT Flood Relief with online donations) – OR by sending a check to the VTCUCC – with the memo: Vermont Flood Relief to:
Vermont Conference UCC/Flood Relief – 36 North Main Street – Randolph, VT 05060
Learn more about the VTCUCC response to the flooding on their website – including avenues for volunteering- using this LINK –
also “like” and follow the VTCUCC Facebook page
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Learn about the First Church Elmwood Community Snack Project HERE
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Our Outreach Team is pleased to announce that residents of Dismas House on Buell Street will be “growing and harvesting” vegetables in the First Church raised garden beds this summer. What a great new spin on our long-term mission partnership with Dismas House!
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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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There are many ways to support First Church by helping outside in the spring and summer! If your “green thumb” is experienced… or if you are a novice gardener or mower… we are grateful for your involvement and will help you get started.
- To volunteer – please complete this online form and we will be in touch!
- Conversational Bible Study – on Zoom – with the Rev. Elissa Johnk will resume on September 7, 2023 at 8:30am.
- The Zoom link will be posted here on Thursday morning.
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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. The fall calendar for youth programs is taking shape and will be announced soon. For details 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 September, we will be meeting at College Street 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.
- Want to know more about our youth programs? Contact Jason Vanderlann, Youth Leader – a staff member of both congregations.
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 Director of Music, Amy Shortt.
- The Sanctuary Choir rehearsals are on Thursdays at 7pm at First Church.
- Our Bell Choir rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:45pm at First Church.
- Rehearsals for our Children and Youth Choirs will resume in September.
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BOOK SELECTIONS for 2023-2024: The Women’s Book Group has made their reading selections for 2023-2024.
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the book.
- Most months, the meetings are on Zoom at 7pm on the 4th Monday – the September and October 2023 meetings are in person.
- Please contact Janice Clements to be added to the e-list for location and/or Zoom link details.
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CLICK HERE &/or subscribe to our E-Newsletter HERE