Welcome to First Congregational UCC of Burlington
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You are invited to worship in person at First Church at 9am on Sundays (through the summer months) 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.
Summer Worship at First Church! Blessed by the beauty of Vermont summers, one of the best ways to celebrate God’s creation is to get outside and be in it! To help maximize your weekend time, and in hopes of a slightly cooler sanctuary, worship will be at 9:00am every Sunday at First Church throughout the summer. Children’s programming and special music will continue throughout the summer months!
Worship on the Waterfront on June 22… Celebrate the start of summer with worship on the waterfront at the Community Sailing Center. A family-friendly, music-driven service will start at 9:30am (with bagels and coffee!) followed by sailing sessions, paddling, art activities, games, a cookout, and more! Wear sunscreen (and a swimsuit if you’re planning to get in the lake!), and bring a blanket or lawn chair for the post-worship picnic.
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CLICK HERE to read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s June 6, 2025 Letter to the Congregation.
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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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An Ordination and Installation Celebration On Saturday July 12th, we will gather at First Church for a service of ordination and installation for Ava Bilton. All are welcome to join this joyful and meaningful event in the life of the Church. The service will be held at 11am.
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Our Outreach Team invites you to support JUMP – the Joint Urban Ministry Project’s Outreach Center at First Church by donating hygiene supplies during June. Your support is much needed as JUMP is assisting up to 60 Vermont households each week.
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We’ve Got Peace Like a River! Since 2018, we have gathered with College Street Congregational Church every summer for a multi-generational faith formation experience – PEACE CAMP! This year, we are focusing our fun and fellowship over two evenings, July 23rd and 24th. Register at http://bit.ly/PeaceCamp25 or you can email abilton@firstchurchburlington.org for more information.
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Pull Together This Sunday (June 15) after the 9am worship, join Dragonboat Team Captain Baki Nelson in the Chapel to learn more about paddling with the First Church team in Dragonheart Vermont – one of the best ways to get connected within the church and enjoy the beauty of the Burlington waterfront. Can’t make it this Sunday? Email Baki, fn.info@icloud.com. Ready to sign up now? Here’s how to register with the Pull Together First Church team: http://bit.ly/DragonheartFCCB Dragonheart race day is Sunday August 3rd.
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CLICK HERE for more information about our programs for Children & Youth
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Sanctuary Choir rehearsals resume on Thursday January 16th at 7pm
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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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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.
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.