Our Mission
A Church that Includes, Affirms, and Celebrates All
We believe Jesus welcomed all, healed all, broke bread with all, loved all, and pursued justice for all. As a congregation, we believe we are called to do the same here in Burlington. Worship connects us to one another and to the Spirit. Inspired by beauty, wonder, and Truth, we are sent out to follow Jesus’ call to love and serve, in our own lives and in the City of Burlington.
To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Micah 6:8
The United Church of Christ
We are a part of the United Church of Christ, a nation-wide Christian denomination. To learn more about the United Church of Chirist and their history, click here.
We believe faith is a way of life, and not a test to be passed. Our theology is a wide spectrum, from questioning, and curious, to committed Christian – there are no right answers here. The one thing we hold in common is the belief that Jesus welcomed everyone, and so do we. No exceptions.
We celebrate the sacred worth of all persons as unique individuals made in the image of God. Whatever your age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or physical, cognitive, or emotional ability, we invite you to find a safe and nurturing spiritual home with us.
No matter who you are, where you are on your faith or life journey, what kind of body you have, or how you live in it, you are welcome to full participation in the life and ministry here. You belong. Seriously.
The United Church of Christ
We are a part of the United Church of Christ, a nation-wide Christian denomination. To learn more about the United Church of Chirist and their history, click here.
Do justice
We have faith in the gospel truth that in the struggle between love and empire, love will always win. We believe this message is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. The compassion, solidarity, healing, and courage of Jesus guide us in our desire to serve – and serve with – the community of Burlington.
Love mercy
We believe in acts of moral beauty. We believe compassion can be a radical response. That forgiveness has the ability to heal. None of this can be done alone. First Church is a place that believes community is the only place where we can cultivate our capacity to love in the way of Jesus — in the way the world needs right now.
Walk Humbly
We know that there are religious spaces that have told you they know it all. We don’t. But we do know that Jesus asked more questions than he gave answers, and questions are essential to a healthy faith. In our worship, our service, and our learning, we strive to walk humbly in this way, open to the mystery of God as it unfolds across scripture, creation, community, and life.
A Rich History, A Bright Future
On February 5, 1805, a small group of men and women, led by Rev. Daniel Sanders, President of the University of Vermont, established the First Calvinist Society of Burlington, Vermont. Though the first building burned in 1842, the new one has been a central feature of Burlington’s downtown landscape. As a community that values music and art, our tower is inspired by the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates (a patron of musical performances) in Athens, Greece
For over 200 years, the church has actively supported the Burlington community. It housed children during the 1917 influenza outbreak, established The Converse Home for elders, and sold its historic Victorian Parsonage to the Ronald McDonald House in 2022 after decades of service. Today, the Chapel hosts the Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP), while the Possibility Shop in the Education Wing provides affordable goods to the community, including refugees and college students. The church also serves as a meeting space for groups like AA, Tai Chi, and various advocacy coalitions for the unhoused. Since the 1980s, we have also provided space for the New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church, Vermont’s only church worshipping in the African American tradition.
Our Congregation
Families and Children
Families with children are an essential part of our life together. In worship, learning, service, and events like Peace Camp, we ensure that children are not just the church of the future. They are the church now.
Adult Education
Everyone knows it can be hard to navigate life today. The search for meaning and relationship are central to our adult education programs, from Bible Studies, book and affinity groups, and special forums throughout the year.
Service & Outreach
We believe the good news of the gospel is best expressed in action. Our mission and outreach ministries range from our front porch to overseas, and include both secular and interfaith partnerships.
