Welcome to First Congregational UCC of Burlington

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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.  You are also invite to our contemporary worship service “The Table” at 11:30am this coming Sunday – April 27th – details below.

Lead Minister, the Rev. Elissa Johnk, leading worship on Pride Sunday in 2024.

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Technical difficulties prevented us from live streaming or recording the April 27th worship service.  We apologize for this circumstance.   You can read the Rev. Dr. James D. Ross II’s sermon HERE

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THE TABLE: All Belong Here
A Contemporary Worship Offering – Our contemporary worship service is offered this spring at 11:30 am in the Dining Room through May 11th. This service is 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 is available.

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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The Order of Worship, Announcements, etc. for Sunday worship services will be linked below – prior to the worship service:

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May 4^th is the kickoff worship for our spring sermon series: “Do Unto Others.”  All are encouraged to attend an afternoon workshop for a thoughtful discussion and practical training – from 1 to 3pm – in how to be an effective neighbor in the midst of challenging circumstances.

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Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP) Online Auction 
The JUMP online fundraising auction is open until Friday May 9th at 7pm. The online event has everything from gift cards to local businesses, to an African Safari, unique experiences, a 1955 Elgin motorboat and trailer; to creative baskets, to amazing work from local artisans…there is something for everyone!
You can access the online auction using this link and support JUMP by bidding on some of the great donated  items: https://www.biddingforgood.com/jointurbanministry/2025auction

• What is JUMP all about?  JUMP is about neighbors helping neighbors in Vermont. Since 1988, JUMP has been helping Vermonters facing economic difficulties, food and housing insecurity.
• Who does JUMP assist? In 2024, JUMP helped more than 3000 Vermonters from 29 VT cities and towns. We help all with financial and personal challenges, including folks who are unhoused, low wage workers, people living with disabilities and all struggling to get or stay housed.
• Where is JUMP?  JUMP’s Outreach Center and Offices are in donated space at FirstChurchBTV!  First Church is involved with JUMP providing budgeted financial support; donated space; vouchers from the Possibility Shop; volunteers and staff support.

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A great fund raiser for the social justice advocacy work of VIA – Vermont Interfaith Action!For ticket information click on this link: https://ohavizedek.shulcloud.com/form/ROOTEDinVT

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Coffee With The Pastors
Want to know more about First Congregational Church? On Sunday May 11th, Join Elissa and Ava at 9am in the Stone Room for coffee, a light breakfast, and conversation about who we are, what we value, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.

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To learn more about donating an item to the Youth Auction – contact Youth Ministry Leader Will Gunger

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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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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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CLICK HERE  for the up-to-date 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 in excellent condition for all ages. 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.

We are hiring!  First Congregational Church (UCC) is a vibrant congregation of approximately 300 members, located in an urban setting in downtown Burlington, Vermont. We are an Open and Affirming congregation with a diverse church family.

We are currently inviting applications for a Choral Director.

• Email Director of Congregational Life – Ava Bilton, for information about the Choral Director opening: abilton@firstchurchburlingotn.org
• Please email info@firstchurchburlington.org with any questions and for more information.

STEWARDSHIP is GIVING to FIRST CHURCH: The ministries and missions of First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington rely on the pledges and support of all of our members and friends.  See below for information about giving online and via check – about any current special offerings – and about making a pledge to support First Church during 2022 and about how to make a 2023 pledge.  Thank you.

Online/E-Giving & Giving by Check: One-time donations & recurring pledges  – all of your donations fuel the missions and ministries of First Congregational Church.

TO GIVE ONLINE – connect to First Congregational Church’s secure Online/E-Giving system by clicking here.  Use the drop-down menu provided in “Fund” to designate your donation.YOU CAN TEXT A DONATION to FCCBUCC to 73256 – standard text message rates apply.

Or… GIVE by CHECK – made payable to First Congregational Church (to designate a specific use – such as the Pastoral Care Fund – or a special offering – use the MEMO line on your check) and mail to: First Congregational Church, 38 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401

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Current Special Offering:

CLICK to learn more about this special offering!

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Stewardship 2025

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