As people of faith, we understand that Science, Math and Reason are all gifts of God.  As such, we trust the research that indicates we must do our part to flatten the curve.  All of this has informed our decision to close our doors, that we might do our part to lessen the advance of the Coronavirus. The sooner we all implement the practices urged by the CDC and W.H.O., the sooner we will come through this and get back to normal.  

What does this mean? From now, until further notice, we will offer worship exclusively online. Our small groups, teams, task forces – anything for which you formerly came to 38 South Winooski Ave. will, henceforth, be conducted via Zoom or conference calls. 

ONLINE WORSHIP.

• All-Church Worship will be online at 10am on Sundays. 
  • Click on the YouTube icon to access the FirstChurch BTV – YouTube Channel.
    
  • Videos of worship services can be watched at any time (after 10am on Sundays).
  • Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• If you want to call in to listen to worship, dial: 301-715-8592, then enter: 208-054-269#
  • CLICK  HERE for the Sunday March 29 Order of Worship
  • CLICK  HERE for the Children’s Bulletin/Activities for Sunday March 29
• Sundays at 9:30am, we’ll post a video to our YouTube Channel of the Church School lesson for the day.

ONLINE PRAYER

Tuesday thru Friday at 12:30pm, visit our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchburlington/ – to join a 15 minute prayer session led by Elissa.

ONLINE GATHERINGS

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be hosting several regular gatherings using the platform “Zoom”.  You should be able to join a meeting simply by clicking on the link below the event, and following the instructions.  You can also call in using the numbers listed below each event.  For more detailed instructions on how Zoom works, CLICK HERE. 

Sundays at 9am, starting March 29^th, Past President Amy Mellencamp will host a zoom meeting to discuss the potential sale of the parsonage. 
https://zoom.us/j/191606563 Call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 191-606-563#

TUESDAY thru FRIDAY – ZOOM OPTIONS at 3pm: we’ll host zoom meetings for folks interested in participating:

Tuesdays: Music Matters at 3 p.m., led by Director of Music, David Neiweem
https://zoom.us/j/152915611
Call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 152-915-611#

Wednesdays: Check-in at 3 p.m., led by Lead Minister, Elissa Johnk  https://zoom.us/j/849708245
Call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 849-708-245#

Thursdays: Bible Study at 3 p.m., led by Lead Minister, Elissa Johnk
https://zoom.us/j/951190153
Call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 951-190-153#

Fridays: Poetry Pop-Up at 3 p.m., led by Communications  Coordinator, Lucy Samara in collaboration with VT Poet Julie Cadwallader-Staub of College Street Congregational and Director of UVM Interfaith Education and Engagement at UVM, the Rev. Laura Engleken.  This Zoom gathering is co-hosted by the UVM Interfaith Center and College Street Congregational Church.
https://zoom.us/j/994109977
Call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 994-109-977#

FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

Monday-Friday at 10am, First Church Zoom Story Time: we’ll host a zoom meeting just for kids! Join Faith Formation Director, Hilah Clarke, as she reads her favorite children’s books.
https://zoom.us/j/275121626
Call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 275-121-626#

Wednesdays at 8:30pm, we’ll have a zoom meeting for Parenting in a Pandemic, for all parents to release some steam, find common struggles, and discuss what it means to parent in this time.
https://zoom.us/j/882133057
Call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 882-133-057#

Sundays at 9:30am, we’ll post a video to our YouTube Channel of the Church School lesson for the day and host a Zoom meeting for the youth (time tbd).

• Confirmation Meetings will occur as scheduled, via Zoom.
  https://zoom.us/j/389249715
  Call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 389-249-715#
  

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

• For any prayer requests, emotional support, or other assistance you may need during this time, please email our Partners in Pastoral Care and Clergy at [email protected]  
• Our Partners in Pastoral Care and Deacons Teams are working together to be in regular contact with our members and friends during this time.  If you haven’t received a call, or know of someone who is in need, please email [email protected]  

GIVING

Your stewardship is more important than ever in this time.  You can mail in your checks, or use one of the options below.

Click here to give now

• GIVE to First Church by texting: FCCBUCC to 73256 to give a gift using your text messaging. Standard text message rates apply.

BUILDING USE

• JUMP – with the “stay at home” order in place in Vermont – JUMP closed from March 24 through 27 to plan a new approach for serving clients at this time.  Jump plans to reopen on March 31 – relying on phone and email to connect with people in need.   
  
• Our AA and NA meetings will resume meeting at First Church when the “stay at home” is lifted.  The small Wednesday evening Al-Anon meeting is currently schedules to hold meetings; they have agreed to disinfect the space following any meeting. 
• Small Potatoes plans to continue serving Saturday morning breakfast and bag lunch (now outside) at First Church making some adjustments to menu and serving methods; volunteers have agreed to disinfect any space used following the meal. 
• The New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church has temporarily cancelled all events. 
• Other events and rentals are being cancelled at this time.  We are in the process of contacting those who have already booked rooms to let them know of this suspension.  
• Most staff will be working from home for the time being.  A small crew of volunteers will be regularly disinfecting the common areas for the safety of our office staff and volunteers.

EASTER SERVICES AND OFFERINGS

• As the prohibition on gatherings over 250 people lasts through April 15, we are in the process of discerning how best to express the sacredness of Holy Week and Easter services and events through a digital platform.
  • Look for more information on Easter and its various programming – services, prayers, flowers, and offerings, etc. during the week of March 30.

RESOURCES:

• Center for Disease Control Guidelines 
• World Health Organization Guidelines 

 CLICK HERE to watch the worship service on Sunday at 10 a.m.

CLICK HERE  for the Order of Worship for Sunday March 29

CLICK HERE for the Children’s Bulletin Activities for Sunday March 29

CLICK HERE to watch videos of completed worship services.

In this time of physical separation we rely on your regular giving now more than ever.

Please help us by mailing in your gift, or clicking the GIVE NOW button below – then  select “Pledged Campaign” and make your contribution today!

You can also text FCCBUCC to 73256 to give a gift to FCCB using your text messaging.
Standard text message rates apply.

If you’d like to learn more about other ways to give to First Church during this time, please CLICK HERE.

Thank you!

Our new Director of Creative Ministries is: Hannah Sachs

On Sunday March 1, 2020, Caroline Crawford (Church President-Elect for 2020-2021 and Chair of the Search Committee for Director of Creative Ministries) announced that Hannah Sachs has been selected to serve with us at First Congregational Church.

Hannah is a theatre director and arts educator who is passionate about serving God in creative ways. Originally from Virginia, she graduated with highest honors from Smith College with a degree in theatre directing, religion, and social change. Hannah then spent a year teaching in the Czech Republic on a Fulbright, during which time she met her wife, Renata.

In addition to more conventional theatre and art education work, Hannah has been blessed with many opportunities to use the arts in diverse ministry contexts–including serving in refugee camps, leading workshops for survivors of trafficking, and creating programs for individuals experiencing homelessness. In May, Hannah and Renata will both be graduating from Yale Divinity School. Hannah will have earned a Master of Divinity degree, along with certificates from the Institute of Sacred Music and Andover Newton Seminary.

Hannah Sachs will begin her work as our Director of Creative Ministries in June.  She is absolutely thrilled to be joining First Congregational Church of Burlington’s vibrant community and is looking forward to collaborating with all of you in the beautiful work of creatively embodying God’s extravagant love.