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? 

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 1^st 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.

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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The Women’s Book Group is meeting in person, Monday, September 25^rd at 7pm to discuss This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger; with Patty Thomas facilitating. To receive e-updates about this monthly gathering, contact Janice Clements: [email protected].

CLICK HERE for the 2023-2024 book selections.

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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!

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•  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.  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 – in October at First 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 resume – Thursdays at 7pm on September  7 at 7pm – at First Church.
• Our Bell Choir rehearsals resume – Wednesdays at 6:45pm – on September 6 – at First Church.
• Rehearsals for our Children and Youth Choirs will resume in September.

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NAME TAGS help BUILD COMMUNITY We’ve rolled out new, magnetic name tags!  Please use this LINK  to request a name tag  – let us know your specific name request (nickname, pronouns, etc.). Thank you

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ZOOMING: We are hosting regular and periodic gatherings using the platform “Zoom”.  You should be able to join a meeting simply by clicking on the link provided, 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.

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OUR PODCAST: FIRST CHURCH PHONIC
CLICK HERE for First Church Phonic  – https://anchor.fm/firstchurchbtv – offering you the opportunity to listen to:
– Sermons
– Spirit Seekers Interviews – including recent Spirit Seeker guests: Helen Head, Becky Levasseur, Richard Gagne, Hilah Clarke and Carlanne Herzog!  Listen online on HERE.

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• • OUR THRIFT STORE – THE POSSIBILITY SHOP is OPEN: The Possibility Shop is open – 10am-3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
  • DONATIONS: Please bring Possibility Shop donations to First Church any time between 10am and 3pm – Tuesday though Friday.  Clean clothing and household items in good  condition are always needed.
  • ESPECIALLY NEEDED NOW:  Fall and winter clothing in excellent condition for all ages.
  • VOLUNTEERS INVITED: On open days (Wed. & Fri., 10-3); on weekdays when the shop is closed (Tues. & Thurs.); &/or projects at home.
    • Greet customers in the midway (near Church Office), count those entering and exiting, keeping the number within the allotted safe amount… 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.

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 decisions to do our part to lessen the advance of the Coronavirus. We are implementing the practices urged by the CDC , W.H.O., and the Vermont Health Department, doing our very best to protect the health of all.    

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UPDATES FROM OUR REGATHERING TEAM: Our Team continues to meet regularly. The fall update to our guidelines includes recommended (rather than required) mask wearing for all over age two in the church building. On October 14 our Regathering Team adjusted our guidelines to permit food and beverages in the building.

•  CLICK HERE to read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s September 16, 2022 letter that addresses the fall regathering guideline changes that moved to make masks recommended inside the church building.
• CLICK HERE for information about our guidelines adjusting on October 14, 2022 to allow food and beverages inside the church building

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On February 4 2022 – the guidelines below were updated to allow congregational singing – with masks – and with physical distancing.

January 7 2022 Update from our Covid Response Team

Dear First Church Friends –

We know you’ve been following the news on the Omicron variant and keeping close tabs on the rising case numbers and record hospitalizations – because you’ve told us! Here at First Church we have been doing the same thing.  Your Covid Response Team – comprised of members of Personnel, Buildings, Deacons, Worship and Staff – has been watching the trends closely, and consulting with those in the medical field about how to best proceed over these next few weeks.

As you might imagine, the answer is … cautiously!

To protect our most vulnerable populations and staff, and in order to continue gathering in person, we are temporarily returning to an earlier stage of our Covid precautions.
For this week:

Worship In Person at First Church – June 2021 Update
Weekly Live-Streaming on YouTube

    It’s time to re-gather physically! Stay tuned for updates on guidelines, but we are ready to welcome one and all back to the sanctuary starting Sunday, July 4, 2021!
Of, course, we understand not all of us will be able to be there physically, so we are committed to continuing to integrate our digital congregation, by live-streaming at 10am on Youtube!   Our Zoom Fellowship time will continue after worship – as will in person fellowship on the front lawn at church!   CLICK HERE for details about programs for children and youth this summer.

A Letter from Our Deacons About In-Person Worship June 25, 2021 Dear Members and Friends of First Church In a year of many firsts, changes and challenges, this congregation is about to embark on a new experience with much joy and celebration: First Church will be opening its doors again for live worship on Sunday July 4.   The Deacons are excited to be part of this joyful and celebratory time, and want to share with you some information as to how our worship life will work, once we begin to welcome folks back within our church walls. While many of our friends and neighbors cannot wait to walk into the Sanctuary and reclaim that favorite pew, we do expect some in our community will continue to worship virtually; some maybe for a brief period of time and some may continue permanently. In addition to our physical re-opening, our ministry leaders have been working hard to adapt our worship to support an ongoing remote worship along with our live Sunday services.   We want our tradition of radical hospitality to extend to folks who will continue to participate remotely on Sundays, to ensure all can access our time of worship, even if their physical presences is not possible due to issues of health, accessibility or distance.   It is our goal to make remote worship an extension of our Sanctuary service, so that those worshiping virtually can share sacred time and space with those who are participating physically.  READ MORE…

 

June 2021 RE-GATHERING UPDATE

“We will serve communion in pre-torn pieces, we won’t shake hands for the passing of the peace, and we have hand sanitizer in the pews.  I think we have a good plan in place.”
-Elissa Johnk, Trustees, 5/10/2020

I have heard it suggested that a pillar of wisdom is learning to laugh at yourself.  If this is true, some of us should be emerging from these last 15 months like Solomon. None of us knew what was in store, of course, but for quite some time it has felt as if we were constructing a raft while already floating down the rapids, praying there aren’t larger waterfalls ahead.

“If all goes well, we will be able to welcome into the building anyone who wishes to physically attend worship on…”  CLICK HERE to read the full letter

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April 16, 2021 – Covid Update from the Rev. Elissa Johnk

Dear Friends –

This past week marked our two-year anniversary together, and it seems strange to think that the last year has been our own congregational version of a long-distance relationship!  Instead of gathering in our beloved sanctuary, I have been invited into your homes for every meeting, every visit, every worship, every week.  You have offered yourselves in testimony and witness, and I now know how it is you respond to forms of trauma and stress. While these are not the same things we would have learned about each other in any other year, in many ways, it has felt like many years of ministry condensed into one.

But I’ll tell you what I miss (beyond the obvious preaching to a present congregation, communal music, laughter, and prayers) – I miss the hallway conversations. The ways you get to know someone, and what is happening in their life, in passing. The details that are shared over a warm mug of coffee or tea, with children running just a little too fast around your knees.  Like me, I am sure you are eager to get back to this – even if it means forgoing the warm mug.

To this end, I am pleased to tell you that the Covid Response Team (comprised of members of staff, Deacons, Building and Grounds, Personnel and Worship) has been working to establish a plan to get us back to one another as soon as it can be done, and done safely.  Drawing on resources from public health officials, denominational resources, and the wider church, we have developed what we are calling our “PEACE Plan”, which establishes a five-part plan for a phased reopening.

P, or phased-in worship regathering, involves our worship LEADERS coming back to the sanctuary to record our worship for streaming. This will involve staff, lay readers, musicians, leaders, and our new A/V team, to begin to learn the new equipment.  We anticipate this will start in late May or early June, as our staff will (hopefully!) be finishing their vaccinations by this date. Indeed, all who are in the building during this phase will be required to be fully vaccinated, to wear masks, and practice social distancing. There should be no more than ten people in the sanctuary at any given time.

Phase Experimentation will begin shortly thereafter, and will involve staff, worship leaders, and designated groups such as the Trustees, Deacons, Worship Team, or Faith Formation Team, gathering to test out what a hybrid regathering would be like, then discuss it later and make changes based on experiences and science. During this phase masks and distancing will be required, and all present will be required to have at least the first dose of a vaccine. There will be no more than 25 people in the sanctuary at any given time.

Once Phase Experimentation is underway, and we begin to work out the “kinks” of hybrid gatherings, we anticipate Phase A – adding the broader adult congregation – will occur shortly thereafter, hopefully in mid to late June. This is, of course, the phase we are all waiting for!  And, as exciting as this will be for all of us, I want to remind us that this will not look like what it has in the past – there will be no congregational singing, or passing of the peace, attendees will have to register in advance, and masks and distancing will be required.  To move into this phase, a few additional factors will have to be established:

• most of the adult church population has been vaccinated with at least one dose,
• the majority of the Chittenden County adult population has been vaccinated with at least one dose
• No more than 2 percent positivity rate in the County, and 14-day downward trends
• No known presence of vaccine-resistant variants in the area

The next two phases – adding Children, and Everyone! Everywhere! – also have a set of environmental and congregational “triggers”, which we will tell you more about as we get closer to those stages.

I want to reassure you that your Covid team has been incredibly thoughtful about putting together this plan.  A summary of this plan can be found by clicking here.  Please note, however, that this is not locked in stone.  In fact, every part of this plan is subject to change, based on new information or circumstances.  We are putting this out to you simply so you have a better sense of the guiding principles behind our decision making and procedures.  Before each phase is complete, and we move to the next, conversations will be had between the Deacons, Trustees, and Covid Response team, to ensure we are safe to proceed to the next steps.

To help us ensure we are on the right track for you and your family, we have compiled a short survey we hope you will complete.  This will help us evaluate our plan, and consider appropriate steps between phases.  As it has been all year this is a congregation-wide effort, and we really do need to hear from you to make sure we most effectively focus our attention and resources moving forward.

There is an old joke that a man bought his wife a bouquet of 48 roses for their 50^th anniversary.  When she asked why 48, he said “one for every good year.”  She looked at the bouquet and threw out a few more before giving him a kiss.

I know this year has been hard. But with the amount we’ve learned about one another, and ourselves, I would still call it good. So happy anniversary, friends. Here’s to the year ahead, in faith.

Blessings,

The Rev. Elissa Johnk

November 19, 2020 Covid Update from the Rev. Elissa Johnk

September 2020 Update from our Staff & Covid-19 Response Team

GUIDELINES FOR THE CONGREGATION

May 21, 2020: As the country begins to ponder re-emerging from our homes, I am reminded how grateful I am to live in Vermont, which leads the nation in successful response.  As we are consistently reminded, however, now is not the time to lose our diligence.  Even as restrictions are loosened, we are being asked to follow best practices – staying close to home, wearing masks, and limiting social gatherings.
CLICK HERE  for The First Church BTV Covid-19 General Guidelines including guidelines related to: Worship, Team Life, Office and Building Protocol, Pastoral Care, the Possibility Shop and Renters.

UPDATE FROM OUR TASK FOR FOR RE-OPENING

June 18, 2020: In her sermon on workplace relationships this winter, Elissa called worship our “staff meeting.”  It is the place we come to “discuss the issues at hand, encourage one another, and equip ourselves for our particular jobs – spreading the love of God, serving God in the world, each in our respective assignments.”  It has been just over three months since we were able to physically gather for “staff meeting”.
CLICK HERE to read the full update from the Task Force for ReOpening

Transformation & Vision: Our Next Steps

June 2020: Few are the moments in one’s life that are so transformational that you know you are experiencing one in real time: saying “I do”, the birth of a child, the death of a beloved. They are moments so profound, so disorienting – so re-orienting – that you know you will be changed forever.
Pentecost, which we just celebrated in worship, was one such moment for Peter.  Having denied even knowing Jesus three times, at Pentecost he finally had the chance to take it all back – to be who Jesus believed he was: the rock upon which even our church here at 38 South Winooski is founded. Here at First Church, we are in an extraordinary place, because we are living in the middle of two transformational moments at once.
CLICK HERE to read Elissa Johnk’s Message: Transformation & Vision: Our Next Steps

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 COVID-19 precautions in place in Vermont – JUMP has created “JUMP FLEX” – so that phone and email can be used to connect people in need with valuable and much needed direct services. 
  
• Our AA and NA meetings will resume meeting at First Church when they feel comfortable after “stay at home” is lifted. 
• Small Potatoes continues serving Saturday morning breakfast and bag lunch (now outside) at First Church having made 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 in-person events. 
• The Possibility Shop is closed and can not accept any donations at this time.  We are grateful to our volunteers, donors and customers for their generosity and patience.
• The Office will be open from 10-3 Tuesday thru Friday, but most staff will continue working from home for the time being.  To make sure that staff will be present, it is always good to call ahead (802-862-5010, ext.4) before visiting the church.  Ring the doorbell when you arrive.
  • A small crew of volunteers will be regularly disinfecting the common areas for the safety of our office staff and volunteers.

RESOURCES:

• Center for Disease Control Guidelines 
• World Health Organization Guidelines 

What’s Next in the FCCB Vision Process?

 

Please watch the video above featuring: Vision Team member Susan Saunders & the Rev. Elissa Johnk discussing:

• the importance of the March 19 & 26 post-worship vision gatherings;
• where we are in the vision process & discerning next steps together;
• some important “how to’s” for March 19 & 26.

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The March 2023 Vision Group Projects are ready for you!

 

NOTE:  The March 17, 2023 Building & Renovations Report LINKED HERE includes edits and new information.

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The Vision Team published expanded descriptions of the six Vision Projects that received the most votes from the congregation in late May 2022 – including the preliminary proposals that support each of the six areas.  The Vision Team made some change to the process timeline in mid-July – keeping the Vison Project Team registration open through September 15.

Thank you for participating in this important step toward forming a faithful future for First Church!   – The FCCB Vision Team: Rob Backus, Mandy Grace, Tony Hall, Jennifer Jorgenson, Susan Saunders, Charlie Smith, Kipene Tabu, and Claire Bamberg, Consultant

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Learn more about our Vision Process…

• Read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s April 29 letter updating all on our Vision Process HERE
• Read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s May 6 letter on our Vision Process HERE

 

 

The Rev. Dr. Claire Bamberg, Vision Consultant

SPECIAL PROGRAMS were held after worship on April 24, May 1, May 8 & May 15: With our Congregation’s Listening Sessions,  Community Listening Sessions, and Lenten Book Study Groups concluded, we turned our attention to reflecting and sharing ideas as all are were  invited to craft vision proposals (due Sunday May 22) for the whole congregation to consider as we seek to make a difference in the world, in God’s name.

 

 

Catching Up on Visioning?

• CLICK HERE to watch the 5/8/22 Vision Gathering – Week 3
• CLICK HERE to watch the 5/1/22 Vision Gathering – Week 2
• CLICK HERE to watch the 4/24/22 Vision Gathering – Week 1
• CLICK HERE to watch all or portions of the recordings of the April 24, May 1 and May 8 worship services.  These services included leadership from our Vision Team, our Vision Team consultant the Rev. Dr. Claire Bamberg, and participants in the three Lenten Book Study experiences and highlight our visioning process.
• Vision proposals were due on Sunday May 22. Proposals were invited – and online and printable templates were provided.

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Getting caught up with visioning at First Church – here’s more about the process we started in 2020:

We started by asking what you thought in a series of cottage meetings during 2021. 
Here’s what the congregation had to say:

• “What Brought You Here?” –  CLICK HERE
• “Why Have You Stayed?” –  CLICK HERE
• “What is your vision for First Church, 3-5 years from now?” –  CLICK HERE
• “What do you think it will take to get from where we are today to your vision of ourfuture?” – CLICK HERE

 

In response to your feedback, we selected these books to read as a congregation.
Check them out to catch up:

• Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It) by Robert D. Lupton, 2011  “Toxic Charity shows us how to start serving needy and impoverished members of our communities in a way that will lead to lasting, real-world change.”
• Praying with Our Feet: Pursuing Justice and Healing on the Streetsby Lindsey Krinks – 2021   “Readers looking for ways to get involved in their communities will find plenty to motivate them in Krinks’s personal testament.”  –Publishers Weekly
• An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz – 2014  “The first history of the United States told from the perspective of indigenous peoples.”
  • Check at the Church Office if you are interested in borrowing a copy – we are circulating a few copies of each book: [email protected]
• The Rev. Elissa Johnk’s 2022 Lenten Sermon Series: Discerning a Communal Vision” – March 6 through April 10 lifted up the responses to the four questions from our many Vision Cottage Meetings – and introduced the three books selected for our Lenten Book Study.    Similarly – the worship services led by our Vison Team on April 24, May and May 8 – also lift up the themes of these three books.
  • You can find these worship services using this LINK to our website’s Sermons Online page.

 

What is the vision process?  

1. Our Vision Team was formally commissioned and charged* by the congregation in late summer of 2020.  The Team meets regularly, collaborating with consultant, the Rev. Dr. Claire Bamberg, church leaders, the congregation, and community members – to engage us in developing a plan for the future mission and ministries of First Church that will include a set of goals and a strategic plan to guide us over the next decade.

* To read the Vision Team’s original charge, and documents such as their 2020 and 2021 Annual Reports – use this LINK to go to our Vision Team website page and scroll down.

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:

• October is Neighbors In Need Month in the UCC
• 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

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2023 Stewardship Campaign: The First Congregational Church Stewardship Campaign – which began in November 2022 – supports building a missions and ministries budget for 2023.  To date we have received 126 of a hoped for 130 pledges from members and friends of First Church.

Pledges for the 2023 year are invited now as our leaders work to prepare an operating budget for First Church to present to the congregation for vote on February 5 during our Annual Meeting.  Of course, pledged giving is needed and invited throughout the year and new pledges are always welcome.  Please join in supporting the ministries and missions of First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington – CLICK HERE online pledge information.

• CLICK HERE to read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s Dedication Sunday letter to the congregation.

Welcome to Stewardship 2023:

Stewardship Team Chair, Steve Hyde welcomes the congregation to “Stewardship 2023 during worship on October 30 (video: 3 minutes). 

The Rev. Elissa Johnk’s November 2022 letter to the congregation:

Faith, without works, is dead. 

At least, so writes James, brother of Jesus in his letter to the earliest Christians. If you have faith, but it is not shown in your life, what is the point? If it serves only you, is it really faith – of the Jesus-following kind – at all? These are the questions of our stewardship season, and they are the questions of the Gospel itself. If it is in God we trust, then how is it that with God we do? …  CLICK HERE to read more

PLEDGING for 2023:  Our church leaders and Stewardship Team are inviting your 2023 pledges in support of the ministries and missions of First Congregational Church.

• CLICK HERE to open the 2023 Stewardship Brochure
• CLICK HERE to make your 2023 pledge to First Church online  – OR – you can pledge thru your First Church Realm Account.  If you have yet to access your First Church Realm Account – please contact our Office Manager, Caroline Catlin at [email protected]
• Or… MAIL in your pledge using the pledge card linked below – or – please request a printed copy from the Church Office (802 862 5010, ext. 4).
• CLICK HERE to access a printable copy of the pledge card to print and mail.
• CLICK HERE to complete a Time & Talent Pledge Card for 2023. We are also inviting you to pledge your time/talents in support of the missions and ministries of First Church.

Thank you!

2022 Stewardship Messages

2021 Stewardship Videos