All are invited to worship at 10am on SUNDAY OCTOBER 2 – in person at First Church or virtually on our YouTube channel.

JOINT WORSHIP SERVICES: The College Street Congregational and First Congregational Church – Burlington’s UCC faith communities are coming together for two joint worship services on Sundays October 2 and 9.

On Sunday October 2 – both congregations will worship at First Church.  All in the wider community – and all connected with both congregations – are invited to worship at First Church at 10am as the Rev. Elissa Johnk and the Rev. Ken White will co-lead worship inviting all to celebrate communion in community.  As UCC congregations, both offer communion to all on the first Sunday of every month.  You are invited – if celebrating communion will be a first for you – or if you have been at the communion table hundreds of times.

Sunday October 9th – will also be a joint service for the congregations.  “Service Service Sunday” will start at the College Street Church at 10am – the details are below.

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WORSHIP at First Church or Online:

You are invited to worship with First Church at 10am on Sundays in our Sanctuary at 38 South Winooski Avenue in Burlington OR on the FirstChurchBTV YouTube Channel. Worship services are live-streamed at 10am on Sundays on and the recordings are available on our YouTube channel anytime following the worship service. Fellowship time follows worship at First Church and online on Zoom) following the live-stream of worship.

Worshiping remotely?

• To view the live stream (or later recording) of the Sunday August 21 10am worship –  click on the graphic above or use this link: FirstChurchBTV YouTube Channel
• CLICK HERE for the October 2, 2022 Order of Worship
• CLICK HERE for the October 2, 2022 Announcements
• CLICK HERE for the October 2, 2022 Music Insert
• CLICK HERE for more information about the “Good Enough” Book Discussion Groups
• Giving to First Church? For more information use this LINK
• Visiting First Church in person or remotely? Complete our Welcome Card using this LINK
• CLICK HERE for information about VT Prop 2
• CLICK HERE to receive the First Church e-Newsletter

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A NOTE FROM OUR REGATHERING TEAM: Our Team continues to meet regularly. Summer updates to our guidelines include optional mask wearing for all speaking from the pulpit and for those not singing while playing the organ or piano.   CLICK HERE for information about our guidelines adjusting on October 2, 2022 with masks wearing becoming recommended rather than required as of 10/2/22.

CLICK HERE to read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s September 16, 2022 letter that addresses the upcoming regathering guideline changes.

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October 9 is Service-Service Sunday:  Our two congregations will be together for a brief worship service at 10am with prayer and song at the College Street Church – followed by service projects for all ages for both congregations. There will be a service for every age and ability.

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GOOD ENOUGH – SERMON SERIES & DISUCSSION GROUPS:  What if your life isn’t perfect?  Or the world?  Is your faith “good enough”, and how do you tell?   ‘

• Kate Bowler’s book: Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection will shape our fall sermon series, asking us to examine deeply, compassionately, and with humor, the ways our faith life can support us in these challenging times. 

• Book discussion groups are forming now, to discuss this highly praised national bestseller. A variety of option are offered with groups meeting in person and on Zoom – at various times on different days – and there is a men’s group being organized.
• Copies of the book are available at Church for $15 – the book is also readily available from other sources.
• ONLINE SIGN UP FORM: For more information about times/days of the groups that are organizing &/or to let us know that you want to participate in a group – &/or to reserve a copy of the book – please sign up online using this LINK: https://bit.ly/goodenough2022 or contact the Church Office at [email protected] with your contact information.

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The Rev. Elissa Johnk invites all to participate in a conversational Bible Study – on Zoom – on Thursday mornings at 8:30am.  All are welcome and invited.  CLICK HERE for the Zoom link. Or call in: 301-715-8592, then enter 951-190-153# –  https://zoom.us/j/951190153

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What’s Prop 2 All About?

Vermont Voters will see Prop 2 – a VT constitutional amendment abolishing slavery – on the ballot next November.  Learn what it’s all about and consider signing the “Prop 2 Pledge” using the card now available at church on Sundays or online using this LINK

• Watch a video of the February VIA – Vermont Interfaith Action – educational event at FirstChurchBTV about VT Prop 2 – HERE

CLICK HERE or n the graphic to learn more about the community events listed.

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In the Midway Art Gallery 

In the exhibit “Behind the Hands” photographer Jorge Carlos Alvarez Diaz focuses on the lives of Vermont’s migrant farm workers.  The exhibit – open to all – is currently in our Midway Art Gallery.Through their focus on immigration issues with VT Interfaith Action, our Outreach Team learned about the photo exhibit now on display in the Midway Art Gallery.

The exhibit includes two sets of photos by Jorge Carlos Alvarez Diaz.  The “Hands that Speak” images— are paired with Dartmouth College student interviews with migrant workers at six dairy farms.  The interviews and photos seek to bridge cultural barriers and tell the stories of essential workers who, though our neighbors, are nearly invisible in VT society.

The second set of photos: “Look Me In The Eyes; Face to Face with People on the Other Side of the Wall” are images taken at a Mexican border wall by Diaz in an effort “to unveil everything that darkens the judgment towards these faces. It is a genuine avenue to open artistic windows of empathy.”   Diaz sees photography serving as a “witness, language and sense of communication enriching culture.”

The Midway Art Gallery is open on Sunday mornings and during Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10am to 3pm.

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STORY-TELLERS WANTED! We’re organizing a FirstChurchBTV Moth-style story telling event for October Friday October 21 – from 6:30pm to 8pm.  All are invited!

The theme is, “Toto, I have a felling we aren’t in Kansas anymore!”

We are looking for stories of surprise and unusual context. Do you have a story to tell? Haven’t told a story to a group?  We will support you and help you through it!

Stories create connection and build community – let’s have some fun!

• Interested in learning more? Contact Steve Hyde at:
  • 802-598-3864 or
  • [email protected]

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CLICK HERE to learn more about making music at First Church!

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2022- 2023 Youth Programs – A Burlington UCC Collaboration:  The College Street Church & First Congregational Church UCC

YOUTH PROGRAMS: We are happy to share that our collaboration with the College Street Church will be on-going and that the fall calendar for youth programs is taking shape!  For details make sure that you subscribe to our Church Newsletter. Families with middle and high school youth are encouraged to contact Hilah Clarke, Director of Faith Formation ([email protected]) to be added to the e-list for youth program updates.

 The Youth Program update for  September 30 is LINKED HERE

First Church & College Street Youth are participating in the 2022 CROP HUNGER WALK on October 16

Our Burlington UCC Youth Group is teaming up with the South Hero youth group to raise funds and awareness for the 2022 CROP Hunger Walk, and we’re inviting you to join us!

CROP Hunger Walks are community-led interfaith events that raise funds to end hunger locally AND around the world. Your participation impacts individuals and families in more than 35 countries. In many developing nations, people could walk up to six miles a day to get food and water. One in nine people worldwide lack access to clean water and a healthy diet. We walk to show solidarity and to bring awareness while raising funds for permanent change.

You can join us on the walk on October 16, 1pm at the Congregational Church of South Hero and/or sponsor us on our walk. To do so, please visit this website and click “Join the Team” to sign up for the walk, or click “Make a Donation” support us: https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2022/team/youth-group   If you prefer to donate with check/cash, please contact Youth Leader, Jason Vanderlaan at [email protected]

Thank you so much for your support!   – Jason

CLICK HERE for the “Sermons Online” page of this website – giving you access to video recordings of many past worship services at First Church.

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The Outreach Team is organizing a group of 5-6 individuals/families who will commit to contributing a meal once per month for people living at Burlington’s Anew Place. Interested? Please contact Reid Willis of our Outreach Team at: [email protected] for more information.

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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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Requirements  & Limitations include: Masks are required; physical distancing required;  limited number of shoppers at a time (you may need to wait for your turn to shop).

• • • 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:  Warm winter outerwear for children and youth.
    • 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.

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JOB OPENING – SECURITY STAFF:  Learn more HERE

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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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CLICK HERE to read the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s September 16, 2022 letter that includes some upcoming regathering guideline changes planned for October 2, 2022

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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 

We’ve shared the six Vision Projects that received the most votes from the congregation – and have published expanded descriptions of the Vision Projects – 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. Learn more by opening the online sign up form HERE.

• Participate in a Vision Project Team:
  • Learn more and sign up for a Vision Project Team using our ONLINE SIGN UP FORM by September 15.
  • Paper sign up forms are also available at church, or contact Caroline in the Church Office (802 862 5010, ext. 4; [email protected]).
  • CLICK HERE to learn more about each of the six Vision Projects and use this information to decide which team to join.

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 our current special offerings – and about making a pledge to support First Church during 2022.

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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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2022 Stewardship Campaign

LOOKING AHEAD to 2022: The First Congregational Church 2022 Stewardship Campaign was initiated in November 2021.   Pledged giving is needed and invited throughout the year.  As 2022 begins, we have yet to meet our pledging goal for 2022 but we are close!  Please join in supporting the ministries and missions of First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington – CLICK HERE for the online pledge form.

HOW IS GOD CALLING YOU? Like everyone, I have particular thoughts and values associated with money. After reading Richard Rohr’s daily meditation for September 22, 2021, “Rights and Responsibilities,” I’ve taken a second look. The meditation is a reflection on the parable in Luke about the nobleman who gives his servants money, and instructs them to do business with it while he is away. Don’t hide it, put it to good use, consider the possibilities. One servant hid the money out of fear of losing it, and he was strongly condemned by his master. In this stewardship campaign, the Stewardship Team asks you to consider the possibilities, many of which are presented in this brochure. These possibilities can become a reality with your financial pledge and a pledge of your time and talents. – Steve Hyde, Stewardship Team Chair

CLICK HERE to open the 2022 Stewardship Brochure

CLICK HERE to open the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s Stewardship Letter

PLEDGING:  Our church leaders and Stewardship Team are inviting your 2022 Pledges in support of the ministries and missions of First Congregational Church.

CLICK HERE to make your 2022 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 2022 . 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