Love Your Neighbor
We take seriously Jesus’ call to love our neighbor – whether it’s the person sitting next to us in church, the community gathered around our porch, or our friends around the world – compassion is what happens when we put our faith into action.
We offer a variety of ways to serve the Burlington community. Our church chapel is the site of the JUMP (Joint Urban Ministries Program) offices and drop-in center. Saturday breakfasts are offered by “Small Potatoes,” for those facing food insecurity. Volunteers support initiatives such as Dismas House, Meals on Wheels, and monthly racial justice vigils. The church also does justice and advocacy work for systemic issues including through our partnership with Vermont Interfaith Action.
As a Congregational church, we rely on members to coordinate programs and events, volunteer in Sunday School, spruce up the building, serve on planning teams, and govern the church. We ask all of our members to participate in the life of the church by finding a way to serve here so we can continue to be and build the church God is calling us to be.
Whether on a trip to Puerto Rico or India, fundraising for a disaster, or learning about the culture and values of another country, we serve the world through action and relationship.
One Sunday a month, the Outreach Team hosts a harm reduction kit assembly line after worship in compassionate response to those suffering with open wounds and sores in our community. Kits are distributed through the Howard Center.
At Christmas, the Outreach Team works with local organizations and church members to organize various ways to share the spirit of generosity and hope throughout First Church and the wider Burlington community.
Since the murder of George Floyd, one Sunday a month, all are invited to bear witness and solidarity standing in front of the church in silent vigil. Signs are available to borrow, or folks can bring their own.
One Sunday a month, the church offers phone-in, pro-bono legal clinics to anyone in need of legal assistance.
Throughout the year, we work to ensure positive relationships with our neighbors through regular trash pickups, often stopping to connect with folks along the way.
We provide financial, volunteer, and facility support to JUMP, an interfaith initiative offering direct services, advocacy, and spiritual care to those in need. Since 1990, JUMP has operated at FCCB and now provides both online and in-person services.
We partner with Burlington Friends Meeting to host a weekly Saturday breakfast and bag lunch, supported by volunteers and staff. Volunteers are needed monthly to make sandwiches.
For over 30 years, our volunteers have prepared and shared meals monthly with residents of Burlington’s Dismas House, which provides transitional housing for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Volunteers are a vital part of our Ministry. We rely on their contributions to make our programs happen.
Want to help but not sure where to start? Join our list of on-call volunteers for rides, visits, meals, event support, and other needs across the church.
All our events and programs take a support team! Support teams setup tables and chairs, run A/V, coordinate publicity, and cook up some refreshments among other things.
Join our Welcome Crew! Every Sunday, we need volunteers to greet, usher, serve coffee, and help in the nursery and Sunday School.
Our church ministries and missions are led by various Teams, including Buildings and Grounds, Personnel, Stewardship, Faith Formation, Connections, Vitality, and Worship. We invite those with gifts or a calling to contribute their time and talents.
Our church building and outdoor space require regular upkeep to remain clean, safe, and welcoming. We often need volunteers to help with tasks like cleaning, painting, and picking up litter.
VIA’s mission is to address systemic issues that prevent vulnerable citizens from experiencing the quality of life God intends. We support VIA through financial contributions, volunteer assistance, and participation in their events and campaigns.
The First Church Climate Justice Team is focused on learning and discerning strategies to care for the earth. This includes educational awareness campaigns, in-church programs, and advocacy work.
Whether a flood response in Vermont or a hurricane response in Puerto Rico, the church has sent relief teams to support rebuilding and assisting with local efforts.
The Possibility Shop, our volunteer-run thrift store, offers affordable clothing and household items while supporting sustainable use practices and raising funds for church ministries. For those who need, vouchers are available through JUMP. Donations and regular volunteers are always welcome. Open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am – 3pm.
