Worship in person or online renews our spirits and inspires our action in the world.
Worship takes place every Sunday at 9:45 AM in our beautiful Sanctuary and 11:30 AM in our North Wing – both spaces that have provided safe havens for generations. The first service blends tradition with relevance, and programs for children, from Nursery to Grade 5, are available. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. Our second worship offering is more casual and contemporary featuring a band and flow-style worship. Bagels and coffee are available throughout the gathering.
We are located at 38 South Winooski Ave, near Church Street Marketplace in Downtown Burlington. Accessible parking, including a drop-off area and a public garage offering free Sunday parking, is available. On-site parking is limited, with spaces reserved for those with physical challenges. Our fully accessible facility includes power-assisted doors, an elevator, accessible restrooms on each level, and wheelchairs or walkers available.
Our 9:45 AM Festival Service is streamed live on the FirstChurchBTV YouTube Channel each week. Watch recordings of our services (below) to get a sense of the worship life of our community.
Regardless of which service you attend, worship at First Congregational Church of Burlington combines inspiring preaching, meaningful music, and inclusive theology – always highlighting the ways the gospel is still very much unfolding in our own lives and the world around us. Music in the 9:45 Festival Service is intentionally diverse and could include ensembles, organ, choral anthems and traditional and reimagined hymns on any given Sunday. At The Table at 11:30, music is led by a full band and blends contemporary arrangements with progressive theology.
Sacraments are offered at both services, including Baptism and Holy Communion, rooted in our values of inclusivity and affirmation. Unique worship opportunities throughout the year, such as Pride Sunday, Church Without Walls, Jazz Sunday, and interfaith exchanges add to the vibrant worshipping life at First Church.
Programming around the 9:45 service is designed with young families in mind. Children are warmly welcomed with a special message before heading to their Peer Groups.
*Note that at this time, children’s programming is not available during the 11:30 service.
Our space might seem formal, but you’ll see people dressed however they feel most comfortable, from jeans and snarky T-shirts, to dolled up in their Sunday best. Please be yourself in every sense! We have an All Gender Restroom available, changing tables (and extra diapers and wipes!) for little ones, fidget bags full of toys and coloring activities for, and a comfy rocking chair for feeding and soothing babies. We believe children are an integral part of our church life, and it’s not uncommon to hear a wide range of baby sounds.
Creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space is what it means to be a church. There are no rules for entry – people of all beliefs, doubts, and questions worship here. We know those of us who are Queer have often been rejected or harmed by church. This is not that. When we say you belong here, we mean it. People of all ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, marital status, or physical, cognitive, or emotional abilities participate fully in our life together. We offer assistive hearing devices, and our ushers in the entryways are ready to offer assistance. We also have wiggle seats for kiddos who may have sensory difficulties or anyone who struggles with sitting for longer periods. There is space in the back of the sanctuary to get up and move as you need.
A church is not a building, or a worship service. It is its people… but, it can be hard to get to know one another when you’re sitting in the pews. That’s why we believe in coffee hour! Following the worship service, head over to the chapel for coffee, tea, snacks, and most importantly, a chance to meet and connect with other church members and visitors. Find out what brought others here and why they keep coming back. The Outreach and Connections Teams regularly host a variety of service and social activities during this time – all are invited to join in. Whether you’re an extrovert, introvert, or somewhere in between, come, actually meet the folks in the pews around you.
It can be challenging to walk into a new church for the first time. Our FAQ section below can help. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out through the contact button below—we’re here to help!
Our more traditional Festival Worship gathers at 9:45AM every Sunday in the Sanctuary. The Table, our casual, contemporary worship offering gathers at 11:30 in the North Wing.
Yes, our facilities are fully accessible, with power-assisted doors, an elevator serving three floors, and accessible restrooms on each level.
Our worship creatively weaves contemporary elements throughout a more traditional liturgical structure – creating an intentionally inclusive space where all might be able to encounter the Divine.
Absolutely! Children are welcome in worship! We also offer children’s programming for those 0-5th grade during the service so you can choose the option that works best for your family.
Holy Communion is offered on the first Sunday of each month and is open to all, including children.
Come as you are! We welcome you in whatever attire feels comfortable for worship.
Yes, limited on-site parking is available, for first time visitors and those with physical challenges. Street parking is widely available and free on Sundays as is the parking garage across the street.
Yes, our 9:45 AM service is livestreamed via YouTube @firstchurchbtv for those who prefer to participate online.
In our 9:45 gathering, you’ll hear a mix of traditional hymns, contemporary music, and special pieces that range from Enya and Bob Dylan to the Beatles and the Greatest Showman. Music is led by our choir and often supported by the organ and bell choir.
In our 11:30 gathering, music is led by our band and is more contemporary pop/rock/gospel in nature.
Yes, we offer services for Star Sunday (Epiphany) Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, Jazz Sunday, PRIDE Sunday, Gathering Sunday, Service-Service Sunday, throughout the season of Advent, and on Christmas Eve.
