Pine Ridge Reservation Service-Learning Trip Fundraiser

March 29, 2026
11:00 AM, Chidley Hall

Join us at Palm Sunday Coffee Hour!

Learn more about Re-Member, our hosts for the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your pledging participation is vital to the life and health of our church. Pledging helps us be more intentional with our giving, and it is one of many ways we show our commitment to our faith community. We invite you to learn more about how your giving impacts our church and bolsters its ability to support the larger community in need.

What is a pledge? How do I make one?

A pledge is a statement of intention—a monetary reflection of support for the next year for First Congregational Church and the wider community. Each year, we are all asked to make a thoughtful, prayerful and faithful intention to financially support the mission and ministries of our church. Pledging is just one of many aspects of being part of the First Congregational Church.  Just as we join in faith through worship, prayer, ministries and missions, pledging is the monetary reflection of support for our church community. Pledges are confidential, non-binding, and no pledge is too small. 100% of your pledge goes to support active FCCW ministries and we are blessed to receive pledges from a diverse group—active members of the church, new acquaintances, and remote friends of FCCW!

Pledging is a helpful planning tool for the coming year, both for you and for the church. By communicating the amount that you intend to give for the 2026 calendar year to support the operating budget, you allow the church to understand the level of anticipated annual giving by members and participants and help us to set our annual budget.  Pledges are not binding in the event that your financial circumstances change; you may communicate your change in intentions at any time during the year by confidentially contacting the Treasurer, Janet Hall.

To communicate your pledge intention, you can click the button below to make a confidential and secure pledge. You may also mail the pledge card you received in the mail to the church or email or call the Treasurer to communicate your pledge.

Secure Pledge Form

This information goes securely to our church office administrator. Pledge amounts are known only by the Treasurer, Associate Treasurer, Financial Resources Ministry Chair, Lead Pastor and Office Administrator. 

Why is my pledge important?

The ministries and mission of First Congregational Church are solely supported by the generosity, energy, and commitment of its members and friends—present and past. Our congregational community follows a transparent annual budgeting process, consistently aligning the church’s work with its financial resources. Your pledge gives the church a realistic view of the total support we are blessed with to put to work.

How does my gift make a difference?

Your faithful giving supports real spiritual and practical needs in the FCCW community and beyond. Our church makes lives better through worship, prayer, mission, Christian education, and outreach, among other ways. Giving in proportion to our blessings provides the church buoyancy in times of plenty and times of want.

Where does the money come from and where does it go?

You may (or may not) be surprised to learn that, unlike some other denominations, the ministries and mission of First Congregational Church in Winchester are solely supported by the generosity, energy, and commitment of its members and participants—present and past. 

Sources of Operating Funds 2025

Of our 2025 budgeted annual operating income:

• 63% came from pledges
• 19% came from an annual draw from our endowment
• 12% came from rental income
• 3% came from non-pledge giving
• 3% came from other income

Uses of Operating Funds 2025

• Care of Historic Building  30%
• Worship, Ritual & Livestream  21%
• Music & Arts  11%
• Mission & Outreach  9%
• Faith Formation for All Ages 11%
• Church Office Operations  7%
• Pastoral & Congregational Care  7%
• Ministries Administration  4%

How much do people pledge? How much should I pledge?

The average pledge in the previous stewardship campaign was $5,837, the median pledge (half above, half below) was $2,450, and the most frequent amount pledged was $1,000.

This chart summarizes the various levels of pledging for this past year, 2025.

Each family considers a pledge amount that is appropriate for them. We ask that individuals and families make a pledge that is faithful to the goals and mission of the church and one that is meaningful based on their financial situation.  Might you consider stepping up one level for next year? Perhaps you could consider a 6% increase from your last year’s pledge in recognition of the 6% Cost of Living Adjustment anticipated for personnel salaries next year. New confirmands are encouraged to talk over with their families whether to begin pledging independently.

Do only members pledge?

Both members and non-member participants pledge. 59% of active households pledged in the previous Stewardship Campaign. Our church needs the support of all of its faith community, whether officially covenanted members or not, and all are encouraged to pledge. If you haven’t pledged before, please consider pledging this year and help us meet our participation goal of 65% of all active households (member and non-member).

How can I pay my pledge?

You may pay your pledge weekly, monthly, quarterly, in lump sums, or according to any schedule you choose. Several families pay their full pledge at the beginning of the year to help with the church’s cash flow needs.

There are many ways you can make your pledge payments. They are:

• Use Venmo
• Use Vanco for Electronic Funds Transfer EFT (an automated, periodic method)
• Write a check
• Put cash in the offering plate during Worship
• Give appreciated stock
• Use Paypal (3% fee deducted from your payment amount)

Read more about each method of payment.

Can I give without pledging?

All gifts to the church are welcomed and appreciated – they all go to support the mission and ministries for doing good in the world, for making God’s love and justice real in the world, and to help people’s lives for the better—within and beyond our doors.

Annual pledging provides the added benefit of helping us to clarify each fall how much money will be available to carry out those missions and ministries for the year, and thereby helps us plan our budget. This is critical information for making careful, purposeful decisions about church activities, ministry and maintenance. 

On a personal level, pledging helps to transform your giving into a spiritual practice; you make an intentional commitment to God and to your church family, and fulfilling it becomes a regular practice just like attendance at worship, praying, or serving our broader faith community by volunteering your time.

Do we receive financial support from our denomination, the UCC?

No financial resources come to the church from our larger denomination, the UCC.  In fact, our church in Winchester provides its financial support to the UCC and the Southern New England Conference (MA, RI, CT) each year. We do this as a part of our covenantal relationship with our denomination so together with other churches we can have a larger impact upon the needs around the world, including medical debt relief, hurricane disaster relief and other urgent needs in the US and worldwide.

I have more questions – who can I ask?

Please contact Ed Valeriano, Chair of the Financial Resources Ministry, our Treasurer Janet Hall, or any member of the Financial Resources Ministry. You can also visit our stewardship page.

Secure Pledge Form

Do you enjoy belting out tunes in the car? Has someone told you have a nice singing voice? Or maybe you played an instrument as a kid and miss your musical side? If any of this sounds like you, you should join our choir!

The choir is open to anyone from middle school age on up. We rehearse on Thursdays at 7:30, and we meet at 9:15 on Sunday morning before the service to iron out any last minute kinks and to get organized. Its helpful if you can read music, even if you’re a little rusty.

Come when you can. If you can’t make it every week, that’s OK. We’re happy to have you join us anytime. And if you’re just curious, come join us on a Thursday evening to read through the music and see what we do. No pressure to sing on Sunday.

We hope to see you on an upcoming Thursday at 7:30!

Top 10 Reasons for Joining the Choir

1. We laugh a lot. Really.
2. We share a love of music.
3. We care about each other
4. Even if you are rusty or have been away for a long time, you are welcome!
5. We pray together.
6. We laugh a lot. Really.
7. We are diverse in age and stage and respect one another.
8. We express our faith through the preparation and sharing of music.
9. We honor the worship service and enjoy the privilege of participating.
10. We laugh a lot. Really. God hears our prayers and smiles with us.

Our handbell choir, the Carilloneers, continue to ring with joy and abandon. If you are interested in ringing the gleaming handbells, please contact Jane Ring Frank for more info. We meet on Monday evenings, and our schedule is fluid and accommodating!

Saturday, May 10, 2025, 9:00 AM – Noon

Live in-person from the stunning Ripley Chapel at First Congregational Church, Winchester. Jane Ring Frank, certified SoulCollage® facilitator, will offer a workshop to embody this deep, spiritual practice.

SoulCollage® is a collage process for accessing your intuitive wisdom. Even though this is an “art project,” it is accessible, and anyone can do it. You don’t need to be an artist to create beautiful SoulCollage® cards with rich meaning and messages for your life. 

All materials and direction are included to inspire your creative journey. Using scissors, glue, images, photos, and 8” X 5” mat board, you will be led on a path of self-discovery. We are all born creative and spend our adult lives separating ourselves from that natural spark. No art experience necessary. If you have attended in the past, please feel free to participate!

SoulCollage® offers grace-filled, quiet space to fuel your own forgotten flow of calm and creativity during this season of rebirth!

You must register to attend. To register for the workshop, please contact Jane Ring Frank at 857-919-0983 or at jane@fcc-winchester.org. Registration is limited to 10 participants. Although there is no charge for the workshop, a freewill offering will be taken. All materials, snacks, and drinks are included. 

Love and imagination are magicians who create an image of the Beloved in your mind
With which you share your secret intimate moments.
This apparition is made of nothing at all, but from its mouth comes the question,
– Am I not your Loved One?’
and from you the soft reply ‘Yes. Yes. Yes.’
—Rumi 

Where the twang of Classic Country meets the grit of Southern Soul!

Saturday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.

From the stunning Ripley Chapel, live in person and live streamed!

Ripley Presents is pleased to welcome back Hank Wonder—a dynamic trio of musicians who return to Ripley Chapel with their special blend of songcraft and music making.

Purchase Tickets

“When you combine such fine musicianship, great songwriting, and tight ensemble playing, you’re going to end up with a fresh, enjoyable sound. Hank Wonder = good music.”

—Audience member James Gerke, Ripley Chapel, 2020

Somewhere on the musical map, where the twang of Classic Country meets the grit of Southern Soul, Hank Wonder marks a detour down a sonic stretch of unpaved road. The Boston-based trio of Annie Bartlett (fiddle and viola), Darren Buck (vocals), and Michael Loria (guitar) first came together in 2013 and have since crafted their very own soulful blend of Americana: equal parts down home and gussied up.

In November 2016, Hank Wonder recorded its debut album with producer and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Rose (Elephant Revival, Barnstar). “Little Mysteries” soon emerged as a strong set of 12 originals – tales of Downeast canoe rides, fables of reckless children, and odes to fine bourbon. Released in 2021 and with producer and multi-instrumentalist Zachariah Hickman (Josh Ritter, Ray LaMontagne. Mark Erelli, Barnstar!) at the helm, “Waylaid” features a stellar cast of guest musicians and vibrant harmonies.

“Put this album on and you will feel like you are loading up the camper van for a trip. Maybe it will be to somewhere Hank Wonder is playing.”

—Perry Persoff, WUMB (91.9FM)

Purchase Tickets Here

$20 General Admission In Person or Live Streamed, $5 Student

For more information about the concert, please contact Jane Ring Frank, Minister of Worship and the Arts at 857-919-0983 or at jane@fcc-winchester.org

 IMPORTANT NOTE: Ripley Chapel can be found at First Congregational Church, Winchester, 21 Church St. The entry is located on the Vine Street side of the church. Please use the accessible ramp entrance, and Ripley Chapel will be directly to your right as you enter the building.

Friday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.
Featuring pianist Scott Nicholas and artists from Boston Conservatory

Live in-person and livestreamed from the stunning Ripley Chapel at First Congregational Church, Winchester. On Cupid’s significant celebration day of romance, please join us for A Valentine’s Day Cabaret, featuring artists and Masters students from Boston Conservatory.

Keyboardist and arranger, Scott Nicholas has put together a program that examines the many facets of love: flirtation, infatuation, romance, heartache, and memories of lost love. Solos, duets, trios about the successful – and failed – forms love can take. The music will include Broadway and cabaret favorites. From Gershwin’s “I’ve Got a Crush on You” to Jason Robert Brown’s “It All Fades Away,” this Valentine’s Day Cabaret is sure to delight and amuse.

The concert features Masters Students: Chicago performer Rachel Klippel; singer/actor Joey Nicoletti; musical theatre singer, Brianna Meikle. 

Musical Director/Arranger Scott Nicholas is an accomplished pianist known as much for exceptional sensitivity to the performers he accompanies as for his technique. With a repertoire spanning classical and musical theater, Scott has appeared throughout the U.S. and internationally in solo and chamber performances and has accompanied such preeminent singers as Nancy Armstrong, Robert Honeysucker, and Jessica Cooper. In addition, he has served as the rehearsal and performance pianist for the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, the Borromeo String Quartet, the US Airforce Clarinet Ensemble, Longwood Opera, the Minnesota Opera, the Boston Secession, and the Leontyne Price Vocal Arts Competition, among others.

Tickets are $20 general admission; Students are $5 – both live and livestreamed. 

Click here for tickets

For more information, contact Jane Ring Frank, Minister of Worship and the Arts at 857-919-0983.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Ripley Chapel can be found at First Congregational Church, Winchester, 21 Church St. The entry is located on the Vine Street side of the church. Please use the accessible ramp entrance, and Ripley Chapel will be directly to your right as you enter the building.

Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families
On View June 1 – 9, 2024

Weekdays 9 AM-3 PM and Sunday afternoons

Celebrate pride through beautiful, empowering, first-hand accounts of trans, nonbinary, and gender-fluid experiences. From Massachusetts-based Family Diversity Projects, this exhibit uses stunning photography and rich stories to challenge damaging myths and stereotypes about trans and nonbinary people, educate people about these communities, and help make the world a safer, more connected, and more empathetic place.

Authentic Selves is on view at Ripley Chapel (21 Church St, Winchester, MA), weekdays (9:00 – 3:00 and Sunday afternoon) from June 1 until June 9, with special programming on the following dates, no registration required:

Town Day: June 1, 10 AM-2 PM
Gallery Talk: June 2, 11:15 AM-12:15 PM
PRIDEFest: June 4, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

For more information, contact Rev. Maeve Hammond or Jane Ring Frank. We hope to see you there!

Ripley Chapel can be found at First Congregational Church, Winchester, 21 Church St. The entry to the building is located on the Vine Street side of the church. Please use the accessible ramp entrance, and Ripley Chapel will be directly to your right as you enter the building.

Walk. Dream. Imagine. Create.

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM – Noon

Jane Ring Frank, certified SoulCollage® facilitator, will offer a workshop in the stunning Ripley Chapel that incorporates the church’s beautiful Reno Garden labyrinth with a deep spiritual SoulCollage® practice.

SoulCollage® is a collage process for accessing your intuitive wisdom. Even though this is an “art project,” it is accessible, and anyone can do it. You don’t need to be an artist to create beautiful SoulCollage® cards with rich meaning and messages for your life. We will couple our “soul” work with a labyrinth walk—in the church’s peaceful Reno Garden. The labyrinth inspires us to quiet the mind, recover balance in life, enhance creativity and encourages meditation, insight, self-reflection and a closer union with the Creator. 

It is an opportunity to breathe and to explore our inner landscape using SoulCollage® as creative expression and the labyrinth to ground, integrate and deepen our experiences. SoulCollage® and a Labyrinth walk offer grace-filled space to fuel our own forgotten flow of calm and creativity within a busy Spring season.

All materials and direction are included to inspire your creative journey. Using scissors, glue, images, photos, and 8” X 5” mat board, you will be led on a path of self-discovery. No art experience necessary. If you have attended in the past, please feel free to participate!

You must register to attend. Registration is limited to 10 participants. To register for the workshop, please contact Jane Ring Frank by email or at 857-919-0983. Although there is no charge for the workshop, a freewill offering will be taken. All materials, snacks, and drinks are included. 

“If you travel far enough, one day you will recognize yourself coming down the road to meet you and you will say yes.”
Marion Woodman

Travails to Triumphs: An Evening of Fortitude and Hope through Music

Featuring Sarah Bob, pianist

Friday, December 8, 2023, 7:30 p.m.

Live in-person and livestreamed from the stunning Ripley Chapel at First Congregational Church

Please join us for dynamic and virtuosic evening of solo piano music featuring Sarah Bob, pianist. The program highlights exciting, moving, and inventive music–offering fortitude and hope in a challenging time.

Pianist Sarah Bob, hailed as “sumptuous and eloquent” (Boston Globe) and that “dynamic player…superstar” (National Sawdust), is a soloist and chamber musician noted for her charismatic performances, colorful playing and diverse programming. The goal, her strong suit, is to introduce music in a loving, inclusive, and intoxicating way. Sarah is founding director of New Gallery Concert Series, a combination of new music and new visual art.

Her accolades include top prizewinner of Holland’s International Gaudeamus Competition, New England Conservatory’s Outstanding Alumni Award, and instant world-wide acclaim for her most recent solo album …nobody move…. She is an original and active member of Radius Ensemble and Primary Duo, maintains a private studio, and is on faculty at Longy School of Music of Bard College. More information at www.sarahbob.net.

The concert program includes:

• “Junkyard Angel” [2018] by Michael Fiday (b. 1961): Based on a Bob Dylan tune, the title refers not only to a line in the original song, but also to the idea of human experience being simultaneously corrosive and transcendent.
• “Erinnerung” (Remembrance) [2019]  by Elena Ruehr (b. 1963): based on Schubert.
• “Etude.75” [2019] by Laurie San Martin: a roller coaster ride.
• “A Bee in the Hollow” [2020]  by Jessica Mays (b. 1986)
• Meditation IV & Meditation II: inspired by working through the challenges of the pandemic, the weight we were carrying, the buzzing of the bee in the hollow of our chests.
• “The Battle of Manassas” [1861] by Blind Tom (Thomas Wiggins, b. 1848): Born into slavery, blind and with undiagnosed autism, touring and concertizing from the age of 6 on, the story of a remarkable, little known composer and pianist.
• “Never Has Been Yet” [2017] by Shaw Pong Liu (b. 1979): Based on Langston Hughes’s poem “Let America Be America.”

Tickets are $20 (in-person or live stream)
Purchase Tickets

For more information, please contact Jane Ring Frank, Minister of Worship and the Arts at 857-919-0983.

Important Note: Ripley Chapel can be found at First Congregational Church, Winchester, 21 Church St. The entry is located on the Vine Street side of the church. Please use the accessible ramp entrance, and Ripley Chapel will be directly to your right as you enter the building.

Sunday, October 22, 2023, 10 AM, Town Common

Rain Location: Chidley Hall

Please join us on the Town Common where we will swing, celebrate and give thanks for all of God’s creatures, blessing our animal companions. We welcome all pets—furry, scaly, hairy, feathery and even plush! Photos of beloved pet companions are welcome in place of those who can’t be there. And a special seating section will be set aside for those who are more comfortable sitting away from the animals.

To serenade both congregation and pets, FCCW’s own house band will offer jazz music before, during and after the service. We will sing and move and praise all of creation with fun and upbeat music, readings, prayers and blessings. From “Amazing Grace” to “All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir,” there will be an opportunity to sing, to listen and to share our cherished pet companions.