You may have heard of the seven corporal works of mercy found in Matthew 25: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. But, what if we also added giving and receiving the mercy of rest to Jesus’s list? In […]
Live in-person ONLY from the stunning Ripley Chapel at First Congregational Church, Winchester. First Congregational Church offers a poignant and meditative Ash Wednesday service, featuring the ecumenical prayers and music of France’s Taizé community. All denominations are welcome. As Lent begins, please join us for this simple service – of Scripture, prayer, silence, meditative singing, […]
There is much we fear about the future these days but the Bible tells us the proper object of our fear is, actually, God. Proverbs 9:10 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” That sentiment is repeated throughout the scriptures many times and appears in the Psalm we are given for this week, Psalm 111. […]
A fascinating little biblical story greets us this Sunday whose central character is one of God’s amazing sea creatures. The story of Jonah was important enough to be directly referenced by Jesus himself in referring to his death and resurrection. It’s a story that might ask of us: what is God calling us to, are we […]
This week, in light of MLK weekend, we consider the question Nathanael asks Jesus: “How do you know me?” How does God know you? How do others know you? How do you know yourself? During the service, we will also celebrate the Sacrament of Communion by intinction. All are welcome to Christ’s table. We hope […]
This Sunday is our EPIPHANY celebration during worship to close out CHRISTMASTIDE with the final carols of the season and the story of the MAGI coming to see the CHRIST CHILD. The service will be in the sanctuary and live-streamed, however please note that if there’s a SNOWSTORM we might decide to do the service on […]
Close out 2023 with us in Ripley Chapel! We will sing Christmas carols and hymns and focus on God’s promise of hope in the New Year. Download the Bulletin Here: OOW 12-31-23 Ripley
Candlelight Service Sunday, Dec. 24, 5:00 PM A beautiful Christmas Eve service with participation from some of our children and the traditional lighting of candles in the darkened sanctuary to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child! Join us in person or on-line. Download the Bulletin: 12-24-23 – Family Service.docx Candlelight Service Sunday, Dec. 24, 9:00 PM […]
Gather in all you worshippers to Bethlehem on this Sunday morn, join with the animals and shepherds, the angels and magi to witness again the story of the birth of Jesus as shared by the children of First Congregational Church in Winchester. There will be carols sung and angels flying, animals braying and wise people praying, stars […]
Lessons & Carols Featuring Vivaldi’s Magnificat, with strings, organ and soloists Please join us for our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, a beloved Advent tradition from England wherein God’s word is proclaimed and contemplated in word and song: a special sequence of readings, prayers, choral anthems, and congregational carols. View the program notes […]