mlk – We are the First Congregational Church in Winchester

Join us for Worship This Sunday at 10 am in the Sanctuary (January 14, 2024)

Sarah Marino — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 14:37:53 +0000

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 you can join.

Download the Bulletin Here: OOW 01-14-24

Join Us for Worship This Sunday at 10 am in the Sanctuary (January 15, 2023)

Sarah Marino — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:34:47 +0000

This week, we celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s faith-based activism, justice, and hope. Our Scripture for this service will focus on Isaiah 42:1-7 and Matthew 3:13-17 through the themes of belovedness, calling, and inherent dignity/divinity. Pastoral Resident Maeve Hammond will preach and lead us in a meditation from the Rev. Howard Thurman, one of the Rev. Dr. King’s spiritual mentors. The Rev. Will Burhans will also invite folks to share their joys, concerns, and hopes during Prayers of the People.

Download the Bulletin Here: OOW 01-15-23

Tuesdays in May: 4-week series on White Privilege

Sarah Marino — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 17:25:34 +0000

Let’s respond well to racial tension and injustice in our culture! Moving and acting together has a greater power than being alone! That is why we are gathering for four weeks to focus on this work. Beginning May 3rd we will use a UCC curriculum to gain insights about recognizing “white privilege” in our culture and society. We hope, through supportive small group discussion, to reflect and act powerfully and gracefully on this important topic going forward. Please join us!

And please sign up by Tuesday Apr 26th so that we can send you materials prior to the first conversation session on May 3rd. We are offering a Zoom session at 10am and an in-person session at 7pm in Ripley Chapel (which has air purifiers). Both sign up options involve committing to attending all four weeks.”

Worship with Us on Sunday at 10 am in the Sanctuary or online as we honor MLK Jr. and Archbishop Tutu (Jan 16, 2022)

Sarah Marino — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 19:18:47 +0000

It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend and we’ll be gearing our worship around a modern day saint who followed Jesus in much the same way King did by fighting oppression and injustice in his country, South Africa. As you know, Bishop Desmond Tutu died recently but his Spirit of love and his work for justice in his country and beyond is a legacy that will be far reaching. During our worship service we’ll use prayers from Bishop Tutu. Rev. Will will preach on Luke 4 and Jesus’ understanding of his mission, and the music we hear and sing together will be related to Bishop Tutu’s life and love. We hope you’ll join us at 10 am in the sanctuary or online.

Download the Bulletin Here: OOW 2nd Sun after Epiphany 1-16-22

Join Us for Worship This Sunday (Jan 17, 2021)

Sarah Marino — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 15:28:40 +0000

We hope you will join us for our online worship service this Sunday. We’ll allow our own scriptures and some of Martin Luther King Jr’s words to guide us through our worship of God. In the midst of so much national turmoil, then as now, we must remember to root ourselves back into the primacy of God, the love of Christ, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The link for the service will be dropped on Sunday morning just before 10 am. We’ll “see” you “there”!

You Should Join Us for Worship This Sunday at 10 am (January 19, 2020)

Sarah Marino — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:52:01 +0000

This is the second Sunday in Epiphany We are still focusing on Jesus as he claims his mission and gathers his people. The scripture is John 1:29-42 where he begins calling people by name. This Sunday is commemorating the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. who lived and died following where God led him. The choir will be singing with Jane directing. And Jeffrey will be accompanying all our singing, in his usual wonderful way. Worship starts at 10:00 a.m. Come join us.