We are a lively, progressive congregation of about 300 souls located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts. All are welcome to worship with us on Sunday mornings, or participate in one of our many social, education, and outreach ministries.

Founded in 1763, we are one of the longest operating church establishments in New England. Our members are committed to peace, social justice, and to supporting one another—young and old, families and singles, interests and backgrounds of all kinds. We are officially both a “Just Peace” and an “Open and Affirming” church.

The Congregational approach is that all members are leaders and make decisions at an annual meeting that takes place every January. Recently we restructured from a committee system to three large clusters of interests—the congregation, community, and stewardship.

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We need HELP!
Come NOW to help clean, sort, price, and display

the MOUNTAINS of great stuff that has been donated.

Come on the 6th to help sell, sell, SELL!

Or come at the end of the sale to help clean up.

WE APPRECIATE ANY TIME YOU CAN GIVE!

Call Jody Green 413-458-2201 to volunteer

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Sunday, Aug. 31

9:30 am Service of Worship, Welcome Back Students, The Rev. Rick Spalding preaching

This is our LAST 9:30 am worship for 2008! On Sunday, September 7 we return to our regular 10:30 am worship time.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Labor Day, Church Office Closed

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Kononia Meeting in the Library at 10 am

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sudan Relief Task Force Meeting in the Church Office at 9 am.

Call Elizabeth Williams at 413-458-0121 for more information on this ecumenical group which has been supporting an elementary school for Internally Displaced Persons in Khartoum for the past seven years.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

The Senior Choir, under the direction of Minister of Music Ed Lawrence, will hold their first 7:30 pm rehearsal of the season, preceded by dessert at 7 pm, at Ed & Diego’s new home in Bennington. Please call or e-mail for directions. Please note that rehearsal will be in the Sanctuary because Fellowship Hall is being set-up for our annual Tag Sale

Saturday, September 6, 2008

TAG SALE!! 9 am- 2pm in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, September 7, 2008

10:30 am Service of Communion. Pastor Carrie Bail preaching.

There will be a children’s activity during the service.

After the service there will be Sunday School Registration and an Ice Cream Social to Welcome our new Director of Christian Education, Kathy Noble

From Noon-1:30 pm the Stewardship Cluster will meet in the Library.

LOOKING AHEAD

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Bridge to Sudan Fundraiser from 1-4 pm at the Williams Inn www.williamsinn.com.

This afternoon of “rubber” bridge with refreshments is a fundraiser for the Sudan Relief Task Force, an ecumenical group which has been supporting an elementary school for Internally Displaced Persons in Khartoum for the past seven years. Cost $15 per person ($10 of which is tax deductible.) Space is limited; individual or table reservations are recommended. Call 413-458-3343 or e-mail BridgeToSudan@gmail.org for information and reservations.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Java Jive Teen Coffeehouse in Fellowship Hall from 6-10 pm

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Meals-on-Wheels Food Preparation in the Kitchen and Fellowship Hall. Meal preparation is scheduled on Thursday this month because the ABC Clothing Sale will be held in Fellowship Hall on Saturday. Call Arletta Currie 413-458-3061 to get involved with this ecumenical program that prepares a weekend meal for Williamstown residents in need.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

ABC www.greylockabc.org Clothing Sale from 9 am-2 pm in Fellowship Hall

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Tag Sale (Saturday, September 6 from 9 am- 2 pm)

ABC Clothing Sale (Saturday, September 27 from 9 am- 2 pm)

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August 30: Last 9:30 service

Starting September 7: Fall regular services start at 10:30am

Readings for August 24:
Psalm 42
Matthew 11:11-19
Luke 2:48

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Come to Jeffrey Stevens Ordination January 27! You are ALL urged to take part in the worship service celebrating Jeffrey Louis Stevens’ ordination into the Christian Ministry on Sunday, January 27, at 3 pm. As we have done our best to support Jeff during his years of study and training, so shall we come together at the culmination of his journey with joy and thanksgiving. It is very rare that a Congregation has the honor and privilege of ordaining one of its “children.” Please help us to make this a memorable day for all of us. There will be a reception after the service.

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This week: Sun., Jan. 20 10:30 am –Annual Meeting and Luncheon

Following today’s service and our Annual Meeting, there will be a delicious luncheon catered by the Williams Inn in Fellowship Hall, and then Cluster Meetings. We are doing the work of our Congregation and enjoying each other’s company. Childcare will be provided by the Habitat Crew during the Annual Meeting.

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As an open and affirming church committed to supporting one another, we seek to put into practice our ideals of compassion and justice. Guided by our pastor and governed by our membership, the First Congregational Church has provided spiritual leadership, opportunities for self discovery, and humanitarian support to the Williamstown community for almost 250 years. Today our energetic and diverse participants continue to honor this long tradition.

As the congregation’s chief elected officers, we are proud to represent our many vital members and friends as we pursue common goals through worship, fellowship, study, service, and stewardship. We cordially invite any and all of you to join us on our journey of discovering, questioning, and learning.

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Welcome to our website!

We hope those of you who are surfing through our pages might venture out to meet us some time at our 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service, or at one of our many other events open to the public. Although we sit right in the middle of a busy college campus, too many people are unaware of all the activity going in and out of our doors! Once a month there are weekend meals prepared and delivered to seniors in the community through the hands of our volunteer families. Once a year our high school youth take a mission trip to help Habitat with Humanity after having spent previous months doing service projects in our local community. Once a year there is a beautiful candlelight worship service on Christmas Eve crowded with returning family and friends and visitors. There are classes and choirs for both adults and children; and lots of good causes which welcome your creative energy. And every Sunday morning we join in worship.

We care about our church family and friends. And we care about you, our potential visitors! We care about our environment and global warming and have been active with other local organizations taking action. We care about peace and have lifted our voices to say so. We care about justice, and work toward alleviating injustice in many different ways. We care about ensuring that everyone receives an equal welcome, no matter what their race, class, or gender identity. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

Carrie Bail, Pastor

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