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When you click here you will find pictures
of the
Habitat for Humanity Groundbreaking.
First Church is one of the participants in the build.
Check
out some of our mission activity here!
This is a presentation of our joint
work with the Vacation Bible School and the Mission Committee. (Flash)
Purpose
The purpose of this Church shall be the worship of God;
the preaching, teaching and living of the Gospel as set forth
in Holy Scriptures;
the cultivation of Christian character;
the development of fellowship;
the encouragement of service, justice and peace to all humankind
and unity within this Church and Church universal.
Worship and Sacraments
Worship is the most important thing that we do together as
Christians. Through regular worship we gain strength from one another
and from God. Our worship is rich in both traditional and contemporary
styles. Our Musical Ministry is inspiring. We celebrate two Sacraments.
Holy Communion, or the Lord's Supper, is celebrated on the first Sunday
of each month. It is open to all who confess faith in Jesus Christ.
Infant Baptism and Adult Baptism are available in consultation with
the Pastor and the Deacons. Church school-age children attend the first
part of the worship service, including a much-anticipated Children's
Moment, and then attend Church School classes. Nursery and child-care
services are provided during worship.
Outreach and Missions
As a Church community, we are called to care for others, locally,
nationally and globally. First Church is known as a very caring community
of faith that looks out for the needs of its members and other individuals
and families of the local community. The Pastor and Deacons carry out
a regular ministry of pastoral care and a number of individuals participate
in a prayer ministry through our Prayer Circle. First Church is also
known for its strong support of our church's wider mission through the
Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ, the Council
of Churches of Greater Springfield and a number of other mission programs:
• Welcome Workers - a group of women who gather twice
each month to knit, sew, and make school and health kits
• The Community Survival Center
• Church World Service, CWS Tools of Hope & Blanket
Sunday
• CROP Walk
• Heifer Project International
• Hampden County Habitat for Humanity
• Children International Sponsorship
• One Great Hour of Sharing
• Neighbors in Need
• Christmas Offering for Retired Clergy
• UNICEF
• Our Christian World Mission (support of United Church
of Christ ministries)
Fellowship
It is important to get together at other times to enjoy each
other's friendship and fellowship. The church family here at First Church
enjoys these and other activities:
*
Pilgrim Youth Fellowship (grades 7-12)
*
Men's Club
*
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Women's Group
*
Fellowship/Coffee Hour after worship
*
Prayer Circle
*
Adult Choir
*
Kids Choir
*
Church Suppers, Breakfasts, Fairs, and Picnics
Christian Education - Come Grow With Us!
At First Church, we believe that Christian Education is for
Christians of all ages. We have our traditional Church School, which
selects various Bible-based curriculums for use with ages 4 through
Grade 8. Nursery and childcare services are provided during the worship
hour and at all dinners and special events. We also sponsor an ecumenical
Vacation Bible School for one week each summer.
Our Confirmation Class is for those in the eighth grade who
participate in a comprehensive program leading to full Church membership.
In addition to learning about church history and what it means to be
a Christian, the Confirmation Class also participates in service to
the Church and a specific mission project of their own choosing.
Adult Education is an important part of our Christian Education
program. We offer a variety of options including: ongoing Bible Study
and study/discussion groups, book discussions, Advent and Lenten studies,
and one-time lectures and presentations on religious and social issues
of importance for Christians living in the 21st century. We believe
that no one ever becomes a complete, mature Christian, that we are always
in the process of becoming - that there is always room to learn, experience
and grow in our faith. Our theme for this year is to invite one and
all to - Come Grow With Us!
Membership
Membership in First Church is through Baptism and a Confession
or Reaffirmation of Faith, Confirmation, or through a Letter of Transfer
from another Church. Members are expected to worship God together on
a regular basis and to make a pledge of time, talent and treasure toward
the work and ministry of the Church in the parish, local community and
beyond. The Pastor and Deacons oversee the membership process. They
are always eager to extend an invitation to Church membership. Membership
classes are held at least twice each year. The process is not complicated
and the rewards of Church membership are many.
