GROUPS AND LIFE GROUPS

At First Church, one of our Focus Values is community.

Groups and Life Groups are a few of the ways that we can focus and grow together as a community.


A First Church Life Group is a small community of roughly twelve people who meet regularly for an informal time of fellowship and learning. They encourage one another in spiritual growth through study, discussion, and sharing together God's Word. Prayer, mutual concern, and acceptance are also key components.


There are many different groups, meeting in different locations; surely there is a place for you!
Other ministry departments also offer groups formed around special interests: men's, women’s, couples, singles, mothers of preschoolers, youth, or those suffering from addictions.


If you are interested in becoming a part of a Life Group, OR interested in starting one,

please contact Pastor Todd at Toddw@firstchurch.org, or 860 529 1575 ext.115.

Book Discussion

We, at First Church are being taught and encouraged from the pulpit to know and live out what it means to be the family of God as described in the book of Ephesians.  One book often mentioned has been Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This little gem is only 122 pages but is a classic book that clearly articulates the challenges and joys of living together in Christ. According to Bonhoeffer, “ Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this.”



If you would like to read, digest and ponder this book together as a church family this summer, please email Helga Phillips at hephillips@comcast.net.  We will meet on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. for an evening book discussion either at the Phillips home or church depending on the number of participants.

Grief Share

Grief Share has just released a newly revised curriculum of their 13-week course of Hope and Healing After the Death of a Loved One. Caring Ministries will begin a new Grief Share cohort to be held on Mondays, beginning Sept. 1 from 1:00-2:30 PM in the Morgan House. Each week, a 30-minute DVD presents helpful guidance, small groups discuss grief-related issues, and participants gain personal recovery tips and receve comfort and support.  


The cost is $15 for the workbook. Seats are limited. Pre-registration is required. Contact care@firstchurch.org or call Diane Galloway at 860-529-1575.

Groups

Please click on the +, next to the group name and time for more information about the group, or to

either join via Zoom or connect with the contact person for an in-person meeting.

  • Meeting In-Person at the Church in the Prayer Room.

    NO MEETING IN SEPTEMBER — Next Meeting, October 3, 2022

    MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE REQUIRED for this meeting by the Alzheimer's Association.

    This caregiver support group is designed for family members of individuals suffering from dementia. The focus is on caregiving challenges, issues, needs (with possible solutions), ways of coping and information about community resources.


    For more information or the register, please contact Diane Galloway at 860.529.1575 ext. 117 or care@firstchurch.org.

  • Meeting In Person in M107 (Marsh Building)

    ZOOM LINK

    Meeting ID: 883 6475 1175

    Passcode: 358327

    Ongoing

    To inquire about joining, materials and other details, please contact Jon Vining at jonrvining@gmail.com.

  • Forever Young will meet once a month beginning September 12, 2023.

    Meetings will be held on the SECOND Tuesday of each month.

    Bible Study will begin at 10:30 in the Drawing Room and end around 11:30.

    We will then continue with socializing and lunch in the Morgan House Cafe.

    Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.


    On Tuesday, January 9th we will meet in the Morgan House. A DVD focused on prayer will be shown followed by a lunch of Split Pea and Ham soup made by John Bernardi.


    If you have questions or wish to join us, please contact: John Wieder at jwiederiii@gmail.com.

  • The monthly Shawl Ministry meetings will resume the first Tuesday of each month beginning

    September 5, from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Morgan House Café.  

    *We will not meet in January.

    New and former members are welcome.  

    For further information conact Elaine St. Onge at 860.529.7821.

  • Daniel Henderson's book-Transforming Prayer, How Everything Changes When You Seek God's Face


    Wednesdays from 10:30–11:45 AM in the Church Parlor. 

    All women are invited to join a five-week study to begin on April 24. We will read and discuss Daniel Henderson's book, Transforming Prayer, How Everything Changes When You Seek God's Face.   


    To register, contact Diane at 860.529.1575 ext. 117 or care@firstchurch.org.  

    Books are available for purchase.

  • Meeting In-Person in Prayer Room. 


    For more information, please contact Diane Galloway at care@firstchurch.org or 860.529.1575 ext. 117.

    The one prayer Christ calls us all to pray requires us to let go of our momentary agendas and take up his eternal one. It requires us to surrender our disoriented sense of need to his perfect sense of what is best. We wait with expectant hearts to see When Women Pray. 

    All are welcome to join in this prayer time.

  • WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYER CLASS-In Keith Jones Hall

    Join us for this eight-week course led by Pastor Todd and friends. The Prayer Course was created by Pastor Pete Greig of 24/7 Prayer International and uses the Lord's Prayer as a framework for approaching our posture and practice of prayer. 

    To register for this course, contact Marilyn Danielson at marilynd@firstchurch.org.


  • ZOOM LINK

    ONGOING

    Led by Bruce David Smith

    For information or to join us please contact Bruce David Smith at bdsmith946@gmail.com.

  • Meets in the Fireside Room for In-Person

    or via Zoom

    ZOOM LINK HERE

    MEETING ID: 894 2418 8677

    Passcode: 913552

    Ongoing

    All men are invited to gather either virtually or in person for prayer, discussion of Scripture, fellowship.

    For more information, please contact Ron Vliet at 860.490.5614 or at ronvliet7@gmail.com.

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  • Grief Share has just released a newly revised curriculum of their 13-week course of Hope and Healing After the Death of a Loved One. We will meet in the Morgan House. 


    Each week, a 30-minute DVD presents helful guidance, small groups discuss grief-related issues, and participants gain personal recovery tips and receive comfort and support. The cost is $15 for the workbook. Seats are limited. Contact care@firstchurch.org or contact Diane Galloway at 860-529-1575. Please provide your full name and phone number.