Welcoming All, Seeking Justice, Finding God

First Congregational Church of Burlington

Welcome to First Congregational UCC of Burlington

Lent begins in the wilderness. Our Lenten worship series and discussion groups are exploring the theme of wilderness as we follow the journey of Jesus through scripture and worship from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week and Easter (Feb.14 thru March 31).

  • Brené Brown’s excellent book: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone supports this thoughtful, interesting, faithful series.  The discussion group sign-up time has passed – the sermons and study guides from the series are linked here for all:

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CLICK HERE for more information about all Holy Week services & events.

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You are invited to worship in person at First Church at 10am on Sundays in our beautiful Sanctuary at 38 South Winooski Avenue in Burlington OR via the live-stream (or later recording) on the FirstChurchBTV YouTube Channel. Fellowship time follows worship at First Church.
The Rev. Elissa Johnk, Lead Minister

Worshiping remotely? 

  • The YouTube live stream will be available 5 to 10 minutes prior to the 10am worship each Sunday.
  • You can watch on any “smart” handheld device, computer or on your television.  The First Church YouTube channel is: youtube.com/FirstChurchBTV.
  • The Order of Worship, announcements and celebrations and prayers are linked under the YouTube live stream title and will be posted here on Sunday morning:

 

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Our Outreach Team invites you – to enjoy a great free, drop-in breakfast on Sunday February 25 or any Sunday in March!  Want to participate as a volunteer or contributor during March? Use this LINK to volunteer to help build a breakfast!

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ALL are welcome – YOU are invited to The Table. Join us as we continue to gather for worship music, prayer, the Word, and a meal – every Friday during Lent (through March 29) with Director of Congregational Life, Ava Bilton, the Rev. Elissa Johnk, and with music leadership from John Penoyar and friends.
Volunteers are needed for setup, greeting, and cleanup. Please email Ava[email protected] – if you’re able to help!

  • Mocktails will start at 6pm.
  • Worship will begin at 6:30 followed by dinner.

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This special offering invites you to help fund the beautiful display of flowers at First Church for our Easter Festival Worship on March 31, 2024 at 10am – and to support the important missions of the Vermont Conference UCC’s Hope Fund and the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance.

Gifts to this offering give you the opportunity to make a gift “in memory of” or “in honor of” someone important to you.

CLICK HERE or on the graphic above to learn more – and to make a gift online or by check. Questions? Call the Church Office during Office Hours. Thank you.

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Maundy Thursday Vigil at First Church:  After the Maundy Thursday (March 28 at 7pm) worship service, until the Good Friday (March 29) service at 6pm, sign up for a one-hour slot to hold a silent vigil in the Sanctuary. You may also participate in the vigil independently at home.  The “Home Vigil Guide” is linked HERE.

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Call to artists:  The midway gallery at First Church is seeking submissions on the theme of Wilderness and Belonging for the Lenten season.

Brene Brown describes the wilderness as: “Belonging so fully to yourself that you’re willing to stand alone—an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. The wilderness can often feel unholy because we can’t control it, or what people think about our choice of whether to venture into that vastness or not. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand.”

Inspired by this, we are asking artists to create or submit existing art based on the following prompts:

  • Where have you been able to know and be your true self? This might be a location, a relationship, a time in your life, an activity or some other interaction where you felt fully authentic.
  • Has there been a time when community felt like chaos, and you leaned in instead of jumping out?

Space in the gallery is limited, and while we are grateful for all submissions, unfortunately we may not be able to exhibit all of them.
Please send all questions and submissions to Director of Congregational Life, Ava Bilton via email

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For a full update about upcoming services, programs and volunteer opportunities – use this LINK to go to “First Church this Week”

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