First Church, West Hartford

09/04/2026

"First Sunday" is September 13! The new year is filling in nicely... check out the newest newsletter here: https://conta.cc/3USnooc

Email from First Church of Christ Congregational This week's highlights September 4, 2026 • WWW.WHFIRSTCHURCH.ORG “Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fu

09/03/2026

Guided Walking Tour: “The Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to Freedom”
A Living Spirit, Living Justice event
Saturday October 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
First Church of Christ, Farmington (75 Main St.)
Cost: $20 per person

In 1841, Farmington residents sheltered 38 people from the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone who had rebelled against enslavers and seized the slave ship Amistad. The town’s Congregational church and other abolitionists in the community welcomed the newly freed Africans and rallied behind the legal case that ultimately secured their freedom.

Join us as we explore the lives of the Mende people and the abolitionist-era people of Farmington. After a presentation at the church, guides will lead a 1.5-mile walking tour to key sites throughout the village. The tour will last 1.5 to 2 hours. The event runs rain or shine. Please see Jennifer with questions or concerns.

register here: https://bit.ly/atrailtofreedom

09/03/2026

Let's Make Music! 🎶Adult Choir rehearsals begin on September 8 (Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the Choir Room); and Handbell Choir rehearsals begin on September 9 (Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.) 🎶 If you have interest in either of these, please see Jim Boratko with your choir questions, or Jessica Berube if you want to ring bells. Thank you for the music!

09/01/2026

September 2026 Reach Out: Donors Choose/Hartford Public Schools

Donors Choose: Created by teachers, for teachers. In 2000, Charles Best, a teacher at a Bronx public high school, thought about all the money he and his colleagues were spending on books, art supplies, and other materials for their students. Today, teachers spend an average of over $600 out of pocket on their classrooms each year. Charles figured there were people who'd want to help if they could see where their money was going. He founded Donors Choose, a website where teachers could post requests for classroom resources.

Hartford Public Schools is the largest public school district in Connecticut, serving the city of Hartford. Hartford Public School District serves 25,000 students across 46 schools.
There are currently 89 requests from HPS teachers for classroom resources! Let’s Support Hartford Public School Classroom Teachers!

To donate, use the provided links or donate in church. If donating in church, write “HPS Teachers” on your envelope. Alternatively, donate online through the church website. Under “Fund,” select “Reach Out Monthly Collection” and type HPS Teachers in the “Notes” field. https://pushpay.com/g/whfirstchurch

For more information about Donors Choose: https://www.donorschoose.org/about
To see projects and teacher requests or to donate directly to Donors Choose and Hartford Public Schools project: https://www.donorschoose.org/schools/connecticut/hartford-public-school-district/5800

08/31/2026

The work of social and environmental justice is vital— but it can also be exhausting. Restoring the Spirit is a small-group gathering for activists and advocates to pause, connect, reflect, and renew. Share. Listen. Restore. Reconnect with your calling, build resilience, and support one another. Facilitated by spiritual directors and those engaged in social justice.

Takes place at First Church, West Hartford
Afternoon: 1:00–3:00 PM OR Evening: 6:30–8:30 PM
Come as you are. Leave renewed. Join us for this six-week journey. Please register, space is limited: https://bit.ly/RestoreSpirit

Reach out to learn more; Oscar Brockmeyer; [email protected]
Sponsored in partnership by: Spiritual Life Center, John P. Webster Library, and Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Initiative

08/28/2026

A change is in the air as we prepare for the new season! "First Sunday" on Sept. 13 marks the start of the church year... and the programs as well as book groups, Faithful Fitness, and more are coming!!

Email from First Church of Christ Congregational This week's highlights August 28, 2026 • WWW.WHFIRSTCHURCH.ORG “Just because you haven’t said a shameful thing out loud doesn’t mean it’s a secret.” –

08/27/2026

Book Group Gatherings Starting Soon!
The JPW Library sponsors three book groups that meet September thru June in the Library. Copies of the books are provided for participants; new members are always welcome! For more information, contact us at 860-232-3893 or [email protected] to sign up. Get your copies today!

Awakening the Spirit: Mondays from 12-1:30 pm in the JPWL
Next Meeting: September 14. Rev. Dr. David Grafton, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford International University, will lead the group September 14 - October 26 (NO class Oct. 12). Book: How the Qur'an Interprets the Bible by John Kaltner and Christopher Frechette. Explore how the Qur’an retells and interprets stories and figures shared with the Bible. Comparing Islamic, Jewish, and Christian scriptures, the book offers an accessible introduction to the connections and differences among these traditions.

Food for Thought: First Tuesdays of each month, 5-6:30
Next meeting: October 6. Book: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray. She challenged powerful men, fought for working people, and helped reshape America. Discover the remarkable story of Frances Perkins, the trailblazing woman whose partnership with FDR helped change the nation.

Believe in YourSHELF (Middle Schoolers, In-Person): Third Sundays, 10:15 a.m.
Next Meeting: October 18 in the Community Room, led by Molly
Book: The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho; illustrated by Deb JJ Lee
Two young North Koreans risk everything to escape lives ruled by fear and oppression. When fate brings them together, they find courage, hope, and an unexpected bond as they journey toward freedom — facing danger at every turn. Sometimes, survival depends on having someone beside you. This book is the recipient of several awards, including ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children and Booklist Editor’s Choice of 2024: Books for Youth.

08/25/2026

The sun will be shining TONIGHT! Concert at 5:30