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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The following events are scheduled for Holy Week and Easter 2008 at the First Congregational Church of Williamstown:

Sunday, March 16 at 10:30 am

Palm Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary

Sunday, March 16 at 5 pm

One World Worship with Global Music, begins in the Sanctuary

Thursday, March 20 at 7 pm

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service

Friday, March 21 from 10 am-8 pm

Labyrinth open for walking meditation in Fellowship Hall

Friday, March 21 from 6-7:30 pm

Family Potluck and Labyrinth Walk

Easter Sunday, March 23 at 6:30 am

Outdoor Sunrise Service followed by Easter breakfast, call 413-458-4273 for directions

Easter Sunday, March 23 at 10:30 am

Easter Worship Service in the Sanctuary

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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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