MISSION STATEMENT:
“In community with God and each other we gather to worship, to reflect on our Christian faith, to do justice and to share compassion.”
We have been called to engage with real people in their real lives just like Jesus: we want to share the joys as well as the sorrow – your hopes and your disappointments – because we believe that ALL of life is holy. Currently, we are trying to make these words flesh in the following ways:
A community of compassion: We are committed to being a help in hard times so if you are going into the hospital, please let the church office know and the pastor and other friends will make sure you aren’t alone. If you have an emergency, our pastor can be with you for prayer and support, too. There are also a number of members of the congregation who regularly visit folk in the hospital or their homes. So, please be in touch so that we can be with you.
A presence in the world: Our faith is active and we work in Pittsfield with Habitat for Humanity building homes for our neighbors in need as well as the Christian Center making certain no one goes hungry. We are connected with the Pittsfield Area Council of Congregation to support interfaith dialogue and participate in the Third Thursday festivities with the city’s Arts and Cultural Development board. And we have partnered with the Berkshire Environmental Action Team to help clean up the Housatonic River.
A part of the United Church of Christ: As an active and supportive member of the United Church of Christ, we have a long history of serving the common good through acts of justice and compassion. Throughout the year we raise resources for emergency disaster relief as well as national and international mission projects. (For more information go to: www.ucc.org)
A team in action: First Church is an autonomous congregation – we freely participate in the United Church of Christ – but we raise all our own funds so that we can maintain our independe
nce. We also make certain that friends, members and guests have a chance to share their gifts with one another through team ministries that include: worship, finance, Christian education, visitation and grounds and maintenance. We have a Prayer Shawl ministry as well as a gathering of folk singers and guitarists. And for those who want the support of prayer in a more confidential setting, we have a Prayer Circle as well.
A singing and musical fellowship: There are a variety of musical experiences at First Church. The Sanctuary Choir practices on Thursday nights and sings on Sunday morning. Our contemporary band, Between the Banks, brings special music from all over the world to worship and the wider community. And periodically we have gospel choirs and other all-church musical events.
