Ash Wednesday Service, February 26, 8pm

The season of Lent is a time for going deeper into our faith journey and coming to terms with our struggles and our yearning for God. We begin with a special Ash Wednesday service. Through song and prayers and times of silence we will share the ritual of the imposition of ashes, a symbol of our mortality and sinfulness, as well as experience the hope and unity of Holy Communion.

This is a deeply meaningful way to begin the season.  If you are new to our tradition and have never been to an Ash Wednesday service, we encourage you to share it with us. (Our regular Wednesday Labyrinth walk will end at 7:30pm to prepare for our worship service.)

Volunteers needed for  March

Spruce-Up Days March 1, 6-8

This winter and spring we will be focusing on maintaining and beautifying our Building and Grounds through a special work week in March. 

We are looking for folks with carpentry, painting, building and other handy skills, as well as folks who are just willing to help out!  If you’d like to be a part of this team, please see Siobhan Morello or contact her at events@fccmontclair.org

New Members' Inquiry Class

Three sessions - Feb 23 and March 1 & 15

If you’ve been attending FCC and feel we may be your spiritual home please join us for our New Members’ classes this winter. 

In three sessions (February 23 and March 1 & 15)  we will discuss how we believe, the history of the UCC and what it means to become a member of this church.  It’s a great way to learn more about us and meet the wonderful folks who are interested in  joining as well.

New members will be received in worship on March 29.  Child care is available upon request.  Please RSVP to Rev. Ann at revann@fccmtc.com

FCC Book Club Conversation and Refreshments, March 19, 7pm

Our next book club selection is "Normal People" by Sally Rooney.  Sally Rooney brings her brilliant psychological acuity and perfectly spare prose to a   story that explores the subtleties of class, the electricity of first love, and the complex entanglements of family and friendship.

FCC Member Mike Magdalenski is facilitating this group.  We'd like to make it both a literary and social evening, so we invite pot luck contributions or light refreshments and beverages as well.  We'll gather at 7:00 with some social time and begin book discussion at 7:30pm.  Please contact Mike to RSVP by Sunday, March 15th at: michael.magdalenski@gmail.com

Underground Church

March 21, 5pm in the Sanctuary

Underground Church travels back to our earliest Christian roots.  We seek to  recapture the excitement and community of Jesus' early  followers through worship that is simple yet profound, communal yet      personal, comforting yet inspiring.  We live the  questions much as Jesus' friends did as they sought ways to transform the world through the simple acts of a shared and    loving community. 

Come as you are...This gathering is about the transformative power of opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit and to each other.  All are welcome to this monthly worship!

Weekly Labyrinth Walks:

Wednesdays 6-8pm in the Sanctuary

The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool , a mode of “walking prayer” that invites us to go deeper in our walk with God.  Our labyrinth, modeled on one in Chartes Cathedral in France, sits as the center of our Sanctuary, a constant metaphor for our spiritual lives.  Just like the labyrinth, our lives are not linear, but filled with twists and turns.  Sometimes we make great progress, and other times we feel we are going backwards.  But if we trust in the path we will find ourselves in the center -- the heart of God.

All are welcome to take their souls out for a healing walk... no experience necessary!  Check out this lovely write up on Baristanet from the Spring 2014.

Watch this video to find out more about walking the labyrinth. If you’ve never done so come out one Wednesday evening and give it a try. It is a wonderful way to nourish your soul and spend some quiet time in prayer or meditation.

Slow Motion Adult Bible Study:

... Now Meets on Wednesdays

7:30 in the FCC Library

(There will be no meeting on 2/26)

Join Rev. Jack Cuffari for study, open discussion, and a step by step deep dive into our sacred Scriptures. Bring whatever translation of the Bible you might have, or prefer. All adults are welcome!

Rev. Jack Cuffari is a member of FCC, as well as our Spiritual Director in Residence. He currently serves as Interim Pastor at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Haworth, NJ.