Currently all on-site church programming (EXCEPT WEDNESDAY LABYRINTH WALKS) is suspended until further notice due to the outbreak of COVID-19
For the past six months we have been experiencing a season of disruption and uncertainty that has left many of us struggling to process the changes that are afoot. Our culture has experienced enormous shifts -- some positive, some painful -- and our personal lives have too. This fall the FCC community will be engaging in an exploration of how we find God's presence in these uncertain times. Rooted in the Exodus story of the Israelites' wilderness wandering we seek to deepen our wisdom and our faith as we grow from this experience.
As a supporting text, we will be drawing from the book The Wisdom of Not Knowing by Jewish therapist and kabbalah expert, Estelle Frankel. It is not necessary to have read the book to participate, but you are welcome to get it if you would like. Each Wednesday we will draw insights from the previous Sunday sermon and delve into deep conversations of what this last 6 months have revealed to us in our spiritual journeys.
All are welcome to participate. Here is the Zoom link for Wednesdays 7pm :
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85167972480?pwd=cGt3cTFvNTJCTWpHTDlnYkFPZCtTQT09
Passcode: 663459
We look forward to sharing this continuing journey together!
Our next book club selection is "The Dutch House" by Ann Patchett.
At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.
The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures.
Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives, they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.
Copies of The Dutch House should be available at your local library or bookstore. For a real treat, locate the audiobook edition performed by Tom Hanks.
Please contact Julie to RSVP by Monday,
September 21st: juliemarie.matz@gmail.com
Instructions will be sent out in advance as to how to easily download Zoom and participate on September 24th.
Our method is to take our time and dig deeply into Scripture, bringing in cultural, historical, theological, and linguistic backgrounds and resources. We utilize Queries (questions posed for consideration and opening, not to garner answers) and cross-referencing. (There are occasional dives down theological or linguistic rabbit holes.) Participants are encouraged to have their favorite translation of the Bible with them.
Click HERE to join! Meeting ID: 874 8676 2412
Passcode: 985645 Phone only? Dial 646 558 8656
Our study will be led by Rev. Jack Cuffari. 
First Congregational Church UCC of Haworth (which Rev. Jack serves as interim pastor) and First Congregational Church of Montclair members will combine into one class. Email Rev. Jack with any questions, or to receive zoom link: jack@cuffari.com.