First Congregational Church Montclair NJ

Edith M. Weller

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:11:00 +0000

October 23, 1889
June 6, 1970

Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover, NJ

Mrs. Hugh D. Turner - daughter
Miss Frances Wegener - sister
Mrs. Lena Hargrave - sister

John Wintringer Wood

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:09:00 +0000

October 21, 1908
May 25, 1970

Rosedale Cemetery, Orange NJ

Letha Morris Wood - wife
Mme. Letha Wood Audhuy - daughter
Nancy Wintringer Wood - daughter
Mrs. Mary W. Wood - mother
Joseph D. Wood - brother

Caroline Maclaren Stuart

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:06:00 +0000

September 18, 1885
May 26, 1970

Rosedale Cemetery, Orange NJ

Mrs. J. Holt Rose - daughter
David Maclaren Johnstone - son
Paul LeGrand Johnstone - son

This Sunday at First Congregational Church!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:32:00 +0000

This Sunday (January 20) we continue our sermon series entitled "Fear -- less" as we acknowledge the many ways we encounter darkness in our own lives: anxiety, hopelessness, uncertainty and fear. How do we find the light and truth in our complex world? How do we live with the realities and still live in hope?

We will focus on the sacredness of one of our most basic functions: breathing. Spiritually, physically, and communally breathing is what connects us to life itself, and yet our anxieties so often cause us to "hold our breath." We will explore the sacredness of breath through two scripture texts, Genesis 2:3-7 and John 20:19-22, and Rev. Ann and church member and yoga instructor, Ali Campbell, will lead us through a special interactive sermon experience called "Remembering to Breathe."
Take a deep breath and join us for this time of renewal!

This Sunday at First Congregational Church!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:39:00 +0000

January 13, 2013, 10:30 a.m.

Epiphany Sermon Series: "Fear--Less"

This Sunday we continue our sermon series entitled "Fear -- less" as we acknowledge the many ways we encounter darkness in our own lives: anxiety, hopelessness, uncertainty and fear. How do we find the light and truth in our complex world? How do we live with the realities and still live in hope?
We will explore the story of the Baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22), the beginning of his journey of faith. As he stood on the shores of the river, there was much he did not know: where would this path lead? Would he have the courage to see it through? But there was also something that became clear: he was God's beloved. As we face the challenges of our own journey, we receive the same gift. Rev. Ann will explore this promise in her sermon "Be-Loved."

This Sunday we will witness the beginning of another exciting journey: the first step of our young people as they begin the process of Confirmation. We will commission them with a special ritual within worship and bless them and their mentors as they begin. Our confirmands are: Nick Duhamel (Matt Podwoski, mentor), Loretta Graceffo (Stephanie Sheerin, mentor), Kayla Harney (Barb Prince, mentor), Emerson Pentecost (John Ralosky, mentor) and Sam Urszyni (Rafael Rodriquez, mentor).

Christmas Eve, Monday December 24

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:39:00 +0000

Celebrate the joy of Christmas as we welcome the light of Christ into our world!

5pm Family Service of Story and Song (special music begins at 4:45)

10pm Candlelight Service with Holy Communion (special music begins at 9:45)

Sunday, December 23, 2:00pm Christmas Caroling at Broadway House

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Make Christmas merrier for the folks at Broadway House, NJ's largest HIV/AIDS nursing home!

Join us as we sing Christmas carols with the residents and spread some cheer!

We will carpool from First Cong at 1:30pm, or meet us at Broadway House, 298 Broadway, Newark, NJ.

Sunday, December 23, 10:30am Special Musical Worship with Gramercy Brass!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:37:00 +0000

Welcome the season with a "sermon in song" featuring the magnificent composition "Gloria" by John Rutter.

Performed by our exceptional choir and the illustrious Gramercy Brass Orchestra we will blend the story of the Magnificat, Mary's Song,

with the power of the "Gloria", one of the most traditional expressions of praise, often heard at Christmastime.

This will be a worship experience not to be missed -- bring a friend!

Friday, December 21, 8pm "The Longest Night"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:03:00 +0000

Set on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, we are offering a contemplative service of prayer and reconciliation

for those for whom the Christmas season is full of difficult emotions. There will be an opportunity for private prayer and anointing with one of our pastors

and the labyrinth will be available for walking following the service.

Christmas Music @ Mon Dec 24 4:45pm - 5pm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:48:00 +0000

Special Christmas music before the service, from 4:45 - 5:00 p.m. Take a short break from the hectic pace in a breathtaking and awe inspiring surrounding! All are welcome!

Christmas Music @ Mon Dec 24 9:45pm - 10pm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:46:00 +0000

Come to our beautiful church and enjoy the music of this season! Even though our church is spectacular throughout the year, Christmas time is even more glorious and fabulous!

Just started: History of FCC Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:30:00 +0000

The 150th anniversary of the First Congregational Church of Montclair is just a few years away, in 2020 to be exact! As you can imagine, one hundred and fifty years of history can be very complicated to document. The Church maintained an archive for many years. It appears however, the archives have been neglected for perhaps the last two decades.

I connected with our sextant after service this past weekend and he mentioned that there was a "bunch of old stuff" upstairs in the bell tower room. He offered to escort me to the "archives."

I was amazed at the treasure trove that I found! Boxes and file cabinets full of photographs, ledgers, journals, and much more! There was one small problem: Everything is in a state of disarray!

Well, the amateur historian in me (I have a B.A. in History) looked at this as a tremendous opportunity. I approached Rev. Ann and sort of pitched the idea of digitizing the archives and getting onto the web. As is often the case, she was enthusiastic and receptive. And so, the preparation for our 150th anniversary begins with a small step, but a really important step.

Sharing the history and story of our Church, with its long commitment to freedom and justice, equality, and progressive Christianity, is inherently appealing to like-minded folks. As one reads over the past history of our Church, with people's aspirations and hopes of bringing the message of the United Church of Christ to a larger world, one draws inspiration. We share much with the members from the past. We share both the trials and the tribulations. We share the challenges of an old building, heating a large sanctuary, finding committed people to work on committees, attracting and keeping new members. We also share the joys. The archives talk about the smiling faces of our children as they leave the children's sermon on the chancel steps; the time spent at First Montclair House with our seasoned citizens; our Mediation Garden, and so much more.

I invite you to visit the History of FCC blog and get a sense of who we were. The past has always pointed to the future and we are proud of our heritage. We are happy to share our heritage with you, and hope that through this sharing you may want to be a part of who we are.

History of FCC click here!

No Labyrinth Walk this Wednesday!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 19:26:00 +0000

Dear Friends, The Labyrinth Walk is cancelled for this Wednesday (November 21). We will resume next week Wednesday 6-8pm in the Sanctuary. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

"It's Only Fair" Holiday Sale @ Sun Dec 2 1pm - 5pm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:13:00 +0000

An opportunity to purchase fair trade gifts for the ones you love!

Advent Wreath Workshop (after worship service) @ Sun Dec 2 12:30pm - 2pm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Begin the season by creating a spiritual resource to help you & your family celebrate Advent at home. Requested donation: $13 (includes wreath frame); $8 just materials (bring your own wreath frame). PLEASE SIGN UP BY NOV.18. Speak with Mattie Johnson or Lynley Jones for more info.

Longest Night Service, 8pm @ Fri Dec 21 8pm - 9pm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:47:00 +0000

More information to follow...

Christmas Caroling at Broadway House @ Sun Dec 23 2pm - 3pm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Make Christmas merrier for the residents of Broadway House for Continuing Care, New Jersey's largest HIV/AIDS nursing home. We'll gather at FCC at 1:30 and carpool to Newark together.

Christmas Eve Celebration - Family Service of Story & Song

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:45:00 +0000

Mon Dec 24 5pm – 6pm (EST)

No labyrinth walk at FCC tonight due to impending storm!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Dear Friends, As another storm appears to be heading our way and may cause difficulties, we will not have the labyrinth open tonight. Let us pray that those with power retain it, and those who are still without are able to be somewhere warm and dry.

The labyrinth will be open again next Wednesday, November 14. Thank you.

Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Once again FCC will be the drop off site for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to collect turkeys and other non-perishable Thanksgiving food donations. You may bring your donations anytime to our church on South Fullerton Montclair. The drive will take place in the FCC parking lot in the rear of the church. The date is Saturday 17 November from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Luke 3:11 ESV And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Guest speaker Amy Blumenshine at First Congregational Church

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:17:00 +0000

On Sunday 11 November Amy will help us remember Veterans' Day by sharing with us her remarkable work in helping returning veterans to heal and face the challenges of returning home from war. Please join us for this special worship, 10:30 a.m. Sunday. All are welcome!

The labyrinth continues!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:13:00 +0000

At First Congregational Church Montclair, Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm, our labyrinth is open for meditation and prayerful walking. No experience necessary. Come... take your soul out for a walk!

Releasing the Prayer Flags

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:10:00 +0000

We will have a special ceremony of ritual burnng at 7:30 p.m.on the front walk of FCC to release the prayer flags. All are welcome to join us! When Thu May 17 7:30pm – 8pm Eastern Time Where First Congregational Church, Montclair, NJ

Ann's Sermon 29 April, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:58:00 +0000

Yom Hashoah Remembrance Service

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Hosted by the Montclair Clergy Association in partnership with The Montclair African American Clergy Association, Wednesday April 18 at 7:30 p.m. This remembrance will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 51 Elm Street, Montclair NJ. The featured speaker is Harry Ettinger, World War II veteran, Holocaust survivor & Monuments Man.
View Larger Map