Faith Formation for Adults
New Book Club: A guided tour of early Christianity
Every other week • Childcare will be available for parents who would like to attend and need a hand!
The exploration continues on Wednesday, April 22, at 6:45 p.m. in the Youth Room (near the auditorium). We’re working through Bart Ehrman’s Jesus Before the Gospels, exploring the world of Jesus’ first followers and how their memories shape faith today. Each session covers new material so that you can jump in anytime. Child care is available. Sign up or reach out to Michael Protos.
Friends of Silver Lake
Our Southern New England UCC Conference (SNECC) will be ending its ministry at Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center with this summer’s program, where many generations have experienced great camps and retreats. However, an independent group called the Friends of Silver Lake has been formed consisting of Connecticut and Massachusetts ministers, former campers, camp counselors and parents with a goal to provide a life-changing ministry to youths and young adults. George Stone spoke with several people last week, and he provided a link to the Friends website where you can learn more about Silver Lake and the efforts to continue this ministry:
Exploring Scripture
Please join us on specific Sundays from 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM in the JPW Library for coffee, when we will continue to explore interesting scripture: What is the message, and how can we relate its message to each of our lives? Please join us and bring a friend. There are never any right or wrong questions or answers.
Joe, Rev. Joseph Tobin
The JPW Library is offering two programs in the coming months to encourage self-care and personal growth.
FitMix with Kathi Boratko
Tuesdays, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. in the Auditorium
More info and registration here
Kathi Boratko leads a well-rounded class with resistance training, cardio, and balance using multiple fitness modalities. Chairs may be used for seated and standing support. Bring a mat, light weights, and a small ball. No tools? No worries! We have some you may borrow.
Tai Chi & Qi Gong with Cynthia Hoag
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel
More info and registration here
Gain balance and mindfulness through movement with Cynthia Hoa. QiGong and Tai Chi promote the flow of qi, or energy, in the body, helping to reduce stress, depression, or fatigue while providing a sense of balance and clarity. Each session concludes with a short heartfelt meditation intuitively curated for those in attendance (seated or standing).
Awakening the Spirit Book Group
Mondays 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Discussions are centered on interfaith dialogue, ethics, theology, biblical scholarship, and spirituality. Bring a bag lunch; beverages and desserts are provided. Copies of the books are available in the library and new members are always welcome. For more information contact Jennifer deSimas at jpwebsterdir@whfirstchurch.org or 860-232-3893. Also click here: Book Groups.
Food for Thought Book Group
First Tuesday of each month from October to June, 5:00–6:30 p.m., lead by Jennifer and Molly. Resumes October 7, 2025.
This group reads autobiography/biography, literary fiction, sociology, historical fiction, and more through the lens of faith and spirituality. For current reading selections, please check the John P. Webster Library Book Groups page. Copies of the books are available in the library and new members are always welcome. Please bring your own dinner; refreshments and desserts are served. For more information contact Jennifer deSimas at jpwebsterdir@whfirstchurch.org or 860-232-3893.