Faith Formation for Adults
Dialogue Circles with Peacebuilders from Hartford International University for Religion and
Peace (HIU)
Sunday, February 22 at 11:15 a.m. in the JPW Library
You’re invited to participate in Dialogue Circles with Master of Arts in International Peacebuilding (MAP) students from HIU. The conversations are conducted as part of the MAP curriculum. Students are training to become community change agents by developing proficiency in conflict transformation and fluency in the religious traditions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The ability to facilitate productive conversation is a critical skill for MAP students and all peace builders. Which is why your participation matters. We’ll form break-out groups to consider this question: “What does it mean to live out our faith in the
world?‘’ The goal is to get 20-25 participants. The hope is that all who join the circles will gain insights and be inspired!
Registration link is being updated, please check back
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:
Sunday Morning Bible Study with Joe
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, beginning January 4, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. as we discover the history and biblical wisdom to be found in Scripture, and it’s meaning for us in our daily lives. Initially we will focus on the New Testament, following as often as possible the scripture reading in worship for that Sunday.
We will meet in the Community Room (next to the JPW Library) and everyone is invited to bring coffee and anything to share. We will use the NRSV and on occasion The Message by Eugene Peterson, as well as other biblical texts.
I look forward to our time together.
Rev. Joseph Tobin (call me Joe, please) and thank you to the alternative leaders while I’m away
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).
Yoga with Cynthia Wolcott, Wednesdays, 9:30-10:45 am in the chapel.
$20 per session (if this causes a hardship please speak to Cynthia), enter via the North Door. Cynthia Wolcott has been leading yoga and healing movement classes for nearly two decades. After healing a double herniated disc with movement, she began to tailor each of her classes to the needs of the students, customizing the movements to address their particular issues. Through her own practices of yoga and meditation, she experienced the gifts of tremendous healing and growth. She delights in offering those gifts to others.
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.
Lunch & Learn author visits, seminars, and workshops
Sundays after worship, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Monthly or bi-monthly lectures, workshops, author visits, and more. Visiting speakers discuss topics ranging from quitting hair dye to elder care to bee-keeping to photography to hygge and beyond.