Faith Formation for Adults
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Spirit: JPWL Faithful Fitness Classes Resuming!
We’re delighted to announce that Practicing Presence returns Wednesday, October 8! Join us for an hour of meditation and reflection. Our Tai Chi / Chi Gong and fitness classes are underway, and operate on a drop-in basis. All sessions provide an opportunity for meditation as well as movement.
These programs are provided free of charge through our sponsors and the generosity of Ms. Florence S.M. Crofut.
FitMix with Kathi Boratko – Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium
Resumes September 9. Register here
A JPWL Faithful Fitness Program to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits! A well-rounded class including resistance training, cardio, and balance using multiple fitness modalities. Chairs will be used for seated and standing support. Please bring a mat, light weights and a small ball. No tools? No worries! Some tools can be provided.
Tai Chi & Qi Gong with Cynthia Hoag – Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel
Resumes September 11. Register here
Gain mindfulness through movement! 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).
Practicing Presence meditation led by Janice Olson – Resumes Wednesday, October 8 from 11-12 in the Quiet Room (#403). No registration required; just drop in!
Yoga with Cynthia Wolcott begins Wednesday, October 8th 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.
Sound Healing & Meditation: Sunday, October 19, 2025, 4-5:30 p.m.
Kristin Vece’s “Sound Healing & Meditation” is an immersive journey utilizing sound therapy, meditation, and various energy healing modalities to provide an integrative wellness experience. These sessions have been reported to provide anything from blissful relaxation as a restorative practice, to transformative re-patterning of thoughts, personal insights and heightened awareness, and spiritual connection for those seeking alignment of mind, body, and Spirit.
Participants are welcome to bring yoga mats, pillows, blankets, journals, and please dress comfortably. You may also bring your own “zero gravity chair” or portable chair! Chapel chairs will be available.
Register HERE. Please direct any questions to Jennifer deSimas at 860-232-3893 jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org
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.