Visit First Congregational Church

Thinking of visiting the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction? We hope you will – we would love to meet you!  


Sunday Worship Schedule

1st Sunday of the Month
    • 10:00 am – IN-PERSON or ONLINE on our YouTube Channel. Spiritual Friends for Pre-K through 2nd grade offered after the Children’s Message.
2nd through Last Sunday of the Month
    • 8:30 – Join us IN-PERSON or ONLINE on our YouTube Channel.
    • 10:15 – Join us IN-PERSON; Faith Formation Sunday School will meet after the Children’s Message.

Parking & Accessibility

Where should I park? Parking is available in the main Parking Lot. Feel free to use the space reserved for new visitors. If the Parking Lot is full on Sunday mornings, you may park on the other side of the building along Church Street, or in the nearby Champlain OB/GYN parking lot (look for signs directing you).

Is the church accessible? Yes! Accessibility for all people is very important for us at First Congregational Church. We offer:

  • Two reserved parking spaces
  • An elevator to access the Sanctuary on the 2nd floor
  • Accessible restrooms on both floors
  • Sound amplification (headsets available outside the sanctuary or ask an usher) 
  • Large-print bulletins
  • The option to receive Communion at your seat
  • Service dogs are welcome
Worship Information:

Who is welcome to worship at First Church? Everyone! We are Open and Affirming, and welcoming to all who seek Jesus Christ, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, faith background, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, mental and physical ability, economic and social position, gender identity and expression, level of education and family structure.

Where is the Sanctuary? The Sanctuary is on the 2nd Floor. There is an elevator near the Parking Lot entrance, or you can walk through the large “Fellowship Hall” and up the stairs. We have an old building, so look for signs or ask one of our greeters!

How do I know what’s going on during the service? When you enter the Sanctuary, the ushers will hand you a bulletin, which lists the order of worship for the service. The bulletin contains the text of the prayers, hymn numbers or song lyrics. You will find hymnals and bibles in the pew racks. Large print bulletins are available upon request.

Who may take Communion? All who seek a relationship with Jesus Christ are invited to take communion. We receive communion once a month, usually on the first Sunday. In an effort to be all-inclusive, we serve non-alcoholic grape juice and gluten-free bread. On days when communion is served in the front of church, those who are unable to come forward may signal an usher and be served in their pew.

What is the Friendship Book? At the end of each pew, there is a book where everyone is invited to record their names and provide contact information if they wish.

Do people gather after services? After church, you are invited to join us in Fellowship Hall (1st Floor) for fellowship time and refreshments.  This is a good time to meet members of the congregation, ask questions, and enjoy some refreshments.  

Children

Do you offer Sunday School?  Yes! From September to June, our “Faith Formation” program is held at the 10:15 AM service for children pre-K-8th grade. Bring your children/youth with you to the Sanctuary to begin worship with you. Typically, there is a Children’s Message early in the worship service, after which children are invited to go to classrooms for Faith Formation. Visit Children & Youth for more information.

Is there nursery care? Yes! We have a Nursery Caregiver on staff and/or volunteers to care for very young children during both Sunday services.

Can my child/children stay with me during worship? Yes! Children and youth are always welcome and some families do choose to have their children stay in church the whole time. 

What is a “Faith Formation offering”? Children and youth are invited to make an offering (donation) during their Faith Formation time. Proceeds from this offering are donated to a charity voted on by the children and youth each year. This is optional and there is no pressure to participate.