Adult Enrichment
We offer many opportunities for anyone seeking to explore their faith and build community with others. All are welcome!
Sermon Talkback ~ Tuesdays @ 8:30 – 10 am
Yoga with Jonah ~ Tuesdays @ 5 – 6:15 pm
Coffee Clatter ~ Fridays @ 8 am
Noontime Book Group ~ 3rd Monday @ 11:30 am
Wednesday Night Searchers ~ Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm
Bridge Group ~ 1st and 3rd Fridays @ 1:30 pm
Sermon Talkback
Join us on Tuesdays from 8:30-10 am for coffee, home-baked goods and a lively discussion of the sermon (and other topics!) that was delivered the previous Sunday. Come for the conversation, the goodies, the camaraderie, or all of the above! Join us – all are welcome!
You can participate in person in the Marvin Lounge or online via Zoom HERE.
Yoga @ First is coming back!
New to yoga? Returning? Come sit with Jonah and practice a compassionate, inquisitive sequence to integrate the mind, body, and soul. In each session, we will focus, breathe, build heat, strengthen, and relax. Classes start September 13th and meet on Tuesday evenings, from 5:00-6:15 at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction. Wear comfortable, non restrictive clothing. Bring a mat or borrow one of Jonah’s. Donations (to the Church) welcome, but not required.
Coffee Clatter @ Martone’s
Every Friday at 8 am, Rev. Mark welcomes everyone to come and talk about any subject you would like. We talk politics, camping, travel, church life, community issues … any and everything that comes up. We meet at Martone’s in downtown Essex Junction for one hour ~ join us!
Noontime Book Group
- The book for October is “Bread and Roses, Too” by Katherine Paterson.
Wednesday Night Searchers
The Wednesday Night Searchers group explores the faith with a number of different methods: books, movies, TED Talks, directed studies, etc. Please join us Wednesday evenings from 7 – 9 pm in the Marvin Lounge; come for the study or come to be a part of a great supportive group of friends.
Wednesdays 7-9 pm
Marvin Lounge (*masks optional*) and via Zoom
Joins us for weekly discussions based on the last book by Rev. Peter J. Gomes. In The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus, Gomes asks us to think about Jesus’ message instead of Jesus the divine person. Rev. Mark knew Rev. Gomes personally, and that insight will surely provide personal thoughts and memories for us to consider as well as the writings of the author. You can read an NPR interview with Rev. Gomes and listen to him read from the book here.
The church has several books available for you to use; contact the church office to claim yours.
Bridge Group
Each month people who like to play bridge come together and do just that on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month from 1:30 – 4:00 in the Marvin Lounge. All types of skill levels come to have fun, eat some snacks and talk. We usually have two to three tables and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
20/30s Gatherings
Folks in their 20s and 30s gather together for potluck dinners. We connect young adults together for friendship and support discussing a broad range of topics each time. Child care is not provided. To connect with this group, email Pastor Mark, mmendes@fccej.org.