Small Group Ministries

Social Events/Social Circles Committee

Throughout the year, the spirit often moves us to plan a variety of events just for the fun and fellowship of it! Some recent events include: a coffeehouse featuring church and community participants, wine tastings, theater trips, game nights, bowling, and a chili-cookoff. 
 

Suppers with Seven

Groups of about seven adult diners, with or without partners, are arranged in January with the goal that each group will dine together at least four times during the calendar year. Participants take turns hosting dinner, with all members contributing to the meal. Suppers with Seven is a wonderful way for newcomers, as well as those who aren’t so new, to meet and make good friends. You choose where to host when it’s your turn!
 

Church Golf League

The FCCSM Golf League has now been going strong for over 20 years. Weather permitting, we play 9 holes at one of 5 local courses on Saturday mornings from Spring through Fall. Tee off is around 8:00 to 8:30 AM and we are done about 2 hours later at a cost of around $20. Adults of all ages and levels of expertise are welcome and you don’t need to play every week – simply join us when you can. Contact Don Alger at thealgers@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the e-mail list. He will let everyone know each week which course we will be playing, and you can let him know if you plan to play that week. It’s an excellent way to get some exercise and improve your game while connecting with others. Feel free to bring a friend, we hope you can join us!
 

The Keepers of the House Restoration Ministry

“The Keepers” celebrates their seventh year in January 2024!  This group has been scurrying throughout the church painting, repairing, building, renovating, and restoring worn and torn items.  As a support group for our Buildings and Grounds Committee, they serve as the decorating and beautifying division of our grand 300-year-old church community.

 

We are always looking for other helping hands.  If you would be interested in helping, please let any of our members know and we’ll find you a project to work on.  Don’t be intimidated if a sander or screw gun aren’t your favorite toys; we have a special, dedicated subgroup of people (the “Cavalry”) who arrive with tools and supplies to cover the heavy lifting, but help is always needed with other tasks such as sorting and organizing, inspecting and planning, and a wide range of other projects that arise. If you would like to join us, get in touch with chairperson Sherry Robertson, or recording secretary Carol Baker. We will get you signed up for a ton of fun!

​

Women’s Groups

Our two Women’s Circles provide a wonderful vehicle for getting to know different members of our congregation. You will find numerous opportunities for learning, worship, fellowship, and service. Led by our “circle leaders,” these meetings include both devotional and “program” components. They offer a time to work on charitable projects, share ideas together in fellowship, and participate in new adventures!

 

Leah Circle

The Leah Circle is open to all women of the church. Come when you can. Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month and begin at 7:00 PM in the Youth Room, unless noted otherwise.

 

Throughout the year, gatherings include a variety of thematic programming organized and led by group members. Sometimes it’s a movie night, sometimes an outside speaker, sometimes a craft activity – you never know! We collect “Blanche’s Pennies” to support Abby’s House, Sage Place, Mustard Seed, kitchen equipment, special Church activities, and other outreach projects. Each October, we have a “Blanche’s Birthday Bash” celebration, creating “birthday bags” for St. Anne’s along with our evening activity. Join us for evenings of fellowship, laughter, and fun!

 

Martha Circle

Each year, the Martha Circle sponsors many church and community projects, such as providing materials to give a birthday party to every student at Cottage Hill Academy in Baldwinville. Over the years, the Circle has toured the Central Massachusetts Red Cross Headquarters, the St. Joseph Basilica in Webster, Cottage Hill Academy, Sherry’s House (childhood cancer family support) and the Worcester Art Museum. They also sponsored an antique appraisal fundraiser.

The Martha Circle usually meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 11:30 AM, unless otherwise noted. Meetings usually include luncheon— sometimes a bring-your-own-sandwich-and-beverage luncheon, sometimes a festive pot-luck luncheon, or sometimes luncheon at a nearby restaurant.