An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ
Adult Faith Formation
Devoted to filling Christ’s followers with spiritual sustenance and deep friendships
SEASONAL BIBLE STUDIES
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Lectionary at Lunch: A Weekly Drop-In Lectionary Bible Study
Tuesdays, noon - 1:00 pm
Adkins Room
​​**Lunch is not provided – you are invited to bring your lunch if you would like to do so.
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Bring your favorite translation of the Bible, your spiritual curiosity, and a thirst for learning! Each week we will study and reflect on Scripture readings from the lectionary that invite us to delve deeper into sacred Scripture. The lectionary readings are part of our Sunday services each week throughout the liturgical year.
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​The focus texts for each Tuesday will be included in the "Looking Ahead" email each week.
Pastor Karen will be leading the lectionary study. She may be reached at karen@fccsm.org for more information.
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This is a drop-in study - come as you are able. All are welcome.
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LENTEN STUDY 2026
Wednesdays, February 25 through April 1, 6:00 - 7:00 pm​
We will meet in the Chapel on 2/25; the remainder of the sessions will be in Gifford Hall.
​This year at First Congregational Church, Shrewsbury, we will be delving into a Lenten theme of Amazing Grace.
As part of our Lenten journey, we will be spending six Wednesday evenings with the study guide "Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Costly Grace".
Copies of the study guide will be available in Gifford Hall. Please arrive having read the first session.
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​​There is no need to sign up to attend the study sessions; however, we are asking church members to sign up to provide a meal for our time together.
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We are in need of two soups (one meat, one vegetarian), two breads (or crackers), and two desserts (cookies or bars) each Wednesday. You do not need to attend the session to provide food.
Please use the sign up to help us plan:
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BOOK DISCUSSIONS
FCC hosts occasional book discussions. Come together in fellowship to discuss the current book at these gatherings. All are welcome.
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BOOK STUDY:
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Recent reads:
Sandra Richter, Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters
Brian McLaren, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart
Brooks Berndt, Cathedral On Fire
Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home
*These books were part of FCC’s year-long focus on Earth Stewardship
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The church library also has books and DVDs for adults and children on a wide variety of topics for self-serve browsing and borrowing.
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MORNING MEDITATION
All are welcome to join our weekly meditation group on Tuesdays at 8am in the Church Parlor. Whether you have practiced for years or never meditated before, give yourself this gift of a half hour to start your day in peace and God's love. Have a question or need more information? Contact the church office at (508) 845-7286.
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Looking for a few minutes of peace and quiet?
Come enjoy a cool drink, your lunch, or a book in the newly created Garden of Peace, located outside the church by the kitchen steps. The bench under the kitchen window is the perfect spot for a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation!​
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DAILY REFLECTIONS
At First Congregational we offer two opportunities for daily reflections on God's work in our lives. The first is through the small devotional "60 Days of Prayer". These small booklets can be found in the sanctuary and are ideal for personal prayers. Additionally, as part of the United Church of Christ the UCC Daily Devotionals provide relevant, spiritually moving reflections on contemporary life.
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THE MICAH PROJECT
The prophet Micah asks what is required of us; the response in chapter 6 verse 8 is to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. The Micah Project offers opportunities to study and reflect on areas of social / societal injustice and how our faith speaks to these contemporary issues. These conversations are free and open to all.