Current and Upcoming Events
Current and Upcoming Events
Advent Devotional Symbol Thursdays 10 AM 12/5, 12/13, 12/19
The Advent season is BUSY! Join us for a short (~30 minute) Devotional Service in the Deacons Chapel, in the balcony of First Church on Thursday mornings during Advent: December 5th, 12th, and 19th. You can join in person or by going to the church Facebook page and watching the live feed: https://www.facebook.com/FCCBCT
Sweater Sunday -- Ugly/Fun/Favorite/Silly --Wear your Sweater to Worship on Sunday, December 15th at 10 AM
The 3rd Sunday in Advent (12/15) is ‘Joy’. We light the pink candle of ‘Joy’. Let us share in Joy by having some fun in worship. Wear your ‘best’ sweater to worship. It could be your best ‘Ugly’ sweater. It could be your best favorite sweater. Or somewhere in between. Lights and moving attachments welcome. Let us join in the Joy of the season on Sunday December 15th with your Ugly/Fun/Favorite/Silly sweater.
Blue Christmas Service, Wednesday, 12/18 at 7 PM
Everyone is invited to experience this Special Service. A Blue Christmas Service is a unique service that acknowledges not everything is always Merry and Bright during the Christmas season. A time to reflect on the complexity of the season with lost loved ones, life not always being what you imagined, and knowing sometimes the Christmas Season is just hard. Bring your whole self, be present, and know that God meets you where you are and just as you are this Advent and Christmas Season.
Christmas Eve Service 12/24 at 4 PM
Celebrate the Light of God, the Prince of Peace, Love of God, Immanuel-God with Us, coming in the world as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. Everyone is welcome to join us for the Christmas Eve Family service at 4 pm.
Previous Events - and - Future Events
Church Open House Saturday, October 7th between 11 am - 2 pm
Are you looking for a caring community?
Do you want to make a difference?
Do you feel like something is missing?
Are you searching for a new inclusive, welcoming and friendly faith community changing lives and sharing God's love?
You can find all that at First Congregational Church of Bethel, UCC.
Join us Saturday, October 7th anytime between 11 am and 2 pm for a time to explore the church, meey Pastor Ryan, the highly-talented Dana (Music Director), and the congregation,enjoy lunch and more.
FCCB Blood Drive
First Congregational Church of Bethel will hold a Blood Drive on Friday, September 29th from 12 to 5 pm, in partnership with the American Red Cross. Appointments are available - please register at redcrossblood.org - more information can be found by clicking the button below.
Bethel Community
Earth Day
Join FCCB and the town of Bethel, in cooperation with Bethel Parks & Rec, Bethel Land Trust, Sustainable Bethel & the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, brings the Annual Earth Day celebration back to the Municipal Center lawn! Earth Day is Saturday, April 22nd - visit the Facebook event page for more information, and visit the Bethel Community Earth Day Facebook page for ongoing enviromental events.
"Letters to Santa" family event Saturday, December 10, 2022
Join us on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 12 to 2 pm for a visit with Santa! Click the button below for more information!
Ashes to Go!
All are invited to receive Ashes to Go outside Molten Java on Wednesday, February 14th from 7 to 9 am.
Start your Ash Wednesday with a blessing, ashes, and preparing your heart for the season of Lent. We'll be outside to offer you ashes, or a blessing.
Don't forget to grab a coffee from Molten Java while you're here.
Hosted by First Congregational Church of Bethel, UCC, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
Youth Fundraiser Dinner
Don't miss an incredible dinner hosted by the Youth at First Church on Sunday, February 25th at 5:30 pm.
Everyone is invited! Bring your friends. No RSVP required but certainly appreciated. Free will offering.
Cleaning God's House
Join us Saturday, March 2nd for a morning fellowship, food and service. Everyone is invited to some fun spring cleaning at First Church. All ability levels and skill sets welcome. We'll begin at 9 am, and you are welcome anytime after 9. Click for more information to learn about starting early.
Lenten Book Study
Join us on Wednesdays 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, (4/10 if needed) on Zoom during Lent, from 7 to 8:30 pm, as we read "The Gospel of Mark: A Beginner's Guide to the Good News" by Amy-Jill Levine
Church World Service Hygiene Kits
We are putting our faith in action. On March 10th, we will assemble our Church World Service Hygiene Kits. CWS distributes the kits around the world to communities in need. You can be a part of making the transition after disaster more bearable. You can drop off your hygiene kit items at church on Sunday or during the week. Everyone is welcome to help assemble the kits. It will be an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and food on Sunday, March 10th after worship. Click for more information to get donation details.
FCCB Drive-By Corned Beef Dinner
Join us on Saturday, March 16, 2024 for a drive-by corned beef dinner! Details and flyer on the corned beef dinner event page. Call 203-743-1877 to order by March 13th.
Drive-by Palm Distribution
Join us for an afternoon of fellowship & fun as we pass out Palms to passersby near First Congregational Church of Bethel. We will pass out Palms from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Youth especially are invited to join in the fun. After all the palms are passed out, youth will have more fun activities.
Palm Sunday Service
Join us for a Service of Palms on Sunday, March 24th at 10 am. Take the full journey through Holy Week beginning with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday Potluck
Don't miss the Palm Sunday Potluck Brunch on Sunday, March 24th. We will wave palms and celebrate Jesus entering Jerusalem during Worship. Then gather in the Main Hall for food and fellowship. Sign up for the potluck. Find out the details on "More Info".
Maundy Thursday Service
You are invited to an evening service of Holy Communion and Tenebrae on Thursday, March 28th. We begin the service at 7 pm. All are welcome to receive Communion, no matter your tradition. We will leave the service in darkness and quiet.
Good Friday Cross Walk & Lunch
On Good Friday, March 29th, you are invited to journey through the heart of Bethel as we walk our faith and take part in the ancient practice of the Stations of the Cross. . Beginning at 12 noon at 213 Greenwood Avenue (Molten Java) and finishing at First Congregational Church of Bethel, with a light lunch to follow.
Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service
Rise early to celebrate Easter and meet our Risen Savior in the rising sun! Join us at 6:30 am, Sunday, March 31st at Putnam Park Pond. All are welcome!
Easter Service
Join us to celebrate the unconditional Love of God, as we celebrate Christ's resurrection through word, song and Holy Communion at 10 am Easter morning on Sunday, March 31st.
All are welcome to receive Communion, no matter your tradition.
Bethel Pride Parade and Celebration
Saturday, June 1st
We are allies of the Bethel LGBTQ+ Community and participate in the annual parade. This year's Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024. More information about FCCB's participation in the parade and celebration can be found by clicking the "More Info" button below.
All Church Picnic Sunday, June 9th
You are invited to the all Church PIcnic at FCCB. During worship at 10 am we will say Thank You to our amazing life changing Sunday School Leaders as we conclude Sunday School program for the School Year & celebrate the culmination of the Lift Capital Campaign. Join us for fun on the Church Lawn!
Church Lawn Tag Sale
Saturday, June 15th
FCCB's annual Tag Sale will take place on Saturday, June 15th! You are invited! Tell your friends and gather your good unneeded items!
You can donate your treasures now. They can be dropped off M - F between 9:30 and 12.
More information by clicking the button below.
Outdoor Worship on the Lawn June 30th &
August 18th
This summer we will worship outside on the Lawn at First Church Bethel on June 30th & August 18th at 10 am. You are welcome to bring a comfortable chair or use ours. Wear your comfortable clothes and immerse yourself in creation as we celebrate the unconditional Love of God.
The rain/bad weather date will be the following Sunday 7/7 & 8/25 if needed. We'll post on the church Facebook page and email the church if there is a needed change.
Children's Festival Saturday, August 3rd
Fun for the whole family! Join us Saturday, August 3rd from 11 am to 2 pm. Marvel at the balloon artist. Get crafty. Enjoy the yummy food. Listen to amazing storytelling. Brighten yours and everyone's day with a stop at the face painting station. Test your skills with a variety of games. Both of the local volunteer fire departments and the Bethel police department have been invited again this year. And enjoy Ice Cream from the Ice Cream Truck! For more information call 203-743-1877. Don't miss it!
Blessing of the Bags
Sunday, September 15th
Bring your favorite Bag (School, Work, Golf, Hiking, Shopping, etc.) for a Blessing on Sunday morning, September 15th, at 10 AM. This is a blessing for our young people on their school year ahead, as well as for all adults on the year ahead. You are invited to also receive a "Blessing Bag Tag" as a reminder of God's Love that you carry always.
Youth Group Kick-Off
Sunday, September 15th
2:00 - 3:00
Calling all 6th through 12th Grade Youth! You are invited to take part in the First Church Youth Group. We have a great time getting to know each other, having fun at youth group, doing service work, growing in our faith, playing games, fun outing adventures, meeting with other youth groups, and even enjoying some great food. It is a blast and you are invited
You can learn more about Youth Ministry at First Church by contacting Pastor Ryan.
You can also learn more by following the First Church Bethel Facebook page.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 13th
at 1 pm
Bring your beloved creature for a blessing. Pastor Ryan will offer a blessing over your furry, fuzzy, hairy, scaly, feathered Dear Ones. You are also welcome to bring a picture if that is easier or safer.
All are welcome for this Holy Moment. Please have your pet on a leash or in an appropriate carrier for their safety, and for the safety of every creature gathered.
Children's Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, October 19th
1:00 - 3:00
The Pumpkin Fest is an afternoon of fun for all.
There are Games, Crafts, Storytelling, Pumpkin Painting, Yummy Autumn themed Goodies & more Fun. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at no cost.
Click the button below for more information!
Book of Remembrance and
Whitcomb Music Fund
Sunday, November 3rd
The Book of Remembrance and Whitcomb Music Fund are a unique opportunity to support the special ministry of the church and honor your loved ones.
You can make a gift in honor and in memory of your loved ones in the weeks before November 3rd. The names of our loved ones will be read during the service.
These gifts have supported special projects throughout the church and the music ministry at First Church.
Connecticut Master Chorale
"Holiday Prelude Concert"
Sunday, November 24th
The Connecticut Master Chorale, under the direction of former FCCB Music Director Tina Johns Heidrich, with accompaniment from Joe Jacovino & the
Connecticut Master Chorale Holiday Brass, presents their "Holiday Prelude Concert" on Sunday, November 24th at 3 pm, at the First Congregational Church of Danbury. More information can be found by clicking the button below.
Annual Pot Roast Dinner, Saturday, December 7, 2024
A delicious pot roast dinner, prepared by the FCCB CONGO COOKS! This year, you have the option of ordering your dinners for curbside pick up between 4 & 5 pm, or dine in from 5:30 to 7 pm in the church fellowship hall. Click the button below for more information!
Advent Chrismon Event Sunday 12/8 after Worship
Everyone is invited to this fun All Ages Event. Chrismons are ornaments in the shape of Christian symbols, usually in gold and white. There are angels, doves, crosses, anchors, and so very much more. It will be a wonderful time of fellowship, fun, faith, and Christmas! See you then.
Celebration of Love Event
Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 1 to 3:30 pm for a special Celebration of Love for the whole family! Watch for next year's event!
COVID-19 Information
Current information on how the pandemic is being addressed, particularly how it affects church events.
Vacation Bible School
Bring your kids out for the start of Vacation Bible School! We will have a ton of fun this summer playing games, doing arts and crafts, and most importantly learning about Jesus!