First Congregational Church

165 Main St, Amherst, MA

About Small Groups

We believe that small group life is integral to our growing as individuals and in our faith. First Church folks have always participated in small groups. Many of these small groups will continue through our transition from the past to the future. In addition, we hope for and expect the continuing creation of new groups. Small group life in the church will be on-going, with many varieties and opportunities for each person to participate in one or more groups. All groups will be open to everyone. Anyone can start a small group that may be organized around any of the Five Foundations: Spiritual Life, Christian Community Life and Care, Transformative Learning, Lay Ministry in the World/Social Justice, and Stewardship of Resources. In many cases, a small group may include a variety of aspects that would fit under a number of foundations.

A small group provides an opportunity to discuss important issues in depth allowing everyone to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Very often, the small group becomes a support group for the individual members, because each person is known at a deeper level, and not just someone we nod at across the sancturary. Some of the groups have and will have an outreach focus, while others will focus on transformitive learning, meditation, and/or prayer. Some of the groups have random memberships, that is anyone can come at any time and have a "Y'all" come kind of format. Some groups will have an open membership time, for example, in September and then be closed for the rest of the year with attendance assumed at each gathering. Some groups are just plain fun, filled with uproarious laughter and no particular social redeeming value!!! Some groups have been meeting for 10 or 20 years, and others have yet to have the first meeting.

Some of the following groups have existed for a long time, while others are just beginning to gestate in someone's mind. If you are interested in any of these groups, please feel free to e-mail the contact person for more information. If you can't find a group that meets when you are available, and you would like to start another group, we will help you get started. Contact anyone on the Elected Leadership Team (ELT) or a co-ordinator of any of the foundation groups.

The list below includes the name, meeting frequency, and average size of the group. For more information, click on the group name.