First Congregational Church
165 Main St, Amherst, MA
Wednesday Night Series: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Local Heroes: Peace & Justice Journeys
9/21 Toby Bobbitt & Matt Ives, Honduras
Only Three Shovels: Helping Hondurans Continue to Rebuild
There continues to be a physically and personally transformative power in the work of the many ‘mission’ groups that still travel to do labor in Honduras. This Central American country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in November 1998. Toby Bobbitt will use slides and discussion to speak about a recent work camp in Victoria, a town in the mountainous Department of Yoro.
9/28 Russ Vernon-Jones, Guatemala
Some "Honest" History of the US and Guatemala with Recent Photos
This photo slideshow includes perspectives I learned from former guerrillas and indigenous Mayans on two brief trips to study Spanish in Guatemala in 2010 and 2011. Spreading accurate information in the US is crucial to creating conditions that will allow Guatemala to thrive. We'll discuss reactions and possible action steps.
10/5 Anne Stanek, Nicaragua
Our Sister City: Promise and Challenge
Amherst has had a Sister City Relationship with La Paz Centro, Nicaragua for almost 20 years. During the past 10 years, this relationship has blossomed as a result of the five delegations that have visited La Paz Centro. We will show some slides and present some of our accomplishments as well as the challenging issues that we have faced over the years.
10/12 Melanie Blood, Uganda
My Name is Not Munu
Melanie tells the story of her work with the Invisible Children project, teaching to 100 students, and living in a little place called Gulu, Northern Uganda.
10/19 Paki Wieland, Greece to Gaza
The Audacity of Hope: International Peace-Makers on the Gaza Flotilla
“For it is not against human enemies we have to struggle, but against the sovereignties and the powers who originate darkness in this world...”(Ephesians 6:12-16.) Local activist Paki Wieland will describe what happened when 36 Americans tried to deliver love letters from Americans to the people of Gaza aboard the ship, The Audacity of Hope. Her journey embodies the intersectionality of the Mystical Body of Christ - we are all part of one another - and of Buddhist teacher’s Thich Nhat Hahn's vision of Interbeing. Paki Wieland, Speaker
Friday Night Movies
Freedom Writers
9/16 5:30 , bag supper; 6:30 – 8:30 movie & discussion . First Church of Amherst, Lounge
While her at-risk students are reading classics like The Diary of Anne Frank, a young teacher (Hilary Swank) asks them to keep journals about their troubled lives and apply history's lessons to break the cycle of violence and despair that threatens their futures. Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton and Patrick Dempsey co-star in this moving drama based on real-life California educator Erin Gruwell's unorthodox methods.
Mooz-Lum
10/21 5:30, bag supper; 6:30 – 8:30 Movie & Discussion. First Church of Amherst, Lounge
Amid a strict Muslim rearing and a social life he's never had, Tariq’s first year of college proves transformative. That is, until the 9/11 terrorist attacks invite growing suspicion and distrust from his angry classmates. Director: Qasim Basir
The Ground Truth
11/18 5:30 bag supper; 6:30 – 8:30 Movie & Discussion. First Church of Amherst, Lounge
Director Patricia Foulkrod's powerful documentary spotlights American soldiers sharing -- with aching honesty -- their experiences on the battlefield in Iraq and back home as they try to reassemble their lives. These men and women discuss the anguish of war, the difficulties of readjusting to life after their tours of duty and the often callous treatment returning troops receive from the military and the Veterans Administration.
9/11 No TL (special memorial events that day)
9/18 That They May All Be One: A Bible study and discussion about Mission 1, the UCC campaign to unite the church in a shared mission for 11 days to feed the hungry and confront food-related injustice. Facilitator: Gary Grimes.
9/25 No TL (Congregational Meeting)
10/2 Blessings and Generosity: Best Practices for a Generous Life
The big secret of our faith is that God is with us! “We are blessed with the power of God, enabling us to give and accomplish ‘far more than we can imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20). Generosity is not one aspect of life apart from the rest of life. It is a way of living” (The Big Secret of Giving). We will examine how blessings and generosity intertwine together leading us towards a generous life. Facilitator: Mary Taft
10/9 (after the service) Sermon Talkback (Pastor Vicki)
10/16 The New Jim Crow
An exploration of the role of the criminal justice system and the so-called "war on drugs" in creating a racial sub-caste out of black and brown men and keeping racism in place while using "colorblind" language that hides the reality from most white Americans. This session will be based largely on a talk given by Michelle Alexander at the Riverside UCC Church in NYC. Some provocative information with implications for all of us. Facilitator: Russ Vernon-Jones
10/23 Witnessing for the Earth: The Tar Sands action and beyond
What is God calling me to do in my life? This question led Betsy Krogh to travel to Washington, D.C. and participate in the Tar Sands action. Along with 1,253 others, she was arrested for committing civil disobedience in front of the White House. Learn more about what happened, why people are opposing the Tar Sands Pipeline and what comes next. Facilitator: Betsy Krogh
10/30 TBA
11/6 A Christian Perspective on Immigration?
Immigration is a complex and confusing issue. Our country needs to have a major discussion on this issue. Soujourner's magazine has had some interesting Christian perspectives on the issues. Clearly we each need to think for ourselves here and can benefit from perspectives beyond the mainstream media. Facilitator: Russ Vernon-Jones
11/13 TBA
11/20 No TL
11/27 Mission and Our Church : A cornerstone of mission is bringing God’s love and justice into the world. This forum, sponsored by the Mission Ministry Team, will examine the role of mission in our church. We have invited one of the local helping agencies that First Congregational Church financially supports to join us in this discussion of mission. Facilitator: Mary Taft