10:30 a.m., every Sunday

Going to a new church for the time can be hard with not knowing what to expect! Here’s a guide to help you out:

Wear whatever feels comfortable to you, and you’ll fit right in.

First Church AmherstWhether you enter our building from the parking lot in back (yes, we have parking!) or from the handicap-accessible entrance on Main Street, just follow the emergent hubbub to the sanctuary doors. Someone at the Welcome Table will try to greet you personally, but it’s totally okay if you’d rather just sneak by. Everyone tells us we’re a warm and friendly community, so don’t be surprised when multiple church members introduce themselves and invite you to Coffee Hour after the service. On most Sundays we’ve got take-home loaves of delicious homemade bread for first-time visitors.

Most, but not all Sunday services follow the same general format: Instrumental music as you enter, a brief welcome and announcements, a guided meditation or responsive reading to help you let go of what’s not helpful and open your heart to the Holy, as well as hymns and prayers, a Word for All Ages message for children, scripture readings, a sermon, silent meditation, the sharing of joys and concerns, some more prayer, and an offering. We celebrate Communion (also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper) every Sunday, believing that sharing the Bread of Life and the Cup of Blessing is central to our life together. Communion is open to all.

         The fabulous 35-member First Church Choir  sings twice a month—everything from classical to gospel, jazz, folk, and modern settings of golden oldies. Other Sundays feature music from a pick-up choir that gathers at 9:45, or vocal or instrumental selections offered by church members or guest musicians.

The service lasts about an hour and 10 minutes and is followed immediately by Coffee Hour. Please stay for the food and drink and, best of all, the laughter and conversation.


Sunday School

All our children and youth are encouraged to participate in the first 15 or 20 minutes of the service, through the Word for All Ages. Then the younger kids, preschool through sixth grade, head downstairs for Sunday School, where their time is led by an experienced teacher and an assistant. Junior high and high school youth stay in the sanctuary through the sermon, and then leave for “Sermon Take-Away,” a brief, adult-led discussion about the day’s message. Nursery care is available for babies and toddlers.


Other Services

         During special seasons of the church year, or in response to ministry teams or world events, we gather for different kinds of services: devotionals, animal blessings, thematic services led by ministry teams, prayer vigils, services in the Taizé style, and more intimate sharing times—even bonfires. Please check the Calendar for dates and times. And Pastor Vicki regularly offers Blessings to Go in and around town (any she’ll offer one for you any time!).