News Archive

After a  two year break due to COVID, our Sparkling Church Fair was full of light, fellowship and laughter as we once again worked hard to create a wonderful and joyous event in the life of our community.
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On Saturday, November 26, church members gathered to decorate our sanctuary in preparation for the Advent and Christmas seasons.  This tradition of the "Hanging of the Greens" is always an occasion of great fun and fellowship. [ more ]

The twinkle of the eyes and the old-fashioned, wire-rimmed glasses? He's got those.
The flowing white beard? He has that, too.
The jolly countenance? The Santa body shape? More check marks.
But what makes Meriden's Tony Corso even more Santa-like is that he'd prefer to fill the role every day of the year. [ more ]

September 18, 2022--Catch the Spirit Sunday was full of the spirit of community, fellowship and excitement for the new program year! [ more ]

July 31, 2022 was Rev. Kathy Cunliffe's final Sunday among us as our Senior Minister. Following the 10:00 a.m. worship service, church members, family and friends attended a reception honoring her ministry. Kathy was presented with tributes, gifts, delicious food and our best wishes as we say farewell and she embarks on the next chapter of her life. [ more ]

On June 5, 2022, joy and the Holy Spirit filled our sanctuary when we once again celebrated Confirmation in the Sanctuary as eight young people joined our church as official members. [ more ]

On the morning of Saturday, November 27, the church was filled with fellowship and joy as we gathered to hang the greens and decorate our Christmas tree in preparation for the Advent and Christmas seasons. [ more ]

September 12, 2021 was the date for "Catch the Spirit Sunday," our celebratory kick-off to another exciting program year. As part of our celebration, we had a Blessing of the Backpacks, and following worship, we gathered on the Parade Ground for food, fellowship and the opportunities to learn about our ministries. [ more ]

The 14th Annual Family Life Golf Tournament to support breast cancer awareness and research and the Family Life Center Fund was held on Saturday morning, October 9 at Miner Hills Family Golf in Middletown, CT.  It was a wonderful success. [ more ]

Thank you again for your generosity!  Our Oct. 16 clothing drive to benefit the Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW) and local families who have immigrated to Wallingford from Ecuador was a great success. [ more ]

Our "Back-to-School Supply Drive" on Saturday morning, August 21, supporting the Meriden-Wallingford Department of Children and Families, was a wonderful success, thanks to your generosity. [ more ]

Thank you for your generous support of our "School is Back, Give 'Em a Snack for their Backpack" "snacky" food drive on September 18, supporting Master's Manna. We collected 395 pounds of food and snacks, stuffing a SUV! [ more ]

Congratulations to our graduating High School Seniors!  On Sunday, June 13, our church was able to present Scholarships to our Seniors as they head off to higher education. [ more ]

While were not able to meet or worship in person, the Trustees took advantage of the empty building to tackle much needed renovations.  After the Annual Meeting on June 13, the renovation of Congregational Hall was revealed. [ more ]

On Sunday, January 10, we celebrated the Service of Ordination for Connor Filkins virtually. While the format was different, it was a joy to witness this important moment in Connor's life and the life of our congregation. Congratulations, Connor, and we wish you every blessing in your ministry to the church of Jesus Christ!

If you missed it, you can still witness the service by clicking here.

We celebrate this wonderful and sacred milestone in Connor's life with him and his family and offer thanks to God for the journey of faith that has brought him to this special day!

"Do not be afraid; for behold—I am bringing you good news
of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
who is the Messiah, the Lord."

Please join us as we celebrate this holy and sacred time!

We have several opportunities for worship, including a "Blue Christmas" service, as well as Christmas Eve and Epiphany services.

My deep prayer for each of you is that even in these unusual times, as we miss one another and our beloved traditions, may you look for signs of the blessing of the Christ Child and discover anew the hope, peace, joy, and love because of his presence in our lives. Yours in Christ, Pastor Kathy [ more ]

It's time for implementation of our Mission, as affirmed in our Vision and Mission Statements resulting from the Jeremiah Project. [ more ]

The community of the First Congregational Church of Wallingford has been on a faith-filled journey to discover God's call for our church in this place and time. The Jeremiah Project is based on the scripture from Jeremiah 29:10, "I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a future with hope." A renewed Vision and Mission will serve as inspiration and guidepost for our decisions and actions moving forward.

The weekend of June 20 and 21, 2020 was Affirmation Weekend, when we had the great blessing of being able to affirm our Core Values, Vision and Mission Statements as the culmination of the Jeremiah Project.  You can click on Online Church or our Facebook page to watch a short video presentation.  [ more ]

The Board of Christian Education sponsored a contactless Food Drive on May 16 to support elderly church neighbors in need and Master's Manna.  We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our church family--over 1,245 pounds of food was collected and donated! [ more ]

The Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, sponsored by our Deacons, was held on Tuesday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m. It is always a festive evening, starting with delicious pancakes and sausage. Then the fun really began with the Pancake Flipping races! [ more ]

On Sunday afternoon, March 8 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in Congregational Hall, the Board of Family Life sponsored a Chili Cook-off and Barn Dance, which was a wonderful event, full of laughter, great food and fun dancing.  [ more ]

The 2019 Advent and Christmas Season at First Congregational Church was filled with joy as we experienced the holidays through the lens of the beloved Christmas carol classic, "Joy to the World" as it turns 300 this year.

There was an abundance of making a "joyful noise to the Lord" with wonderful musical offerings from our experienced choir members to the youngest children. [ more ]

During this season of thanksgiving and "breaking bread together", we give thanks for all of our blessings and the meaningful ways our church impacts our lives and the lives of others, and we recommit ourselves through the gifts of our time, talent, and treasure.  And we celebrate by sharing a meal! [ more ]

On Sunday, October 27, 2019, the Board of Christian Education sponsored a wonderful and fun-filled Halloween Party for kids 0-10.  Congregational Hall was decorated to make it "spooky", and there were snacks, games, music and a costume parade. Kids were encouraged to bring their friends, and to come in costume. [ more ]

An Ecclesiastical Council for our Member in Discernment, Connor Filkins, was held in the sanctuary on Thursday, October 3, 2019. An Ecclesiastical Council is a meeting of the delegates of the New Haven Association of the United Church of Christ to examine members in discerment for fitness for ordained ministry. We are pleased to announce that Connor was approved for ordination, pending call, by the Ecclesiastical Council. [ more ]

September 8, 2019 was Catch the Spirit Sunday, our celebratory kick-off to another exciting program year. As part of our celebration, we had a Blessing of the Backpacks for all children, students of all ages and educators. Following worship, our traditional hot dogs, chips and ice cream were served on the Parade Ground. Join us for fellowship and the renewal of the Spirit in your lives at First Church, where we believe that Faith Makes a Difference!  You are welcome no matter where you are on life's journey! [ more ]

July 21-27 Youth Mission Trip to Dexter, Maine--Our dedicated youth and intrepid adults repaired homes, shared love and concern, and celebrated their faith in Dexter, Maine on this year's mission trip. We rejoice with them as they spread God's love and blessings in the world through their hard work and care for others. [ more ]

Rev. Margaret Jay's last Sunday service with us before her retirement on July 15, 2019 was celebrated on June 30, 2019. Following the 10:00 a.m. worship service, over 200 church members and friends attended a reception honoring her ministry in Congregational Hall.  Margaret was presented with tributes, gifts, delicious food and our best wishes as she embarks on the journey of retirement. [ more ]

October 6-7--Celebrate Wallingford. For the first time, our church participated in this year's Celebrate Wallingford, the festival which takes place in the center of town, right outside our front door.  With the support of our church members, it was a great success. [ more ]

Easter is a special and sacred time in the life of the church, when we celebrate the Risen Christ and the renewed promise of God's love and new life.  [ more ]

Palm Sunday worship at our church is a very special moment in the church year. We begin the walk through Holy Week alongside Jesus on the journey of the last week of his life, which culminates with the joyful good news of Easter Sunday. [ more ]

On the first weekend of April, we were off to see the Wizard!  First Church mounted a delightful production of "The Wizard of Oz."  The cast was made up of church members of all ages, and many more people worked on the play behind the scenes.  [ more ]

November 30 and December 1, 2018-- The "Home for the Holidays" Church Fair was a wonderful success! Thanks to the efforts of so many volunteers who organized, planned, cooked, baked, set-up, cleaned-up, sold, created crafts, provided music...the list goes on and on...the two days were full of joyful spirit. [ more ]

November 10, 2018 -- The First Congregational Church presented a special commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the ending of World War I at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 10 in the sanctuary.  [ more ]

October 31, 2018 -- On a beautiful Halloween evening, with scores of families streaming by our front door, members of the Music Committee served warm apple cider, and spooky music wafted over the sidewalks. [ more ]

November 18, 2018--The Youth Groups and the Confirmation Class will be conducting their 25th Annual Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, November 18, 2018. Your generosity will make a real impact on needy families in our community, truly showing how Faith Makes a Difference. [ more ]

October 14, 2018 -- Our Minister of Music, Jeanette Gross, has served The First Congregational Church of Wallingford for 25 years.  This milestone was celebrated in style--and as a big surprise--on Sunday, October 14.  The choir planned special music and fun presentations. [ more ]

A Festival of Arts and a Celebration of the Creative Spirit was held at the First Congregational Church of Wallingford on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14, 2018.  Members and friends of our church family a shared in a celebration of the creative spirit as we turned Congregational Hall into a wonderful display space for works of art in all mediums... [ more ]

September 9, 2018 was Catch the Spirit Sunday, our celebratory kick-off to another exciting program year. Registration for Church School took place and classes resumed.  Following the 10:00 a.m. worship service, our traditional hot dogs, chips and ice cream were served on the Parade Ground. Displays by our Boards and Committees demonstrated the range of ways for you to get involved in our church life and community. Join us for fellowship, the renewal of the Spirit in our lives and the joy of a new program year at First Church, where we believe that Faith Makes a Difference! [ more ]

The 2018 Wallingford Workcamp was an amazing experience to all who participated--from the youth from around the country, to the people who were served, to the members at First Church who planned and implemented extensive preparations, as well as many Wallingford businesses and community members who donated their time, treasure, expertise and unbelievable amount of effort. Wallingford was blessed by all who participated in so many different ways--thank you. [ more ]