Welcome to First Congregational Church

Founded in 1669, the First Congregational Church of Wallingford is a warm and inviting community, where any member, new or old-timer, young or old, male or female, gay or straight, from any background, can play a role in the life of the church. We are congenial, not cliquey; people accept each other without regard to background, profession or political differences. We work well together, like to laugh, and share great joy and friendship with one another ... [ more ]

All are Welcome

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here at First Congregational of Wallingford! We are an Open and Affirming church and offer an authentic and loving welcome to all who seek a relationship with God.

  • If you are a seeker or a doubter … you are welcome here.
  • If you have more questions than answers … you are welcome here.
  • If you are searching for a place to express your creativity and to live authentically … you are welcome here.
  • If you are a long time member of the United Church of Christ or someone coming from a different faith tradition, or no faith tradition … you are welcome here.
  • No matter what your family looks like … you are welcome here. [ more ]

Our Vision and Mission

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, 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."   Our renewed Vision and Mission will serve as inspiration and guidepost for our decisions and actions moving forward. [ more ]

Worship Services Online

We welcome you to our fellowship even if you can't join us in person!

Watch our Sunday services online in real time or at your convenience (or catch up on past services) here, at the Live Stream page of our YouTube Channel.

Our Sunday Bulletins, with our Service of Worship, are also available online.  This will allow you to follow along if you are joining our worship service from home.  It also has timely reminders of upcoming events.  Click here for the latest Sunday Bulletin.  Other recent Bulletins are available here.

What's New at First Church

Sunday, January 25, 2026 Worship Cancelled Due to Snowstorm

Out of an abundance of caution, the Moderators, the Minister of Music, a Worship Team Coordinator, and Pastor Jeff met and have agreed that cancelling worship on Sunday the 25th is necessary because of the forecasted winter storm. Worship at Ashlar Village is also cancelled. Please, stay home and stay safe.


We Welcome Rev. Jeff Birch as Senior Minister

January 4, 2026 was a joyous Sunday as our newly called Senior Minister, Rev. Jeff Birch, took our pulpit for the first time. The church was full of the spirit and excitement of new beginnings. [ more ]


350th Anniversary Star Ball

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the 350th Star Ball concluded a wonderful year of celebrations. It was a truly festive and joy-filled evening, with delicious food, great music, lively dancing and a glorious spirit. [ more ]


Join Us for Worship in January!

January 2026 -- Come and join us for worship during the season of Epiphany, and welcome Pastor Jeff to First Church!  All are welcome to share this special time of year with us.   Click for the worship schedule [ more ]


The latest news...

Catch up on all of our latest church news by reading this month's Spire, our church newsletter!  There is a lot going on at First Church! [ more ]


We Say Farewell to Rev. Dr. Meredith Jeffers

December 21, 2025 was the final Sunday for the interim ministry of Rev. Dr. Meredith Jeffers, who served First Congregational Church for three years, and throughout our 350th Anniversary year. [ more ]


Christmas Church Fair 2025

Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, 2025 were the dates for our annual Christmas Church Fair--and what a wonderful fair it was! [ more ]


Church Art Show to Celebrate Our 350th

November 9, 2025 -- Continuing to honor our 350th anniversary in many ways, we held an Art Show to showcase and celebrate the artists among our congregation. [ more ]


Chili-Cook Off and Square Dance

November 1, 2025 -- As part of our 350th Anniversary celebration, we offered a fun family-friendly Chili Cook-off and Square Dance. The chilis were great, the dancing was fun, and the laughter was non-stop. [ more ]


New Church Office Hours

The Church Office will be open Tuesday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Please note this change of hours for now.  Thank you. 


350th Anniversary Events

Throughout this year of celebration of our 350th Anniversary, the 350th Anniversary Committee has offered a variety of events to mark this special occasion.  We had a joyous Kick-off celebration in January, welcoming friends old and new.  March brought a Silver Tea and Bridal Dress show, which was delightful.  May 4 was the closest date to our actual founding in 1675, and the celebratory worship service honored both our past and anticipated our future.  Keeping with tradition, the service was then followed by hot dogs and a fun birthday gathering on the Parade Ground.  We participated with the Wallingford community in the Memorial Day Parade, honoring service members who lost their lives.  In July, there was a wonderful Tower Bell concert, where folks gathered outside in the summer sunshine to enjoy great music.  Catch the Spirit in September was a glorious day as we began the church program year and continued the celebration of our 350th Anniversary. In October, Magical Melodies--A 350 Year Celebration was a truly magical evening of music filling our sanctuary. Our Chancel Choir, Praise Band, Bell Choir and soloists were joined by the acappella women's chorus Silk'n Sounds and Flute Loops, an amazing all-flute ensemble.  On a glorious October Sunday following worship, a group from the church walked down the hill to the Center Street Cemetery for a tour. Center Street Cemetery has been the free public burying ground of Wallingford since the town was established in 1670, and holds the remains of some of our church founders and our first minister. 





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