First Churches of Northampton

The First Meeting House in Northampton was built in 1654 as a place of worship and as a place of meeting for the community.  We continue to honor our church’s relationship with the greater community by welcoming others to utilize our various rooms throughout the year.  On a typical week one can find such groups as The Prison Book Project, Overeaters Anonymous, Homeless Resource Group, Parents Without Partners, Scottish County Dancers, Hampshire Choral Society, Al-Alon, Alcoholics Anonymous and those practicing yoga.

Children - The Church School dates back to the 1820s and was created to acquaint children and youth with the religious lessons as well as the cultural and historical background of the Christian faith.  It always was, and remains, a beginning of the spiritual life for our children.  A well supervised childcare room is available for infants and young children allowing parents to attend our Sunday worship services.  Older children attend the beginning of services.  They later adjourn to a program filled with religious instruction, creativity and crafts.  Many of our children activities are held in the “Rainbow Room.” This room was designed and painted by church members with the assistance of children’s book artist, Jane Dyer.

Youth - Teenage children are welcomed to become part of our Youth Group.  Our youth group meets weekly on Sunday evenings.  During the summer children and youth attend camps.  Some scholarships are available and help to reduce costs for both elementary children and teenagers.

Children and youth are encouraged to participate in all aspects of spiritual life in First Churches.

Second Sunday Cinema - Second Sunday Cinema-goers meet regularly on the 2nd of Sunday of each month to view a variety of films.  They meet in a spirit of fellowship to explore the visual arts and to engage in conversation with various movies and with each other about these movies.  They view movies ranging from diverse genres and encourage conversations about the religious, spiritual and/or Christian themes raised in cinema.

Bible Study – Bible study occurs throughout the year and allows individuals to explore the richness of the entire Bible over a one-year period.

Discussion Groups with Edwards Church - First Churches joins with Edwards Church (also of Northampton, MA) every Fall and Spring to engage in discussion groups.  Former discussions include “Liberation and Latin-American Theology.”

Small Groups - Several 8-member groups meet at First Churches and are entitled “What Is Your Life?” groups.  They explore those major concerns and issues we all encounter in our lifetime placing these conversations in the context of our Christian faith and religious beliefs.

Interfaith Environmental Task Force - The Interfaith Environmental Task Force sponsors a variety of forums and lectures for First Churches.  These events focus on major environmental concerns faced by Americans in today’s world and they explore our roles as people of faith in the midst of these concerns.