Welcome to
First Churches of Northampton
We welcome all in joyful Christian community.
We listen for God's still-speaking voice.
We work together to make God's love and justice real.
Some areas of our site are currently under construction. Please have patience and reach out to admin@firstchurches.org with any questions
Our Ministries
Outward Ministries
Led by lay-leaders, our Outward Ministry teams focus is on providing a variety of support to the community around us through volunteer work, fundraising, and advocacy. We at First Churches pride ourselves on our work supporting local refugee families, providing weekend meals to local elementary school students experiencing food insecurity, fundraising for education in Haiti, and providing thousands of dollars annually to organizations doing work locally and around the world to make people's lives a little better.
Children's and Youth Ministry
The First Churches Sunday school operates annually from September to June, led by our Director of Youth Ministry, Rachel Chapman. Children under 5 years old are welcome in our Rainbow Room from 9:45 am onwards while parents enjoy the service. Children ages 5-11 are invited to participate in our Sunday school curriculum.
We also partner with St. John's Episcopal Church to offer the "Rite 13 to Pilgrim" program for youth ages 12-15. The Rite 13 cohort meets the first three Sunday mornings of the month from 9 - 9:45 am at St. John's. Every 4th Sunday, they meet in the First Churches' kitchen from 10-11 am to bake together and share what they create with the congregation and community.
Adult Education
Bible study meets weekly at 1pm in the First Churches' parlor, led by Pastor Sarah.
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Other book groups are formed seasonally. If you have questions about our current programming, reach out to admin@firstchurches.org
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a Christian practice of silent meditation. The First Churches centering prayer group meets in the Chapel on Thursday afternoons. On the second Thursday of the month they meet at 1:45pm; all other weeks they meet at 1:30pm. If you would like to be added to their email list, please email Debbie Ahearn at ahearn9907@msn.com.
The Dorcas Society
Named for "Dorcas," described in Acts 9: 35-43 as a woman "devoted to good works and charity," this society continues in this tradition, trying to address contemporary concerns and projects for people and organizations. The Dorcas Society meets for lunch on the second Thursday of each month at the Glendale Grill in Easthampton at 11:45 am. They have four business meetings per year in October, November, April, and May. All women and friends of the church are invited to attend.