Who We Are

Our denomination: We are a diverse congregation that welcomes people of all ages.  We are from many communities surrounding Charlemont, in the northwestern part of Massachusetts.  Some of us grew up in this congregation, some grew up in other churches, or no church.  We find our common bond in seeking a community that explores the meaning of faithful living through our relationship to God and to one another.

Historically, we have been a union of Congregationalists, American Baptists, and Methodists.  We are affilitated with the United Church of Christ, which embraces the claim to be a "people of God's extravagant welcome."  People of all denominations and faith backgrounds are welcome to worship with us.

Worship: We gather on Sunday mornings at 9:30 for a full worship service with organ and choir, surrounded by the beauty of stained glass windows created by a student of Louis Comfort Tiffany.  Our pastor is the Rev. Cara B. Hochhalter, a UCC minister who came to our church in 2008. 
Our minister of music is Esther Haskell.  The choir rehearses on Saturday afternoons at 4:00 and again on Sunday mornings at 9:00.  All are welcome to sing in the choir from September through June.  Special musicians enhance our worship during the summer.
We celebrate Holy communion on the first Sunday of every month.  Baptisms, weddings and funeral/memorial services are offered in our sanctuary, as well as seasonal celebrations.  While all are wlecome to worship with us at any time, we also offer membership in the church with a chance to deepen relationships with the church and one another.

Mission and Outreach: We have a strong ministry in reaching out to others in our local communities and in the world.  Locally, we house and actively participate in the ecumenical Good Neighbors food program, support a minister's discretionary fund, Habitat for Humanity, NELCWIT, the Greenfield Survival Center and a Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Internationally, we participate in Church World Service CROP HUNGER WALKS, a program in Nicaragua and support a school and a conflict mediation center in Palestine.

Christian Education: Sunday School is offered from September through May for preschool through highschool, using the curriculum Seasons of the Spirit. We have weekly Adult Bibile discussions, as well as occasional forums on social issues of the day. 
The Christian Education ministry also offers Friday Flicks, a series of fine and challenging films for all ages. 
Our youth group is called R.I.S.E. (recreation, inspiration, service and education) and meets monthly.
On Saturday mornings at 8:30, we offer a time called, "Sacred Connections" that includes Tai Chi meditative movement followed by Centering Prayer meditation and Lectio Divina (contemplative reflection of scripture.)

Interest in the Arts: Pastor Cara has a Masters of Divinity degree with an Arts Concentration from United Theological Seminary in Minneapolis.  She incorporates the visual arts to explore scripture and spirituality with all ages.  Our church hosts art exhibits, inviting artists from the congregation and surrounding communities to display work that relates to varioius themes.
We also have a rich history of fine music.  Esther Haskell, directs the choir and plays our pipe organ.  The well-known composer and choral director, Alice Parker, is one of our members.  She often offers new hymns and leads us in singing pieces she has arranged.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO VISIT OUR CHURCH ANY TIME!