Team First Church Stratford is participating in the 2026 CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, May 3. CROP Hunger Walks raise funds to support the global mission of Church World Service, a faith-based organization that works to end hunger and poverty. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will support hunger relief organizations in the greater Bridgeport area.

All are welcome to walk! An adult must accompany children under 12. The regular walking route is 2.14 miles, but a 1.2 mile route is also available. On the day of the walk, participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for nOURish Bridgeport.

To join or support Team First Church Stratford, please visit firstchurchstratford.short.gy/CropWalk2026. Lynne Pert will also collect cash and check contributions through May 3. If donating by check, please include the PIN 840005322 on the memo line. Thank you for your support of this important mission.

First Church Stratford holds a “Red Bag” food drive the first Sunday of each month. Our next collection is Sunday, May 3, from 11 AM to 12 PM in the church parking lot. Please bring non-perishable food items, toiletries and/or pet food. Local pantries are empty and in dire need of restocking. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission.

The Board of Benevolence will hold a Sunday Sheets collection the third Sunday of each month. New or slightly used bedding is accepted (new pillows only). On April 19, please bring in new pillows. Please place donations on the altar before the service begins. Thank you for your support!

First Church Stratford will host a Pancake Breakfast and Prayer Service on Saturday, April 11th, beginning at 11 AM. There is no charge to attend; donations are encouraged. We hope to see you there!

First Church Stratford holds a “Red Bag” food drive the first Sunday of each month. Our next collection is Sunday, April 5, from 11 AM to 12 PM in the church parking lot. Please bring non-perishable food items, toiletries and/or pet food. Local pantries are empty and in dire need of restocking. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission.

Join us on Sunday, April 5 at 10 AM for our traditional Easter Sunday service. This joyous worship service includes scripture and festive music, concluding with the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. The service will also be available on Zoom (for those on our email list) and Facebook Live.

The Stratford Clergy Association’s Easter Sunrise Service is at 5:30 AM on Sunday, April 5. The service will be held at Boothe Park in Stratford. Join us for a beautiful start to your Easter worship!

Join us on Thursday, April 2 for our Maundy Thursday service. The service will be held in the sanctuary at 7:30 PM. Online worship will also take place at 7:30 PM on Zoom (for those on our email list) and Facebook Live.

Join us on March 29 for our Palm Sunday service. During our 10 AM morning worship, our Chancel and Festival Choirs will present a Palm Sunday Cantata, featuring works by Dan Forrest, Karen Marrolli, David Giardiniere and Elaine Hagenberg. The service will also include scripture and hymns, including the annual singing of “The Palms.” Please join us as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28 (rain date-April 4). The event begins at 11 AM in the church parking lot and on the church grounds. The event is for children ages 12 and under. The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance, so there should be plenty of chances for photos. Please bring a basket or bag to hold your eggs as you collect them!

First Church Stratford will host Community Lenten Dinners on Fridays in Lent. The dinners will be held from 4:30 to 7 PM on the following Fridays: February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27. The three course meal includes a choice of soup or salad; a main course of shrimp scampi, fish and chips, crab cakes or a fisherman’s bake; and a dessert. A vegetarian option is also available. The cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for kids. All are welcome!

First Church Stratford will host Community Lenten Dinners on Fridays in Lent. The dinners will be held from 4:30 to 7 PM on the following Fridays: February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27. The three course meal includes a choice of soup or salad; a main course of shrimp scampi, fish and chips, crab cakes or a fisherman’s bake; and a dessert. A vegetarian option is also available. The cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for kids. All are welcome!

First Church Stratford will present weekly mini Lenten concerts, featuring pianist and organist Dr. Joe Utterback. The concerts will be held in the church sanctuary, 2301 Main Street, Stratford. The final concert is at 3 PM on Wednesday, March 18. There is no admission fee. Please join us!

First Church Stratford's Board of Christian Education is selling corned beef sandwiches. The sandwiches are on rye bread and include mustard and sauerkraut on the side. The cost per sandwich is $8 for adults and $7 for seniors. Sandwiches will be ready for pickup in Upper Packard Hall after church on Sunday, March 15.

To place an order, please go to https://bit.ly/CornedBeef2026 or visit the BOCE table during Fellowship Coffee Hour. For any questions, please contact Amy Elias at (917) 557-0246 or msamyelias@yahoo.com. If you would prefer to not sign up online, please call or email Amy. Orders must be received by Friday, March 13.

All proceeds will benefit the Silver Lake Scholarship Fund, which helps send church youth to summer camp at Silver Lake. Thank you for your support!

The Board of Benevolence will hold a Sunday Sheets collection the third Sunday of each month. New or slightly used bedding is accepted (new pillows only). On March 15, please bring in twin sheets and pillowcases. Please place donations on the altar before the service begins. Thank you for your support!

First Church Stratford will host Community Lenten Dinners on Fridays in Lent. The dinners will be held from 4:30 to 7 PM on the following Fridays: February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27. The three course meal includes a choice of soup or salad; a main course of shrimp scampi, fish and chips, crab cakes or a fisherman’s bake; and a dessert. A vegetarian option is also available. The cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for kids. All are welcome!

First Church Stratford will present weekly mini Lenten concerts, featuring pianist and organist Dr. Joe Utterback. The concerts will be held in the church sanctuary, 2301 Main Street, Stratford. The second concert is at 3 PM on Wednesday, March 11. The final concert is at 3 PM on Wednesday, March 18. There is no admission fee. Please join us!

First Church Stratford will host Community Lenten Dinners on Fridays in Lent. The dinners will be held from 4:30 to 7 PM on the following Fridays: February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27. The three course meal includes a choice of soup or salad; a main course of shrimp scampi, fish and chips, crab cakes or a fisherman’s bake; and a dessert. A vegetarian option is also available. The cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for kids. All are welcome!

First Church Stratford will present weekly mini Lenten concerts, featuring pianist and organist Dr. Joe Utterback. The concerts will be held in the church sanctuary, 2301 Main Street, Stratford. The first concert is at 3 PM on Wednesday, March 4. Additional concerts are at 3 PM on Wednesday, March 11 and 18. There is no admission fee. Please join us!

First Church Stratford holds a “Red Bag” food drive the first Sunday of each month. Our next collection is Sunday, March 1, from 11 AM to 12 PM in the church parking lot. Please bring non-perishable food items, toiletries and/or pet food. Local pantries are empty and in dire need of restocking. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission.

First Church Stratford will host Community Lenten Dinners on Fridays in Lent. The dinners will be held from 4:30 to 7 PM on the following Fridays: February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27. The three course meal includes a choice of soup or salad; a main course of shrimp scampi, fish and chips, crab cakes or a fisherman’s bake; and a dessert. A vegetarian option is also available. The cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for kids. All are welcome!

First Church Stratford will host Community Lenten Dinners on Fridays in Lent. The dinners will be held from 4:30 to 7 PM on the following Fridays: February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27. The three course meal includes a choice of soup or salad; a main course of shrimp scampi, fish and chips, crab cakes or a fisherman’s bake; and a dessert. A vegetarian option is also available. The cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for kids. All are welcome!

The Board of Benevolence will hold a Sunday Sheets collection the third Sunday of each month. New or slightly used bedding is accepted (new pillows only). On February 15, please bring in twin sheets and pillowcases. Please place donations on the altar before the service begins. Thank you for your support!

Join us for Scout Sunday on February 8. During our 10 AM service, Boy Scouts from Troop 71 will lead our worship service. Current and former Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are especially encouraged to attend this annual celebration of scouting.

The Music Department will hold a Valentine Potluck Dinner on Saturday, February 7, at 5:00 PM in Lower Packard Hall. The cost is $7 per person, with a maximum of $15 per family. Please bring either a main dish, a side dish or a dessert to share. All proceeds benefit the Special Music Fund.

If you would like to be a part of the musical entertainment, please contact Allison. A sheet for talent sign up will also be on the door of the Music Room. We hope to see you there!

🎉 Join Us for a Night of Fun at the Bridgeport Islanders! 🏒

Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 1st at 5 PM!

Get ready for an evening full of excitement and family fun as the BOCE hosts another fantastic night at the Total Mortgage Arena to see the Bridgeport Islanders! This is the perfect way to enjoy a thrilling game together.

🎈 What to Expect:
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Bring the whole family and your friends for an unforgettable experience!
Special Performance: Cheer on our friend Evie Owens as she dances with her team from Project Dance Center during 2nd intermission!

📍 Where: Total Mortgage Arena, 600 Main Street, Bridgeport

⏰ When: Sunday, February 1st, at 5 PM

🎟️ To purchase tickets, use the link below or scan the QR code from your phone! Jacqui Owens will also be in UPH after service on January 18, 25, and February 1st to assist you.

https://www.gofevo.com/event/Firstcongregational2

Don't miss out on this thrilling game and a chance to show your support! Grab your tickets now and get ready for a night to remember!

See you at the game! 🥳

First Church Stratford holds a “Red Bag” food drive the first Sunday of each month. Our next collection is Sunday, February 1, from 11 AM to 12 PM in the church parking lot. Please bring non-perishable food items, toiletries and/or pet food. Local pantries are empty and in dire need of restocking. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission.

The 386th Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church of Stratford, Connecticut, United Church of Christ, will be held online on Sunday, January 25, 2026, following a brief worship service. During the meeting, church members will review 2025 activities and annual reports; elect officers, board and committee members to new terms; adopt a 2026 budget; and transact any other business that may properly come before the meeting.

First Church Stratford holds a “Red Bag” food drive the first Sunday of each month. Our next collection is Sunday, January 4, from 11 AM to 12 PM in the church parking lot. Please bring non-perishable food items, toiletries and/or pet food. Local pantries are empty and in dire need of restocking. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission.

Join us on Tuesday, December 24 at 10 PM for our Traditional Candlelight Service. This beautiful worship service includes readings and carols, concluding with the singing of “Silent Night” by candle’s glow. The service will also be available on Zoom (for those on our email list) and Facebook Live.