Register for Lenten Faith & Life Groups 

Registration is now open for our latest round of Faith & Life Groups! You are invited to read the group descriptions and register here. Questions may be directed to Lexi Boudreaux or to the individual group leaders. 

Deadline for registration is Sunday, February 26.

The Life of Harriet A. Jacobs  with Carla Carbajal and Ahmaad Edmund

An Introductory Conversation about Reparations with Abby Shuman and Lexi Boudreaux

Community Bereavement Group with Community Minister Krysia Burnham

Intergenerational Cooking for First Church Homeless Ministries with Caitlin Anderson

Spring Tune-Up and Care of our Temples (bodies) with Tai Chi Chih with Gail Breeze

This Here Flesh Extended Discussion Group with Dan Smith and Lexi Boudreaux and Sue Reynolds

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The Life of Harriet A. Jacobs 

Our neighbor, Harriet A. Jacobs was an African American woman enslaved in the U.S. who harnessed her spiritual power to navigate her way to freedom. Harriet’s boarding house is located on Story Street, and is buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery here in Cambridge.  We acknowledge that Harriet’s prophetic life is one that needs deeper grounding and contemplation,  as we continue learning how to practice truth telling in racial justice and healing among our communities. This group is open to all those who wish to learn more about Harriet’s influence, leadership, and, most importantly, vision for freedom for all. No previous knowledge of her life is needed to join this group. This will be a space where we engage in Lectio Divina and through the weeks together we will weave the grief, concerns, darkness, light, and hope that racial justice and healing embody in a community. We hope this will be just the beginning of casting a vision for reparations rooted in spiritual practices. 

Day/Time: Mondays, February 20 and 27, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., via Zoom

Leaders: Ahmaad Edmund and Carla Arevalo Carbejal

An Introductory Conversation about Reparations

Perhaps you’ve heard the word “reparations” and are curious about what it means or what possible models are out there for the practice. Maybe you are looking for a place to talk about the many feelings that come to the surface for you when reflecting on taking steps to grapple with the very real spiritual and physical impacts of the practice. You might just want to learn about this topic that has been in the news and in our racial justice ministry at First Church in a non-judgemental and supportive space. Come with your questions; come with your fears and uncertainties; come with your open hearts to explore this sacred practice of repentance and relinquishment. Using Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair by Duke L. Kwon and Gregory Thompson as a resource and a guide, we will explore a basic understanding of reparations, particularly focusing on what it means for us as Christians. We will bring select quotes and concepts to the discussion, so reading the whole book is not a requirement for participation.

Day/Time: Wednesdays, March 8, 15, and (perhaps) 22, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., via Zoom

Leaders: Abby Shuman and Lexi Boudreaux

Community Bereavement Group 

Looking for a grief support group this Lent? FCC Community Minister and chaplain Krysia Burnham co-facilitates a virtual, biweekly bereavement group for hospice families that is now being opened up to our church community as part of our Faith and Life Groups. Please contact Krysia for details:  krysiaburnham@gmail.com.

Day/Time: TBD

Leader: Krysia Burnham

Intergenerational Cooking for First Church Homeless Ministries 

Join us for 1-2 service afternoons to cook for the Friday Café and First Church Shelter. Come to serve our neighbors, to cook together, and to learn how to prepare meals in the First Church Kitchen!  

Day/Time: TBD based on group availability; most likely Saturday afternoons

Leader: Caitlin Anderson

Spring Tune-Up and Care of our Temples (bodies) with Tai Chi Chih

This style of Tai Chi is not martial, which makes it different from other styles. It can be practiced by anyone (standing, sitting, holding on to a chair), simple to learn (two or three sessions), takes minimum space (can practice anywhere) and, of course, gives many health benefits. Our time will also include Qi Gong breathing. Wear flat shoes and join me to circulate our Chi. 

Day/Time: Thursdays, March 2 and 9, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., in person at First Church

Leader: Gail Breeze

This Here Flesh Extended Discussion Group

Did you not get a chance to join us for our 9:30 Hour discussion group on Sunday mornings? Are you looking to delve deeper into the wisdom in this book of embodied contemplative spirituality? Join either Lexi or Dan with Sue Reynolds for a drop-in discussion of our Lenten all- church community read, This Here Flesh.

Day/Time: Thursdays, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., March 9, 16, and 23, via Zoom

Leader: Dan Smith or Lexi Boudreaux and Sue Reynolds