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February 14, 2021 John 11:1-6, 17-44 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   It’s Valentine’s Day today – a holiday filled with cards and candy, flowers and loved ones. Valentine’s Day is a day to think about love in all its forms; however thinking about your loved ones might leave you... Read More →

February 7, 2021 Matthew 18:1-5 Luke 9:46-48 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Innocent, accepting, enthusiastic, playful, and carefree. There are so many reasons why adults should be more child-like. Our blood pressures would be lower; we would sleep better. Heaven knows there are... Read More →

January 31, 2021 Luke 5:17-26 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   “Truthfully, I was ready to give up on the idea by August, but they were not.” Many churches are pursuing ministry in new and creative ways due to the pandemic. The First Church in Sterling, Massachusetts is one of... Read More →

January 24, 2021 Matthew 10:1-4 & 15:32-38 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   There are lessons galore to be learned from the miracles of Jesus feeding the five thousand and feeding the four thousand; however I want to look at a different aspect of our Bible reading. Usually, as... Read More →

January 17, 2021 Luke 13:10-17 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   I’m a rule follower. Yes, I am bold and outspoken; however when it comes to the rules, I am a complete scaredy cat. And that’s really what it comes down to – I’m afraid, afraid to break the rules. Not Jesus though.... Read More →

January 10, 2021 Luke 2:21-38 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   2020 began as many years do – with resolutions to eat better, work out, learn something new. Resolutions quickly turned into a year of hitting reload on our computers and devices as we attended zoom meetings, tried to... Read More →

Matthew 2:1-12 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman January 3, 2021 Almost exactly twelve years ago today, the First Congregational Church, UCC in Bristol, CT began the tradition and spiritual practice of Star Gifts; however the ritual of Star Gifts goes back much farther than that. I brought... Read More →

December 20, 2020 Luke 1:26-38 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman When a baby is born, most parents, whether they admit it or not, have hopes and dreams for that child. Might they grow up to be a professional baseball player? A Nobel prize winner? Might they become a nurse? a doctor? A... Read More →

December 13, 2020 Samuel 16:1, 5-13 Isaiah 11:1-6, 8-9 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   It’s that little feeling deep inside that makes you turn around and go back to listen and help. It’s that indescribable pull that tells you that while surprising, challenging, or even... Read More →

December 6, 2010 Micah 5:2-5 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   It’s the most wonderful time of the year….for singing. Our hymnal is full of many beloved hymns to sing on Christmas Eve, like Hark the Herald Angels Sing. O Come All Ye Faithful. We Three Kings. I have a hard time... Read More →