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April 17, 2016 Acts 17:1-9 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   When you go to the amusement park, do you love the large roller coasters that flip you over loop after loop after loop? Are you the first in line for the rides that tumble you side to side and upside... Read More →

April 3, 2016 Acts 1:1-14 Mark 1: 16-20 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   The First Congregational Church is a church of welcome and hospitality. We welcome all people to participate in this community, ministry, and mission, regardless of whether you are a member or not. There comes... Read More →

Mark 16:1-8 Psalm 118: 19-24 Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” (Casablanca’s last line.) Luke Skywalker and his squadron of x-wing fighters detonating the Evil Empire’s Death Star, making... Read More →

  March 13, 2016 Mark 13:1-8, 32-37 Psalm 102:12-17 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   As far as the eye can see it is pitch-black, totally dark, except for those moments when a star streaks across the sky and then explodes upon colliding with the earth. In the distance, there... Read More →

March 6, 2016 Mark 12:28-34, 38-44 Psalm 89:1-4 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Our Capital Campaign consultant, Maryann Doyle, is fond of saying, “When you ask for money, you’ll get advice; and when you ask for advice, you’ll get money.” Luckily, we got lots of both during our... Read More →

February 28, 2016 Mark 12:13-17 Psalm 86:8-13 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   “Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” Thus begins Romeo and Juliet, which... Read More →

February 7, 2016 Mark 8: 27-36 Psalm 27:1-4 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   An influential pastor in my life used to say that we were people of two books: The Bible and the hymnal. Sadly, our hymnals often need replacing far sooner than our pew Bibles. It’s important for us to... Read More →

January 31, 2016 Mark 5:25-34 Psalm 125 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman In the 1980’s, when we were first learning about HIV and AIDS, our sister church in South Glastonbury was doing healing services for those affected. They were actually laying their hands on people for healing, which... Read More →

January 24, 2016 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman 1 Corinthians 1:10, 12:12-21, 12:27-13:8, 13:13   First Corinthians 13, these well known words of love, is one of the most popular readings shared at weddings. It might surprise you to know though, that these words of love and unity... Read More →

January 17, 2016 Mark 4:1-34 Psalm 126 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   There is a story that Lady Bird Johnson used to drive along the Texas highways scattering wildflower seeds as she rode along. It’s just a story. I could not find actual proof that she did it, but what a... Read More →