Spring flowers at side entrance

Church in Autumn

Pastor Bruce, along with four other members of our congregation, will become part of a 14-member group of youths headed out at 6:00 am on Aug. 2, 2014 out of Bradley Airport, changing planes in Atlanta and then flying to Managua, Nicaragua. These folks, under the auspices of the NicaPhoto organization, will work in the barrio of Sonrisa de Dios (Smile of God), creating a classroom for children in secondary education. This will be the 23^rd mission trip for Bruce, all but three overseas and his first with adults as co-workers. You can keep track of their activities by logging in daily to the FCC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FCCMeriden

Our dear friend Esther at her last  worship service at First Church on June 22, 2014 before permanently moving to Florida two days later. She married her husband Joe in 1941, moved to Meriden in 1953, first came to First Church in 1960, and became a member 35 years ago. She became a very popular member of our congregation, loved for her cheerful disposition and friendliness. Godspeed Esther - we love you!

The First Congregational Church of Meriden, 62 Colony St., is excited to present

Lunch 'n’ Concert

a jazz performance with a new twist on Sunday, June 8. Ticket holders will first enjoy a buffet luncheon at 12:30 p.m. followed by an electrifying concert featuring the Hot Cat Jazz Band at 2:00 p.m.  

Since 1990, the Hot Cat Jazz Band has been one of the hottest Dixieland and Swing jazz bands in Connecticut. The Hot Cats are increasingly popular for their exciting and entertaining performances, coupled with hard blowing and original arrangements of traditional jazz standards. Their prime influences include the likes of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Fats Waller, Jellyroll Morton, Nat King Cole, Louis Jordan and Duke Ellington. Check them out at www.hotcatjazz.com. 

Folks who just can’t get enough jazz are also invited to attend the 10:00 a.m. worship service that day in the First Church Sanctuary, with the Hot Cat Jazz Band providing the music during the service. Tickets for the luncheon and concert ($20 adult, $10 child under 16) are available either at the church office, at Prentis Printing Solutions at 35 Pratt St., or by phone at 203-631-8423. Additional Information

Food Pantry Sunday

On Sun. March 16, 2014, the Christian Outreach Committee of the First Congregational Church of Meriden sponsored its ninth annual food drive to help restock food supplies at the Meriden Soup Kitchen and at New Opportunities of Greater Meriden Food Pantry. This year a total of 1289 lbs. was collected.  As part of the Food Drive this year, Boy Scouts Troop 10, whose home is at the church, donated 165 lbs. (up from 121 lbs. last year) of the total. Overcomers Tabernacle which holds it services in our building donated a remarkable 471 lbs of the total. The Taiwanese Christian Church and Casa de Gozo, which also share space in our facility, contributed food items as well. For details and additional photos, click here.   

The Riverboat Ramblers
New Orleans jazz concert
featuring John Banker
was held on March 2, 2014

Ninety-eight patrons enjoyed Mardi Gras excitement, top shelf jazz music, great eats and an array of raffle prizes which produced  a fun-filled event.
Additional photos   Hear them play