Do you consider The Congregational Church of Middlebury your spiritual home? Have you been attending worship, participating in church life, and wondering what it means to become a member? If so, we invite you to take the next step!

We will be welcoming new members during worship on Sunday, March 29th, and we would love to officially celebrate your commitment to our faith community. Becoming a member is a meaningful way to deepen your connection to the church, express your faith, and join others in our shared ministry.

To learn more about church membership, join us for a Prospective Member Meeting on Sunday, March 22, after worship in Unity Hall. This gathering is an opportunity to ask questions, meet others exploring membership, and discover what it means to be part of our congregation. Childcare can be provided; just let us know ahead of time if you anticipate needing care.

If you're interested or have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Elizabeth or Pastor Andy. We look forward to welcoming you!

Ladies Lunch is held on the third Friday of each month at the Waybury Inn in East Middlebury at noon. This month's lunch is coming right up! Will you join us on Friday, March 20??

The cost is $20 which includes tax and tip for a buffet style homemade meal. It is a lovely lunch for the price. We have a room to ourselves which is great for visiting. This is meant to be a social occasion and an opportunity to get to know each other a little better. Please RSVP to Nancy Foster at cvpropnf@gmail.com or at 802 989 2772 (text or call) by the Wednesday preceding the lunch.

Pastor Andy is leading a four-part adult education class on the Social Gospel. (The Social Gospel was a religious movement led by Walter Rauschenbusch in the early 20^th century that aimed to mobilize American Christians to work for a more just society for all.) In this course, we engage Rauschenbusch’s theology and explore the Social Gospel’s relevance today. Classes are held on March 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd, and 30^th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Unity Hall. For those unable to attend in person, an online option is available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82012554325. 

Week 1 Reading Assignment (3/9): from Walter Rauschenbusch's For God and People: Prayers of the Social Awakening (1910) Read pp.15-23 (scroll down to find “Introductory: The Social Meaning of the Lord’s Prayer”)

Week 2 Reading Assignment (3/16): from Walter Rauschenbusch's A Theology for the Social Gospel (1917) Read pp.131-145 here.

Week 3 Reading Assignment (3/23): 4 short essays.

Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness In The Family, a touring photo-text display created by the award-winning Family Diversity Projects of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Nothing to Hide provides people coping with mental illness and their families an opportunity to come out of the shadows and into the public eye. The compelling stories of children, siblings, parents, grandparents and extended family members demonstrate strength, courage, integrity, and accomplishment in the face of adversity and stigma. Mike Campbell, pictured in the exhibit and who is Jaime’s dad says, "Living with mental illness is a struggle and a real test of your faith, but getting through it provides that the human spirit can survive." 

This powerful and moving exhibit travels nationwide to mental health centers, hospitals, high schools, colleges, universities, corporations, libraries and faith houses in an effort to help dispel harmful stereotypes, myths and misconceptions about mental illness. Nothing to Hide consists of photographs by Gigi Kaeser and text from interviews conducted by Peggy Gillespie and Jean Beard of people living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, major depression, and other serious brain disorders.

Now on display in the hallway outside Unity Hall and the church offices (30 North Pleasant Street). Stop by during office hours (M-F, 9-12) to view the exhibit.

The Middlebury Campus Newspaper did a great writeup on the exhibit, which is on display through March 31st. You can read the article here: ‘Nothing to Hide’ art exhibit on display at Middlebury Congregational Church through end of March - The Middlebury Campus

What better way to reset mid-day then to take a quiet contemplative pause in the company of beautiful words and music?

Come join us for a six week Lenten contemplative series with music by Ronnie Romano, Director of Music; a variety of readings including poetry and Scripture; and quiet space for prayer and reflection. Presented by Art in Unity.

Every Thursday from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m. in Unity Hall. March 5, 12, 19, and 26.

For over twenty years, countless volunteers have cooked and served FRIDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY SUPPER at The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC. The free, hot meal runs from 5:00-6:00 every Friday in Fellowship Hall (accessible from Seymour Street). Friday Night Community Supper offers a space where everyone is welcome, neighbors get to know neighbors, and community happens. Come by for a delicious meal. Bring a friend. Bring the family. We hope to see you soon.

All Middlebury College students are welcome to attend a gathering each Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. at the Scott Center (135 South Main Street), led by Pastor Elizabeth and church members Maya Troy and Kristie Skor. Questions? Email Elizabeth at elizabeth@midducc.org.

March is here and we have a new theme of giving for our HOPE food shelf collection: What's in your pantry??

As you shop and cook, take a quick look through your shelves — and consider picking up an extra pantry staple (or two) to share. Canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, soups, cereal, and other shelf-stable basics help keep our Food Shelf stocked with the everyday items neighbors rely on.

Bring your donations to Church and we'll make sure they reach those in need. Thank you for helping make sure every pantry in our community has something in it!