Knitters in our congregation make shawls, which are given to members and friends to aid in their healing and spiritual support. Call or email Sharry Nyberg for more information.

We are “In Stitches” every Friday morning in the Mt. Baker Room from 10:00-11:30 with our quilting, embroidery, knitting, mending, and other needle work. We go to quilt shows, have classes, and learn new techniques. We have a quilt ministry for church members who need a little extra comfort. We are busy with our handiwork and exchange creative ideas, but mainly you can find us enjoying each other in fellowship. We enjoy new members and love introducing them to quilting!

The Morning Knitters meet on the second and fourth Friday mornings year round at 10:00 am in the Fireplace Room. One of us prepares coffee and tea -- there are generally goodies to be shared.  We knit - prayer shawls for family, friends, and church use, or warm items for people experiencing homelessness. Some of us work on personal projects and at least one person brings mending. Mostly though, as women have always done in such circles, we share our lives -- the joys and sorrows. In the process we explore our faith journeys in a gentle way and become friends. Anyone is welcome to join us -- we will be happy to welcome you.

Creative Connections provides a time of nurturing your creative spirit. The group meets meets monthly craft fun, laughter, play, and connecting with others. You can bring your latest work in progress, or learn new crafts. There are also retreats from time to time, with lunch and more time for creativity and connections.

Discovery Circle participates in all women’s activities of the church, and shares a concern for our local and wider world communities. We desire to be a group in fellowship, supporting one another in life’s journeys. Dues are $25.00 a year. Join us in the Fireplace Room of the church on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am We welcome new members at any time!

The Dotty Dale Circle is a women’s group focusing on education, spiritual, and emotional support to empower us to be discerning advocates for love, justice and compassion. They meet monthly on the second Sunday of the month following the church service. Our meetings include prayer, fellowship time, time for members to share action items, and a program focusing on renewal, resistance, and learning. Our membership consists of women from First Congregational Church, but is open to other women seeking a space to support each other in a spiritual context. There are no dues and no elected officers.

Pilgrim Circle's purpose is to assist the church and the wider community through serving and money raising projects while growing through study and participation in timely programs. The circle meets at 7:00 pm in the church Fireplace Room on the second Tuesday of each month, September through June. Meetings consist of business meeting, planned program, devotions, and supportive fellowship. Pilgrim Circle started and manages the Fresh Start ministry. Dues for the year are $10.

The Men's Breakfast is a group that gets together once month to build connections with each other. They meet at Skylarks Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven at 8:30 am on the third Friday of the month in the upstair group area. Occasionally, they meet at the Barkley Village Bob's Burgers & Brews for lunch.

SLOW FLOW YOGA 

Join us Wednesdays in the Chapel at 10:00 am for a slow flow yoga class accessible to everyone, no experience necessary. We will have 60 minutes of quiet movement and mindfulness with a focus on intentional breath.

Interplay is a playful way to create more connection and ease in your life. InterPlay is something that any body can do—regardless of size, shape, ability, color, background, gender, orientation, belief, or nationality. InterPlay sessions are usually held on the first Saturday of the month at 1:00 pm

In conjunction with the Interfaith Coalition and the Family Promise Organization, First Congregational Church provides support to families experiencing homelessness. Family Promise helps religious congregations to use their buildings and resources to provide temporary shelter, meals and companionship to homeless families. During the day, families go to a day center and work with a case manager to access housing, jobs and community resources. We're excited about this new program and always welcome volunteers.

First Congregational’s diaper bank was established to ensure that all children in Whatcom County have clean, dry diapers. For a family in crisis or transition, the cost of keeping a child in a clean, dry diaper is prohibitive. Without the means to purchase a healthy supply of diapers, families may be forced to leave their children in soiled diapers, which can lead to health problems, not to mention unhappy children —and, by extension, unhappy families. Donate diapers, money or time: if you’d like to volunteer to help set up diaper drives around the city, transport diapers to & from First Congregational, or help spread the word contact 

The first Sunday of each month is Food First Sunday.  We collect monetary donations for the Food Bank because monetary donations allow the Food Bank to purchase perishable items and other items at discounted rates. The Bellingham Food Bank distributes food Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 5 – 7 p.m.  For more information about the food bank check out their website http://www.bellinghamfoodbank.org/home.

The Fresh Start was started and is maintained by the Pilgrim Circle. This ministry assists the Interfaith Coalition by supplying household goods to Interfaith's temporary housing units. When residents of temporary housing move into their own homes, Fresh Start also provides household goods to help these families in their transition. Fresh Start always welcomes donations of new or gently used household goods, such as linens, dishes, and kitchen supplies.

The Community Meal is served one Saturday a month at Assumption Church. Five hundred meals are served each time. Each month 15-16 volunteers from FCCB volunteer to serve, set up or clean up for the Community Meal. Contact the church office for more information about the Community Meal.

These hosts help the Mission & Justice Board hold special events and meetings at First Congregational Church. Justice Event Hosts commit to being present and making sure groups holding justice-related meetings have everything they need. If you're interested in hosting an event, contact us.