Knitters in our congregation make shawls, which are given to members and friends to aid in their healing and spiritual support. Contact the office@fccb.net for more information.

We are “In Stitches” at our meetings on a member's covered, open air patio 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 meet weekly on Zoom. 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.

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 Social Hall of the church on the second Tuesday of each month at noon. 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 conducts business virtually now, except for organizing donations to the Fresh Start Ministry. 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.

Food deserts are neighborhoods where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to having a low income or having to travel farther to find healthful food options. A food desert was created in the Birchwood neighborhood when Albertson’s sold their store with a covenant that no other grocery store could go in for 20 years. The Birchwood Food Desert Fighters is a group of neighbors trying to lift each other up to provide healthy food options and needed family supplies. We support this group with pantry drives and encouraging members to bring donations to the Share Place Food Store.

This tiny home village is for people age 55+ experiencing homelessness, giving them a place to live while they transition to permanent housing. First Congregational Church helps provide meals for the residents on a regular basis. 

In conjunction with the Interfaith Coalition and the Family Promise Organization, First Congregational Church provides support to families experiencing homelessness. The COVID pandemic has necessarily changed the way Family Promise operates but First Congregational Church continues to support this work. For more information about the program visit their website: https://www.interfaith-coalition.org/family-promise.

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 pm and Wednesday evenings from 5:00–7:00 pm.  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. Volunteers from First Congregational Church volunteer to serve, set up or clean up for the Community Meal. Contact the church office for more information about the Community Meal.