Community life at First Church centers on Sunday worship. Bible study begins at noon, choir practive at 12:15 p.m. Worship starts at 1:00 p.m. After service we visit with each other during coffee hour in the social hall. Many Sundays Adult Nurture sessions are planned, beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the lounge, adjacent to the sanctuary, and ending promptly at 3:30 p.m. In addition to Sunday, much of our getting to know one another occurs in meetings of the commissions and Church Council, the Dinner Program for Homeless Women and other small groups.
Choir
The choir, under the direction of John Touchton, sings music of many periods, styles and cultures, designed to enrich the worship experience. The choir is all volunteer, members and friends who enjoy making music and having fun. New members are always warmly welcomed. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays at 12:15 p.m., both in the sanctuary at First Trinity. The children learn songs in Sunday School and several times a year sing new music during the Sunday worship service.
Community Chorus
The Community Chorus comprises 18-23 singers directed by Loretta Uzzelle and sings the fourth Sunday of each month. The Community Chorus membership is composed of members of the choir and singers from the community of homeless men and women who have breakfast and dinner daily at the social services program.
ThriveDC
Founded in 1979 jointly by First Church and Metropolitan Community Church, this is one of our major mission projects, although now incorporated separately. The Dinner Program is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the District of Columbia.
Bible Workbench
Bible Workbench is a weekly lay-led Bible study. Five to ten members meet on Sundays at noon in the Social Hall to discuss a particular biblical passage.
EQUALITY
EQUALITY, First Church’s social and activist group for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders, and parents of the same, meets on an irregular basis. EQUALITY provides its members a “neighborhood” within the church to share particular concerns and experiences. Activities include potluck dinners, such activism as hosting the UCC delegation to the 1993 March on Washington, sponsoring a resolution from First Church to Central Atlantic Conference and General Synod calling on President Clinton to end the ban on gays and lesbians in the military, conducting workshops at conference annual meetings on becoming an Open and Affirming congregation, and offering to be a resource to other churches considering this issue. During serious times, EQUALITY stands for Ecumenical Queers United Against Liturgical Intolerance and Tyranny, Yea! In our lighter moments we’ve been known to refer to ourselves as Fruit Compote.
