Welcome to
First Churches of Northampton
We welcome all in joyful Christian community.
We listen for God's still-speaking voice.
We work together to make God's love and justice real.
Proud members of the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition and the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
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Widening Our
Welcome
First Churches Pledge Campaign 2026
"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” ~ Ephesians 3:17
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate 30 years as an open and affirming church and reflect back on the past year at First Churches, we are filled with gratitude for the blessings and challenges that have enabled us to build a beloved community.
This year we have chosen the theme “Widening our Welcome,” hoping to build on our mission and welcome more people into our work, our worship, and the loving support we find here in our congregation.
First Churches has long been a vital part of the valley and, in these turbulent times, we intentionally want to increase our presence as welcoming people of God. As Pastor Sarah says every Sunday: “Whoever you are, whomever you love, wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.”
But our welcome extends far beyond our worship…
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In the past year, we have formally taken leadership of the Friday morning breakfast which serves over 300 hot meals each week to any who are hungry.
We have partnered with other local faith communities through our Nourishing Beloved Community program to encourage one another through monthly dinner gatherings. Together we are learning how we can best show up and support our trans and immigrant neighbors as well as educating ourselves about other justice initiatives such as how we can be anti-ableist in our work and worship.
And we have been good stewards of our building, known by all as ‘Northampton’s Meeting House,’ keeping our doors open for the benefit of the whole community. This year, we celebrated the restoration of our historic Skinner organ with a free concert for the city. Thanks to the generosity of the Johnathan Edwards Meetinghouse Corporation, we commissioned a ‘Reserve Analysis’ to get a handle on what repairs will be needed over the next 30 years so we can prepare for upcoming expenses. We are in the process of repairing our 150-year-old pews, and our bell pealed on Palm Sunday for the first time in two years. Looking ahead, we have two teams researching options for a kitchen renovation and accessible bathroom, so that we can continue to feed and welcome all.
With the help of our church community coordinator, members of the congregation have connected through study groups, game nights, service opportunities, justice actions, and caring for one another with meals, flowers, visits, and prayers.We have hosted ecumenical worship services for Pride, No King’s Day, and Good Friday. And our circle is widening, with 13 new members joining the church just this year!
Your generous contributions have been foundational to our mission, enabling us to have a caring and loving impact within our congregation and throughout our community. During this season of stewardship, we invite you to join us as we look to the future. Coming together to give generously will enable us to increase our community presence, maintain our beautiful building, and keep growing into a place where everyone feels welcome to come and experience God’s unconditional love and grace.
The Stewardship Team: George Naughton, Ann Wedamen, Peg Whitham, Marcella Valenta
I'm In! What's Next?
So, I’m ready to make your pledge, but how do I do it?
And how much should I give?
We trust that you will be as generous as you can, with God’s guidance and within your own circumstances. And truly, every dollar helps as we carry out our mission and support our community. If you have never pledged, we hope that you will do so for the first time. If you already pledge, we hope that you can continue at your current level of giving, or even increase your pledge to keep our ministry strong. Alternately, if finances are stressful right now, please know that we have a Pastor’s Fund and are always ready to lend a hand.
Our Pledge Goal:
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2025-26 Pledge
Statistics:
Total Pledging: $259,734
Pledge Units: 102
2026-27 Asking Budget
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