While I was pregnant with my first child, Simon (now 4 years old), I felt a very strong urge to actively search for a church community. I found First Church Somerville online after visiting several other churches. I wanted to find a church that was open & affirming, intellectually stimulating & rooted in spirituality, friendly yet not overwhelmingly so, filled with music and welcoming to children. After attending my first service, I knew I was home. FCS is such a wonderful & welcoming community that even though we moved from the Somerville area, my two children (4 yrs & 19 months) and I continue to commute over 40 miles round trip to attend church every Sunday!
-Christy, business exec & mom of two young children

First Church is a wonderful place for me because there are so many opportunities for spiritual growth through involvement in music, small groups, local mission work such as preparing meals for the Somerville Homeless Coalition, and much more. Plus, we have really wonderful music!
-Tim, student

There are many aspects of First Church that I love. I am glad to go and feel filled when I leave every Sunday. Attending First Church is such a rich experience for me, which includes singing with choir, fellowshipping with friends and new faces during coffee hour, worshiping with children either in the nursery, Sunday School class, or through Children’s Choir, soaking in beautiful music during the service, and being challenged and encouraged through individual and and small group discussions. There is a place for everyone and so many opportunities to feel a sense of connection. First Church is not just a place where I go to be refreshed and filled, but it is also a community that inspires me to live out the Christian mission of love and service in every day life.
-Melissa, teacher

There are many things that I love at First Church, but one that stands out is the music. Singing in the choir has helped me feel more connected to the church and to my own spirituality, and I love that the choir is an open, welcoming group, where new people are welcome to join in and sing each week. The church also is blessed with a wide variety of musical gifts, from the Strings of Glory live string group, to live brass music, to the energetic First Church Marching Band, to the children’s choir. There is ample opportunity to participate in the variety of musical groups, regardless of previous musical experience or ability, or even to start something new – First Church is definitely a place that is not afraid of new ideas, musical or otherwise.
-Pete, educator and musician

First Church is a place where I can engage my spirit without shutting off my brain. I can join freely in worship here because I’m not required to believe obviously false things.
-John, scientist

I am both strong in conviction and accepting of the many ways in which I am unmoored. First Church will probably always be a sort of anchor for that paradox. Molly’s remarkable gift for preaching with wit, intellect, and compassion helps me to see the humanity and transcendence in Jesus as I do in my own life. Our motley congregation surely won’t be pigeon-holed, but can be trusted to offer an ear, pastries, and often more on a first visit. And the space, oh the space, continues with the contrasts but is uniformly full of heart and honesty and is the perfect place to get away on a Sunday morning or a Wednesday evening. I count First Church among my greatest blessings.
-Steve, grad student