First Presbyterian Church

Member Groups

A Church Community That Cares

Members of First Presbyterian Church enjoy communal connections that support individual needs as well as the greater mission of the church, just as each of Jesus’ twelve disciples found a greater purpose through a shared connection.

 

If you’d like more information on how to become involved in one or more of the groups below please call the church office at 203-324-9522.

Church Support

Board of Deacons

Modeled after Jesus Christ’s “compassionate hospitality” the Board of Deacons ministry is designed to extend the fellowship of the body and love of Christ beyond the Sunday service.

Class of 2026

Sue Pritchard Downie
Janet Hanway
Brenda MacLean
Allyson Peltier
Susan Welton
Cindy Pucci

Class of 2027

Lew Clark
Margarita Ferguson
Katie Kennedy
Tim Abbazia
Karen Gonillo
Jamie Goodwin Melecio
Gail Okun
Mary Coakley-Fields
Lauren Scopaz-Daunais

Class of 2028

Mandy Leatherman
John McDonnell
Alina Petroni
Dee Raffington
Jim Wetherald

The Board has three specialized committees that serve the church and its members.

Fellowship and Involvement Committee

This committee works to present the church as a warm and friendly community. Its goal is to encourage and assist church members in becoming actively involved and feeling included in the worship and programs of the church. This goal is attained through a variety of activities conducted by the members of the committee including:

  • Organizing and conducting key seasonal events such as Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Shalom Breakfast, and Pentecost Picnic, and Christmas Brunch.
  • Arrange Greeters to welcome all attendees at each Sunday service
  • Host Coffee Hour following each Sunday worship service
  • Send birthday greetings to church members over age 65; and congratulatory, get well, and condolence cards to all members
  • Organize and conduct memorial receptions

Visitation and Support Committee

The members of this committee offer personal contact and comfort for the ill or recovering church members, whether at a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation center, or home.

Congregational Outreach Committee

Outreach or zone deacons are each charged with serving, care-giving, ministering and communicating with the church families within a designated geographic zone. They act as the eyes and ears of the church, charged to communicate with families and keep them well advised on church events, using the phone, mail, email and personal visits.

 

Each zone deacon is additionally responsible for managing the visitors’ kiosk in the narthex during the month that corresponds to their own zone number. They welcome visitors and invite them to complete an information form that is passed to the church office and ministers. They encourage visitors to attend coffee hour so they may be introduced to other church members.

Fish Families

Fish Families Fellowship is a group for all parents, guardians, caregivers and children (infant to tween). The group meets once a month after worship for a light meal, fellowship, play time, and discussion.

 

The group is open to both members and visitors.

The Gathering

The Gathering meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Church Lounge to knit and crochet together. Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are welcome, and members are happy to teach individuals with no prior experience these wonderful art forms.

 

Beyond the fellowship of knitting together, the group’s mission is to share hope and comfort. Over the course of the yea, the group works together on needlework projects including:

  • Prayer Shawls for individuals dealing with sickness or grief
  • Afghans for hospice patients, the Veterans Home, and Kids in Crisis
  • Hats and scarves for clients of the Homeless Shelter
  • Baby blankets to welcome the new babies in our church family