Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness In The Family, a touring photo-text display created by the award-winning Family Diversity Projects of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Nothing to Hide provides people coping with mental illness and their families an opportunity to come out of the shadows and into the public eye. The compelling stories of children, siblings, parents, grandparents and extended family members demonstrate strength, courage, integrity, and accomplishment in the face of adversity and stigma. Mike Campbell, pictured in the exhibit and who is Jaime’s dad says, "Living with mental illness is a struggle and a real test of your faith, but getting through it provides that the human spirit can survive." 

This powerful and moving exhibit travels nationwide to mental health centers, hospitals, high schools, colleges, universities, corporations, libraries and faith houses in an effort to help dispel harmful stereotypes, myths and misconceptions about mental illness. Nothing to Hide consists of photographs by Gigi Kaeser and text from interviews conducted by Peggy Gillespie and Jean Beard of people living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, major depression, and other serious brain disorders.

Now on display in the hallway outside Unity Hall and the church offices (30 North Pleasant Street). Stop by during office hours (M-F, 9-12) to view the exhibit.

Do you consider The Congregational Church of Middlebury your spiritual home? Have you been attending worship, participating in church life, and wondering what it means to become a member? If so, we invite you to take the next step!

We will be welcoming new members during worship on Sunday, March 29th, and we would love to officially celebrate your commitment to our faith community. Becoming a member is a meaningful way to deepen your connection to the church, express your faith, and join others in our shared ministry.

To learn more about church membership, join us for a Prospective Member Meeting on Sunday, March 22, after worship in Unity Hall. This gathering is an opportunity to ask questions, meet others exploring membership, and discover what it means to be part of our congregation. Childcare can be provided; just let us know ahead of time if you anticipate needing care.

If you're interested or have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Elizabeth or Pastor Andy. We look forward to welcoming you!

Pastor Andy will be leading a four-part adult education class next month on the Social Gospel. (The Social Gospel was a religious movement led by Walter Rauschenbusch in the early 20^th century that aimed to mobilize American Christians to work for a more just society for all.) In this course, we will engage Rauschenbusch’s theology and explore the Social Gospel’s relevance today. Classes will be held on March 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd, and 30^th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Unity Hall. For those unable to attend in person, an online option is available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82012554325. 

The first reading assignment for Week One (3/9): from Walter Rauschenbusch's For God and People: Prayers of the Social Awakening (1910) Read pp.15-23 (scroll down to find “Introductory: The Social Meaning of the Lord’s Prayer”)

What better way to reset mid-day then to take a quiet contemplative pause in the company of beautiful words and music?

Come join us for a six week Lenten contemplative series with music by Ronnie Romano, Director of Music; a variety of readings including poetry and Scripture; and quiet space for prayer and reflection. Presented by Art in Unity.

Every Thursday from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m. in Unity Hall. March 5, 12, 19, and 26.

For over twenty years, countless volunteers have cooked and served FRIDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY SUPPER at The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC. The free, hot meal runs from 5:00-6:00 every Friday in Fellowship Hall (accessible from Seymour Street). Friday Night Community Supper offers a space where everyone is welcome, neighbors get to know neighbors, and community happens. Come by for a delicious meal. Bring a friend. Bring the family. We hope to see you soon.

All Middlebury College students are welcome to attend a gathering each Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. at the Scott Center (135 South Main Street), led by Pastor Elizabeth and church members Maya Troy and Kristie Skor. Questions? Email Elizabeth at elizabeth@midducc.org.

March is here and we have a new theme of giving for our HOPE food shelf collection: What's in your pantry??

As you shop and cook, take a quick look through your shelves — and consider picking up an extra pantry staple (or two) to share. Canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, soups, cereal, and other shelf-stable basics help keep our Food Shelf stocked with the everyday items neighbors rely on.

Bring your donations to Church and we'll make sure they reach those in need. Thank you for helping make sure every pantry in our community has something in it!

The Board of Christian Development will hold a 2nd annual Family Fun Night from 4 to 6 on Saturday, March 14. This month, Parent Playdate will be incorporated.

Planned are a Corn Hole tournament, Jenga, Twister and other games, as well as a mass paper airplane launch in the Sanctuary. Finger foods and drinks will be provided by BCD. Anyone wishing to bring a snack to share may, but this is not required. Corn hole teams must include at least one (1) pre-high school member.

Come out and beat the winter blues!