John P. Webster Library

05/29/2026

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Email from First Church of Christ Congregational Shelf Reflections The newsletter of the John P. Webster Library at First Church, West Hartford May 28, 2026 LINDA ISHAM Art Exhibit Reception this Sund

05/28/2026

CALLING VOLUNTEERS!
WEST HARTFORD PRIDE FESTIVAL
First Church is sponsoring a booth at the West Hartford Pride Festival! Volunteers are needed for 1–2 hour shifts to help staff the booth and welcome visitors throughout the afternoon. Contact Glen, Jennifer or Molly (email or in person!)

05/28/2026

This Sunday is the last day for visitors to view the American Baptist Historical Society Archives' (ABHS) exhibit “A Resilient Faith: Japanese American Baptists During World War II." The display, which features facsimiles of documents that explore the forced internment of Japanese American families during World War II, will be located in the JPW Library this Sunday to allow for more convenient access from the Meeting House.

05/19/2026

An open discussion on the Connecticut Golden Hill Paugussetts’ 1975 legal battle to preserve their reservation, led by Chief Big Eagle with support from civil rights lawyer William Kunstler and the American Indian Movement. Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay will join via Zoom; a light lunch will be served. Books are available through River Bend Bookshop or in the JPWL.
Sign-up here: https://bit.ly/QuarterAcreHeartache

05/14/2026

Oxen Hill Farm is visiting during coffee hour this Sunday. You can connect with Lisa Griffen from OHF to learn about organic produce available for pickup (soon!) in our parking lot as part of their CSA subscription program. We've been a pick-up location for many years.

05/13/2026

5 p.m. Sunday - All are welcome to join us for this peaceful, reflective service featuring prayer, Communion, music, poetry, and moments of shared silence. Our May service is the final one of the season and will be led by Rev. Tom Carr. The free will offering will be donated to The Miracle League of CT: “Everything we do is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves a chance to play.”

05/11/2026

Make a note in your calendar for this...

Mark your calendars!🥳 The WeHa Health & Wellness Fair is coming back to Blue Back Square on Tuesday, May 19 (rain date: May 20), from 12–3pm. Explore health & wellness vendors, catch live demos, and connect with local medical providers, fitness centers, nutritionists, mental health resources, and more... all in one place🌱🧘 Brought to you in partnership with the West Hartford Chamber 🤩

05/07/2026

"Of Plants and Land Formations (An Ode to Maine)”
🎨🖼️Works on Paper by Linda Isham
May 7 – June 30
JPWL Gallery / Ramp. The JPWL is delighted to present an exhibit featuring the original work of First Church member Linda Isham. Her exhibit will be on view May 7-June 30 in the JPWL Gallery. Linda is deeply inspired by the plants and land formations in Maine where she summered for 46 years. The exhibit also includes journals, sketch books, and unframed pieces that reflect her artistic process.