Welcome to the First Congregational Church of Westminster, MA

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

OUR MISSION



The purpose of this church shall be to worship God, preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the sacraments;

to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this church and the Church universal;

to render loving service towards this community and to the world;

and to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace.


The front of the  First Congregational Church of Westminster

SERVICES

WORSHIP SERVICE


Our worship services happen each Sunday  morning and include a time of singing, congregational prayer, and preaching.


We strive to create a respectful atmosphere that allows God and His Word to be the focus. We also desire to be welcoming of those who may visit.

COMMUNION


In addition to our normal worship services, we take time each month to observe the Lord's Table as Christ commanded. This observance occurs during worship service on the first Sunday of each month.

TIMES


Sunday Morning Worship | 9:30 am


A nursery, preschool, and grades 1-7 classes are provided during service.


The wheelchair ramp and elevator are through the door at the back of the church. Extra handicap parking is accessible near the side door for individuals who are more mobile.


We also offer audio amplification and a large print bulletin.


From The Pastor's Pen

By Rev. Russ Goliger September 6, 2025
Seasons
By Rev. Russ Goliger July 1, 2025
Finding Strength and Healing Amid Change
See All Past Posts

Join Pastor Russ in a Fall Book Reading and Discussion Group.

Invitation: Book Reading and Discussion Group


To spark our imagination around revitalization, we’ll begin by reading I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church (2nd Edition) by Paul Nixon - a powerful call to embrace bold, life-giving ministry in today’s post-Covid world. 


Nixon reminds us that the Church’s future isn’t fading, it’s full of possibility! Through six key choices, he challenges us to lead with courage, joy, and vision:

  • Choosing life over death,
  • Choosing community over isolation, 
  • Choosing fun over drudgery,
  • Choosing boldness over mildness,
  • Choosing frontier over fortress,
  • Choosing now rather than late

We will read the book together and discuss it in a 5-session discussion series where we will explore Nixon’s ideas and imagine how it might apply to revitalizing our church. Dates and times for the discussions will be set in August.


If you want to get a jump on reading, books are available at Amazon (follow the QR code) $15.34 for paperback and $9.99 for Kindle version. They are also available at Thriftbooks.com for $13.81. We will be placing orders for books August 1, 2025. If you would to join in the discussion series, please email  admin@westcong.org.


Let’s Share a Cup and Conversation


Join me for a cup of coffee! Whether you have stepped away for a while, or are currently active, have questions about faith, or simply want to chat and get to know one another better, I look forward to spending some time together in a relaxed and welcoming setting. This is a wonderful opportunity to share stories, ask questions, or just enjoy some good conversation.  


I’ll be at The Vice, 134 Main Street, between the church and the pharmacy. It’s a quiet spot with a fine selection of coffee and “dirty sodas” (not to mention gourmet sandwiches and ice cream.)  


Drop-in hours: Wednesdays from 1:00 – 3:00 PM  


If you prefer to talk privately, please call the office 978-874-5790 to set up a mutually convenient time to meet. 


If you have a pastoral emergency, please call Pastor Russ directly at 774-764-1025. 

Realm is a powerful three-module online software that helps our church stay connected, organized, and efficient. Each module is designed to make life easier for both staff and congregation:

  1. Church Database Management – Our office uses Realm to securely maintain membership records, contact details, and vital church information, keeping everything accurate and accessible.
  2. Accounting – Realm simplifies church finances by keeping us current with labor laws, making bill payments easy, and giving the treasurer real-time access to financial reports and updates.
  3. Website Integration – Events and calendar updates are published to our church website the moment they are created in Realm, ensuring everyone always has the latest information at their fingertips.


With Realm, administration, finances, and communication flow seamlessly together—creating one simple, reliable system that strengthens our church community.


The Realm system is designed with security and accountability in mind. Access permissions are assigned based on each person’s role and responsibilities within the church. For example, the church secretary may have access to membership records, while the counters have access only to contribution entry. The webmaster has permissions related to website integration, and the treasurer has secure access to financial information. Each role is carefully defined so that individuals can only view or manage the areas necessary for their responsibilities, protecting both privacy and data integrity.

Events and Calendar

Join us for Bible Study as we come together to grow in faith and understanding of God's Word. It's a welcoming space to ask questions, share insights, and build meaningful connections. 


All are welcome—whether you're new to the Bible or have studied it for years!




Notebook with Upcoming Events written on the cover

WE ARE LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF WESTMINSTER ON MAIN STREET (RT 2A) ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE WESTMINSTER CRACKER FACTORY.


IF YOU ARE USING GPS, PLEASE BE SURE TO USE OUR STREET ADDRESS: 138 MAIN STREET, WESTMINSTER, MA 01473
.


Traveling from the West via Rt. 2
Take the Rt. 140 South/Rt. 2A West exit #92, toward Westminster and Princeton. Merge right onto State Rd East/ Rt. 2A/ Rt. 140. In 0.1 mile, turn right onto Rt 2A West toward Westminster. The church is 0.7 miles ahead on the right, just across from South Street.


Traveling from the East via Rt. 2 WEST:

Take the West Main Street exit #90 toward Westminster. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto West Main Street. At the stop sign turn left onto Main Street/Rt. 2A. The church is 0.5 miles ahead on the left, just before South Street.


Traveling from the South via Rt. 190 NORTH:

Take MA 140 North, Exit #5 toward Princeton. Turn left onto Rt. 140/ Redemption Rock Trail and continue to follow Rt. 140 for about 11 miles. Turn left at the traffic light onto Rt. 2A West toward Westminster. The church is 0.7 miles ahead on the right, just across from South Street.