Vision
First Congregational UCC is a dynamic community of faith that truly believes “God is still speaking.” To us, worship is much more than an expression of our devotion through religious rite. It is an expression of “our hope,” as Michael Durall described, “to build a church with transformative power.” Worship can provide an appropriate and ideal catalyst for that transforming and growing spirituality.

Worship is a fundamental expression of faith. It is not something we come to, it is something that we do. Through action, preparation and devotion we strive to welcome, affirm and enrich the faith experience of a growing and diverse membership. It is important then that worship continue to challenge us and provide meaningful ways to express and grow in our relationship with God. As a church inclusive by nature, worship must also provide for expression of faith beyond our walls, opening our lives to those in the broader community.

Five Year Planning Possibilities
◦ Effect a deep and sustaining worship experience by increasing the qualitative and quantitative means of action, preparation and devotion. There may be opportunities created, for example, to share in personal faith journeys during worship, or more collective acts of prayer and meditation. There may be opportunities to better prepare children and adults for worship, such as additional readings or exercises that could be done during the week, by individuals, as families or in small groups.
◦ Continue the development of a diverse music program – kinds of music, performers, groups, and productions.
◦ Add a regular second service that is thematically distinct from the 10 AM Sunday service. Currently, separate services are conducted on Christmas Eve for families with children. A second service might incorporate contemporary music, drama, audio/visual, and cultural presentation. Style of worship is not cosmetic – it can inspire or stifle spiritual growth.
◦ Develop a series of worship services with a single theme. Currently, this happens during Lent and Advent. Worship themes could be developed for mission, outreach, stewardship and education issues, such as Second Chance/homelessness; Habitat/poverty; gay marriage/love; prisons/justice.
◦ Conduct service(s) in other areas of the city. We are an urban church because our physical building is in the city. We are, however, quite insulated from real life issues that burden a growing number of Madison residents every day. Worship in other areas of the city would create opportunities to learn, experience, and grow within the context of faith.
◦ Conduct service(s) in a different setting. Some folks are no longer able to come to church to worship, while others may want to come but haven’t found us yet. Services in prisons, nursing homes, a private home with family and friends or in a more public setting provide opportunities for others to continue, renew or discover their personal faith journeys through worship.
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Staff – flexibility
Budget
Measurement – Increase in total number of participants and/or increased satisfaction.