The heat is on! How wonderful to be warm in our church as the days get colder! Thanks be to God for the generous gifts to the Reach and Renew campaign that provided funds for the replacement of our old failing heating system, for gifts to the Foundation that boosted our total available funding to over $2 million, and for the skills and persistence of the many who have worked hard to ensure that the heating and air conditioning improvements were made as authorized by the congregation.
We are moving towards the end of the Christian year and the fascinating beginning of a new liturgical season. The transition from November to December is more than the passing of months: It is the recognition of the sovereign Christ and the waiting for the infant Jesus. We, your staff, have been thinking hard on how we can hep this significant time be even more exciting and informative for our church. Read more for a rough sketch of what lies ahead.
In my day Sunday School was a terrifying experience. It was all about not getting in trouble, not moving, not speaking, and not doing anything to upset the adults.
On October 17, 1969, a thousand people in Bismark, ND walked in what may have been the first-ever CROP hunger walk--and raised $25,000 to help stop hunger.
In 1985. the General synod of the United Church of Christ accepted a resolution that called on congregations to declare themselves open to and affirming of gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the full life and ministry of the church. In 1990, a committee was formed at First congregational to study the possibility of becoming an Open and Affirming congregation.
Nestled in the corner of the third floor of First Congregational's historic building is a room filled with colors and toys and the sounds of children laughing, crying, and playing...the Nursery.
You spoke and we listened! Last year the Reach & Renew Membership Renewal Committee, in coordination with the Adult Education Committee invited the congregation to participate in a survey about what and when the church could offer to entice your attendance. The survey revealed the number one time to offer Adult Ed was on Sunday mornings before worship. So we are excited to share a great line-up of offerings for the fall.
Each church is different. Each has its own personality formed over years. This is one reason first church impressions are so important. When someone walks into a church for the first time what is seen, heard, and felt make an enormous difference. Walking into First Congregational a few days ago....
August 2-5, First Congregational had a team of 11 riders (Team Comma) who rode to benefit Aids Network, a non-profit agency serving people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. We also hosted a pit-stop along the route on Friday. Read more for responses from the riders and pit-stop host about their experiences.
