News & Events
Annual Campaign
At First Congregational UCC-Madison, we know that when we come together, miracles happen. Together, we rise by lifting others.
During this year’s annual campaign, the Board of Stewardship calls you to help lift one another by lifting the mission of the Church. All the good we accomplish together; we do through a commitment to annual giving.
WISE Conversations
Sundays: April 14 | April 28 | May 5 | 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
Wednesdays: April 17 | May 1 | May 8 | 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) is the official designation of the UCC Mental Health Network. First Congregational has always been a congregation understanding of and supportive of the mental health of all of God’s children. Join us as we continue conversations about the importance of mental health and how we embrace being inclusive. We are offering six opportunities, three in-person and three via Zoom, to better understand how to welcome, include, support, and engage with individuals with mental health challenges. We hope to be able to vote to be a WISE congregation at our Annual Meeting in June.
The Crossing Annual Gala
Friday, April 19 | 11:00 a.m. | Chapel
First Cong Senior Minister Eldonna Hazen will receive the Cecil Findley Award at the annual Crossing Gala on Friday, April 19! The award is given to an individual or organization who has demonstrated remarkable service to the Madison community. We are excited to celebrate Eldonna’s work supporting LGBTQ+ students of faith, advocacy for trans youth, and coalition building and dedicated support of social justice work within the Madison community, as well as ten years of senior ministry at First Congregational. Learn more at thecrossinguw.org/gala.
Earth Day 2024 - We Are All Connected
Sunday, April 21 | 11:00 a.m. | Chapel
Travel through history with Native American spiritual leader, teacher, and tribal citizen, Dawn Moneyhan. Learn how Wisconsin’s topography has changed since European settlement, how it relates to the climate crisis we face today, and what we can ALL do about it. Complete your experience through hands-on learning—the indigenous perspective of our natural world. Come, meet the rest of your relatives and take with you a new understanding of the environment all around you as we celebrate Earth Day 2024.
55 Alive! The Crossing & Interfaith Theology
Wednesday, May 1 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Chapel
We welcome Reverend Michael Burch, Executive Director of The Crossing – the campus ministry supported FCUCC. He will not only talk about his ministry among college students but will also give his perspectives on the importance of supporting interfaith collaborations and interfaith theological thinking. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., the program follows at noon. Boxed lunches are available for $10.00 each. (Donation to offset cost to the Church) Please Indicate any food restrictions when you register. RSVP by Monday, April 29. Register online.
Madison Bach Musicians
Saturday, May 18 | 7:15 p.m. lecture/8:00 p.m. concert | Sanctuary
Sunday, May 19 | 2:45 p.m. lecture/3:30 p.m. concert | Sanctuary
We are excited to host Madison Bach Musicians performance of Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespers in the Sanctuary. Renowned choral conductor Andrew Megill from Northwestern University will direct fifteen outstanding period-instrument specialists and nine internationally acclaimed vocal soloists in a masterwork that bridges late-Renaissance celestial, melismatic choral writing with dramatic, angular, early Baroque operatic style—where the music often follows the grain of the text. Come, experience Vespers! Visit madisonbachmusicians.org to purchase tickets.
Walk the Chapel Prayer Labyrinth
First Sunday of each month | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Chapel
The prayer labyrinth is an archetypal pattern, a “divine imprint,” found in religious traditions in various forms around the world. In recent years, walking a prayer labyrinth has been rediscovered as a meditative way of praying. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path. It is designed to quiet the mind and lead the walker by a winding route to the center, and then, by the same route, to return to the exit.
The labyrinth is free and open to the public.
Just Bakery
Following Worship you can purchase bread and other baked goods from Just Bakery at the back of the Sanctuary! Just Bakery is a 12 week educational and vocational training program. The program works with individuals who are experiencing significant barriers to employment (homelessness, justice involved, lack of education, and/or a lack of work history or skill).
Just Bakery will be with us after Worship on January 28, March 24, May 26, July 28, and September 22.
After-Worship Refreshment!
Weekly on Sunday (except first Sunday of the month) | 11:00 a.m. | Narthex
Come for Worship, stay for fellowship! Enjoy refreshments after Worship in the Narthex on Sundays with the exception of the first Sunday of the month. It is a great opportunity to connect with church members and friends.
Bible Conversations
Weekly on Tuesday | Noon | Zoom
A weekly discussion group and conversation around Sunday’s scripture reading. The group is currently meeting via Zoom. Drop-in anytime!
If you are interested in attending, please contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Fiber Arts Group
Weekly on Wednesdays | 12:00 p.m. | Hearth Room
Gather with other fiber artists and crafters in the Hearth Room. Bring your knitting, crochet, sewing, or other handmade works-in-process to work on while socializing. Light refreshments will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own lunch or snack.
New to fiber arts? No problem! Contact Melissa Baumann or Jessica Taft to ensure someone is available to teach or guide you.
Environmental Justice Group
2nd Sunday of the month | 12:15 p.m. | Hearth Room and Zoom
Are you interested in knowing more about creation care and advocacy opportunities related to the environment? First Cong’s Environmental Justice group is for you!
Join the join in making a healthier, brighter, tomorrow!
If interested, contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Men's Fellowship
2nd and 4th Sunday of the month | 8:45 a.m. | Hearth Room and Zoom
If you are interested in small group discussion, this group is for you! A group of men gather monthly to share coffee and fellowship. Typically the discussion is formed around an article on recent event that was distributed in advance. It’s a great forum to get to know one other and engage in contemporary topics from a Christian perspective.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Caregiver Support Group
Last Sunday of each month | 12:15 p.m. | Zoom
Are you caring for a friend or loved one? Do you anticipate assisting someone in the future with decisions about care? This group offers supportive conversation and opportunities to learn from one another. It is also a great way to get connected to resources available to help.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
First Cong History 1990-2022
What do you remember our Church during the years 1990 to 2022? What was important to you during these years? Janet Pugh, Faye Whitaker, and Sue Jones compiled “Snapshot Reflections on the Years From 1990 to 2022.”
Binders of the featured slides from the presentation are available in the office for checkout.
Solar Panel Dedication
On Sunday, February 20, First Cong dedicated the solar panel installation during worship. The project grew from environmental justice discussions. The 61 kW solar array provides about 65% of the church’s electricity – significantly reducing our carbon footprint. The energy savings from switching to solar will go toward local social justice initiatives.