News

Celebration and a "Jolt" of Reality!

On October 8th First Congregational celebrated the 25th anniversary of voting to be an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation. Every year on the second Sunday of October, worship focuses on being an ONA church. In the recent past, I have had church members ask if we even needed to set a Sunday aside to celebrate the public stance taken so long ago. My answer continues to be that our voice of inclusivity is as important today as the day the vote was taken in the church. Sometimes when we ourselves are surrounded by a community of love and support, we can become complacent, as individuals and a congregation. Last week, the news in Madison gave us a "jolt" of reality. 

Posted on October 31, 2017 at 11:28 am in Featured Content.

Youth Corn Maze Trip

Event Date: 
November 12, 2017 - 12:00pm

All Youth are invited...

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:56 am in Youth and Upcoming Events.

Christmas Pageant Auditions

Event Date: 
November 12, 2017 - 11:00am

Open to all kids...

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:55 am in Youth and Upcoming Events.

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Event Date: 
November 5, 2017 - 2:00am

Don't forget!

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:53 am in Upcoming Events.

Big Shirts and Sweats

The Single Women's Homeless Shelter ...

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:49 am in Featured.

Advent Workshop

Event Date: 
December 3, 2017 - 11:30am

This year's....

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:48 am in Upcoming Events.

Evergreen Boughs Needed

If you or your neighbors...

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:38 am in Featured.

All Saint's Sunday November 5

Event Date: 
October 29, 2017 - 10:00am

All Saint's Sunday is...

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:35 am in Upcoming Events.

What is the Congregational Library?

This Sunday, October 29, we will welcome Margaret Bendroth as our guest preacher. Margaret serves as the Executive Director of the Congregational Library in Boston. In last week's newsletter, through an historical document, I reminded us of the decision to become a Congregational church in 1841.  Although we still carry the Congregational title in our name, many Congregational churches linked arms with the Evangelical and Reformed churches in 1957 to become the United Church of Christ. Congregationalism has a rich history of helping to shape society. The Congregational Library defines itself best in these words taken from the website.
~ Eldonna Hazen

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:32 am in Featured Content.

The Big Reveal!

Event Date: 
October 18, 2017 - 5:30pm

Come and See Our New Spaces!

Posted on October 17, 2017 at 11:20 am in Upcoming Events.

Congregationalism Comes to Madison

Some members of the congregation are familiar with the history of First Congregational United Church of Christ, many are newer to the congregation and are not as aware of the rich and long history. As we look forward to having Margaret Bendroth, Executive Director of the Congregational Library in Boston with us in worship on October 29th, it seems appropriate to review the beginnings of First Congregational. The following words were taken from the 125 year book of celebration. First Cong has a fascinating beginning that holds an important place in history, both for the church and for Madison. If you are interested in reading more, please let me know, I have a few copies available to check out in my office.
~ Eldonna Hazen

Posted on October 17, 2017 at 11:08 am in Featured Content.

Sunday School UNICEF Costume Party

Event Date: 
October 29, 2017 - 10:15am

All children are invited...

Posted on October 10, 2017 at 11:25 am in Upcoming Events and Sunday School.

New Member Class

Event Date: 
November 19, 2017 - 8:45am

Are you interested in...

Posted on October 10, 2017 at 11:24 am in Upcoming Events.

Octoberfest Costume Polka Party!

Event Date: 
October 27, 2017 - 7:00pm

Everyone is invited to...

Posted on October 10, 2017 at 11:22 am in Upcoming Events.

Pancake Breakfast

Event Date: 
October 22, 2017 - 8:30am

A YUMMY breakfast...

Posted on October 10, 2017 at 11:19 am in Upcoming Events.

Behind the Plastic

For over four years we have had members of the congregation participating on a renovation committee. They have worked diligently to find the most efficient use of the space, weigh the needs with the budget, and make presentations/recommendations to the congregation. In May 2016, the congregation voted to move forward with those renovations.

Posted on October 10, 2017 at 10:56 am in Featured Content.

Celebrating 25 years of being Open and Affirming

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.  After two years of study and writing a resolution, the church voted in May of 1992 to become an Open and Affirming congregation. The church was the 76th church of the United Church of Christ to declare their welcoming stance. Since the original vote, the church has intentionally added and welcomed individuals who identify as trans, or questioning. These actions and commitment need to be celebrated!

Posted on October 3, 2017 at 11:42 am in Featured Content.

Women's Book Study

Event Date: 
November 4, 2017 - 8:00am

The fall session of...

Posted on September 26, 2017 at 11:33 am in Upcoming Events.

It's time to MOVE BACK!

Event Date: 
October 13, 2017 - 3:00pm

And we need your help!

Posted on September 26, 2017 at 11:32 am in Upcoming Events.

SUKKOT: An Interfaith Experience & Potluck Picnic

Event Date: 
October 9, 2017 - 6:30pm

Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice invites...

Posted on September 26, 2017 at 11:28 am in Upcoming Events.

55 Alive!

Event Date: 
December 6, 2017 - 11:30am

A program of seasonal poems and carols..

Posted on September 26, 2017 at 11:10 am in Upcoming Events.

Neighbors in Need UCC Special Mission Offering

Event Date: 
October 1, 2017 - 10:00am

We are a people of action...

Posted on September 26, 2017 at 11:08 am in Upcoming Events.

World Communion Sunday

World Communion Sunday is a celebration observed by several Christian denominations, taking place on the first Sunday of every October, that promotes Christian unity and ecumenical cooperation. The tradition originated in the Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1933, was adopted throughout the US Presbyterian Church in 1936, and subsequently spread to other denominations. In 1940, the Federal Council of Churches (now the National Council of Churches), led by Jesse Moren Bader, endorsed World Communion Sunday and began to promote it to Christian churches worldwide.

Posted on September 26, 2017 at 11:05 am in Featured Content.

Blessing of the Animals

Event Date: 
October 7, 2017 - 10:00am

Pets come and...

Posted on September 19, 2017 at 11:16 am in Upcoming Events.

The Greatest Prayer Class

Event Date: 
October 15, 2017 - 8:45am

Using resources written about...

Posted on September 19, 2017 at 11:15 am in Upcoming Events.

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