News & Events
Annual Campaign
When the Stewardship Board considered a theme for the 2025-2026 Annual Pledge Campaign, we thought about the emotions surrounding our particular time as a nation, as a church, and as individual Christians bound together as friends and members of First Congregational United Church of Christ (FCUCC). SHELTER IN THE STORM speaks to our moment and to the missions of our congregation. It feels right. It feels urgent.
Cancelled: All-Church Picnic and Camp-out
Due to the hot and humid conditions predicted for this weekend, the All-Church Picnic on June 21 and the Camping trip scheduled for June 20-22 are cancelled. We hope to reschedule for later in the summer, but for this weekend, stay cool, enjoy Make Music Madison, and be sure to attend the Annual Meeting.
Make Music Madison
Saturday, June 21
Make Music Madison is a free, citywide day of music every June 21. First Congregational is once again participating as a host site for Make Music Day, a celebration that occurs in 1,000+ cities across the globe. Madison now boasts one of the largest events in the country. Parks, porches, restaurants, shops, worship spaces and more fill with music for all to enjoy!
9:00 a.m. | Front Steps
Madison Area Concert Handbells (MACH)
The Madison Area Concert Handbells is a non-profit musical organization of 15+ volunteer ringers who perform handbell music at the highest level. MACH performs two concert series each year, and at various community events and in local churches as soloists and in small ensembles.
11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary
Bascom Brass
The group was formed in 2024, when these musicians, who had all previously played together in various combinations, decided to form a quintet. The group’s name reflects the members’ long-term connections with Madison and performances in a variety of UW music ensembles. Their passion for music brings them together.
3:00 p.m. | Chapel
Upward Spirals
The Upward Spirals are a group of musical friends seeking to build up ourselves and our listeners. They started playing rock and folk hits and hidden gems from the 1960s. The group has since added more recent covers and original material.
FCUCC Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 22 | 11:00 a.m. | Chapel/Zoom
The Annual Meeting of First Congregational United Church of Christ will be held after Worship on June 22 in the Chapel. We need at least 50 members present for a quorum. The meeting will be available in a hybrid format (in person and via Zoom).
Women's Book Study
Saturdays: June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26 | 8:00-9:30 a.m. | Chapel/Zoom
If gratitude is good, why is it so hard to do? Many of us find it hard to sustain a meaningful life of gratefulness. In Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks, cultural observer and theologian Diana Butler Bass takes on this “gratitude gap” and offers surprising, relevant, and powerful insights to practice gratitude.
A few copies of the book are available through the Church Office for $15.00. (scholarships available) Email Ann to reserve a book or to join the group!
Summer Study Course
Sundays: June 29, July 13, August 10, August 24
8:30 a.m. | Chapel
Hope is Here! Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community, by Dr. Luther E. Smith Jr, offers insights for nurturing a deeper relationship with hope and the fundamental role of spiritual practices to help us deepen our sense of self and the sacred meaning of our work for justice.
Smith writes, “Genuine hope is often confused as merely wish fulfillment, optimism, or perceiving better tomorrows.” He goes on to describe how we can join “the work of hope” enlivening us to a life oriented toward immediate and future experiences of personal fulfillment, justice, and community.
Rev. Ann Beaty and Rev. Jerry Hancock will lead this short four-session course on select Sundays before Worship beginning June 29. Author Dr. Luther E. Smith, Jr. will join via Zoom on August 24. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. RSVP is appreciated. RSVP.
Summer Mural Project
Tuesdays: July 8, 15, 22 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Upper Church Parking Lot
Call all young artists and aspiring artists! We will be repainting the storm drain with a new mural this summer. Sign up to design and paint the new mural. The three-session program will be led by artist Amity Flogel.
Once complete, it will be unveiled following Worship. Date to be determined.
Open to grades 1-8. Register online.
History Mystery Tour
Sunday, July 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Narthex
Jeff Rabe is offering a History/Mystery Tour. Come explore the architecture and design of the building which has peered down University Ave since 1930. Catch a glimpse of the past with old photos revealing what this majestic house of worship looked like through the years. Discover mysteries, both hidden and sitting in plain sight, of a complex structure that housed the Congregation through Prohibition, WWII, the Vietnam conflict, the Civil Rights campaign, and many more historical events. Find the hidden staircase and hear voices of the past. Learn a few of the wider connections the building, and its inhabitants, have had with worldwide events and people. See the efforts being made to carry this historic building into a second century of service. RSVP.
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.
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.
Just Bakery
Just Bakery, an educational and vocational training program, works with individuals who are experiencing significant barriers to employment such as homelessness, justice involved, lack of education, and/or a lack of work history or skills.
Bread and other baked goods from Just Bakery will be available for purchase in the back of the Sanctuary after Worship on the following days, January 26, March 23, May 25, July 27, September 28, and November 23. We hope you support this organization that does great work in the community.
Adult Drum Choir
Weekly on Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | Room 303
No experience necessary, just a passion for rhythm and community! Choir members will learn drumming techniques, build community, play ensembles together, and share their combined talents in worship.
Join the circle and make a joyful noise!
If interested, contact Jeff Rabe, Director of Children and Youth Ministries.
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.
Handbell Choir
Weekly on Wednesdays | 6:00 p.m. | Room 303
First Congregational UCC has five octaves of impressive White Chapel Handbells! This group has a great sense of camaraderie and devotion. We are, however, in need of more ringers. Let’s get the bells ringing!
Typically, the Handbell Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in Room 303 (elevator access). We aim to ring for the 2nd service of each month, meeting at 9:00 a.m. to rehearse before Worship at 10:00 a.m.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Heather Yonker, Director of Music Ministry.
Chancel Choir
Weekly on Wednesdays | 7:00 p.m. | Chapel
The Chancel Choir is a friendly, open group of a variety of levels, including two hired section leaders in the tenor and soprano sections. The size fluctuates between 14-18 participants. One does not have to be able to read music to join. The ability to match pitch and keep time is helpful and can always be improved with regular practice.
The primary schedule is to provide special music and hymn leading on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, with some variation.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Heather Yonker, Director of Music Ministry.
Senior Drum Choir
Weekly on Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | Room 303
Open to all interested adults. No drumming experience needed. Beginning level ability. Basic drumming techniques taught.
Join the circle and make a joyful noise!
If interested, contact Jeff Rabe, Director of Children and Youth Ministries.
Recorder Group
1st and 3rd Sunday of the month | 8:45 a.m. | Room 302
Yes, First Congregational UCC has a Recorder Group! We have one group member for each of the four common pitches – soprano, alto, tenor, and bass – and we would love to expand to two or more for each pitch. The focus of our group is the enjoyment of the interplay of the music between the four parts. We are more about listening than virtuosity. We pursue enjoyment rather than perfection. We may, at some point, decide to play in public. Loaner instruments are available, so you can try out the various sizes without making an investment in an instrument. Previous experience is not necessary.
If interested, contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Environmental Justice Group
2nd Sunday of the month | 11:15 a.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.
In The News: Prison Reform
The exact replica of the solitary confinement cell the Prison Ministry Project built continues to play an important role in reducing the torture which is solitary confinement. Please watch this video from WPT’s Here and Now. The program highlights the work of our colleague Talib Ackbar and the collaboration with the Crossing, our sister congregation on campus.
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.