Last Tuesday and Wednesday (June 19-20) First Congregational hosted the National Board of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA). They had their own business to discuss, but much of the time was spent talking about UCCMA'S 2019 Conference, which will be held here in Madison at First Cong! Don DeBruin serves on the National Board and was instrumental in securing the conference for First Cong. The two days were spent touring housing facilities, a concert venue, and learning more about how we can provide the best possible conference.
Wow! The Wisconsin Conference Meeting was a profound, inspiring time, centered around White Privilege. The Rev. Karl Kuhn, professor of religion at Lakeland University, led us in bible study on Mark 4. Rev. Traci Blackmon, Executive Minister of Justice and Local Church Ministries, preached on Mark 4 (Jesus, asleep in the boat with panicked disciples). She stressed how Jesus was leading the disciples to face new challengers on the other troubled shore; "the other people." The disciples were perhaps frightened by their fears of people different from themselves. With Jesus we can face others different from ourselves. We are called to personally change as we face racial disparities and issues in our world.
Thanks to all the volunteers and staff that made the Neighborhood Party a big success. The pictures show the story of enjoyment, as people learned more about neighbors; neighbors we sit with in the pews, neighbors from University Avenue Discovery Center who inhabit our building, and neighbors from the Regent Neighborhood and beyond. There was great fellowship, and lots of giggles and smiles!
Join us in the Dining Room for FOOD, FUN, FELLOWSHIP, & OUTREACH!
This annual event is a wonderful way to get to know our "neighbors" - those we sit with in the pews on Sunday mornings, those who live in our Regent neighborhood, and those who enter our doors during the week through the University Avenue Discovery Center. The party will include:
This last Sunday was Pentecost. Pentecost is a Sunday when we celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit in our life, our congregation, and the world. Yet, on Pentecost, as any other day, we both question the presence of the Holy Spirit, and hope the Holy Spirit will present itself to us in obvious ways. The Holy Spirit hovered on Sunday and presented itself in several obvious ways. The newly formed MAKO Drum Choir and the Chancel Choir led us in a call and response Call to Worship. Thanks to the young people who have given us new experiences in worship.
This Sunday, May 20th, we will celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost is the church holiday fifty days after Easter, and celebrates the arrival of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised earlier in the Gospel of John. Pentecost also celebrates the birth of the church found in Acts. Because we celebrate the Holy Spirit's arrival by fire, and RED is our liturgical celebratory color, we encourage everyone to wear RED clothing to worship on Sunday.
Sunday, June 3, First Congregational will host a Neighborhood Party. You have probably already seen the signs around the neighborhood. Several years ago we started this tradition to extend an extravagant welcome to our neighbors to come and meet us, and learn who we are and what we do in the city. The first year we focused on the Regent neighborhood, inviting our geographically close neighbors. Last year we expanded our invitation to the families and staff from the University Avenue Discovery Center. This year, I would like the congregation to take this Sunday as an opportunity to invite one or more of your neighbors or friends to worship with us, and stay for the lunch and activities.
This last Sunday, we had the pleasure of celebrating! First, worship was led by the children and youth of the church. They each took their part seriously and led us in a meaningful service. Thanks to the children and youth who participated, and the planning and rehearsal done by Jeff Rabe, Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth, and Don DeBruin, Director of Music Ministries. It was a service to celebrate!
