News & Events
Fill the Backpacks!
School bells will ring again sooner than we think, so now is the time to help us fill the backpacks! The Board of Outreach purchased the backpacks, but we need YOU to help fill them. There are three ways you can help!
- Bring supplies to church. Donations will be collected August 2 through August 23 in the designated bins in the back of the Sanctuary and at the Lathrop entrance.
- Order supplies online and have them delivered to the church office, Attn: Outreach Board, First Congregational UCC, 1609 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726
- Make a gift to First Congregational UCC via Realm (select ‘Other’ and write in School Supplies), on the Church website (under the “Give” tab), or by check (Note “school supplies” on the memo line).
Magic Pride Festival
Sunday, August 16 | 1:00‒6:00 p.m. | Warner Park
Magic Pride Festival is an opportunity for First Congregational to show the local LGBTQIA+ community our support and commitment to offering an inclusive welcome. It’s also a LOT of FUN!!
Volunteers Needed! We are looking for volunteers to help at the event. View sign-up for opportunities.
Lectio Divina Summer Series
Sunday, August 23 | 9:00 a.m. | Hearth Room
Join us for one or more of these Sunday morning sessions to read, reflect, and rest in God’s message through scripture. Julie Kramer and Ann Beaty will offer these sessions as a way to engage in the sermon scriptures meditatively before hearing the sermons in Worship.
Coffee and goodies provided. Questions? Contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, August 23 | 10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary
Join us in Worship as we offer a blessing for the backpacks and school supplies being shared with local schools and community agencies, as well as the backpacks of our First Cong students.
When we “bless” our backpacks, we remember that God is with us in all that we will experience each day at school or work. We know that returning to school can be an exciting time of learning and a new beginning. And yet, returning to school can bring challenges and difficulties. Our church community sends prayers for all you encounter!
55 Alive! The Work of Our Neighbors at Centro
Wednesday, September 2 | 11:30 a.m. | Chapel
Rachel Nordberg Rosin grew up at First Congregational, and our community influenced who she is today. She and her partner, Cooper, lived in Ecuador, Guyana, Perú, Gabon, and North Carolina before returning to Madison. A social worker, Rachel built her career around supporting and advocating for immigrant families. For nine years, she has worked at Centro, the largest nonprofit organization serving Latin and immigrant families in our county, as manager of family support programs. She leads a team of case managers and support specialists who work directly with community members.
Rachel will draw on her personal and professional experiences to speak about building relationships across cultures, fostering belonging, and connecting through our shared humanity. She will describe Centro’s work in the community and offer opportunities to get involved.
RSVP by Monday, August 31. A $10.00 donation per person will help offset the cost of lunch to the Church. Email Ann with any questions or if you would like assistance registering. When you register through Realm, please proceed through to the last step where you choose “pay now” or “pay later” and hit “register.”
Forest Bathing
Saturday, September 26 | 9:30 a.m. | Location: TBD
Rev. Zayna Thomley, Middleton UCC, is a certified forest therapy guide through The Forest Therapy School. Rev. Thomley will lead us on a 1.5-hour guided forest walk that encourages us to slow down in the atmosphere of the outdoors.
This Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, or “forest bathing,” is shown to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This walk requires nothing of you but to show up. Join us as we combine a love of nature, spiritual practice, and community connection.
No charge, but please RSVP.
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 10 | 10:30 a.m. | Lathrop Parking Lot
Pets, bring your people and join us for a blessing! We will meet at 10:30 a.m. ‒ rain or shine ‒ in the small Lathrop Street parking lot. Treats will be provided for people and pets. We’ll bless them all ‒ dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, snakes, chickens, and more! Pets who prefer to stay home are welcome to send their people with a picture to bless. All are welcome!
As a way to serve animals in our community, we will collect gift cards for Mounds or Chewy for Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV).
Woman's Book Study
Saturdays: October 10, 17, November 7, 21 | 8:00 a.m. | Chapel/Zoom
Women’s Book Study meets three times a year to read and discuss a book relating to religion, spirituality, or current events.
The fall sessions of Women’s Book Study (WBS) begin October 10. The book title is yet to be determined. Sessions are hybrid, in person and on Zoom. Watch for details coming soon.
WBS offers an opportunity for fellowship with women of all ages. Coffee and treats are provided.
If interested in learning more, contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Open and Affirming (ONA) Sunday
Sunday, October 11 | 10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary
“Open and Affirming” (ONA) is the designation in the United Church of Christ for a church that is LGBTQIA+ welcoming. First Congregational-Madison has been an ONA congregation since 1992. Each year we celebrate being open and affirming, while also recognizing that our work in these efforts is not finished.
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 in 2026: January 25, March 22, May 24, July 26, September 27, November 2. We hope you support this organization doing great work in our community.
After-Worship Refreshment!
Weekly on Sunday (except the first Sunday of the month) | 11:00 a.m. | Narthex
Come for Worship, stay for fellowship!
Enjoy refreshments after Worship in the Sanctuary each Sunday, with the exception of the first Sunday of the month (Communion Sunday). It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our church community.
Interested in providing refreshments? Volunteers are needed to provide small “bites” like cheese, fruit, and cookies. The Board of Community Life provides gluten-free snacks and beverages.
Walk the 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.
Drum Choir
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 | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | Online (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, contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Fiber Arts Group
Weekly on Wednesdays | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | 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
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 5:45 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, contact Jeff Rabe.
Chancel Choir
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 and 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, from September through May, with some variation.
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 learning more about creation care and advocacy opportunities related to environmental issues? First Congregational’s Environmental Justice group is for you!
Join others 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 gathers monthly to share coffee and fellowship. Typically, the discussion is formed around an article about a recent event that was distributed in advance. It’s a great forum for getting to know others while engaging in contemporary topics from a Christian perspective.
If you are interested in attending, contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Caregiver Support Group
Last Sunday of each month | 12:15 p.m. | Online (Zoom)
Are you caring for a friend or loved one? Do you anticipate assisting someone in the future with care decisions? This group offers supportive conversation and opportunities to learn from one another. It is also a great way to connect to community resources.
If you are interested in attending, contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Love is Louder
In June, a month designated to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, our Pride banner displayed on the University Avenue fence was vandalized twice. The two accounts of vandalism reflect the hate being incited in this country. Hate will not keep us from sharing a message of love. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are beloved children of God and we stand together. We will repair, replace, and renew our commitment to our siblings as many times as needed. We will LOVE even LOUDER!
First Congregational UCC Senior Minister Eldonna Hazen was interviewed by WMTV Reporter Ashley Weil about this incidents.
“Our message is of love. Our message is not to judge people, to put them in boxes, to push them away,” said Hazen. “We should be drawing people in and we should be valuing them for who they are, who they know they are not, who other people name them as.”
This bold proclamation of love is not new for First Congregational UCC. The Congregation voted to become an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation in 1992 and lives this welcoming stance in the world by not only being ONA, but by celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
In The News: Prison Reform
The replica of the solitary confinement cell the Prison Ministry Project built continues to play an important role in reducing the torture of solitary confinement.
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 about 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. Contact the office for more information.
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.
