Oct. 14 – 21, 2020
Dear friends,

On behalf of the Faith Community Nurse Search Committee, Executive Committee, and the Church Council, I am thrilled to announce that our new First Congo Nurse will be Jean Larson.  Jean's experience as a Master’s prepared nurse in various care settings along with her deep desire to combine her faith with her nursing practice, makes her an ideal candidate for this position. Her most recent position as a Geriatric Care Manager gave her the opportunity to practice health assessment, care planning and navigating an ever increasingly complicated health care system. Her favorite part of the job was visiting clients and "learning what brings them joy and causes them concern." Jean is very excited to work with all members of First Congo, across all ages and circumstances, to continue a holistic approach to health in body, mind and spirit.

Jean and her family have been members of our congregation for 13 years. I have personally witnessed Jean’s deep faith, compassion and leadership in small group studies, as a member of the Diaconate, and as co-chair of the Strategic Vision process a few years ago.

Jean will begin her new role (now known as the Faith Community Nurse) on Monday, November 2. She will be spending her first two weeks in orientation and training with Deb, before we finally let Deb actually retire! Please remember we will be celebrating Deb’s 31 years of wonderful service during worship and at the congregational meeting on Sunday, October 25.

How blessed we have been to have Deb in our midst for these many, many years. And, how blessed we are to welcome Jean into this position.

— Meredith
To sign up for the Oct. 18 outdoor worship service,
Visit our virtual Sunday School every Sunday on YouTube:
PLEASE REGISTER by Thursday, Oct. 15 for our Felloween Fun Fest!
This week's pastor song choice is from Pastor Katherine — "I Just Can't Give Up Now": One of the greatest musical and spiritual experiences of my life was singing in the Kent State University Gospel Choir, and I still love gospel music. "I Just Can't Give Up Now" by Mary Mary is gospel at its best, and I need the uplifting message of this song more than ever. I love to play this in the car and sing along at the top of my lungs. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.


This week's member song is from Alberta Mytys — "The Great Correction" by Joan Baez: Alberta writes, "I love this song.... Someday I’m gonna sing this one. It haunts me; reminding me of my 'Kent State Massacre' Protests in Iowa City." CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.
BE THE CHURCH. The greatest moment in worship is when we go back out into the world to Be the Church. Click here to discover the numerous opportunities to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in our community and beyond. 

First Congregational Church has many programs and offerings for everyone. Check out the Upcoming Events on the Congo Calendar to see what is coming up in 2020–21.