Midweek Lenten Services
Because of darkness and cold weather, we are moving to noon for our short worship service of Evening Prayer on the Wednesdays during Lent. These services will not be streamed, but are intended to be used as a break from your normal routine as we prepare for the most holy festival in the Church Year, The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday. The services begin at noon and will take place on March 16, 23, and 30 and April 6.
Our Church's Ukraine Emergency Appeal
If you have an interest in giving some financial support to the Ukraine disaster, please consider making a donation through our church. Here is the process to follow:
- We will be collecting donations thru 3- 20th.
- All donations will be send to the UCC National Office.
- The National Office is working with Global Missions.
- Remember to write "Ukraine Mission" in the memo section.
Looking Ahead at Special Worship Opportunities
- April 10—Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion
- April 14—Maundy Thursday
- April 15—Good Friday at Mayflower Congregational Church
- April 17—Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday
Readers Needed on April 10
The order of worship for the service that day will be, “The Cry of the Whole Congregation.” This service is adapted from the writings of Rev. Walter Wangerin, Jr. (1944-2021). In addition to a narrator and people to read lines for Peter, a Pharisee, Judas, and Pilate, the congregation also has a role in this reading. The service begins with a procession with palms and continues with the preparation and eating of the Last Supper, Jesus’ agony in the Garden, the judgment before Pilate, the Crucifixion, and the burial of Jesus.
Please let Pastor Del know if you would be willing to participate in this service by reading the parts for narrator, Peter, pharisee, Judas, and Pilate.
From the Bridging Pastor
It is an honor for me to serve as your bridging pastor! It is an interesting time for all of us to be the Church!
Our prayers continue to be lifted up for the Ukrainian people as the incursion by Russia continues and thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the country in search of safety and as Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are dying. Lord, have mercy!
Our prayers also continue to be lifted for our country: for the political divisions which seem to be widening, for the poor, for those who are homeless, for those who are sick, for those who are dying, for those who have already or are ready to give up hope.
Our prayers continue for the whole Church and in particular, First Congregational United Church of Christ that we may continue to strive to be the hands of Christ in the city, in the state, in the nation, and in the world.
In this Lenten season, let us all take a few moments each day to reflect on the blessings we have received from our good and gracious God and to pray for all those who do not know God and those who need God’s special help in their lives.
Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!
Pastor’s Office Hours
As announced before, I plan to be in the office on certain days during certain times; however, now that I am getting into a pattern, I can see that I have need to be in the office on Tuesday as well; therefore,
My new hours will be:
Mondays: 9:00-noon and 1:00-4:00
Tuesdays: 2:00-5:00
Wednesdays: 2:00-5:00
Thursdays: 9:00-noon and 1:00-4:00
During my posted hours, I might be called to visit someone in the hospital or who is homebound. It will be a good idea to call ahead to ensure that I am available for an in-person visit. Also, I will be available for emergencies in addition to office hours. Please call my cell phone at (712) 490-6510.
Easter Tree Update
