This Sunday - February 5, 2023

Worship at 10:00 AM

On Site & Streaming Online

Rev. Marty Black Preaching

Communion

Sunday's worship service will be livestreamed from our sanctuary. You may attend with us on site or worship online. You will be able to view the service live on facebook, Youtube, or on our website at 10:00 AM this Sunday. In order to use the chat features you will need to have an account with facebook or YouTube.

Follow along with the bulletin HERE and the hymns HERE .

Thank you to those serving this Sunday:

Announcements - Katherine Buchowski

Ushers - Mary Lou Mellish, Marty Mallet,

Katherine Buchowski, Jon Tiede

Scripture - Lydia Aiken

Zoom Coffee Hour Host - Jane Feagans-King

In our Church & Community

Pastor Mia on Vacation

Pastor Mia is on vacation this week. She will be back with us next Sunday, February 12. This Sunday FCC member Rev. Marty Black is our preacher and worship leader.

Racial Justice Sunday

February 12

Join us next Sunday, February 12, when we will honor Racial Justice Sunday during worship.

First Hearts Dinner & Dance

Friday February 10, 5:30 PM

Join us on February 10 in the Fellowship hall for a spaghetti dinner and dancing to celebrate the love we have for our church and each other. We will have a dance instructor to teach some line dances and keep the fun moving! Dinner starts at 5:30 and dancing will begin at 6:00. This is an all-ages event, so bring your family, bring your friends, and most importantly, bring your dancing shoes! The cost of the event is $10/person or $40/family. Please RSVP by clicking the button below. You can download a flyer to share with friends HERE.

RSVP

Lombard Mediation Overview

with Ward Klein

Sunday February 19, 11-12:30 PM

In 2017 FCC worked through a congregational mediation process with Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. On February 19 Ward Klein will lead a 90-minute session giving an overview of the Lombard church conflict mediation process and the basic principles leading to and underlining healthy church communication dynamics.

Though the Earth Should Change

Biosanctuary Sacred Groves for Worship in an Era of Ecological Crisis

Reception & Public Lecture

February 6, 6:00 PM

Eden Theological Seminary and Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University welcome you to a reception and public lecture on Christian sacred groves: outdoor spaces for congregational worship that can also develop and preserve biodiversity. The two schools have come together to sponsor a student design competition. This opening event aims to provide a window into that competition for the wider community, bringing together faith communities, environmental organizations, students in the fields of landscape design, theology, environmental studies, and more. Join us on Monday, February 6th at 6:00 p.m., followed by public lectures at 6:30. The event is free but registration is required. Register online HERE.

Gateway ONA Convocation

March 4, 9 AM - 3 PM

The theme for this year's Gateway Open & Affirming Coalition's Convocation is "Together Again". The keynote address will be by TransParent, followed by workshops and lunch. TransParent envisions a world that honors and affirms the naturally occurring transgender experience. Their mission is to bring compassionate support to parents and caregivers navigating complex issues faced by gender-expansive individuals. It will be in person at Parkway UCC and on Zoom. All are welcome to come be in conversation with others, learn what it means to be Open and Affirming, and how to fully express extravagant welcome to all God's children. Learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date - Pastor Mia's Installation Service

Sunday April 30, 3:00 PM

After serving as our senior minister for over two years, it's finally time to have Pastor Mia's installation service! The service will be Sunday April 30 at 3:00 PM in our sanctuary, followed by a reception. Rev. Traci Blackmon will preach.

An installation service occurs when a congregation calls a new pastor. It is a celebration of the covenantal relationship among the ordained minister, the local church, the Association, and the wider UCC.

Please RSVP to aid in our planning!

Installation RSVP

Worship Participation

It is a new year and our worship leadership schedule is wide open! Our worship on Sunday mornings is something we do in community. We welcome your active participation in helping to make our Sunday experience a meaningful one. Children are welcome to participate as well! Learn more HERE, or contact Hannah Rice for more information.

Children & Family Ministries

Faith & Fun Sunday Mornings

2nd & 4th Sundays

Elementary kiddos are invited to join Emily for Faith & Fun - faith-filled activities and lessons- during worship (after the Children's Moment) on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Adult volunteers are needed to help, so sign up below or talk to Emily!

Faith & Fun Sign Up

First Friday Fun

First Fridays, 6-7:30 PM

4th, 5th, & 6th graders are invited to join in on food & fellowship on the first Friday of every month. Adult helpers are needed, so please sign up below!

First Friday Fun Sign Up

Sing in the Choir!

Thursdays, 7:30 PM

The FCC Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 7:30 PM. Returning and new singers are welcome! Contact Tim Clark for more information.

Spiritual Direction Sessions with Pastor Mia

On Thursdays Rev. White’s schedule is open for members of FCC who are interested in spiritual direction sessions with her. If you are interested please contact Pastor Mia through either email or by phone to set up an appointment.

2023 Stewardship

Thank you to those who have turned in your pledge cards as we dream God's dream together! We are still accepting them if you'd like to make a financial commitment to First Congregational Church in 2023. We have extra pledge cards at the church, and you can also download one HERE.