This Sunday - May 28, 2023

Sunday Worship at 10:00 AM

On Site & Streaming Online

Scripture - Acts 2:1-21

Scripture Reflection by Rev. Mia White

Thank you to those serving this Sunday:

Ushers - Marty & Paul Black

Announcements - Bert Merrell

Scripture - Karen Safe

Sunday's worship service will be livestreamed from our sanctuary. You may attend with us on site or worship online - live on facebook, Youtube, or on our website.

Follow along with the bulletin HERE and the hymns HERE.

Wear Red for Pentecost!

This Sunday is Pentecost, when we celebrate the story of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus' disciples like tongues of fire. We invite you to wear red or another color symbolizing fire!

In Our Church Community

Strengthen the Church Offering

Sunday May 28

This Sunday we are receiving the Strengthen the Church (STC) Offering, one of the special mission offerings of the UCC. STC reflects the shared commitment of people across the United Church of Christ to cooperatively build up the UCC. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts given. The funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations. As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. If you would like to make a donation to STC, make all checks out to First Congregational Church with STC in the memo. You may also give online HERE, and choose the "UCC Special Offerings" option.

Memorial Day & Church Office Hours

The church office will be closed Monday May 29 and Tuesday May 30 for the regular staff team day off and the Memorial Day holiday.

In addition -

Emily Stokes and Hannah Rice will both be out of the office this Friday, May 26.

Pastor Mia White will be on vacation Wednesday May 31 and Thursday June 1.

Summer Worship

June 4 - Sept. 3, 10 AM in the Chapel

This summer we're worshiping in the chapel each Sunday and we're calling it "Worship Light" - Come as you are, straight from your morning bike ride or walk, in your casual clothes, however you are comfortable! We're taking the pews out of the chapel and reconfiguring the space for more informal worship that is still meaningful and enriching. We'll explore confusing parables and beautiful biblical poetry, and engage in the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina, poetry, and contemporary media. On the fourth Sunday of every month we'll worship outside on the Garth around tables and a shared meal. Because we will not be in the sanctuary, we will only livestream the services to our facebook page, and we'll post them later on YouTube.

Breaking Bread with Pastor Mia

For the next several months FCC’s Membership and Fellowship will be offering a series of potluck “Breaking Bread” dinners. This is a chance to spend some informal time with Rev. Mia as well as other church members, old or new, and also visitors who’d like to get to know us better. No agenda - just a chance to visit and eat!

Each dinner has a host who will be able to accommodate 8 others. You can sign up for a dinner online HERE. Sign up sheets are also on the bulletin board by the church office. Please only sign up ONCE so that everyone can have a turn to participate!

Guests are asked to bring a dish that coordinates with what the host is offering. Hosts simply provide the space, beverages, and a main dish. Questions? Or if you would like to host for one of the open dates - call Chrissy Paterson - 314-440-7445.

Breaking Bread Dinners

-May 26th - Hosted by Ward & Carol Klein

-June 16th - Hosted by Bruce & Michele Bryan

-August 25th - Hosted by John & Chrissy Paterson

-September 15th - Hosted by Marty & Paul Black

-October 20th - Host TBD

Thank you!

Not only did we experience meaningful worship and connection at Pastor Mia's installation service on April 30, but we also raised over $1000 for the Marsha P. Johnson Institute! Thank you for your generous gifts that will support the ongoing sustainability of MPJI - Created from a space of radical hope and collaboration, MPJI imagines a world that centers the most marginalized, and is deeply invested in serving the needs of Black trans and gender nonconforming people.

Invitation to Assist with Communion

Pastor Mia invites our lay members to assist her in leading Communion on the first Sunday of each month. If you'd like to experience what it's like on the other side of the table, speak with Pastor Mia.

Serve on Sundays

There are many ways to give of your time and talents at FCC - As a worship servers, coffee hour hosts, communion preparers, and Women of Wydown hosts. Sign up by clicking the links below, or contact the office for more information.

Wider UCC News

St. Louis PrideFest

June 24-25

The St. Louis PrideFest takes place downtown on June 24 and 25. The Open and Affirming UCC congregations in our area will be taking part in a couple of ways, and all are invited to join - The Gateway ONA Coalition will host a booth and they are seeking volunteers to staff it. If you would like to volunteer for a two-hour shift, sign up online HERE. Gateway ONA also has a parade entry on June 25 at noon. If you'd like to walk in the parade email Lorin Cope (buckeyeohio@hotmail.com) with your name, our church name, and your phone number.

UCC General Synod

June 30-July 4

General Synod is the gathering of the whole body of the United Church of Christ every two years for worship, learning, connecting, and doing the business of the church. This year's Synod is in Indianapolis and the keynote speaker is Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber. Visitors are welcome to attend, so learn more HERE. Hannah Rice will be attending as a voting delegate for the Missouri Mid-South Conference.