Worship
First Congregational United Church of Christ seeks to live out its vision by creating worship which reflects and nurtures both the truths we hold and the questions we embrace--a place where word, sacraments, prayer, liturgy, music, dance, drama, and storytelling come together as physical and spiritual expressions of our commitment to our faith. We worship as a Christian community, seeking to honor the symbols and practices of Christian faith and the traditions and mission of the United Church of Christ; and as a community marked by diversity, we open ourselves to diverse modes of expression and spiritual reflection. As advocates of justice and peace, we recognize that we must first build justice and peace within our own spiritual community. Achieving this goal requires that our worship be flexible and multifaceted, providing a welcoming environment where diversity can thrive and all can explore God's truth and creative presence in an atmosphere of acceptance and grace.
Worship Schedule
From May 25 through August 31, Worship will begin at 10:00 am each Sunday. Join us for worship, and see how the Holy moves among us during these "ordinary" days of summer.
Worship With Us This Summer — "Ordinary Time"
Eastertide was a busy season of eventful celebrations for First Congregational United Church of Christ. Confirmations, Baptisms, Youth and Earth Day services were among the observances that stirred our spirits during April and May. Now, between Pentecost (May 11) and the first Sunday of Advent (November 30), we enter into the long period known on the liturgical calendar as "Ordinary Time".
This season calls us to be attentive to the sacred that is found in the ordinary happenings of our lives. Perhaps even in the mundane and lackluster rhythms of daily life we too can be surprised that God is with us and invites us into some new discovery of faith and commitment.
Scripture stories during this season will tell of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar and Jacob and his family. Their stories remind us that the sacred was encountered by ordinary people who have become our extraordinary examples of faithfulness. Also, parables from the Gospel of Matthew ask us to pay more attention to the seemingly little things of daily life, for they too can speak to us of how God’s reign is breaking out into the world even now.
Upcoming Worship Events
- During July and August, you are invited to join in worship at First Congregational to hear messages from members and friends who will be guest preachers as well as our own Pastor Joe Hoffman.
- On July 20, you can participate in a special day of music and storytelling. United Methodist singer, songwriter and storyteller, Ed Kilbourne, leads morning worship and performs an evening concert at 7:00pm that Sunday.
- Come on August 17 to learn more about what happened at Arts Camp and perhaps become a creative participant.
Come — join us in worship!
|
