Services

Worship at First Congregational Church is traditional, but open.
It calls us to hear God’s Word, to reflect and to pray, to voice a response, and to go forth to serve.

SEPTEMBER - MAY
on SUNDAYS
8:00 a.m.
Contemplative Worship in the Chapel

9:00 a.m.
Discovery Time for folks of all ages

10:00 a.m.
Worship in the Nave
Sunday School for ages 3 through 8th grade
Child care for infants and toddlers

11:00 a.m.
Coffee in the Atrium

SEPTEMBER - MAY
on SATURDAYS

5:00 p.m.
Come-As-You-Are Worship in Friendship Lounge

Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend
on SUNDAYS
10:00 a.m.
Worship in the Nave
Summer Sunday School for ages 3 through entering 6th grade
Child care for infants and toddlers

11:00 a.m.
Coffee in Friendship Lounge

Special Holiday Services - 2008

Ash Wednesday- February 6, 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Maundy Thursday- March 20, 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday- March 21, 7:00 p.m.
Easter Vigil at Trinity Episcopal- March 22, 7 p.m.
Easter Sunday- March 23, 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day- November 27, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, December 21, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
Christmas Eve Services- Dec. 24:

4 p.m. Family Service
7 p.m. Communion Candlelight Service
11 p.m. Candlelight Choral Service

Sunday, December 28, 10:00 a.m.

Click Here for Sermons

Why do we worship?

Why do we come together Sunday after Sunday? Human beings have the ability to reason, feel and be reflective, so we can explain the world around us. Yet we come to an awareness that there is something more to us. This leads to longing.

The longing we feel is for the Transcendent, that which is Wholly Other than we are, yet which completes us. There is a part of us that is missing and can only be filled by union with the One. We worship because we are responding to that missing part of ourselves and are looking for the God who seeks us in relationship.

We worship because we seek to respond to God's gracious invitation to relationship as expressed in the Christ. Worship recognizes the ultimate end of relating to God, to the search for connection with the Transcendent. The purpose of worship is to place us in the Divine Presence and be in relationship with the Creator of all that is. So we are incorporated into the living Body of Christ and we become vehicles of God's presence in the world.

Come-As-You-Are Worship

Join us on Saturdays at 5 p.m. in Friendship Lounge. It's a small group worship that's experiential and for all ages. We gather for prayer and song, engage in a worshipful activity, and end with communion. Come dressed as you are and bring yourself as you are. This service is on hiatus until September 6, 2008.

Sacraments and Holy Rites

Baptism of infants and children may take place at any regular worship service. In addition to the Christian baptismal ceremony, this occasion affords an opportunity for formal dedication of parents, sponsors, and all members of the congregation to provide Christian teaching to the child, both by profession and by example. Arrangements for adult baptism may be made at any time through private conference with one of the ministers. 414-258-7375

Confirmation is held annually. Youth who have completed the two-year Covenant Class during ninth and tenth grade are invited to own the church covenant and be received into the membership of the church.

Reception of New Members occurs several times a year. New members are welcomed in the church fellowship at regular Sunday worship services.

Weddings are conducted by any of the ministers, either in the nave or the chapel.

Nave	Chapel

To ensure proper preparation for the founding of a Christian home, preliminary pastoral conferences are held. The church has a wedding hostess to answer questions, coordinate the rehearsal, and assist with details. Those desiring to be united in marriage should contact the church office. 414-258-7375, or e-mail your intentions here.

Funerals and Memorial Services provide prayerful recognition of the goodness and mercy of God. The ministers are ready to give counsel and help at any time and should be called at once when death occurs. The funeral service may be held at the church, at a funeral home, or at graveside. Many people prefer a memorial service at the church following private interment. A booklet titled "If I Should Die..." and a form for detailing one's funeral preferences are available in the office. The completed forms are helpful and are kept on file in the church office.

Holy Communion is celebrated every month, and at various times throughout the year including Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday. We understand the Lord's table to be an open and welcoming table for all followers of Jesus Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation.