Celebrating One of Our Super-Moms
On Mother’s Day, First Congregational UCC honored one of its very own Super-Moms: Ollie Stevens. As the mother of nine children, Ollie has long been known as a legendary mom
Continue readingHouses and Homes
Hebrew Scripture Reading—Psalm 127: 1-3 The first seven months of Eva’s life entailed little sleep for her parents Scott and Ruth. They lived “in a second-floor apartment on the nosiest
Continue readingThe Five Keys to a Successful Capital Campaign
Hebrew Scripture Reading—1 Chronicles 28:11-21 There was once a conference for ministers held at a church much like this one. Anxious to learn all they could the ministers eagerly paid
Continue readingBirdhouse Contest: A Letter from the Pastor
Dear Church Family and Friends, This past Sunday during the children’s sermon we announced that we are going to have a birdhouse contest! Kids, youth, and adults alike have from
Continue readingA Life-Giving River
Hebrew Scripture Reading—Ezekiel 47: 1-12 Those of you who have been to Wisconsin might be familiar with the Wisconsin Dells, a popular tourist destination. If you have been there, you
Continue readingSome Unorthodox Advice: A Letter from the Pastor
Dear Church Family and Friends, This Spring season I would like to offer what might sound like unorthodox advice. I recommend that each of you develop “an incurable allergy.” I
Continue readingThe Crucifixion: Parental Guidance Suggested
New Testament Reading—John 18: 28-36 This past year while I was visiting a friend’s house I happened to find myself watching a reality TV show that bares the sexist title
Continue readingUCC CELEBRATES SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE
UCC leaders are commending the Vermont legislature for legalizing same-gender marriage, making it the fourth U.S. state to do so. Only last week, Iowa’s Supreme Court affirmed a lower
Continue readingCOLOMBIA DAYS OF PRAYER AND ACTION
Be a Voice for Peace in Colombia April 20, 2009—National Day of Action for Colombia With four million Colombians forcibly displaced from their homes by a debilitating war, Colombia has
Continue readingMovie Plots and Holy Week: A Letter from the Pastor
Dear Church Family and Friends, Movie plots often begin with someone “upsetting the apple cart.” It might be a kidnapping. It might be an assassination attempt. It might be an
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