Worship is at the core of our life at First Congregational Church, UCC. In worship we make visible the ever-present grace of an invisible God. And we open ourselves to the call of God as we seek direction for our lives. First Congregational Church, UCC, extends a warm welcome for you to join us!
This casual, inclusive service in the Parish Hall offers communion each Sunday. The service ends at 9:45 a.m. so participants can attend church school. A variety of preachers deliver the message and preside at the table with strong lay leadership in the liturgy, prayers and the serving of communion. A five year-old child may serve you communion and an 80 year-old might offer the prayer.
Worship is held in our beautiful Gothic-style sanctuary, which offers a quiet, contemplative oasis away from a hectic world. The church has two magnificent pipe organs that lead the congregation into worship, accompany congregational songs and send people out rejoicing. The First Church Choir sings at the 11 a.m. service, offering music of beauty, dignity and diversity. The Treble Choir, Gallery Handbell Choir, soloists and instrumentalists add to the worship experience. To learn more about our services, see The Language of Worship. To learn more about the beliefs of Congregationalists, please see our Statement of Faith on our Web site.
On the first Sunday of each month, and on special occasions, we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion at our 11 a.m. service. We offer communion each Sunday at our 9 a.m. service in the Parish Hall. We invite to the table all persons who acknowledge faith that Jesus Christ, Son of God, is God's sign of redeeming grace. Children are also welcome at the table, according to the customs and preferences of their families.
Compline
On the third Sunday of each month, members of the First Church Choir sing the monastic service of Compline at 9 p.m. in the candlight setting of the sanctuary.
First Church also gathers for worship on Christmas Eve with a traditional youth-led nativity pageant held early in the evening and a candle-light service at 11 p.m. Other worship services include Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Refer to the First Church newsletter and Web site for dates and times of special services.