Adult Educational Opportunities            Adult Education Brochure

Bible Conversations
Bring a bag lunch and join us for a casual hour of Bible Conversations on Tuesdays from 12:00-1:00 pm. Texts are discussed from the upcoming Sunday’s lectionary. Text and questions are available on the church’s website. Discussion will be facilitated by Curt Anderson, Eldonna Hazen, or Jerry Hancock. Contact Curt Anderson at 608-233-9751 if you have questions.

Fall and Spring Gatherings
Open to all members of the congregation. Child care is provided.Classes in theology, Bible study, church history, drama, etc. for adults. Topics have included selected readings from Paul Tillich, Karl Barth, and feminist/womanist theologians; rehearsals of plays that are presented during worship services; playful creativity: sessions on meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, journaling, etc.

Gatherings are held on Tuesdays in October and March-April. They begin with a soup and salad meal at 5:30pm, followed by classes from 6:30 to 7:30pm.  Contact Curt Anderson at 608-233-9751 if you have questions.

New Member Classes
A series of three classes about Christianity, the United Church of Christ, and First Congregational followed by a social evening.
Held from 9:00-9:45am Sunday morning several times per year, usually once in the fall, spring, and summer. Watch the Tower for information on upcoming classes. Contact Eldonna Hazen at 608-233-9751.

Pew Warmers Softball Team
It’s softball time again, and FCC’s team, the Pew Warmers, is organizing for its 4th exciting season. The team plays in MSCR’s co-ed, non-competitive league, with games on Friday evenings. There are no skill or experience requirements—all you need is an interest in having fun. The season begins in early May and lasts until late in July.

May Sustainable Travel To Worship Month
We are encouraged to practice sustainable travel to worship during May. On Sundays think about coming to church by carpooling, bicycling, walking, skating, riding the bus, and sharing a taxi with others. Contact Curt Anderson at 608-233-9751 if you have questions.

2009 Sustainable Travel to Worship Recap
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s sustainable travel to worship month in May! Approximately 80 individuals participated on at least one Sunday. We took 280 car-limited trips over the five Sundays in May, reducing by about 583 pounds our carbon dioxide emissions, and reducing car miles traveled by about 700. That’s the distance from Madison to Bismarck, ND! Imagine how we could improve our stewardship of God’s creation if everyone committed to taking the next step in increasing their sustainable travel to worship and other places.  Many from our faith community have committed to do this, year-round. Will you join them?

Book Discussion Groups
Books discussed have included The Red Tent by Anita Diamant; How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill, Every Day Sacred and Plain and Simple by Sue Bender.   Meets periodically throughout the year. Contact Eldonna Hazen at 608-233-9751.

Prayer Wrap Ministry: Knitting with Prayers and Love
Prayer wraps are knit or crocheted from the softest of yarns. Those doing the knitting or crocheting pray for church members who will eventually receive the prayer wrap. The prayer wraps are to be given to persons who need to be reminded of God's love and the love of First Congregational. As several wraps are completed they will be dedicated during a worship service, so that the whole church prays for those who might receive the wraps. Members meet intermittently in the Fellowship room. Contact Eldonna Hazen at 608-233-9751.