You Are Welcome Here.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey –
you are welcome here at First Congregational United Church of Christ. 

Worship with us

Who we are

A large group of First Congregational UCC church members at the Pride Parade holding an "Embracing Diversity" banner

Open and Affirming

We welcome persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

People holding a "dementia friendly" banner

Accessible to All

We are committed to be physically and attitudinally welcoming of people with disabilities.

Six people holding posters promoting social justice

Committed to Social Justice

We are called to acts of witness, compassion, and empowerment to ensure justice for all.

News and Events

Panel on Christian Nationalism

Sunday, October 12 | 2 p.m. | Chapel

Christian nationalism merges American civic life with specific Christian beliefs, seeking to create a “Christian nation.” The separation of church and state, rooted in the First Amendment, is increasingly being blurred. To better understand Christian Nationalism from the context of three different settings, you’ll hear from Dr. Susan B. Ridgely, professor of Religious Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rabbi Jon Prosnit, Temple Beth El, and Adam Penning, Downtown Site Pastor at Blackhawk Church.
 
Free and open to the public. All are welcome. Following the panel discussion there will be a short Q&A.

An Afternoon with John Pavlovitz

Saturday, October 25 | 2:00 p.m. | Sanctuary | Cost: $11/pp

The greatest border crisis we face is the one separating Church and State. There’s nothing more dangerous than professed Christians who have no real interest in Jesus. They’re rather easy to spot if you’re paying attention. They’re usually the ones most loudly preaching religious liberty while methodically swallowing up the personal freedoms and elemental rights of other people. Most telling, however, is that their theology is built on an idea that Jesus fully rejected: compulsion. Christian Nationalism isn’t coming to America; it’s here. Now, the question is, “What can we do to stop it?” Join us for an honest conversation about avoiding theocracy. Learn more.

fall color leaves arranged in a circle

Autumn Vespers: A Sacred Circle

Wednesday, October 15 | 6 p.m. | Chapel

Join us in Sacred Circle, incorporating breath, song, and word, returning to the root. Stillness before action provides mental clarity, enhances emotional regulation, and fosters thoughtful decision-making, resulting in more intentional and effective outcomes. In a world filled with constant distractions and pressure to react instantly, taking a deliberate pause is a powerful act of mindfulness. Singing satiates the need for emotional expression and grounding, leveraging the mind-body connection to process feelings and return to a state of stability. Make time for the Holy Spirit during these alternative services!

Madison Area CROP Walk

Sunday, October 19 | 12:30 p.m. | First Congregational UCC

This year’s Madison Area CROP Hunger Walk will honor John and Jean Sheild who have walked with CROP for over 50 years, raising over $190,000 in the last 15. John passed away in April and Jean in early July. We honor them by making a commitment to walk for those in need!

If we work together, we can end world hunger. That’s why we’re participating in the CROP Hunger Walk. Please participate by walking or donating. Together we can provide meals for the growing number of people in our community who need experience food security. Join or Donate Today!

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