News & Events
Movie Night
Friday, January 24 | 6:00 p.m. | Chapel and Hearth Room
Movie Night, sponsored by the Board of Community Life and the Environmental Justice Group, will include pizza and potluck, following by a brief discussion of the films. Pizza will be served at 6 p.m. in the Chapel; movies will begin at 6:30 p.m. Pizza will be provided. You are invited to bring a salad or sweets to share if you choose.
Adults and mature youth are invited to view Bad River an excellent new documentary film that chronicles the Wisconsin-based Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and their ongoing fight for sovereignty. The film will bring us through an epic sweep of history to the present, with a David and Goliath battle over a 70-year-old pipeline on the verge of a catastrophic oil rupture into Lake Superior, the largest freshwater resource in America.
For younger audiences, we’ll be playing the 2012 animated version of The Lorax adapted from the children’s book written by Dr. Seuss that chronicles the plight of the environment and the Lorax, the main character, who “speaks for the trees” and confronts the Once-ler, a business magnate who causes environmental destruction. Bring blankets and pillows for movie-watching!
Recycle the Warmth
Friday, January 24 ‒ Sunday, January 26
Do you have quality blankets and bedding you’re not using anymore? Maybe a sheet set you received that isn’t quite your style? How about gently used quilts you’ve found as you clean out the house?
Your new and gently used blankets, bedding and sheets could go to a struggling family when you donate goods to St. Vincent de Paul’s Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive!
Drop off new and gently used blankets, bedding and sheets in the bins at the back of the Sanctuary or inside the Lathrop entrance Friday, January 24 – Sunday, January 26, 2025. Thank you for helping our neighbors in need
Valentine Cards: Family Service Project
Sunday, January 26 | 11:00 a.m. | Dining Room
First Cong families (of all shapes and sizes) are invited to the Dining Room following Worship for a quick lunch and service project making Valentine’s Day cards for community elders! While registration is not required, it helps with planning. Signup Today!
con vivo! Winter Concert
Saturday, February 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Chapel
The winter concert celebrates the music of Bruch and Beethoven. Come hear the Bruch Septet and the magnificent Beethoven Septet, Op.20. It is a perfect way to stay warm during the bleak midwinter!
Tickets are available for purchase at the door.
Ticket prices: $25.00/$20.00 seniors & students.
For more information, visit conviviomusicwithlife.org
Poetry Workshop and Lunch
Sunday, February 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Chapel
Many of us think we are not good at understanding poetry, so we believe we wouldn’t be good at creating it. Nothing could be further from the truth. Julie Kramer, poetry lover, and poet, will provide space and guidance to show us how to gather words together to shape poetry. Julie has led or co-led many opportunities to engage in poetry and lectio divina at First Cong. Julie is passionate about words and enjoys helping others have fun with poetry.
A salad and soup lunch (meat and vegetarian) will be provided. A $10.00 donation will help offset the cost to the church. RSVP in advance helps with planning.
Annual Campaign
At First Congregational UCC-Madison, we know that when we come together, miracles happen. Together, we rise by lifting others.
During this year’s annual campaign, the Board of Stewardship calls you to help lift one another by lifting the mission of the Church. All the good we accomplish together; we do through a commitment to annual giving.
Walk the Chapel Prayer Labyrinth
First Sunday of each month | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Chapel
The prayer labyrinth is an archetypal pattern, a “divine imprint,” found in religious traditions in various forms around the world. In recent years, walking a prayer labyrinth has been rediscovered as a meditative way of praying. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path. It is designed to quiet the mind and lead the walker by a winding route to the center, and then, by the same route, to return to the exit.
The labyrinth is free and open to the public.
After-Worship Refreshment!
Weekly on Sunday (except first Sunday of the month) | 11:00 a.m. | Narthex
Come for Worship, stay for fellowship! Enjoy refreshments after Worship in the Narthex on Sundays with the exception of the first Sunday of the month. It is a great opportunity to connect with church members and friends.
Adult Drum Choir
Weekly on Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | Room 303
No experience necessary, just a passion for rhythm and community! Choir members will learn drumming techniques, build community, play ensembles together, and share their combined talents in worship.
Join the circle and make a joyful noise!
If interested, contact Jeff Rabe, Director of Children and Youth Ministries.
Bible Conversations
Weekly on Tuesday | Noon | Zoom
A weekly discussion group and conversation around Sunday’s scripture reading. The group is currently meeting via Zoom. Drop-in anytime!
If you are interested in attending, please contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Fiber Arts Group
Weekly on Wednesdays | 12:00 p.m. | Hearth Room
Gather with other fiber artists and crafters in the Hearth Room. Bring your knitting, crochet, sewing, or other handmade works-in-process to work on while socializing. Light refreshments will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own lunch or snack.
New to fiber arts? No problem! Contact Melissa Baumann or Jessica Taft to ensure someone is available to teach or guide you.
Handbell Choir
Weekly on Wednesdays | 6:00 p.m. | Room 303
First Congregational UCC has five octaves of impressive White Chapel Handbells! This group has a great sense of camaraderie and devotion. We are, however, in need of more ringers. Let’s get the bells ringing!
Typically, the Handbell Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in Room 303 (elevator access). We aim to ring for the 2nd service of each month, meeting at 9:00 a.m. to rehearse before Worship at 10:00 a.m.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Heather Yonker, Director of Music Ministry.
Chancel Choir
Weekly on Wednesdays | 7:00 p.m. | Chapel
The Chancel Choir is a friendly, open group of a variety of levels, including two hired section leaders in the tenor and soprano sections. The size fluctuates between 14-18 participants. One does not have to be able to read music to join. The ability to match pitch and keep time is helpful and can always be improved with regular practice.
The primary schedule is to provide special music and hymn leading on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, with some variation.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Heather Yonker, Director of Music Ministry.
Recorder Group
1st and 3rd Sunday of the month | 8:45 a.m. | Room 302
Yes, First Congregational UCC has a Recorder Group! We have one group member for each of the four common pitches – soprano, alto, tenor, and bass – and we would love to expand to two or more for each pitch. The focus of our group is the enjoyment of the interplay of the music between the four parts. We are more about listening than virtuosity. We pursue enjoyment rather than perfection. We may, at some point, decide to play in public. Loaner instruments are available, so you can try out the various sizes without making an investment in an instrument. Previous experience is not necessary.
If interested, contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Environmental Justice Group
2nd Sunday of the month | 11:15 a.m. | Hearth Room and Zoom
Are you interested in knowing more about creation care and advocacy opportunities related to the environment? First Cong’s Environmental Justice group is for you!
Join the join in making a healthier, brighter, tomorrow!
If interested, contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Men's Fellowship
2nd and 4th Sunday of the month | 8:45 a.m. | Hearth Room and Zoom
If you are interested in small group discussion, this group is for you! A group of men gather monthly to share coffee and fellowship. Typically the discussion is formed around an article on recent event that was distributed in advance. It’s a great forum to get to know one other and engage in contemporary topics from a Christian perspective.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
Caregiver Support Group
Last Sunday of each month | 12:15 p.m. | Zoom
Are you caring for a friend or loved one? Do you anticipate assisting someone in the future with decisions about care? This group offers supportive conversation and opportunities to learn from one another. It is also a great way to get connected to resources available to help.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Associate Minister Ann Beaty.
First Cong History 1990-2022
What do you remember our Church during the years 1990 to 2022? What was important to you during these years? Janet Pugh, Faye Whitaker, and Sue Jones compiled “Snapshot Reflections on the Years From 1990 to 2022.”
Binders of the featured slides from the presentation are available in the office for checkout.
Solar Panel Dedication
On Sunday, February 20, First Cong dedicated the solar panel installation during worship. The project grew from environmental justice discussions. The 61 kW solar array provides about 65% of the church’s electricity – significantly reducing our carbon footprint. The energy savings from switching to solar will go toward local social justice initiatives.