News & Events
Poetry Workshop and Lunch
Sunday, February 23 | 11:00 a.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.
Mardi Gras Celebration
Sunday, March 2 | 11:00 a.m. | Dining Room
Let’s get together for Mardi Gras! We will have an all-church New Orleans-inspired lunch and intergenerational event to mark the beginning of Lent. The lunch menu will include chicken and a vegetarian jambalaya, French bread, raw veggies and dip, clementines, and homemade cookies and bars. The Board of Community Life is not only cookin’ up food but also some fun Mardi Gras-themed crafts and live Cajun music.
Many hands make light work, so if you’d like to help by baking bars, cookies, or King Cake, at home, we’d welcome your participation. Call the church office, 608-233-9751, or contact Anne Karch, to sign up to bake. And we’ll see all y’all on March 2, right after Worship.
Mardi Gras Celebration
Wednesday, March 5 | 11:30 a.m. | Chapel
Dr. Ulrich Rosenhagen, theologian and, until recently, the Interim Director of the Center for Interfaith Dialogue at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, will give a presentation titled Beyond Tolerance – Teaching Interfaith Understanding at UW-Madison. In it, he will share a brief history of interfaith engagement at the UW along with the work and vision of the Center for Interfaith Dialogue. The presentation will close with general remarks on interfaith engagement in our current historical moment.
Dr. Rosenhagen was a researcher at the Technical University of Dresden, held a research fellowship at Boston University, and received his PhD from the University of Heidelberg. He has been a lecturer with the UW-Madison History
Department and Religious Studies Program and has led interfaith programs at the UW since 2007. His interests are interreligious literacy, the role of religion in American history, and the work of Rudolf Otto, a German pioneer of inter-religious dialogue. Dr. Rosenhagen is also an ordained Lutheran pastor and worked for several years in ministry in Germany and Miami, Florida. Recently, he was appointed as liaison for faculty and community relations for the UW-Madison Identity & Inclusion unit.
Reservations are required by Monday, March 3. Boxed lunches (soup and sandwich) are available for $10 each (a donation to offset the cost to the church). Please indicate food restrictions or preferences when you register. Email Associate Minister Ann Beaty with questions or if you need help registering. When registering, please go through the last step where you choose “pay now” or “pay later” and hit “Register.” All are Welcome! Register Now.
Lenten Services and Programs
A Cross Torn Open to a Broken World
A Cross Torn Open: to a Broken World was inspired by the East Window at St. Martin in-the-fields Church in Trafalgar Square in London. The window, designed by Shirazeh Houshiary in collaboration with her husband, architect Pip Horne, adds light to the Grade I listed church and is one of the most significant pieces of religious art commissioned in modern times.
We are captivated by the appearance of a cross being torn open. We believe it allows the church to better see the world and, in turn, allows easier access to the church from outside. The Lenten series will walk through seeing both the church and the world through different views.
Women's Book Study
Saturdays: February 8, 22; March 8, 22 | 8:00-9:30 a.m. | Chapel/Zoom
Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic, and third woman, appointed to the United States Supreme Court. In her book, My Beloved World, Sotomayor recounts her life from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, a journey that offers an inspiring testament to her extraordinary determination and the power of believing in oneself. Along the way we see how she was shaped by her invaluable mentors, a failed marriage, and the modern version of extended family she has created from cherished friends and their children. America’s infinite possibilities are envisioned anew in this warm and honest book.
Copies of the book will be available for $13 (scholarships available). Email Associate Minister Ann Beaty to reserve a book, or to join the group!
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.
Just Bakery
Just Bakery, an educational and vocational training program, works with individuals who are experiencing significant barriers to employment such as homelessness, justice involved, lack of education, and/or a lack of work history or skills.
Bread and other baked goods from Just Bakery will be available for purchase in the back of the Sanctuary after Worship on the following days, January 26, March 23, May 25, July 27, September 28, and November 23. We hope you support this organization that does great work in the community.
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.
Senior Drum Choir
Weekly on Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | Room 303
Open to all interested adults. No drumming experience needed. Beginning level ability. Basic drumming techniques taught.
Join the circle and make a joyful noise!
If interested, contact Jeff Rabe, Director of Children and Youth Ministries.
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.
In The News: Prison Reform
The exact replica of the solitary confinement cell the Prison Ministry Project built continues to play an important role in reducing the torture which is solitary confinement. Please watch this video from WPT’s Here and Now. The program highlights the work of our colleague Talib Ackbar and the collaboration with the Crossing, our sister congregation on campus.
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.