Welcome to the website of First Congregational United Church of Christ. We invite you to walk with us as we deepen our faith through worship, fellowship, outreach, music, study and more.
We are a community of faith centered in Jesus Christ which seeks to be faithful as a continuation of his life on earth. While our roots are deep, we seek ever new ways to be the people of Christ here and now.
Together we are the Church. Come, grow in Christ with us.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8th - 9:30 AM - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT. The Message, "For Our Encouragement," will focus on Romans 15:4-13. The Bible introduces us and initiates us into a whole new world, not necessarily the world as we have it, but the world that God is bringing into being. In our struggles to be faithful, to make our way in an often difficult world, we are encouraged by scripture. Our eyes are opened to what God is doing in us and in our world. Scripture is our constant teacher and companion in all our attempts to be faithful followers of the Way of Jesus Christ. There will be a Children's Message. The Chancel Choir will sing the anthem, "An Advent Prayer" by Allen Pote. COME WORSHIP WITH US AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR, JESUS THE CHRIST. ALL ARE WELCOME!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8th - 11:00 AM - BIBLE STUDY IN THE SNOW ROOM. We will be discussing Dr. Thom Rainer's Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive. ALL ARE WELCOME!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH - 5:00 PM - "THE GRUMPY SHEPHERD" PLAY IN THE SANCTUARY FOLLOWED BY THE ADVENT DINNER IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11th - 11:00 AM - BIBLE STUDY IN THE SNOW ROOM. We will be discussing Dr. Thom Rainer's Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive. ALL ARE WELCOME!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12th AT 7:00 PM - GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP MEETS IN THE UPPER FELLOWSHIP HALL. GriefShare is a faith-based support group for those recovering from the loss of a loved one or friend. Topic: "Lessons of Grief: Part Two." ALL ARE WELCOME!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13th - VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network) DINNER. RAIHN provides an evening meal and lodging for guests who are working or in the process of seeking a job while they await permanent housing. A 6:00 PM evening meal will be served at Mary Magdalene Church, 1008 Main St., East Rochester. If you are able to volunteer, please call 585-223-0224 or email Steve Smith at tanman@frontiernet.net. GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS BY SERVING OTHERS! ALL ARE WELCOME!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15th AT 9:30 AM - SPECIAL CHORAL MUSIC PROGRAM, "Great Expectation" presented by the Chancel Choir accompanied by organ, piano, and violin. Ms. Heather Watras, Director of Music Ministries & Mrs. Beatrice Benedict, Organist & Pianist. Like a child awaiting Christmas Day, like a mother awaiting the birth of her child in a stable, like the world awaiting a Savior - there are so many people in our world expectantly waiting for change. Advent is the season of expectation. Every day we draw closer to Christmas, hopes rise and joy overflows. This Advent season, we hope you will count down the days of expectation with us, as we celebrate with music. ALL ARE WELCOME!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21st AT 5:00 PM - "The Longest Night" - A SPECIAL BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE. There are so many reasons that people feel less than festive during the Christmas season -- the loss of a loved one or friend, depression, divorce, illness, stress, anxiety, or loneliness -- just to name a few. The Service will be mostly Bible readings and hymns that are on the somber side, but still celebrate the importance of Christmas to our faith. There will be a brief reception in the Fellowship Hall following the Service. ALL ARE WELCOME!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24th AT 5:00 PM - CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE. This is a casual Service for children & families. ALL ARE WELCOME!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH AT 11:00 PM - CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE OF ESSONS & CAROLS WITH HOLY COMMUNION. ALL ARE WELCOME!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH -- HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS DAY!
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, OR WHERE YOU ARE ON LIFE'S JOURNEY, YOU ARE WELCOME IN THIS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. GOD LOVES YOU, AND SO DO WE!