First Congregational United Church of Christ

In Sunday’s gospel lesson from Mark 1: 21-28, Jesus continues to move forward in a clear path in his ministry. With authority, he teaches and heals in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Jesus is a spiritual insider recognized by the unclean spirit as his spiritual opposite. The possessed man is liberated by Jesus’ authority as Holy One of God. 
Jesus’ actions in the synagogue are really about displacing power – that of the scribes from their hypocritical teaching, and of the Roman empire who rule with violence. The power of God is of a different nature; one that opposes self-serving and destructive ways and uses the power of healing love that makes us whole.
Join us Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for more of this conversation. All For You will be leading with their contemporary music.

The church’s Annual Meeting is this coming Sunday, Jan. 22nd. Please plan to attend! We will be electing and installing new Board members and approving the 2012 budget. We’ll hear Pastor Barb’s version of “I Have a Dream.”
Come for worship at 9:30 a.m. then stay for coffee and the meeting to follow immediately. There will be no Sunday school, but the nursery will be staffed and a snack provided.

Sunday’s theme is “Moving Forward” and the focus scripture is Mark 1: 14-20. As a church, a body of Christ, how do we move forward with a common goal? What is our goal? To get to heaven or to co-create the kin-dom, to change the world?
Jesus called the first disciples – a quartet of fishermen – to leave their lives behind and to follow him so they could ‘fish for people.’ Will they be building safety nets with the love of God or will their nets entangle people in dogma? Join us for more of the conversation on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday’s theme is “Called and Recalled.” The focus scripture is 1 Samuel 3: 1-20.
The story reminds me of God saying, “Can you hear me now?” as young Samuel tries to discern who is calling him. Samuel needs his teacher and priest, Eli, to help him discern that the voice must be from God.
What does it mean to be called by God? Who gets called by God? How & why does God call us? God’s ‘call’ can be difficult to discern; it takes prayer and time. God can speak in many ways – through people you know (like Samuel), in dreams, in hearing the same need expressed several times. What is important to know is that we are ALL called by God to be God’s hands and feet doing God’s work in the world. We are ALL called by God to be our best selves, to love our neighbors AND our enemies.
Join us for more of this conversation on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

The word didn’t get out that it’s time for Living the Questions on Jan. 10th SO we’ll try again next week!
JOIN US in a unique weekly learning opportunity! On TUESDAY, JANUARY 17th at 10:00 a.m. we will begin a DVD series called Living the Questions. Each session features a 20-minute DVD presentation followed by questions for discussion. You don’t need to come every week to learn something new! Each session covers a different topic. COME check it out!
This series “brings together over thirty highly acclaimed scholars, theologians and other experts in a video exploration of an open, inclusive, broad-minded Christianity. Already utilized by thousands of progressive Christian communities, Living the Questions includes spiritual practices, opportunities for social justice engagement and fresh, original jazz interpretations of classic hymns.”
This is specifically designed for lay people to understand and discuss questions about the Bible, Creation, Jesus, evil & suffering, incarnation, and the rapture. Call Pastor Barb for more information at 507.263.2901.

Just as we begin a new year, in the church we begin again with the story of Jesus’ life and ministry. Sunday’s focus scripture is Mark 1: 4-11 where we read the story of John the Baptist’s encounter and baptism of Jesus.
The gospel according to Mark is the oldest, shortest, and the most direct of the gospels. Mark doesn’t include the birth story but jumps right into Jesus’ adult life and ministry.
The baptism of Christ by the Holy Spirit initiates our recognition of Jesus as Divine. The second important thing about this scripture is God’s proclamation that “you are my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ Do YOU know this? Do you believe that you are God’s beloved?
This is the first step in our faith journey. When we know deep down that we are beloved by God, then life has meaning and the transformation of your life has begun!
Join us on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. for more of this conversation!

Adult Bible Study resumes this Sunday after worship and fellowship time. We’re continuing Confessing the Beatitudes. 
A new class Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. begins January 10th with the DVD series, Living the Questions. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Click here to find out some wonderful, thoughtful ways to survive the holiday rush. We often get caught up in the panic of last minute gift-buying and forget the reason for the season. The United Church of Christ webpage has some great thoughts that can help you get through these holy-days in peace!
God Bless you & Merry Christmas!! 

Join us on CHRISTMAS EVE at 4:30 p.m. to celebrate together the coming of God, born in poverty, to an un-wed teenager and a carpenter, in order to bring peace to an out-of-control world. We will sing carols, light candles, pray, hear special musical offerings and worship!

CHRISTMAS DAY worship will be at 9:30 a.m. with simple readings, carols singing, special music and prayer.
Come, all you faithful! 

It’s a dark time of year with the Winter Solstice approaching. But … the days will begin to get longer soon! During these Advent days before Christmas when much of the world seems to be cheery, it can be difficult for those who are grieving or struggling with depression to keep their spirits out of the dumps.
Join us on Sunday, Dec. 18th at 4:00 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church - 511 W. Belle St. in Cannon Falls - for the annual Advent Service of Comfort and Healing. A soup and bread supper will follow. There will be singing, praying, and candle lighting from the Celtic Christian tradition which promises to offer hope and comfort to many at a less-than-happy time of year.

It’s time for our annual Christmas pageant! This year it is co-written and directed by 2 youth members, Ryan and Beth. It will be a must-see worship experience as our children tell us the birth story from their perspective. We will be singing some favorite Christmas carols, too. Read Luke 2:1-20 and then sit back and enjoy.
After worship, you are invited to join us to sing Christmas carols at Twin Rivers Assisted Living and also at Angel’s Care Center. See you Sunday!