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What is the United Church of Christ?
The
United Church of Christ (UCC) is a mainline Protestant church
founded in 1957. This denomination is the result of a merger
between the Congregational/Christian tradition and the Evangelical
and Reformed tradition. Basically, it’s a new denomination
comprised of old, historical traditions. The United Church of
Christ enjoys a rich relationship with many churches, but in
particular, the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church
(USA), the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and the
Disciples of Christ.
What do we believe?
We
believe in God the Creator, revealed in the death and resurrection
of Jesus Christ, and present in the power of the Holy Spirit. We
believe the Bible contains the Word of God as interpreted by
prophets and apostles.
We
believe in praising the Lord through worship, preaching the Word,
and celebrating the Sacraments. We believe in serving Christ by
helping one another in the world, nurturing the gifts and
resources entrusted to our care, and sharing our spiritual gifts
with the community. We believe in making a financial commitment,
practicing Christian disciplines, and seeking new and more
faithful ways to serve God and neighbor.
We
believe in the freedom of faith and practice. We believe in the
autonomy of the local church. We believe in ecumenical and
interfaith relationships. We believe in welcoming and affirming
the diversity of all people – building a world fit for all God’s
children.
How old is First Congregational United Church of Christ?
First Congregational Church has been in Appleton since 1850.
How many members are at First Congregational United Church of
Christ?
There are 1,607 individuals who claim membership in this community
of believers.
How many people attend worship of Sunday?
There is an average of 450 people who attend worship in any given
week.
How many children are in Church School?
From
infant through confirmation, there is an average of 280 children
in Church School each week.
When is Church School offered for children?
Church School for infant through sixth grade is offered at both
services on Sunday morning. The Junior High program (7th
& 8th) is held on Wednesday evening from 6:30 to
7:30 p.m. The
Confirmation program for ninth graders meets on Wednesday evenings
from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Is there child care?
There is childcare for infants and toddlers on Sunday morning at
both services.
Is there a youth program?
From
October to May the
junior high youth have a pizza supper and an activity on the first
Wednesday evening of the month from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. before
religion class. The senior high youth meet on Sunday mornings for
fellowship at 10:00 a.m. Throughout the year, there are
mission trips and other activities for teens.
What type of worship service do we offer?
Identical worship services at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. blend
traditional and more contemporary elements in a manner that speaks
to both mind and heart. During the summer months, the 10:30
a.m. service offers contemporary music.
How does one become a member of First Congregational Church?
We
offer classes in fall and winter to learn more about First
Congregational United Church of Christ and prepare for membership.
This helps individuals to make an informed decision about joining
the church.
Classes for 2007-08 are scheduled for Saturday, October 13th, and
Saturday, February 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For those who cannot attend the classes and others who are
interested in membership during times of the year when classes
aren't offered, individual meeting with a pastor and the Director
for Volunteer Ministries can be scheduled.
We will be receiving new members year 'round on the following
scheduled Sundays:
October 21, 2007
November 11, 2007
February 24, 2008
April 20, 2008
If you would like more information or are interested in membership
at First Congregational UCC, please call or e-mail Deb Burich
at the Church Office.
What is the annual budget?
The
budget for 2007 is $1,171,998. Over 14.9% of the budget
($174,745) is given to mission work locally, nationally, and
globally.
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