FERGUSON WEDDING

Member Sarah (Schulte) and Cory Ferguson were married August 4, at First Congregational Church. The people of First Congregational congratulate Sarah and Cory, as they begin their life together as husband and wife. God bless them.

VORWALD WEDDING

Member Leigh Morgan (Corlett) and Matthew Vorwald were married June 16, at Pikes Peak. The people of First Congregational congratulate Leigh and Matthew, as they begin their life together as husband and wife. God bless them.

Chance and Tyler Confirmation

First Congregational UCC celebrates with Chance Jones  and Tyler Tayek on their Confirmation Day, Sunday, June 3, 2012.  Both young men presented their Faith Statements and their thoughts on our Church Covenant.   We greet them and welcome them both.

THE BAPTISM OF JANEEN THOMAS

The people of First Congregational Church congratulate the Thomas family on the baptism of their daughter Janeen. May the joy of the Lord be your strength, now and always. God bless you all.

THE BAPTISM OF BAILEY JILL WEISS

The people of First Congregational Church celebrate the baptism of Bailey Jill Weiss, daughter of Meagan Luster and Ben Weiss.  May the joy of the Lord be her strength, now and always. God bless Bailey and her family.

Ash Wednesday 2012 - A Celebration?

Living Faith Parish - Giard Center

Area Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service

Ash Wednesday Service, usually a somber occasion, was almost as much of a celebration in as much as this small church was nearly full this year, compared to recent years.  With so many people joining in the service it seemed to add something special to the service.  

There were people at the service from approximately 6 to 8 area towns and the surrounding area including Prairie du Chien.  Also, there were were approximately six area churches participating. 

Remember, the next five Wednesdays the Lenten programs will be held at First Congregational UCC in McGregor.  A meal will be served at 5:00 with a program following.  The local churches will take turns providing the meals and the programs.  Be sure to join us.

God bless.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH JOINS THE MCGREGOR TRIATHALON

First congregational church made their debut appearance in McGregor's annual Turkey Triathalon. Out of four teams participating they placed third overall in such varied events as Turkey Bowling, Bed Racing and Gloved Free Throw. To see more of the days activities click here.

THE BAPTISM OF KEATON DETTMAN

The people of First Congregational Church celebrate the baptism of Keaton Gerald Dettman, son of Lisa Johanningmeier and Marlon Dettman. May the joy of the Lord be his strength, now and always. God bless Keaton and his family.

ANNA NARROWS GENERATION GAP

Anna, daughter of Chad Hauschild, reached out to Lillian Fritz of McGregor this Sunday afternoon. Anna's desire to embrace Lillian, and other care facility residents, stems from a deep passion to cross the generation gap and build fellowship across age lines. Following her visit, Anna remarked, "it makes me feel good inside." 


Anna's example of unconditional love is a profound message of hope. Thank you Anna and Lillian for teaching us that the love of God knows no bounds. 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL GOES KEYLESS ON EPIPHANY

On Friday, January 6, 2011 (the feast of Epiphany) a key less lock was installed on a side door at the church. Robyn Denning and Keith Hallberg labored for hours as they outfitted the church with a new Kaba E-Plex 5000, this complex electronic lock will provide our active church with ease of access. No longer do members, friends, contractors, etc., requiring access to the church have to wait on others. User designated combinations can now be issued to anyone and the church is now accessible to anyone requiring access. 

Pastor Gentry believes that with the growing traffic at the church, with more groups require access to the building, going key less on one of the doors was timely -- easing the frustration of scheduling and lost or forgotten keys. No longer is access denied to those who need it, we have the means to allow people to make even greater use of the church. 

Check it out next on your next visit to church and be sure to get your code.

2011 Hanging of the Greens prep continues

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Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011

Food, fun, fellowship, decorating and practicing all came together at the second night of preparations for the Hanging of the Greens.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the work went well and easy.  Those participating in the service practiced while others worked on decorations.  For more pictures of this years Hanging of the Greens just click on this link.  Don't forget about the Hanging of the Greens service this coming Sunday, Dec. 4.  Come at 4:00 and listen to Christmas music before the service starts.  It is a beautiful service and we hope to see you all there.  God bless.  Merry Christmas to you all.

ASMUS WEDDING

Michelle (Denning) and Kody Asmus were married November 13, at First Congregational Church. It was an intimate occasion as they exchanged their vows before relatives. The people of First Congregational congratulate Michelle and Kody, as they begin their life together as husband and wife. God bless them.

2011 Hanging of the Greens prep and new hymnals

FCC UCC McGregor began getting ready for Christmas by preparing for the annual Hanging of the Greens Ceremony.  Members and friends came together for a great potluck supper before getting to work on ornaments and cards to be handed out at the ceremony.  Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and the work went easy with so many hands.

As some worked on the preparations for the ceremony others were getting our new hymnals ready to be put in the pews.  FCC is getting ready for another great Christmas.

A DAY FOR HEALTH AT FCC

First Congregational Church kicked off the healthy living initiative with a free health screening and complimentary massages. Eleven volunteers turned out to begin their journey towards living healthier between the hours of 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM. 

Kathy Wessels, R.N. offered free health screenings for each while Kelli Boylen provided complimentary chair massages to interested parties. This is the first of many health offerings to come at First Congregational, we are pleased to offer this opportunity to our congregation. 

 Health Corner display table in Fellowship Hall

Kelli Boylen of Indigo Sky Massage, offers a complimentary massage to Alice Staples.

THE BAPTISM OF PHYLLIS HOUG

Members of the diaconate committee partnered with Jerry Weiss to arrange the baptism of Phyllis Houg of McGregor, IA. The service took place in the Houg residence with members of her family present. Phyllis was graciously received in the church universal and we celebrate her expression of faith and desire to be baptized.
God bless Phyllis and her family.

FCC LAUNCHES HEALTHY LIVING INITIATIVE

Pastor Gentry announced the Healthy Living Initiative before the congregational on October 30th. The initiative organizers are (l-r) physical therapist Brittany Keyes, Pastor Gentry and Kathy Wessels, R.N. Together they have planned a program that incorporates theories and practices pertaining to diet, exercise and additional modes of healthy living. 

Drawing from the expertise of in-house and outside health professionals. The parishioners of First Congregational will be able to avail themselves of exercise programs and educational seminars designed to help them maximize their health in a variety of ways. 

First congregational is daring to style itself as a church that cares about the overall well being of the individual. The spiritual, mental and physical health of our community is our chief concern. Kathy Wessels will be offering free health screenings during the month of November so be certain to make an appointment.

Brittany will work with our congregation designing, age and ability specific, exercises that we can perform indoors and out. Her guidance will help us get moving while respecting our limits. 

This is an exciting opportunity for our congregation, so stay tuned as the program unfolds. Remember, a healthy body can do wonders for Christ. 

DAVIES / WETHERILL WEDDING

Joyce Davies and Warren Wetherill were married October 22nd at First Congregational Church. It was a joyous occasion as they exchanged their vows before an intimate gathering of relatives. The people of First Congregational congratulate Joyce and Warren, as they begin their life together as husband and wife. God bless them.

WELCH WEDDING

Member Genna, and Nathan Welch were married October 1st at First Congregational Church. The people of First Congregational congratulate Genna and Nathan as they begin their life together as husband and wife. God bless them.

THE BAPTISM OF THADRICK LEE STUMPF

The people of First Congregational Church celebrate the baptism of Thadrick Lee Stumpf, son of Chelsey and Keaton. May the joy of the Lord be his strength, now and always. God bless Thadrick and his parents.

Church Picnic and a Cruise on the Maiden Voyage

Church picnic and a cruise aboard the Maiden Voyage on Aug. 21, 2011. Members met in the church basement for a potluck and chicken dinner after second service. Great food, as usual. After dinner 27 people boarded the Maiden Voyage at the McGregor marina for a 2 1/2 hour cruise. Captain Bob provided us with an interesting and scenic cruise. He told stories of some bits of history of the McGregor and Marquette area and the Mississippi. I even think a lot of the stories were true. At any rate, the cruise was really nice and very entertaining. The GOOD LORD provided us with beautiful weather. We did have a small shower at one point, but it didn't last long at all and certainly didn't dampen the spirits of anyone on board.