About Us

We are people - families of many shapes and sizes. Couples and singles, widowed, divorced, young and old. We come from many backgrounds – Congregational, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and many more, and some of us never belonged to a church until we found this one. The First Congregational, UCC has and continues to play an active and progressive role in Watertown. This was confirmed in 2014 when the congregation voted to be an Open and Affirming Church.

Membership in this church shall be based on an earnest desire to live a Christian life, public acceptance of the spirit of the covenant of the church, a pledge of loyalty to Christ and to cooperate with other members in the maintenance, worship and work of the church.

*** Membership: Contact the church office for more details. ***

Dear friends:

I greet you in the name of the one whom we call the Prince of Peace.

Amid the frenzy of unfolding political developments here in the States and the excitement of the summer Olympics in France, we must remember the many lives devastated by war throughout the world.

In Gaza, where nearly 40,000 people – mostly civilians – have died, the death and destruction continue. In Ukraine, where drones now target soldiers and civilians, the war with Russia rages on. In Sudan, where peace talks have failed, civil war has displaced 8 million people, and more than half the population faces acute food shortages, and cholera, malaria, measles and dengue fever are rampant.

We often feel overwhelmed by such global crises, and although we know apathy is not the answer we also wonder, “What can I do?” To some, advocacy seems like empty words. Yet such prophetic witness – whether around politics in the United States or war in the Middle East – can indeed move the needle. When grass-roots momentum reaches critical mass, change happens.

Yesterday, we heard words of humility and hope from an American president who had listened to the voices of millions who want a fresh way forward. His words landed just hours after the words of derision and defiance from an Israeli prime minister who asked Congress for weaponry worth billions of dollars to perpetuate the annihilation and displacement of the Palestinian people.

People of faith cannot keep silent in the face of such death and destruction.

Late yesterday, the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, together with both Associate General Ministers, issued a statement titled “A Prophetic Call for Justice and Peace in Palestine.”

Their message will resonate with many of you, but not all. I ask you to remember that we in the United Church of Christ embrace a polity that is both covenantal and autonomous. The Wider Church, whether Conference or National Setting, often speaks to local congregations and individuals, but never for them. Each of us has the freedom and responsibility to discern, through the lens of faith, our own positions on issues of peace and justice.

Faithfully yours in these challenging times,

The Rev. Franz Rigert

Conference Minister

There’s something about the way the calendar falls this year that avoids a complaint I often hear (or even think) in church: Easter is late this year–not until the second half of April. That means that Lent starts later, and that Ash Wednesday doesn’t show up until March.

We may be led to believe that this means there’s not much happening in February (besides the Annual Congregational Meeting), and that’s not quite right. When Lent falls later, that means we have a longer Epiphany season. Because of its widely varying length, Epiphany often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s always sandwiched in between the end of Christmastide and the beginning of Lent, so it may appear to be of lesser importance.

The truth is with its start in the arrival of the Magi and the baptism of Jesus, the lectionary readings during this season often include “call” stories–Jesus’ own sense of call and vocation, the prophets’ encounters with God that launch their messages, the stories of Jesus’ call to the disciples to follow, and Paul’s vision of what the church is called to be.

In a time of social and political turmoil and uncertainty, when so many remain fearful and anxious, these stories ask us to consider our own calling. What does God call us to be and do? Why do we gather as the church? How does our response to God’s love matter for the world? These are all good questions, and they have been constant questions for people of faith throughout our history.

We are called to explore these questions together, and that is one reason we gather for worship each week. So, come with your questions. Come and wonder “why” together. Come and discern where God may be calling us and what may be next for us as a community.

--Chris

God is the creator of the universe and giver of all that is good. God is the savior—known boldly and intimately in Jesus and his life, death, and resurrection—who shows us how to live and love. God is the Spirit who enables us to make a difference in our world and in the lives of others. We believe that grace is the love, honesty, and compassion that God gives and shows us in Jesus. It’s how Jesus saves us, heals us, sets us free, and increases our capacity for love. We believe that we need each other. Whether single, married/partnered, divorced or widowed, it’s a lot easier to follow God with friends than it is by ourselves.

With a gracious attitude for all that God has given to us, we, the members of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Watertown, WI, covenant:

To prayerfully respect the values of others without judging differences, by being wholly present with open hearts and minds, nurturing individual faith journeys, and providing a safe place for all voices to be heard.

To care for each other and our greater communities in mind, body, and spirit. We will offer emotional support, spiritual guidance, and provide for physical needs by graciously supporting the church through our various gifts.

To forgive each other when we make mistakes, and encourage each other to grow from those mistakes, by being respectful listeners who are open and honest. We therefore, being mindful to always have a Christ-centered attitude, will work together to resolve issues.

To recognize, accept, and encourage participation in the democratic governance of First Congregational United Church of Christ

“We the members of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Watertown, Wisconsin do hereby declare ourselves for who we are, an Open and Affirming Church.

We believe that all people are created as God’s children. We welcome all people, regardless of age, race, physical or mental capabilities, socio-economic status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

All who seek to follow Jesus are welcome to share in the life, fellowship, sacraments, ministry, leadership, and responsibilities of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. Jesus teaches us to welcome all God’s children.

You are welcome here as you are. Welcome home.”

Adopted by the congregation Sunday, July 13, 2014

Rev. Dr. Chris Ross