WHO WE ARE

 

First Congregational United Church of Christ

An Open and Affirming Congregation in an Open and Affirming Denomination


First Congregational, United Church of Christ, Watertown was organized in 1845. 

  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. ***

 

OUR BELIEFS

We are united through Christ


We believe in the Creator, Christ, and The Holy Spirit.

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.



OUR VALUES

We are here for you



Our Church Covenant Statement

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

 

 

Open and Affirming Statement

 “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


WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Come as you are


We want you to come just as you are. When you walk through our doors you may see people in suits and ties, but you will also see people in jeans and t-shirts. We want to make sure when you visit you are comfortable and that is all that matters to us. As long you are come through our doors, we want to make sure you feel loved and welcomed. If you ever need anything, always feel free to connect with us. We love to hear from our new visitors. 

OUR AWESOME TEAM

Get to know our church staff


Rev. Dr. Chris Ross 

We welcome Pastor Chris as our Minister.

Visit our "Contact Us" Page

 

 

 

Melissa Mattke

Melissa is our Coordinator of Children and Youth Ministries.

 

Laurel W. Bentz

Laurel is our Office Administrator.

Visit our "Contact Us" Page

 

 

 

Juanita Edington 

 

Tom Rusch

Music Ministry Team: 

Juanita  directs the Senior Choir and our Youth Choirs. 

Not pictured:  Tom Rusch is our pianist/organist.