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. ***

As anyone interested in U.S. history can tell you, 2026 is quite the year for anniversaries. During the summer, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, but this month brings the anniversary of another event much more recent in our collective memory: it’s been 25 years since the attack of September 11, 2001.

As tragic and earth-shattering as that day was, the cycles of violence spun from that day into other wars. Often, those labeled as “enemies” and “terrorists” were from a particular religious tradition–Islam–which has a global following second only to Christianity in number of adherents.

In the years that followed September 11, the terms Muslim and terrorist became interchangeable in far too many conversations, and the challenges of interfaith understanding and dialogue became even greater.

In my view, Jesus’ reminder to “love our neighbors” includes not just tolerating, but welcoming folks of other religious traditions. Loving neighbor means we are called to reach out in the name of peace and understanding. To love our neighbor even means we stick up for the religious freedom of all, including those least like us.

Because of the importance of this anniversary and its effect on interfaith relations in the U.S., I will be offering a five week adult education course, serving as a very basic introduction to the traditions of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. We will also discuss how we can understand and honor the diversity of faiths without becoming any less Christian. We will spend this time together on Wednesday evenings, beginning at 6:30, from September 9-October 7.

All are welcome to check it out as we learn together.

Rev. Dr. Christopher Ross, Pastor

Pastoral concerns:

Email: rev.fatmoses@gmail.com

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