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 we have spent this summer gearing up for the semiquincentennial of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, historic reflection has naturally taken center stage in many places. Even in adult education class this summer, we focused on the role of our church tradition in U.S. history. The truth is, I think, when most folks think of church, the role of the past is paramount. After all, aren’t we always looking back to scripture and history and traditions and special family moments and even holiday memories?

Although we are called to remember the past–not just to learn its lessons, but also to recall God’s promises–the past is not the essential frame of mind for a living faith. When we hear the call to love our neighbor, the assumption is a response for the present. When the Spirit draws us into forming a beloved community, that’s grounded in a vision for the future. When we experience assurance of God’s loving presence, that’s for eternity, for all time. An understanding of faith that focuses on only the past finds itself unready to respond to God’s call for discipleship in the here and now.

And yet, in these days, the present is also constantly on our mind. Our eyes and ears continue to be glued to news reports of chaos abroad and injustice at home. We struggle with the present everyday, even while Jesus’ reminder to love our neighbor as ourselves remains.

The prophet Habakkuk encourages putting our hope in the future. In perhaps that book’s most well-known verses, the prophet declares that he “will stand at the watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what God will say to me… Then the LORD answered me and said: Write the vision: make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time… If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay” (2:1-3).

What is your vision for the next 250 years? How should we ground our republic in moving forward? What role does the church play in that vision?

When we ask these questions, we may find ourselves discerning a new calling from God, a God already present in the future to come.

Rev. Dr. Christopher Ross, Pastor

Pastoral concerns:

Please call(don’t text) his cell (920) 838-5630.

Email: rev.fatmoses@gmail.com

**Reminder that Chris does not use texting.

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