June 1st begins PRIDE Month here. We will celebrate communion, dedicate a new parament (cloth that hangs on the pulpit) in loving memory of Wally Beckstrom and Jim Wittliff, who were early members of COLLAGE, and will honor our graduates and scholarship recipients for 2025-2026.
The newly established Food and Hunger Group is very pleased to sponsor the collections for All Faiths Food Bank. Collections that will take place the first Sunday of every month. There will be a basket in the narthex labeled ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK. Please place your items in the basket or next to it if the basket is full. Click on the event title for more information.
First Congregational UCC is a generous congregation. We thank you in advance for your donations.
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Following worship on June 1st, there will be a book signing and brief discussion about Dawn and Liz’s recently released book Searching for Dawn: A Journey from Chaos to Recovery
Mental Illness
Substance Abuse
Trauma and the Criminal Justice System
The ultimate purpose for writing their book was to find healing while illustrating, in a deeply personal way, why there is a need for criminal justice reform. In alternating chapters, Dawn and Liz boldly share their struggles through the web of mental illness, addiction, and the criminal justice system. While Dawn finds herself doing time in a solitary confinement cell in San Jose, California, her mother is serving as pastor of a church in Brooklyn, New York that was founded by formerly incarcerated persons and their families and supporters. Through faith, love, and the power of supportive communities, Dawn and Liz find new life in the midst of crisis and despair. It is a story of universal significance in these critical times. The cost of the book is $14.99 and is available on Amazon.
Our next gathering to discuss the Psalms will be June 2nd at 4 p.m. at the Oasis Center or Zoom. There is a handout in the narthex with tips for reading the Psalms. You can find the daily devotions on Pastor Wes's blog and Facebook.
We gather for a time of prayer in the Chapel. Join us as we drum together, letting the movement of our hands and hearts be a prayer to God. All levels of experience welcome for this opportunity. Instruction will be provided and together we will make a joyful noise to God. New drummers are welcome; drums are provided.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
The Food and Hunger Mission Group and Church Council recently approved having our church partner with Resurrection House to provide lunch on the first Thursday of every month.
Sandy Smith has agreed to arrange the meals, and one to two volunteers are needed each month to help serve. To volunteer, please contact Carol Hagglund.
June 8 is Pentecost Sunday — wear something RED to church to celebrate and hear how the Spirit delights in diversity.
We will also offer a heartfelt thank you to Stephen Fancher for filling in so many times over the last year. Stephen brings joy to worship, and his improvisations at the end of worship bring a smile to our faces (you may still remember him playing, 'Don't Worry Be Happy" this lastyear).
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
COLLAGE will have a luncheon meeting on the second Sundays of each month in the Oasis Center immediately following the 11 o'clock service. We will have a free box lunch, so please RSVP to Sara Little in order to know how many lunches to order. Please indicate if you have food allergies. We will try to accommodate them.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
We gather semi-monthly for a holy dialogue on issues related to the realities of racism in our country, community and church. During our gatherings, we raise awareness around issues, build trusting relationships, and commit to loving action. There is always space at the table for you to join us.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
Ready Readers is a book discussion group that meets on the second Thursday of every month at noon in the Oasis Center. The books we read are chosen from a yearly list provided by the Florida UCC Women. Our group reads the list and descriptions of approximately 30 books and votes on the ones we would like to read. We welcome and encourage the participation and input of new members even if you are not able to attend every meeting.
Grief is as unique as your fingerprint, and no one can tell you the exact “right” way to grieve. As we process our grief, having a safe space to share our emotions matters.
Please join Pastor Wes to share where you are. Whether your grief is from a family member or friend’s death, anticipatory grief with an illness, or the state of the world, come and share what is on your heart and soul in these days.
All are welcome.
On June 15 th, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Jason Branham to our church as our Director of Music! (Insert confetti being thrown here and a loud cheer!) This is also Father's Day, so wear a wonderfully bright/colorful shirt to worship and join us for strawberry shortcake. We will also shower our choir with thank-you cards for their dedication and gift of beautiful music while we are in transition. We will also honor Juneteenth during the service.
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
We gather for a time of prayer in the Chapel. Join us as we drum together, letting the movement of our hands and hearts be a prayer to God. All levels of experience welcome for this opportunity. Instruction will be provided and together we will make a joyful noise to God. New drummers are welcome; drums are provided.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Calling all knitters and crocheters!
Experience the joy of knitting and crocheting while making a meaningful impact in our community. Create prayer shawls that offer warmth and solace to those in need.
Refreshments will be served.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
The next gathering to discuss the Psalms is on June 19 at 4 p.m. in the Oasis Center and on Zoom. There is a handout in the narthex with tips for reading the Psalms. You can find the daily devotions on Pastor Wes's blog and Facebook. All are welcome to come, listen, and learn from the wisdom of the Hebrew Hymnal.
~ Our wonderful congregation did this last year in June, which is designated by activist organizations nationwide as Gun Violence Awareness Month.  Brady, United Against Gun Violence, has selected June 21st this year as ASK Day, when we all commit to ASK if there’s a gun in the houses where our children and grandchildren go to play; and, if the answer is yes, we ASK if those guns are locked away.  So, get out your orange this year on June 22nd, and we’ll re-commit ourselves to working for gun safety.
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
We are excited to announce the new pattern for COLLAGE gatherings! Join us for our Zoom meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Additionally, we will host a luncheon on the second Sunday of each month following the 11 am service. When we have a program, we will offer it as a hybrid presentation via Zoom whenever possible. ALL are welcome. This is a wonderful way to connect, catch up, and be a part of our inclusive community.
The monthly community meal that we continue to provide at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church feeds those who are hungry and in need of fellowship. Our guests are treated to a Sandy Smith home-cooked meal. The home-baked items provided by our church family add a sweet treat that is heartily enjoyed.
Our mission is to feed the hungry and offer fellowship to our guests.
Please volunteer to help prepare the appetizers and desserts and assist with setting up and serving the meal. We welcome our guests with a smile, friendly words, and a wonderful meal. Â Thank you for all you do for those in need. To volunteer and/or inquire for more details contact Carol Hagglund.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
We gather semi-monthly for a holy dialogue on issues related to the realities of racism in our country, community and church. During our gatherings, we raise awareness around issues, build trusting relationships, and commit to loving action. There is always space at the table for you to join us.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
Grief is as unique as your fingerprint, and no one can tell you the exact “right” way to grieve. As we process our grief, having a safe space to share our emotions matters.
Please join Pastor Wes to share where you are. Whether your grief is from a family member or friend’s death, anticipatory grief with an illness, or the state of the world, come and share what is on your heart and soul in these days.
All are welcome.
On June 27th -29th, we are delighted to welcome Amanda Udis-Kessler. Amanda blessed us in March with two Zoom sessions on the use of sacred language. Amanda will continue the conversation with us in person! On Saturday, June 28th, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Amanda will share how to craft worship that reflects our values as a church. Saturday morning is free and open to all members, friends, and community members. Please share this event with others. On Saturday evening, she will work with our covenant groups. Sunday, June 29th, Amanda will share worship leadership with Pastor Wes. Amanda Udis-Kessler is a hymnwriter, songwriter, composer, and writer who specializes in music and lyrics for liberal/ progressive religious people and communities, including inclusive, social justice-minded Christians, Unitarian Universalists, and other open-hearted religious traditions. Amanda's religious music is in use across the US and in Canada, the UK, South Africa, and New Zealand. GIA has published several of her hymn texts.
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
The next gathering to discuss the Psalms is on June 30 at 4 p.m. in the Oasis Center and on Zoom. There is a handout in the narthex with tips for reading the Psalms. You can find the daily devotions on Pastor Wes's blog and Facebook. All are welcome to come, listen, and learn from the wisdom of the Hebrew Hymnal.
We gather for a time of prayer in the Chapel. Join us as we drum together, letting the movement of our hands and hearts be a prayer to God. All levels of experience welcome for this opportunity. Instruction will be provided and together we will make a joyful noise to God. New drummers are welcome; drums are provided.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
The Food and Hunger Mission Group and Church Council recently approved having our church partner with Resurrection House to provide lunch on the first Thursday of every month.
Sandy Smith has agreed to arrange the meals, and one to two volunteers are needed each month to help serve. To volunteer, please contact Carol Hagglund.