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Worship
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At First Congregational Church, we are committed to worship that is welcoming, inclusive, intellectually engaging and spiritually renewing.

Schedule
We gather on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary to listen to the word of God, reading from the scriptures of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Sermons seek to draw meaning from the biblical word for today, and offer inspiration and encouragement. Our worship also includes an interactive time of sharing prayers and concerns.

Communion
We celebrate the sacrament of Communion on the first Sunday of each month. The Table is open to all. Everyone – child, youth and adult – is welcome. No matter what your religious affiliation, and no matter what your particular beliefs or nagging doubts may be.

Music
On any given Sunday you may hear a quiet prelude on the organ, a choir anthem, a solo or duet on flute, piano or guitar, a handbell anthem or a rousing organ postlude. The hymns we sing include historical denominational favorites as well as folk hymns and meditative chants in the style of Taizé.

Our choirs are open and welcome new voices and/or “ringers.” Please join us:
       Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesdays, September thru May, 7:30pm
       Handbell Choir rehearses Thursdays, September thru May, 7:30pm


Church School, Children & Worship
  • The Nursery is open from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for infant and toddler care.
  • Our Preschool and Kindergarten class for three- to six-year-olds meets during
    worship from 9:50 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. in the Sunshine Room.
  • Children in first through sixth grades attend the beginning of Sunday worship in the Sanctuary, and leave at 10:20 a.m. for class. On the first Sunday of the month, first through sixth graders remain in the Sanctuary throughout the entire worship service to participate in Communion. 1st-2nd grade class meets in the Good Shepherd Room, 3rd-4th grade class meets in the Creation Room, 5th-6th grade class meets in the Children’s Ministries Room.
“From early Christianity we learn that “as we pray, so we believe.” In our worship and prayers, we rehearse and practice the spirit of compassion and joy that we are called to share with the rest of the world when we depart from the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings.”
-Rev. Stephanie Perdew

2008-2009 Holiday Worship Services

All Saints SundayNovember 2, 2008
Service of Remembrance of those who have died in 2008
 
Thanksgiving SundayNovember 23, 2008
Offering of Stewardship Pledges for 2009
 
Hanging of the GreensSaturday evening December 6, 2008
 
Children’s Christmas PageantSunday December 14, 2008
 
Christmas EveWednesday December 24, 2008
5pmService of Lessons, Carols and Candlelighting
Shorter service for families and children
11pmService of Lessons, Carols and Candlelighting
With Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir
 
Renewal of Baptismal VowsSunday January 11, 2009
 
Ash WednesdayWednesday February 25, 2009 7pm
Service of Meditation in the Spirit of Taize with Imposition of Ashes
 
Palm SundayApril 5, 2009
 
Bethany Tuesday
Holy Week Service for Women April 7, 2009
6:30pm meal, 7:30pm worship
 
Maundy ThursdayApril 9, 2009 7:30pm
Service of Holy Communion and Office of Tenebrae
 
Good FridayApril 10, 2009 7:30pm
Service in the Spirit of Taizé with
The Community Church of Wilmette
 
Easter SundayApril 12, 2009
 
Confirmation SundayMay 3, 2009
 
Pentecost SundayMay 31, 2009