Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.300 Union Street
Northfield, MN 55057
507-645-7532
Office Hours 9am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday
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By Jennifer Kluzak, on April 10th, 2013
Join us July 19-21, 2013
for the 3rd Annual First UCC
Pilgrim Point Camp
Retreat Weekend!
Not only is this a lot of fun with a great group of all ages from our congregation, but it is a sacred place to commune with God and nature, and you will emerge refreshed and renewed!
Pilgrim Point Camp is our Minnesota Conference UCC Church Camp on Lake Ida, near Alexandria, MN. The camp is on a prominent point extending from the east shore into the middle off the lake, with many waterfront activities (including lifeguards) and a large recreational area.
We will arrive for Friday dinner (either by coach bus or on your own) and stay through Sunday morning. This is open to everyone of all ages and family types, and you may invite others from your community to join us. We welcome everyone to join for an intergenerational gathering in a beautiful and spiritual lakefront setting. This has helped build community among camp participants, and equipped us with tools to continue practicing our faith and recognize the interconnectedness between all and with nature.
Registration forms are availabe by clicking here.
For more information on Pilgrim Point Camp click here, visit www.pilgrimpoint.org or contact Phil Kasten.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on April 2nd, 2013
 On April 1 the UCC launched Mission4/1Earth.
1 million hours of Earth care, planting 100,000 trees and writing 100,000 letters of environmental advocacy. AtFirst UCC, we will be doing our part. We will plant 450 trees at the River Bend Nature Center May 4, and we wrote letters after worship April 21.
The congregation is also invited to read and discuss the book Eaarth by Bill McKibben. Please click on the link to sign up for a discussion group and to share a time that works for you. In the adult forum adn during WFF we’ll watch the movie The Hungry Tide and talk about what other churches are doing to care for the Earth, and we’ll ask how God is calling First UCC to care for Creation.
Write down the hours you spend caring for creation from April 1 – May 19. At the end of Eastertide we will add them up and send them in to help the UCC reach its goal!
By Andrea Pegram, on May 14th, 2013
Please click on this link for a readable/printable version of the sermon: Mark 6: 6b-13.
Please click below for an audio format:
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By Jennifer Kluzak, on May 14th, 2013
 Mary Ellen Ross, age 67, of Northfield, died Sunday May 5, 2013, at Three Links Reflections Care Suites. She was in Hospice after a long and courageous battle with what was most likely Alzheimer’s disease.
Mary Ellen Ross was born on Jan. 18, 1947, as the daughter of Helen Kemp Ross and Hugh J. Ross. She attended Catholic schools through college, earning a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology from Fordham University in 1968. Mary Ellen earned her master’s and doctorate degrees in 1974 in developmental psychology at Syracuse University with research focused on children. She continued her work with children with a post-doctoral fellowship at University of Colorado Medical Center in 1976-77. She was an adjunct faculty at several universities, as well as an elementary school counselor in Pennsylvania from 1974-1976.
Mary Ellen moved to Northfield and she joined the faculty at St. Olaf College in 1977. She taught in the psychology department for 30 years. Her courses included counseling, development, listening and communication. She was active in the women’s studies program and served as director of the college’s Teaching and Learning Center. She also worked as a therapist, primarily with children, and as an artist using the quilt form as medium to document her struggles with depression.
Mary Ellen was a member of First United Church of Christ and she enjoyed singing in the choir. Her family is grateful for a circle of church members and friends who were important in providing caring support in the last years of Mary Ellen’s life.
She is survived by her older brother, Donald K. Ross and his wife Helen Ross of New York City; and two nieces, Katherine and Margaret Ross. She also leaves behind many devoted friends.
A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at First United Church of Christ, 300 Union St., Northfield.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Mary Ellen’s name to the church and will be designated to the good work of the Service and Social Responsibility committee.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on May 10th, 2013
Please click here to view the May 9th issue of The Chronicle.
If you did not receive The Chronicle in your email, make sure you have joined our mailing list by adding your information in the Join Our Mailing List on the right side of this page! The Chronicle will be sent out the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on May 3rd, 2013
 F.A.S.T. Families will meet from 9:00 a.m until 10:00 a.m. at the Arboretum on Sunday morning. Gather at Carleton in the parking area nearest the water tower. We’ll be helping with a prairie restoration project that is underway at the Arb. Our job is to make piles of sticks, approximately 50 feet apart. We can work at our own pace and do not need to do any digging, cutting or uprooting of trees or other vegetation. Hard soled shoes and gloves are recommended as there are many small trees that were taken down with rough cuts. If you haven’t attended F.A.S.T. Families before, feel free to join us. It’s ok if you come to worship a little bit dirty.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on May 2nd, 2013
Read Pastor Todd’s weekly email here.
If you are not receiving Pastor Todd’s weekly email or the Chronicle e-newsletter, make sure you have joined our mailing list by adding your information in the Join Our Mailing List on the right side of this page.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on May 2nd, 2013
When the Weather Channel camps out in your town, some outdoor activities will be postponed. Be ready Saturday May 11th though. We’ll plant 450 trees at River Bend Nature Center from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. If you want to car pool, meet at the church at 9:15. Otherwise come on out to the Nature Center when you can and we’ll direct you to the planting site. Bring your own food and water and wear appropriate clothing.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on May 1st, 2013
 Mavis Larkin, age 89 of Northfield, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield. Funeral Services will be 10:00 am Thursday, May 2nd at the First United Church of Christ in Northfield with burial at the Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from4-8:00 pm at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield and at the Church on Thursday 1 hour prior to Services.
Mavis Evelyn Larkin was born May 26, 1923 in Minneapolis, MN, daughter of Richard and Irma (Nash) Sampson. Her first years were spent in Minneapolis before moving with her family to Northfield. She graduated from Northfield High School in 1941 and then attended Mankato State Teachers College. She taught country school for a few years near Hector, MN before moving back to Northfield to begin working at the First National Bank.
On October 20, 1957 she was united in marriage to Fay Wesley Larkin and they made home on the Larkin dairy farm just south of Northfield. In addition to raising three daughters, Mavis helped with driving tractor in the field and taking care of the calves. She always had a large vegetable garden, which included canning a lot of their produce, was an excellent baker and was known for her apple pies. She also was a care provider for many of her elderly relatives. When Fay retired from dairy farming in 1969 she worked a number of years for the Federal Land Bank in Northfield.
Mavis and Fay were active with the Odd Fellows and Rebekah’s Organization, Rice County Farm Bureau, Birthday Club, and the monthly card parties with the neighbors. She also was active with her church circle and the Rice County Extension Group. Mavis loved music her entire life and was an excellent pianist and organist. She was more than willing to play at community events and with the groups and clubs she belonged to.
Mavis Larkin is survived by daughters Marnee Larkin and husband Bryan Iwamoto of Minneapolis, Jeanne Estrem and husband Mark of Nerstrand, Carol Beumer and husband Steve of Northfield; grandchildren Clarice (Pat) DeGrood, Crystal (Tim) Pieper, Derek Beumer, Courtney (Michael) Gilomen; great grandchildren Breanna and Karlie Jo DeGrood, Hadley Gilomen; and sister-in-law Shirley Sampson of Hoffman, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Fay; and brother Richard Sampson. Memorials to donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.
By Andrea Pegram, on April 30th, 2013
Please click here to view the April 25th issue of The Chronicle.
If you did not receive The Chronicle in your email, make sure you have joined our mailing list by adding your information in the Join Our Mailing List on the right side of this page! The Chronicle will be sent out the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
By Andrea Pegram, on April 25th, 2013
Please click below for an audio version of the sermon “Reverence, Wonder, Awe” by Rev. Bob Griggs:
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By Jennifer Kluzak, on April 23rd, 2013
The Fighting Apostles are assembling an all-star lineup for the annual French Toast Breakfast immediately following worship on Sunday.
Fans will have an opportunity to meet the players, admire their culinary skills and sit down to a nourishing, league-leading breakfast of champions. We’ll be serving French toast, made with Brick Oven’s famous Children’s Pleasure bread; wild rice sausages; fruit; and beverage. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 12 and under, or $12 family per family. You choose.
Proceeds from the breakfast will help underwrite the team’s entry fee for the Northfield Church Softball League.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on April 18th, 2013
Click here for photos from our New Member Sunday on April 14th.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on April 17th, 2013
Please click here to view the April 11th issue of The Chronicle.
If you did not receive The Chronicle in your email, make sure you have joined our mailing list by adding your information in the Join Our Mailing List on the right side of this page! The Chronicle will be sent out the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
By Jennifer Kluzak, on April 17th, 2013
 Wanting to swing a hammer, throw some paint, get to know First UCC friends, and make a difference? Announcing the first First UCC Intergenerational Mission Trip. From July 7-14 up to 20 First UCCers will work with Habitat for Humanity in Eagle Butte, SD on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Work will include rehabilitation of existing homes, painting houses, and basic landscaping. Participants will also experience a Sweat Lodge Ceremony and the summer Sun Dances.
Total cost for adults is $275. High school youth are already signing up. To reserve a spot, a $75 deposit is due to the church office by April 30. Click here if you are interested.
By Andrea Pegram, on April 14th, 2013
Please click on this link for a readable/printable version of the sermon: Romans 8: 18-25.
Please click below for an audio format:
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Rev. Dr. Bob Griggs and Rev. Todd Smith Lippert
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