This 9 to Dine Group first met 3 years ago and can’t seem to let go of the wonderful friendships that they made.  Although they have all moved on to new 9 to Dine Groups they still get together a couple of times a year to dine together and catch up on each others lives.  Pictured are:  Liz Hankins, Elizabeth Berry Olson, Bob Kahn, Garda Kahn, Jerry Hankins, Doris Srsen, Julie Maxson and Ed Sresn.  Photo by missing member, Sue Mieska.           

       (9 to Dine is an informal grouping of people within the First UCC congregation in Northfield who are randomly matched up in groups of 9 (or so) and gather throughout the year hosting pot luck meals with each other.  These groups form each fall so watch next year for new groups to form and sign up.  You may have as much fun as these folks do!!!)

This was Recovery Sunday, so I spoke about the way that addictions and recovery can be”harsh and unrelenting teachers” of spiritual lessons.  What do you think …?

By What Authority?

Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Ever since the Faith Partners group began its work and ministry in our congregation, we have set aside a Sunday to mark as Recovery Sunday. That seems especially appropriate this year, when there has been so much spoken, written, and debated about the extent of substance abuse in Northfield, about its causes, and about the ways it might be reduced in the present and prevented in the future.

Continue…

There has been much concern and discussion in recent months about substance abuse in Northfield.  This Sunday we are going to mark “Recovery Sunday,” and my sermon will explore some of the spiritual questions — and unexpected spiritual gifts — that go along with addictions and recovery.  Join us at 10 am, and learn more about the Faith Partners program that offers resources and support for individuals and families who are dealing with addictions and alcoholism.  A Sunday forum on this topic will follow worship.

A sermon about forgiveness may seem like an odd choice for Homecoming Sunday, but if we neglect the spiritual discipline of forgiving those who have wronged us, it is hard to live out our Christian Faith.

Seventy-Seven Times

Romans 14:1-12  Matthew 18:21-35 

Sunday worship always gets off to a nice start: we listen to the prelude, hear the ringing of the bell, are welcomed by a member of the congregation, speak the Call to Worship together, and sing a hymn. And then comes the prayer of confession. Why do we usually offer a prayer of confession so early in the service?

Continue…

We humans have lots of questions for God, especially “why” questions.  God rarely answers those questions directly, but there is still much to learn from the answers we do get.  If you are reading this sermon, you will be missing the response that the congregation sang after each section, so you may want to hum a little when you get to those breaks.

I AM WHO I AM

Exodus 3:1-15 Romans 12:9-21

You ask “why,” they ask “why,” Sometimes “why” doesn’t really have an answer.

So take your “why”, and live your “why,” and give it to the great I AM.

My four-year old granddaughter Renee is a splendid asker of questions. And most of her questions at the moment begin with the word “why.” Sometimes she asks just because she is curious,

Continue…

Each week a member or friend of our congregation volunteers to say a few words of welcome at the start of our worship service.  These "Welcomes" are treasured sharing’s that are as diverse and unique as the people sharing them.  Below is a sample from last Sunday.  

"Good Morning! Whatever has brought you to this place at this time, we welcome you, and hope that this hour we spend together in worship and prayer will refresh and renew you for the week ahead. We are pleased you have joined us this morning.   My name is Ross Shoger and I have been attending First UCC for about 49 years. Although we have worshipped with five different ministers and several interim ministers during that time, Jan and I and our three sons and their families have always felt at home here because although the membership has been constantly changing, as well as the leadership, there is always an attitude that stresses the importance of social service and also the personal care and love that has been extended to us.

This has never been more obvious to us that the many prayers and helping hands that have reached out to us in incredibly numerous ways during the last several months as we rebounded from a Christmas eve house fire. We have found a large caring and loving family in the members who gather here - something precious that we shall never forget or stop treasuring.

Thank God for the spirit that dwells in our midst."

Please click on the September 2008 Chronicle for church news and interesting events happening at First UCC this month!

On Sunday we celebrated the mission trip undertaken by youth and adult leaders in our congregation.  They have been, once again, to Alamosa Colorado where they worked with Habitat for Humanity and La Puente homeless shelter.

Our “sermon” was introduced by Cher Duys, our Director of Education and Youth Ministries (DEYM), followed by reflections from Eric Rohn, Kami Kirchberg, Kathleen Pender, and Will Hardy.  I hope you will take time to read these important words from our young friends.

Introduction by Cher Duys:

The youth have asked me to introduce, ‘Sharing our Stories’.

This is my seventh year trekking to Alamosa, Colorado in the San Luis Valley, a journey of Sabbath and of Service.

The valley houses the poorest counties in that state

Continue…

One good way to offer help to victims of Hurricane Gustav and other natural disasters is through the United Church of Christ Disaster Response.  You can learn more about the special role that church groups play in the rebuilding and healing of communities that are victims of disaster, and you can learn how to make a financial donation to support that role.