Faith Formation Classes
Faith Formation is the cornerstone of our community. At First Congregational UCC we seek to nurture a "vibrant faith" in all members and foster a culture of lifelong faith formation. Vibrant faith is a set of core values that guide us to live a fulfilling Christian life by seeking spiritual growth, practicing our faith, integrating Christian faith into daily life, living a life of caring service, reaching out to others, exercising moral integrity, speaking about our faith with confidence, and possessing an encouraging spirit.
Faith Construction Classes (For Children & Youth)
On Sundays, during the program year, children in preschool through 5th grade are invited to attend Faith Construction Class. Our younger children (preschool through fifth grade) stay in worship for the first third of the service. After a short children’s sermon, they then go off to Sunday School. These Faith Construction classes are one way of helping our children to build their faith. These classes are facilitated by church volunteers. Each week during Faith Construction class, the Kindergarten through 5th grade students meet with our music teacher. They learn songs, and then are given the opportunity to participate in worship once a month. The preschool and K through 2nd graders may be picked up in their classrooms. The 3rd through 5th graders may be picked up in the music room, which is also under the Community Room.
After Children’s time, the children go to their classes:
- Preschool: under the Community Room
- Kindergarten-Grade 2: under the Community Room
- Grades 3-5: in the Upstairs Classroom
Before worship each Sunday, at 8:45 a.m., there are Sunday School classes for youth in grades six through twelve. Confirmation classes are held for youth in grades eight and nine under the guidance of Reverend Mark. Other adults also serve as mentors to youth during the confirmation experience and offer support and guidance. Youth (grades 6-12) have Faith Construction Classes are held in the Upstairs Classroom and Youth Room. First timers, visitors and friends are always welcome!
Intergenerational Faith Formation Program
Life in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
February 12, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Community Room) for light supper and program.
Revs. John and Faye Buttrick first traveled to Israel/Palestine in September, 2009 with a group of twelve people under the sponsorship of Global Ministries and the UCC Child Sponsorship program. While there, they heard many stories of Palestinians’ struggles, observed the walls, experienced the checkpoints, and viewed Israeli settlements on the West Bank and in East Jerusalem. They met with school children and Israeli peace and justice groups. They met with nongovernmental organization leaders and with a representative from the Israeli department of tourism. They also spent three months as part of a World Council of Churches program to accompany Palestinians and Israelis in their nonviolent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Come share a light meal and hear about the Buttricks’ experiences. This will be the Youth Program for the evening. Find out more ...
Adult Education (Faith Formation) offerings.
"Talking Justice and Walking Justice"
February 12, 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. (Community Room)
Dr. Vincent Bacote from Wheaton Theology Department, will present the first program for Black History Month. He is enthusiastic about the early sermons of Martin Luther King, Jr. because they reveal King's embrace of Christ's "radical message of love and justice" and its implications for people of every color and background. Dr. Bacote will begin with a brief examination of King's call to preach that message, but then move on to how the message was communicated during King's ministry and after his death and how it stands today. As a nation, are we closer to that "promised land" King dreamed of? Or does it continue to be elusive? And, if so, why? Please attend this very interactive session with Dr. Bacote, Find out more ...
“Black Liberation Theology”
February 19, 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. (Community Room)
Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr., Professor of Theology and Psychology, Chicago Theological Seminary will be presenting an introduction to Black Liberation Theology. African Americans have, through centuries of systemic injustice, developed a unique perspective on Christianity. This perspective, emphasizing the importance of looking at faith through the eyes of oppressed people, is a powerful and important perspective for all Christians in order to more clearly understand the prophetic nature of our faith. He is an author of three books and is currently focused on teaching pastoral care. We are honored to have him speak with us. Find out more...
Selected resources from previous adult classes are archived here.
I am grateful to be part of this church body because of the love and acceptance I feel from the people around me.
