Fall 2026 at First Congo
Faith grows when we grow together.
Faith is a lifelong journey – one that begins in childhood and continues throughout our lives. We are enriched when people of all ages learn from, encourage, and support one another. Through faith formation, we deepen our relationship with God, discover greater purpose, and find meaningful ways to live out our faith.
There are many ways to grow, connect, and explore your faith at The First Congregational Church. Find an opportunity that speaks to you – and take the next step in your journey.
Weather permitting.
LEARN TO PLAY MAHJONG
Wednesdays in October starting at 1:00 PM
Interested in learning to play American Mahjong? Church members Gail Edgerton and Lisa Lewis will teach you the basics of this popular and social game. After the sessions, youโll have the skills and confidence to sit down and play with others!
MOMS IN FAITH
A welcoming space for moms to connect, build friendships, share the joys and challenges of motherhood, and grow in faith together.
DAY CHAPTER
Friday mornings from 9-11am with childcare
Connect with Moms in Faith leader – Sarah Broskey:
EVENING CHAPTER
Wednesdays as scheduled from 7-8pm
Connect with Moms in Faith leader – Lisa McTigue
WOMAN’S SOCIETY
Various days and times
An intergenerational community of women who gather throughout the year to build friendships, support one another, and serve our church and community. We typically meet once a month, either in a memberโs home or for a general meeting. Womenโs Society also leads important church-wide efforts, including our Annual Rummage Sale and many of our memorial receptions. Itโs a wonderful opportunity to connect, serve, and make a difference together.
Connect with Woman’s Society President – Nancy DiCiurcio:
MEN’S MINISTRY
Various days and times
A welcoming community where men connect, build friendships, grow in faith, and support one another through shared experiences. Gather for breakfast, explore faith through book and Bible studies, enjoy hikes and other outdoor activities, participate in service projects, and other opportunities to learn, serve, and have fun together. Come deepen your faith, build meaningful relationships, and find ways to live out your faith together.
Connect with Men’s Ministry Associate – Justin Williamson:
Stories. Wonder. Creativity. Friendship. Faith.
PreK – 5th Grade
Beginning September 13 at 8:45am and 10:00am
Weโre excited to welcome kids and teachers back to Sunday School on September 13 at 8:45 and 10:00 a.m.!
This year, weโre taking a fresh approach to Sunday School – one that invites kids to wonder, create, act, explore, and discover faith together.
At 8:45 a.m., children will gather in the childcare room for a relaxed, one-room-schoolhouse experience with a story, wondering questions, and a simple hands-on activity.
At 10:00 a.m., kids begin worship with their families and then head to Sunday School in grade-level groups after First Steps, around 10:15 a.m. Childcare is available throughout the morning.
One Story. Four Ways to Explore It.
Each month, weโll dive into one Bible story, exploring it in a different way each week. Our rotation draws from the best of Montessori storytelling, our Shine curriculum, art, and drama.
Kids might hear a story, wonder about its meaning, create something, act it out, or discover a new way to connect it to their own lives.
The stories come from both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament and explore big questions and everyday faith – How can we love others? What can we do when someone is hurting? What happens when we need to say weโre sorry? How can we be generous? Where can we turn when we need Godโs help?
Because families have different schedules, each monthโs story will be offered in multiple ways. Come once or twice and youโll encounter the story. Come every week and youโll discover something new each time.
And yes – there will be lots of creativity! Each month includes a larger art project, along with additional hands-on activities that help kids bring the story to life.
Come wonder. Come create. Come discover. Come grow in faith together.
Connect with Director of Children’s Ministry – Jen Enriquez:
CONGO YOUTH SUNDAYS
6th grade – 12 grade
Whether students are passionate about service, love to learn, find community through fellowship, or make meaning through music, there is a place for them in youth ministry at First Congo. From our regular weekly programming that includes worship, Junior High Sunday School (6th-8th grade) and Confirmation (8th grade), Sunday night youth groups, JRneys (6-8th grade) and PF (9-12th grade), and Sunday Dinner (all youth 6-12th grade), to our seasonal service projects, fellowship outings, Congo Hoops, weekend retreats, or group pilgrimages, we hope each student finds rooted belonging here.
START THE SEASON TOGETHER
Come together, reconnect with friends, meet new people, and enjoy opportunities to build community as we begin a new season.
September 13 – PF Kickoff at 3:00 PM
September 13 – Confirmation Orientation at 6:00 PM
September 20 – JRneys Kickoff at 3:00 PM
September 27 – Youth Sunday dinners begin
Connect with Pastor with Middle and High School Youth – Lena Withrow:
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS 101
September 9th at 7:00 PM (in person or via Zoom)
All are welcome!
Thinking about college? Join us for College Admissions 101, a helpful presentation for parents of college-bound students. Learn more about the college admissions process, what to expect, and how to support your student along the way. Whether youโre just getting started or already exploring options, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and feel more prepared for the journey.
Tom Shorrock, a member and High School Counselor at New Tier High School will present this important topic and will answer any questions you might have.
ELEVEN10 CONNECTION
Sundays at 11:10 AM following worship
Join us after the 10 AM worship on various Sundays for discussions and speakers on a variety of topics.
Connect with Pastor to learn more – Meredith Onion:
FRIDAY FRIENDS
Starting September 11 at Noon
No prep is needed for this gathering of friends and conversation. A short video will be shared, discussion will ensue and joys and concerns are shared! Bring your own lunch if you’d like!
ALL SAINTS DAY LABYRINTH WALK
Sunday, November 1 at 11:10 AM
Take a quiet moment to remember and honor those who have shaped our lives. During All Saints Day, walk the labyrinth as a peaceful opportunity for prayer, reflection, and remembrance, giving space to celebrate the lives and legacies of those we hold dear.
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
ALL ARE WELCOME!
September 15, 22 and 29th at 6:30 PM
October 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 7:00 PM
Choose one or join us for both book studies this fall! Not Our Problem and Building Beloved Communities offer thoughtful perspectives on what it means to love our neighbors, build stronger communities, and put our faith into action.
WOMEN ONLY!
Read a selected book and gather with other women for meaningful conversation, reflection, and fellowship. This fall, choose from Abundant Lives or Freeing Jesus – two books that invite us to explore faith, deepen our understanding of Jesus, and consider how his teachings shape the way we live and love.
Connect with Pastor Meredith to let her know you will be attending either of these Women Only book discussions:
LECTIO DIVINA
Starting September 14 at 10:00 AM via Zoom
Lectio Divina is a prayerful way of reading Scripture that invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and notice how Godโs Word speaks to our lives.
It traditionally has four steps:
- Read (Lectio) โ Read a short Scripture passage slowly. Notice a word or phrase that stands out.
- Reflect (Meditatio) โ Think about why that word or passage caught your attention and what it might mean for your life.
- Pray (Oratio) โ Respond to God through prayer, sharing what is on your heart.
- Rest/Contemplate (Contemplatio) โ Sit quietly with God, letting go of the need to analyze or accomplish anything.
ANNUAL FALL VACCINE CLINIC
Sunday, October 11 at 8:00 AM
Because it is important to prevent illness we are offering our Annual Fall Vaccine Clinic where you will be able to obtain the latest vaccines including:
- Flu
- COVID
- Other vaccines
MEDICARE MATTERS
Thursday, September 17 at 11:00 AM
Learn what you need to know this enrollment season from independent Insurance Agent, Lorraine Richards. Come for lunch and learn all the facts to understand your options in order to make confident decisions.
CHANCEL CHOIR
Rehearsal begins on September 9th at 7:15 PM
Share your love of music and faith by singing with the Chancel Choir. No matter your experience level, youโre invited to join others in creating beautiful music that enriches worship and brings our community together.
Connect with Music Director – Ray Klemchuk:
TOWER CHIMES
Adults who can read music are welcome!
Rehearsal begins on October 6 at 9:23 AM
Tower Chimes is an adult English handbell ensemble that performs about six times a year at Sunday services and other events led by KC Congdon. Reading music is required but prior ringing experience is not. Substitutes are always needed so if you can’t commit to a weekly practice, let us add you to our sub list. A sense of humor is also welcome!
Connect with Handbell Director – KC Congdon:
WORDS AND MUSIC
Thirds Sundays at 5:00 PM in Plymouth Hall
Through songs, stories, and conversation, we explore the places where the sacred meets the secular and discover the connections that give our lives meaning. The All-In Band will lead us in an engaging evening of music, reflection, and conversation.
Join us on September 20th for our first Words and Music (W&M) for the season!
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Kindergarten – 5th grade
Rehearsal begins on September 13th at 9:20 AM
Sing, have fun, and make new friends in Childrenโs Choir! Kids will learn fun songs, share their voices, and be part of making worship special for our whole church community.
Connect with Children’s Choir Director – Lauren Reynolds:
LORD OF THE RINGERS
1st grade – 5th grade
Rehearsal begins on October 5 at 4:05 PM
Make music, have fun, and ring together with Lord of the Ringers! No experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and join others in creating beautiful music that adds something special to worship.
Connect with Handbell Director – KC Congdon:
MISSION TRIP
November 8 – November 14
Join us as we head to Biloxi, Mississippi, to serve alongside one of our mission partners, Back Bay Mission. During the week, weโll roll up our sleeves for hands-on service projects, working alongside friends from the UCC Church in St. Charles, Illinois. Itโs a great opportunity to serve, learn, and build relationships along the way!
Connect with Mission Trip Leader – John Rodgers:
FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Two services at 8:45 AM and 10:00 AM
Starting September 13
Join us for worship at 8:45 or 10:00 AM as we return to our two-service schedule this fall. Come worship, connect, and begin a new season together!
