About Us

We are people - families of many shapes and sizes. Couples and singles, widowed, divorced, young and old. We come from many backgrounds – Congregational, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and many more, and some of us never belonged to a church until we found this one. The First Congregational, UCC has and continues to play an active and progressive role in Watertown. This was confirmed in 2014 when the congregation voted to be an Open and Affirming Church.

Membership in this church shall be based on an earnest desire to live a Christian life, public acceptance of the spirit of the covenant of the church, a pledge of loyalty to Christ and to cooperate with other members in the maintenance, worship and work of the church.

*** Membership: Contact the church office for more details. ***

As you have likely seen or read somewhere along the way, this summer marks a very important milestone in the history of the United States–the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the Declaration of Independence.

This summer, there will undoubtedly be historic remembrances of all kinds. However, one approach that may not come immediately to mind is the overlap between U.S. history and church history. In truth, the tradition and values of Congregationalism have played a large role in American history, and this anniversary would be lacking if we let that connection go unacknowledged.

So, we plan to observe this celebration in two ways this summer. First, we’ll have a “six week summer Sunday sermon series for the Semiquincentennial” (say that ten times fast!) that looks at issues of authority and justice through a scriptural and historical perspective. The name for this sermon series is “No Pharaohs, No Emperors, No Kings,” and will cover the six Sundays of May 31-July 5. We’ll hear about Moses and Pharaoh, Samuel and Saul, other prophets and monarchs, Jesus and what he taught about authority, special figures and events from Congregational history, and how Congregationalism and the UCC have been involved in continuous struggles for liberty since the founding of the U.S.

But there’s so much more to explore! So to help focus on our own religious tradition’s roles in U.S. national history, I’m offering an adult educational opportunity as well. Beginning on May 26, we’ll be studying “Congregationalism in U.S. History” for six weeks on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., with our last session falling on June 30. Some of the information you may already know, but I bet you will find surprises in this deeper dive.

Everyone is encouraged to attend these special worship services and adult educational opportunities, but of course, you’re likely to get the most out of this time if you choose to attend both sets of programming.

We’d love to see you, and the Semiquincentennial comes around only once!

Rev. Dr. Christopher Ross, Pastor

Pastoral concerns:

Please call(don’t text) his cell (920) 838-5630.

Email: rev.fatmoses@gmail.com

**Reminder that Chris does not use texting.

God is the creator of the universe and giver of all that is good. God is the savior—known boldly and intimately in Jesus and his life, death, and resurrection—who shows us how to live and love. God is the Spirit who enables us to make a difference in our world and in the lives of others. We believe that grace is the love, honesty, and compassion that God gives and shows us in Jesus. It’s how Jesus saves us, heals us, sets us free, and increases our capacity for love. We believe that we need each other. Whether single, married/partnered, divorced or widowed, it’s a lot easier to follow God with friends than it is by ourselves.

With a gracious attitude for all that God has given to us, we, the members of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Watertown, WI, covenant:

To prayerfully respect the values of others without judging differences, by being wholly present with open hearts and minds, nurturing individual faith journeys, and providing a safe place for all voices to be heard.

To care for each other and our greater communities in mind, body, and spirit. We will offer emotional support, spiritual guidance, and provide for physical needs by graciously supporting the church through our various gifts.

To forgive each other when we make mistakes, and encourage each other to grow from those mistakes, by being respectful listeners who are open and honest. We therefore, being mindful to always have a Christ-centered attitude, will work together to resolve issues.

To recognize, accept, and encourage participation in the democratic governance of First Congregational United Church of Christ

“We the members of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Watertown, Wisconsin do hereby declare ourselves for who we are, an Open and Affirming Church.

We believe that all people are created as God’s children. We welcome all people, regardless of age, race, physical or mental capabilities, socio-economic status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

All who seek to follow Jesus are welcome to share in the life, fellowship, sacraments, ministry, leadership, and responsibilities of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. Jesus teaches us to welcome all God’s children.

You are welcome here as you are. Welcome home.”

Adopted by the congregation Sunday, July 13, 2014

Rev. Dr. Chris Ross