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. ***

Many of you know that October is my favorite month, and many of you also know the main reason: Halloween. I realize it may sound strange coming from a pastor, but Halloween is absolutely my favorite holiday. (I’m happy to explain why Halloween is the best holiday, but that’s better for a conversation…a long conversation.)

For Halloween fans–especially for those of us in Wisconsin–this year is one of the big ones. Exactly one hundred years ago this Halloween, the most famous magician in history–who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin–died performing a trick gone wrong.

As the story goes, Harry Houdini had promised his wife that–if he could–he would return after death to make contact. As a result, each year on Halloween, she held a seance. (As far as anyone knows, nothing ever came of this plan.)

But Houdini’s interest in seances had already been long-established. Because he knew so many tricks from his profession, he could often figure out how those pretending to be psychics were actually pulling off their illusions. He also witnessed how often people in grief were getting exploited. So, he decided to expose such fraud and made quite the name for himself in these pursuits. He even had a famous feud with Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, who did believe in such seances.

Although we’re not in the illusion business, I believe we in the church have something in common with Harry Houdini. He was someone who believed in creating moments of awe, but not going so far as insisting it was rooted in real magic. And at the same time, he made it a mission to stick up for folks who were being exploited. He was able to maintain both essential pieces at the same time–an appreciation for amazement and a commitment to truth and fairness. In this way, it’s not all that different from our calling as the church.

Happy Halloween! As Wisconsinites, let us remember Harry Houdini this year, but let us always remember to “fear not” no matter the season.

Rev. Dr. Christopher Ross, Pastor

Pastoral concerns:

Email: rev.fatmoses@gmail.com

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