FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UCC 31 W. Milwaukee Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Church Office #: (920) 563-4802 Church Office Fax #: (920) 563-9958 Church’s Email: officefortucc@gmail.com

Church’s Website: www.fortfcc.org Moderator (Roy Hetts) - rhetts@charter.net Rev. Chris Buckingham-Taylor Rev. Chris’ Email: revchr isfor tfcc@gmail.com

Rev. Chris’ Home #: (920) 568-8604

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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 31 W. MILWAUKEE AVE., FORT ATKINSON, WI 53538

Save the Date!!!!

Ash Wednesday Worship Service Wednesday, February 26, 2020

7 pm

The Pilgrim Broadcaster Wednesday, February 19, 2020 Monthly Newsletter

From the Front Porch

Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Matthew 25:35

Now that our congregation has voted to intentionally be welcoming to everyone, including those that identify as LGBTQ, what do we do now? How do we make ourselves more welcoming?

Several years ago, our congregation engaged in a study called, “Five Practices of Fruitful Con-gregations,” written by a United Methodist Bishop, Rev. Robert Schnase. You may not be aware that, after that year- long study, we reorganized our Board structure into Ministries based on these Five Practices: Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith De-velopment, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. At this fresh and new time in the life of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fort Atkinson, I would like us to revisit what it means to demonstrate Radical Hospitality.

Rev. Schnase points out in his introduction to Radical Hospitality, that fruitful congregations:

*Naturally turn outward.

*Know that their work focuses on those not yet here.

*Are missional, open, inviting.

*Know it’s not about them but about the strangers yet to be invited and welcomed.

Schnase writes, “We are here in the spirit of Jesus, ‘not to be served, but to serve.’”

(Continued on page 2)

Join us for a Purim Celebration Sunday, March 8th

Following the 10 am Worship service

The book of Esther may remind you of a classic, “once upon a time” children’s story with a wealthy king, his beautiful queen, and an evil villain. But while the characters might resemble a fairy tale, the book of Esther depicts events that shaped Jewish history and instituted the festival of Purim, a tradition that con-tinues to this day. Esther’s brave actions saved the Jews from massacre and preserved the lineage of Christ. Standing for what’s right takes courage. The book of Esther includes the stories of two women who challenged corrupt rulers. Join us as we learn more about this Jewish holiday.

8:30-9:45 am - Kids will make: Mask, Noisemaker and hamantaschen

cookies in Plymouth Hall

10 am Worship Service—Special service with kids singing a Purim song and a Purim parade. Mary Ann Ehrike and Mary Narkis will be sharing the Purim message.

11am Special Purim reception provided by Nurture Ministry team.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing

that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

(Hebrews 13:2)

Can you remember a time when you were a “stranger?” Have you ever felt “unseen,” or “Unnoticed?” I think that most of us have had an experience of being an outsider, and won-dering if people will even bother to make an effort to get to know us, let alone welcome us. Studies about church growth show a sobering pattern of more and more Americans growing up outside of the church. That is, there was once a time when most Americans knew what it was to attend church, but today, a large number of our local community have never set foot in a church worship service. This means, that while we think that everyone knows how loving we are in this church, that most people in our surrounding community don’t know how loving and welcoming we are. How can people around here not know who we are? After all, we’ve been here for almost 180 years! We may be one of the best kept secrets in town! But that ends now! It’s time to entertain angels.

Schnase says that hospitality is: Prayer, work, habit, practice, initiative. Perhaps Saint Fran-cis said it best: “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” We begin our transformation of Radical Hospitality by taking action. Let us all pray that we will make an effort to notice “strangers,” and go out of our way to welcome them. Let us all work togeth-er to be purveyors of hospitality. Let us make hospitality a habit so that we don’t even have to think about it-we’ll just do it! Let us recognize that hospitality is different for each one of us, and that we all have to practice demonstrating it. Let each of us take the initiative to ex-tend ourselves to others-to take a chance-to risk reaching out to a stranger and possibly en-tertain angels.

“The point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions.”

-------Mother Teresa

We are Open and Affirming. Now what? That depends on each of us. Together, we can change the perceptions and attitudes of a world that is becoming more separated from God and from participating in church. It’s time to be radically hospitable! I want people to know and experience our love and kindness. It’s our job to help transform this world and make disciples for Jesus Christ!

Remember, you are loved! Spread the news!

Pastor Chris

Adult Education Classes February 16– March 15, 2020

Facilitated by Bob Ehrike

Moses

Considered one of the most important religious leaders in world history. He is claimed by the religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai as an important prophet of God and the founder of monotheistic belief. The story of Moses is told in the biblical books of Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers but he continues to be referenced throughout the Bible and is the prophet most often cited in the New Testament. Moses is best known from the story in the biblical Book of Exodus and Quran as the lawgiver who met God face-to-face on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments after leading his people, the Hebrews, out of bondage in Egypt and to the "promised land" of Canaan.

Reaching Out to Help those in Need!

In the Fort Atkinson school district, donations of NEW black leggings, and black, gray, & colored sweatpants are being requested.

All sizes are needed, starting at 6 and up for elementary and middle school students.

A donation box will be available from February 23 to March 29.

If ordering from Amazon, be sure to use Amazon Smile and donate to

Fort Atkinson First Congregational UCC. Thank you for your support!

Monday, March 2nd

6:30 pm Bridge Club Tuesday, March 3rd

9:30 am Preschool Singing with Pastor

6 pm Preschool Dr. Suess Event Wednesday, March 4th

12:05 pm Lenten Worship Service

12:30 pm Lenten Luncheon

6pm Bible Study -“It’s Not supposed to be this way”

7 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal Thursday, March 5th

9 am Bulletin Article Deadline

9:15 am Circle of Faith

10:30 am Dycora Ministry

6 pm Chapel Bells Rehearsal Sunday, March 8th

Second Sunday of Lent- Purim Celebration

8 am Breeze Early Worship

8:30 am Sunday School Class

8:45 am Children’s Choir

8:45 am Confirmation Class

8:45 am Adult Education

10 am Worship Service

11 am Purim Celebration Monday, March 9th

6:30 pm Bridge Club Tuesday, March 10th

9:30 am Preschool Singing with Pastor

6 pm Evangelism Ministry Mtg.

6 pm Worship Ministry Mtg.

6:30 pm Outreach Ministry Mtg.

Thursday, February 20th

9 am Bulletin Article Deadline

6 pm Chapel Bells Rehearsal Friday, February 21st

6:30 Minute-to-win-it Game Night Sunday, February 23rd

8 am Breeze Early Worship

8:30 am Sunday School Class

8:45 am Children’s Choir

8:45 am Confirmation Class

8:45 am Adult Education

10 am Worship Service

11 am Fellowship Hour Monday, February 24th

6:30 pm Bridge Club Tuesday, February 25th

9:30 am Preschool Singing with Pastor

6:30 pm Dartball-Home

6:30 pm Praying in Color Wednesday, February 26th

6:15 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

7 pm Ash Wednesday Worship Service Thursday, February 27th

9 am Bulletin Article Deadline

6 pm Chapel Bells Rehearsal Sunday, March 1st

First Sunday of Lent-Communion

8 am Breeze Early Worship

8:30 am Sunday School Class

8:45 am Children’s Choir

8:45 am Confirmation Class

8:45 am Adult Education

10 am Worship Service

11 am Fellowship Hour

Schedule of Events Lenten Study March 4– April 8, 2020 6 pm– Werthman Room

Facilitated by Susan Woods

It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way

What do you do when God’s timing seems questionable, His lack of intervention hurtful, and His promises doubtful?

Life often looks so very different than we hoped or expected. Some events may simply catch us off guard for a moment, but others shatter us completely. We feel disappointed and disillu-sioned, and we quietly start to wonder about the reality of God’s goodness.

Lysa TerKeurst understands this deeply. But she's also discovered that our disappointments can be the divine appointments our souls need to radically encounter God. In It's Not Sup-posed to Be This Way, Lysa invites us into her own journey of faith and, with grit, vulnerabil-ity, and honest humor, helps us to:

Stop being pulled into the anxiety of disappointment by discovering how to better process unmet expectations and other painful situations.

Train ourselves to recognize the three strategies of the enemy so we can stand strong and persevere through unsettling relationships and uncertain outcomes.

Discover the secret of being steadfast and not panicking when God actually does give us more than we can handle.

Shift our suspicion that God is cruel or unfair to the biblical assurance that God is pro-tecting and preparing us.

Know how to encourage and navigate hard realities with real help from God's truth.

Lenten Service Information

**Ecumenical Wednesday Services 12:05 pm

March 4—April 1, 2020 Ecumenical Wednesday Services to be held at:

First Congregational Church UCC 31 W. Milwaukee Ave.

Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Lend-a-Hand will be serving a luncheon at 12:35 pm following each Wednesday Service

Prayer Concerns of our Church Family of Faith

Prayer Concerns of our Extended Family & Friends of Faith

Tony Ehrike, Marjorie Fenn, Nancy Witt Mark Miller, Susan Woods, Paul Hankowitz

Izayah Wirth, Abigail Ehlers, Lydia Kirchmayer

Chad Slaney (Joe & Eunice Ann Slaney’s Son) (Rick & Sarah Brietzke’s Niece)

Katie Knutson ( John & Mary Ellen Miller’s Niece) Dorothy Schademann (Ann Olsen’s Mother)

Bill Ratzburg, Clarice Fernelius Jennifer Woods, Mary Crane,

Bryan Green

Karen Armstrong (Carol Maasz’s Sister) Barbara TeVrucht (Gary Vorpahl’s Sister) Renee Uhe Jensen (Friend of a Member) Brian Beilke(Roy & Karen Hett’s Nephew)

John Smith (Mildred Lemke’s Grandson-in-Law)

Marsha Anderson, Lana Wallace, Judy Wittenwyler

Bill Black(Susan Barnes Friend) (Rick & Sarah Brietzke’s Niece)

Those Serving in the Military and the families they have waiting at home.

Prayer Discipline Week 1 Prayer Discipline Week 2

Ed & Debbie Klingaman Julie, Shawn & Glissa Korback

Richard & Jane Klopcic Mike & Kathy Kruk

Ryan, Kristi, Carter & Sophie Klopcic Mildred Lemke

Hollie Knaack Steve & Michelle Lemke

Kevin Knapp Amy Lueder, Emma & Ellie Norris

Charlie & Judy Knapp David & Ann Lueder

Scripture Readings: February 23—Ex 24:12-18; Ps 2 or Ps 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matt 17:1-9 February 26—Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isa 58:1-12; Ps 51:1-17; 2 Cor 5:20b-6:10; Matt 6:1-6, 16-21 March 1—Gen 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Ps 32; Rom 5:12-19; Matt 4:1-11 March 8—Gen 12:1-4a; Ps 121; Rom 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17 or Matt 17:1-9

Our appeal for the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry during the month of

February is: Canned Spinach, Sauerkraut, Beets and Pork & Beans

5 in 1 Campaign

First Congregational is a 5 for 5 church! This means the church fully supports Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM). The United Church of Christ has 5 special mission offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors in Need, Blankets and the Christ-mas Fund.

These offerings exist to allow congregations and individuals to meet people at points of critical need in their lives. Through your prayers and donations, needs can be met for all five of the spe-cial missions.

On February 16 to March 8, Outreach Ministry is asking for your support during the 5 in 1 cam-paign. Donations may be made in pew envelopes marked 5 in 1. There will be a form in the enve-lope that allows you to indicate how you would like your donation to be used. Also, donations may be made online. Although we highlight these special missions during the next few weeks, donations can be made anytime throughout the year.

Whether you support the special missions individually or as 5 in 1, your giving is greatly appreciat-ed, no matter the amount.

Thank you for being a blessing to others in their time of need!

Online Donation Instructions: Go to www.fortfcc.org. At the top of the Home page click the do-nate tab. A PayPal page will appear. In the Purpose Box on one of the PayPal pages designate what mission/missions you would like funds distributed to. Thank you for your donation!

Want a great church T-shirt to help us stand out as a group? So do we! Help us! We need a great design. So, we are hosting a contest!

Please give Evangelism Committee your best designs/themes. Open to all ages.

We need something small for the front upper left chest and something 8x10ish for the back. Due to costs please consider four colors or less.

Yes you can submit front and back or just front or just back. Don’t delay but submissions must be emailed to:

Officefortucc@gmail.com no later than April 1. Winner(s) will receive a free T-shirt.

We are so looking forward to your creative ide-as.

Time & Talent: Our Church Ministries (with examples of activities):

Evangelism (Greet new worshippers, new member classes) (2 openings) Facilities (Building upkeep, clean-up, landscaping) (3 openings) Nurture (Fellowship, Prayer Quilts, Youth Activities) (1 opening) Outreach (5 for 5, Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Shoes that Fit) Worship (Communion, decorations, music, nursery, ushers)

If you need assistance or have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact the church office (563-4802). Our Ministries are still in need of members to fill them. Please contact the church office if you are willing to fill one of the openings. Sc

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“We Will Go” live tour by

Watoto Children’s Choir Thursday, May 21st Time: 7pm

We are in need of host families for the choir group.

We need 8 host homes that would be willing to al-

low 2 kids (ages are 6-12) and 1 adult to stay overnight in their home following the concert and then be able to bring them back to the church the next morning. If you would

like more information on opening your home to these kids, please contact the church office 563-4802. We would like to have the host homes locked in by no later than February 28th.

Please consider being a part of bringing this wonderful group of kids to our church for an event you and our community may never forget!

On February 16, we celebrated Jean and Bob Prabst's long time membership in our Congregation. In fact, Bob and Mary Crane are tied for being with us the longest, each joining in 1943. The Prabsts will be moving to Cottage Grove very soon to be closer to family. We wish them every blessing as they embark on a new adventure in their lives.

To view the monthly calendar, click on any event in the calendar

box on the home page.

March 2020

Ruth Zeh 1

Shawn Korback 2

Morgan Wendlandt 6

Michael Joel Becker II 7

Steve Lemke 10

Marie Weigand 10

Lori Becker 12

Brenda Bentheimer 12

Alex Kruk 13

John Miller 13

Larry Narkis 14

Kathleen Townsend 14

Kyle Becker 15

Brooks Wallace 15

Reyne Kincaid 16

Char Patefield 17

Michael Becker 18

Claire Glasenapp 18

Tom Weigand 27

Perry Haubenschild 30

Rhienne Stack-Vaughn 30

Monica Broadhead 31

Tammy Green 31

Beck Glasenapp 31