First Congregational United Church of Christ

	First Congregational United Church of Christ	About Us Contact Us
		310 Broadway St. Eau Claire, WI 54703 Phone: 715-834-2668 Fax: 715-834-0674

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Greater UCC Links

Shortcourse in
the History of the
United Church of
Christ

Statement of
Faith

Staff

Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini

Senior Minister

pastor@firstucceauclaire.org

Jill Christopherson
Director of Religious Education
jillc@firstucceauclaire.org

Chad Murray
Youth Director

Pam Braun
Nursery Coordinator

Jan Smith
Office Manager
jans@firstucceauclaire.org

Brent Podhaski
Custodian

Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff
Director of Music

Judy Lies
Organist

Terra Stefansky
Director of Youth Choirs

Meredith Pirazzini
Youth Choir Accompanist

Church Profile

The mission of the First Congregational United Church of Christ is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to all, exalting the worship of the one true God, and laboring for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realization of human unity.

The First Congregational United Church of Christ was organized in 1856 and is the oldest Protestant church in Eau Claire. We have about eight hundred members and are known for our outstanding choir and music program. We have joined in covenant with the United Church of Christ, which stresses freedom of faith and practice for the individual, autonomy for the local congregation, and service to God's cause of love and justice.

Worship services are offered each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Communion is held regularly throughout the year. Children are invited to the church service and may attend Sunday school following the Children's Message (about 20 minutes into the service).

Church school is offered for children through the seventh grade. Confirmation classes are conducted for eighth graders. Special church school programs are offered during the summer and at various times throughout the year.

Nursery care for infants and toddlers is offered during all services of worship.

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Youth programs are organized for children in 1st through 5th grades, Middle school (6th and 7th grades), 8th grade Confirmation and senior high (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades). A program is also available for college-aged adults. The youth programs meet on regular schedules during the school year. Read more about Youth at First UCC.

Adult education programs are scheduled throughout the year and include regular adult Bible study, covenant, prayer, and Koinonia groups.

Our renowned Chancel Choir, directed by Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff, provides music most Sundays. The Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. All who enjoy singing are welcome to join! In addition we have three other choirs - the Senior High Choir for high school age students, the Descant Choir for children in grades 5-8, and the Treble Choir for children in grades 1-4. These choirs rehearse on Wednesday afternoons.

Fellowship opportunities abound! Currently ongoing groups include Koinonia (families that gather monthly for worship fellowship), Primetime Friends Senior Fellowship (meets the third Wednesday of every month at 12:00), Covenant Groups (small groups that meet monthly for scripture and prayer).

Mission opportunities are an important part of our church life and include, but are not limited to Habitat for Humanity, Feed My People, Interfaith Hospitality Network, and Community Table. Volunteers to help in these missions are always needed and appreciated.

Ministry opportunities within the church are numerous - mentoring confirmands, visiting shut-ins, those in nursing homes, or those who have been hospitalized; sending cards; providing transportation to church; participating in prayer chains; or helping with food service for luncheons, funerals, weddings, church events, or coffee hour. Volunteers for these ministries are always welcome.

The work of our church is primarily accomplished by its members. We rely on our members to assist with worship by ushering, greeting, preparing communion, counting offerings (tellers), reading scripture and leading prayer. We hope members with special talents such as artistry, photography, costume design, carpentry, electrical/plumbing skills, gardening, cleaning, or maintaining a library will help out as needs or projects arise.

Our church is governed by its members elected to the church council and other committees. The nominating committee welcomes all people interested in serving on these committees.

Membership - open to all church-goers. Anyone interested in joining our church can do so by contacting the minister or office manager.

Stewardship is an important part of church membership. Pledges of tithes, time, and talents are made yearly in the spring; Our fiscal year begins July 1. Pledge forms and envelopes are available from the church office.

A Memorial Garden has been established on church property for the internment of cremated ashes. A plaque near the Fireside room lists name of those interred. The church provides for and maintains this garden. There is no fee for this service. This service is for members only.

Members in need of personal ministry (for example, inclusion in the prayer chain, spiritual counseling, homebound ministry, planning a wedding, funeral, or baptism) should speak with the minister or office manager.