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First Congregational

United Church of Christ

... exploring the frontiers of faith in Jesus

Progressive Lock-In Event

Youth at lock-in

We had eleven energetic youngsters join us for the start of our progressive lock-in event last Friday. To begin we headed over to First Baptist, where they had laid out a variety of chips to snack on. The 32 youth (from all four churches) broke into seven groups and headed out for a scavenger hunt. They were charged with finding such items as a 1-cent stamp, an out of state license plate and a photo of a stranger posed as a super-hero.

Large group of youth at lock-in

When the hunt was over we headed on to First Methodist church and a delicious dinner of spaghetti and green beans. After supper we moved across the street to First Congregational where the youth were able to create their own festive sundaes. (Special thanks to Liz Thorpe and Amy McCue for providing the brownies.) Before heading on the group was able to put our new youth room to the test.

Youth in new youth room

We then headed to First Presbyterian where our very own group, PARABOLA, arrived to put on a show for the gathering. The rest of the evening was spent eating popcorn, playing sardines, watching a movie and a few of us were even able to sleep.

Youth in sleeping bags

In the morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and headed home just in time for the parade. Our next combined outing is planned for Wednesday, December 17th, when we'll gather for an evening of bowling you won't want to miss.

Pumpkin carving photos

Pumpkin carving fun

Church sanctuary filled with people!
First Congregational
United Church of Christ
608 West Fourth Street, Waterloo, Iowa 50702
319-234-8927 (phone)
319-234-0116 (fax)
ensworth@firstcongucc.org (email)
Office hours: M - F, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Sunday Schedule
Sunday School -- 9:15 am
Worship -- 10:30 am

Get directions to First Congregational UCC

First Congregational United Church of Christ
Five-year Vision Statements

Click on the link above for the text of our five-year vision statements, outlining goals in the three areas of mission, youth ministry, and small group ministries.

History

church door with bannerThe First Congregational Church of Waterloo was organized on September 24, 1856, a short time after the organization of the town itself. The founding members of the church were motivated by their desire to preserve the congregational traditions of freedom of conscience and self-rule, and to take a strong stand against the institution of slavery.

The first services were held in an old log schoolhouse. The cornerstone of the present building was laid in 1907. In 1961 the church voted to become part of the newly formed United Church of Christ.

Today, after more than one hundred and fifty years, we value the same things: freedom of conscience, liberty for all people, faithful service to the kingdom of God. We extend a loving welcome to all people -- no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey! -- because that is the way God has welcomed us!