Posts by Mary
GEM Handbell Choir
Beautiful music had always been appreciated at the First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Rhinelander, and for the past 50 years, the ringing of the handbell choir has been a favorite. Tom Winquist was there in the beginning when the brand-new set of bells arrived in the mid-1970s. “Gladys Ekman had served for…
Read MoreA PLEA TO VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VOTE
It is October already, and it will soon be time to vote in our state and national elections. We want to remind you to vote and persuade your family members and friends to vote also. There are many issues at stake, so if we want to see sensible solutions we will need to make our…
Read MoreCosts of NOT Stopping Climate Change
Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more articles and statements about the occurrence of climate change, as I’m sure you have also. They have been in magazines, newspapers, on television news, television documentaries, and speakers on television and in person in our area. It seems everyone who is honest with themselves understands that we have…
Read MoreCreation Care Corner
The United Church of Christ Earth Summit was convened for the second time in April 2024. The keynote speaker was Bill McKibben, who is well-known as one of the leading writers and speakers on climate change. He wrote his first book on the subject in 1989. He called the damage from carbon fuels the “greatest…
Read MoreLabor Day Weekend
The Bible talks about the importance of rest and with the right approach Labor Day can become a wonderful opportunity for our church members to rest and reflect before starting a new season. Therefore, with this thought in mind, Rhinelander First Congregational UCC will NOT be having service on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
Read MoreWhat is the Purpose of the Lay Pastoral Care Team?
With compassion, empathetic listening, prayer, readings, and conversation, the Lay Pastoral Care Team offers spiritual support and guidance to members of our congregation in times of life’s challenges, losses, and difficulties, reminding each of God’s constant presence and unwavering love. The Lay Pastoral Care Team will help our members care for each other’s souls while…
Read MoreModerator Musings
Moderator Musings What a busy summer it’s been! Everyone has had their hands full if not with visiting family and friends, but having them visit us. Our Church community does not stop taking care of each other whether we have a full/part-time Pastor or not. A special shout out, to Sue Bartels this month, who…
Read MoreCreation Care Corner
As I write this on the first day of summer 2024, it’s becoming clear that many things climate-related are increasingly extreme this year. It’s true that individual weather events and seasonal trends are not entirely due to climate change, but the frequency and severity of these events is. A list of some of these things…
Read MorePride Fest 2024
On Saturday, June 15th, the 8th Annual Northwoods Pride Festival was held at Hodag Park in Rhinelander. The Outreach Board felt it was important that our Church once again have a presence there, to let people know our congregation is Open and Affirming. Jackie Schmieder and Amanda Jahn got a banner made, Judy Thoms brought…
Read MorePeace between Palestine and Israel
On June 8th, Sandy McKitrick and Lisa Johnson traveled to Green Lake Conference Center to attend the 62nd Annual meeting of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Conference voted to overwhelmingly pass “Resolution of Witness to Adopt the 2021 General Synod Resolution, declaration for a Just Peace Between Palestine and Israel.” …
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