We invite you to live in openness to the voice of the Still Speaking God.
Through God’s grace, this congregation is committed to being a loving and welcoming community of faith. We recognize, celebrate, and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. We affirm that all people are created in the image of God and as beloved children of God, all are worthy of God’s grace and love.
In Galatians 3:28 Paul wrote: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, male or female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” We declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming Congregation, welcoming into the full life and ministry of the church, persons of every race, culture, age, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, marital status, education, and economic status. We especially welcome all who have known the pain of exclusion or discrimination in the church and society.
On Sunday, November 15, 2020, First Congregational Church, UCC in South Haven MI, voted to officially become an “Open and Affirming” congregation. This is a designation within our denomination and affirms the dignity of all people and our desire to extend the hospitality of God to everyone.
Hello Diners,
It’s sign up time for the next year of fellowship and fun dining. There will be a sign up sheet in fellowship hall by the refreshment table. Meals can be brunch, lunch, or dinner. This event is open to singles and couples and friends. Just sign up in two-somes. There are four meals each with a different group who bring different parts of the meal. Dates are arranged by groups.
Deadline September 4th
Contact Kris Ayers 637.8762 for any questions.
Fall Worship Schedule Begins September 10th
A service at 10:30 will be held in the sanctuary.
As the saying goes ‘many hands make light work’ is so true when it comes to holding a Food Truck distribution. If you can help, please let Scott Raue know.
Workers would arrive about 10:30 to help set up. All distributing begins at 11 a.m.
The ONA Committee is excited to bring an inspirational guest speaker on Sunday, September 17 at 12:15pm here in Fellowship Hall. Mary Jo Schnell, executive director of the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan, is a dynamic and engaging speaker, eager to share her knowledge, answer questions and lead a discussion on how we can affirm the LGBTQ+ community here in Van Buren County.
This will be the first of a 2-part program. Come join us!
September 23rd is our last time of 2023
to pick up trash in our designated area on
M140.
We meet at 9 a.m. at the curve off of 24th/M140,
in between South Haven and Covert.
Please wear appropriate clothing and bring a pair
of gloves. Bags and stab sticks are provided.
We could certainly use your help that day. The more people, the less time it takes.
Thank you in advance!
An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor
In an Altar in the World, Taylor shares how she learned to encounter God far beyond the walls of the church. She reveals meaningful ways to discover the sacred in the small things we do and see, from simple practices such as walking, working, and playing.
Barbara Brown Taylor is a best-selling author, teacher & Episcopal Priest. She has served on the faculties of Piedmont College, Emory University, Mercer University, Columbia Theological, an Oblate School of Theology. She and her husband tend a small farm in the foothills of the Appalachians.
The discussion will be led by Pastor Dave and Marcia Claggett. We will meet in the Lounge (garden, weather permitting) on the following Sundays at 2:00 p.m.:
September 24 (Chapters 1-3)
October 1 (Chapters 4-6)
October 8 (Chapters 7-9)
October 15 (Chapters 10-12)
This book study is being sponsored by the ONA Committee. Books will be provided and available beginning Sept. 17.
Please sign-up at the church, or call 637-3804, so enough books can be ordered.
According to the report that Marge Lampe
provided, the Women’s Fellowship earned
about $ 1,500. .
There was a pie assembling day here at the
church, the week of the festival. It was a well
oiled machine with many helpers, who we
thank for coming. Afterwards, any of the
workers were encouraged to take pies home
for baking.
We also thank those who baked at home
making muffins and Blueberry Buckle (YUM!)
We express our thanks to Diane Ritchie and
Marge Lampe who coordinated this baking
event this year. For without their leadership, it
wouldn’t have been such a success!
The church office would like to print an updated Address Directory at the beginning of October.
Please review your current information and let the office know of any corrections. Any changes or additions, need to be in the office by October 1st.
Here is the final FCC Safety Plan.
You can find this on our First Congregational Church, UCC Facebook Page
Sunday Service: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Sunday Service starting September 10th: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Church Office: M-F 9:30 to 1:30
“God is still speaking,” reminds us that God still has a lot more to say. Since 2004, Still speaking has worked with thousands of United Church of Christ churches and individuals across the country to make religion relevant again and to extend an extravagant welcome to all – because no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here. Here at the United Church of Christ.
First Congregational Church is taking another step forward in the digital age! We have signed up for Online giving and donations through a company called Vanco Payments. Use this button to go directly to our First Congregational Church online giving and donations page:
Here are some of the more recent things we have been up to at First Congregational Church of South Haven Michigan.
We invite you to come join us for any and all of our events!
Want to get to know us better? Here is a good place to start, check out our most recent monthly newsletter and recorded service. We would love to have you join us for a service and get to know us better!
Join us in Fellowship Hall after service for coffee, snacks and fellowship!
