First Congregational United Church of Christ is a congregation with a rich history, an exciting mission and an expectant future. Organized in 1841 in the town of Summit, the congregation moved to downtown Oconomowoc in the early 1850's. The first church building was dedicated in 1855 and stood on the site of the current Oconomowoc Public Library.

One hundred thirty years later, when faced with a building that was deteriorating and a bell tower that was condemned, the members took a leap of faith and moved to our existing beautiful 22 acre site in 1985. Since then we have added on three additions to the original construction, an office and music room wing in 1994, the steeple, bell tower and covered entrance in 2002 and most recently a new sanctuary in 2006.

We are an active church family. A metaphorical image of our congregation is one of all members in a circle holding hands. That may not sound very different from other church families, however; in our case as we are supporting one another in our circle there is a difference ...everyone is facing out...our attention is directed to those not in our group. We are a church with significant outreach both locally and world wide.

The members of First Congregational United Church of Christ are deeply involved in volunteerism; these include The Food Pantry, Lake Area Free Clinic, the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, public schools, library, tutoring, the Silver Streak (a senior citizen taxi), the Chamber of Commerce, Community Choir, Interfaith Care giving, and many others.

We covenant together to use our Spiritual Gifts to build up the Kingdom of God and care for God's creation.

The United Church of Christ was created in 1957 with the union of two Protestant denominations: the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches.

The characteristics of the United Church of Christ can be summarized in part by the key words of the churches that formed this union:

• Christian - By our very name, The United Church of Christ, we declare our self to be part of the body of Christ - the Christian church. Jesus Christ is central to who we are. We know God especially in Jesus, who lived, loved, died, rose from the dead and is present with us today. Because we are disciples of Jesus, we welcome, love, pray and serve.
• Reformed - We are a product of the Protestant Reformation. We confess the authority of one God and seek the influence of the Holy Spirit to continue to re-form, re-shape, re-new the church of every age. God is still speaking and we are still listening to God's work.
• Congregational - The basic unit of the United Church of Christ is the congregation. Members of each local congregation covenant with one another and with God to participate in God's mission and ministry. These congregations, in turn, exist in covenantal relationships with one another to form larger structures for more effective ministry. Our covenanting emphasizes trustful relationships rather than legal contracts.
• Evangelical - The Greek root work for Good News is Evangel. Every disciple and every congregation has a primary responsibility to be an evangelist. To be one who shares the Good News We proclaim this gospel by word and deed. This proclamation is the heart of the liturgia - the work of the people of God.

For more information on the United Church of Christ visit their web site at: http://www.ucc.org/

Our Church Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

Phone: 262-567-4461

Fax: 262-567-5533

Email: uccoffice@oconomowocucc.org

Worship Schedule

8:00 A.M. - Traditional Service

• Communion Served 1st and 3rd Sunday
• Nursery available

9:30 A.M. - Family Worship

• Family worship, chancel choir, newer hymns, use of projection screens
• Families sit together until after the Children's Sermon when they are dismissed to their Sunday School classes (ages 2 years old through 12th grade)
• Nursery Available
• Communion served 1st Sunday
• New Members are recognized and received the 4th Sunday

9:30 A.M. - 3rd Sunday Contemporary

• Praise Band