Thoughts and Feelings of Members

Although I lived away from Moline my entire adult life, when I came back to the Quad Cities in 1993, it just felt natural for me to return to the church of my youth; the church where I had been baptized as an infant. It felt like home, familiar. It has a beautiful sanctuary, kind of like a European cathedral, with exquisite stained glass windows and carved wood statuary and woodwork.

It has a lovely organ, and an enthusiastic and joyous choir. It was difficult as a single person to feel a part of the church community, but I decided that in order to really become a part of the "church community", I would have to enter into some activity. About the same time, the pastor, knowing I had been involved in the HIV epidemic, in Los Angeles, asked if I would give a talk to a group of church members about HIV, AIDS, and Hospice work. From there things just snowballed, and soon I was on a couple of committees, and definitely felt I belonged. I was "connected " to a group of people with whom I was learning, sharing, laughing, singing, and praying.

During the past two years things have really started popping! We have dynamic new leadership with high energy and a low tolerance for people being on the outside instead of inside. We have dozens of small groups for people of all ages and interests, and there is a truly welcoming attitude, a feeling that what we are doing has importance. There is an understanding that in everything we try to do, there is really only one rule.... The Golden one!

Sally Sohner

The thing that most inspires me when walking into the Sanctuary is the beauty of the area and a sense that I am at peace with the world. It also helps as a musician that the Sanctuary is a wonderful place to sing and perform. I have been fortunate during the last 15 years to lead the Chancel Choir and also sing with Nova Singers at First Congregational. Many singing groups seek out First Congregational as the premier place to perform because of it's beauty and exceptional acoustic properties. It will continue to be a source of inspiration for many generations to come.

Paul Renaud

As a Christian I feel it is necessary for me to be an active member of a church community. My faith is continuously enhanced by my association with the people here. I find joyous, friendly members helping each other, seeking God’s word and working to serve beyond our doors. Besides that, we have wonderful worship experiences enhanced by a beautiful historic setting, memorable music performances, and inspirational preaching. It’s hard to miss a Sunday.

Anonymous

Several factors motivated me to join First Congregational Church after visiting various churches when we moved here almost 13 years ago. We liked Bob Miller’s sermons & are equally inspired and moved by those of Allen & Jackie. We are very comfortable with a traditional service, like the times offered, and also enjoy the excellent music program this church provides. It’s always a treat listening to our amazing choir or to the complex pieces from the bell choir. Also, we especially like the congregation finding them friendly, caring, and sociable, several of whom are good friends of ours. Lastly, we are proud of our beautiful sanctuary. Although any place can be a church, worshipping in a facility that resembles a gymnasium or one with stark modern architecture would seem cold to us. We frequently admire the lovely wood, the stain glass windows, and the intricate carvings adorning the pulpits and altar which help inspire us to a quiet, reflective, meditative state.

Anonymous

A friend and coworker invited me to First Congregational Church. At the time, I was looking for a new church home but I wanted to make sure I found just the right place. My first memory is of walking into the sanctuary and being completely amazed with the beautiful architecture and rich heritage found in this church. As I continued to attend week after week, I found that this was the right place for me. Each week’s sermon was thought provoking and relevant to my life and my quest to be closer to God. The fellowship at FCC also made me feel like a welcomed member of this church community. The pastors, church staff, and members all made a point of saying hello and touching base with me each week, letting me know that my cares and concerns were theirs as well. For so many reasons, I love coming to church now. The music is wonderful, the children’s ministry is phenomenal, and the people are genuine. I am so glad to be a member of this church and I hope others come to find FCC a place where they can belong and grow their faith as well.

Rebecca Newbery

There are a lot of reasons for being a part of a church family. I think the most important reason is learning how to live a Christ-like life. What helps me with that is the sermons given by pastors Allen & Jackie. They have a way of telling a good story and having stories that are fitting to the passage. There are also sermons that are very fitting for the trials that I am having with my own life at the time of the service.

Anonymous

Before I joined Mission Board last year, I had not much of an idea of the wide scope of out church’s mission activity. We are truly a church that reaches out and gets involved, whatever the need, with compassion and generosity. There are always people ready and willing to help with both the labor and the financial need. Actually, not just willing, but eager to help.

Anonymous

I joined the church because I find peace at First Congregational Church. Inner Peace that you find when you are around people that you love and care about. I continue to come to find the spiritual strength that helps sustain me through all of the week’s challenges. I find that the time I spend in church on Sunday morning helps me to clear my mind and find purpose. I just feel complete when I am at church. After all of the stressfulness of the week it is nice to sit in the beautiful sanctuary and just enjoy the time to be together in spirit with other Christians. The people at First Congregational Church are my family. I look forward to being with them and hearing their accomplishments. I want to be there for them in the good times and the bad. I genuinely care about them and I know thy care about me. I look forward to coming to church for many reasons. When I first started coming to church I really enjoyed the music. That has changed some and I have had to think that music is not the only reason I am here. Although I like the familiar hymns and definitely get excited about the hymn sings. I also enjoy the readings, the beginning word with Miss Annette, and the sermons. I LOVE THE SERMONS. I realize that not only do I benefit from being at church and learning the word, but I also discover opportunities to apply what is taught to me in living the life that God has given me. So, when I say I find comfort in this beautiful place, it is what I truly mean. In the last two years I have buried both of my parents and without the strength of this congregation and the friends I have here I don’t know what my life would be like. Church gives me strength. Church is where we celebrate all of what lifegives us from the birth of a baby to the end of life’s celebration. “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty”

I thank God for this church and my church family.

Anonymous

When we came to the church we found that the older people in the church supportive and so excited about the youth and what they are doing.

David Hulme

When my little grandson was going through cancer treatments, I could feel the prayers uplifting him all the way to Iowa City.

Kathie Heaps

Church was the place I came every week to refuel when my little grandchild was going through cancer treatments.

Kathie Heaps

The sermons challenge us to think about our life and faith. We are a thinking person's church.

Russ Armstrong