First
Congregational Church
A United Church of Christ Church
Seeking, Serving, and Sharing Christ
A Church of Small Groups
Dear FCC Friends,
Small groups give us an opportunity to make new friends and grow
in our faith through study, prayer, and loving action. No matter where we are
in our lives we need to belong to a group of people who really know us. We also
make a tremendous difference in knowing and caring about others.
We are a small group church. Look through these pages and
you will be surprised at how many groups exist in our church. New ones are
being formed every year. If you find yourself thinking, “these groups are
great, but I wish we had…(such and such group),” you may be experiencing a “call”
to begin something new. So many of the groups we now have initially began with
someone seeing the need and doing something about it. So if that happens to
you, call the church office and talk to us.
You will notice that the groups are broken into three types:
Growth groups, Serving groups, and Fellowship groups. The journey of being a
follower of Christ involves an inward journey of learning and experiencing the
faith (Growth groups) and an outward journey of being a servant (Serving
groups). It also involves the joy of fellowship with our friends and neighbors
(Fellowship groups).
We hope you will enjoy looking through these groups and if
you are interested, call the leader for more information.
Many blessings!
Allen Mothershed, Senior Pastor
First Congregational Church Small Groups
Growth Groups: Opportunities to Grow in Faith
Children and Youth Ministry
Nursery
Heidi
Hulme
309.762.0787
heidi@fccmoline.org
Nursery is available on Wednesday nights and during all
worship services to provide care for our youngest children of God, from
newborns to five-year-olds. To ensure safety, all children must be signed in
and out by an adult. The church has a detailed “Safe Church” policy – ask the
office for details.
Day: Wednesday Evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday
Evenings from 5:20 to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Mornings from 8:45 to 12:15 p.m.
Location: Church Nursery,
Lower Level Education Wing
Church School
Heidi
Hulme
309.762.0787
heidi@fccmoline.org
The Church School program is the mainstay of our educational
ministry from birth through adult. Our program is a lectionary-based curriculum
that allows all to encounter the same Bible’s stories that they are hearing in
worship each week. .
Day: Sunday Mornings
Time: 10:10 – 10:50am
Location: See room assignments
Opend
Jon
Tunberg
309.762.4841
jontunberg@whiteysicecream.com
Jen Cavins
563.344.9323
jcavins@uncommongroundqc.com
The purpose of Opend is to engage our high school youth (9-12
grades) in thoughtful and faithful open-ended discussion of theological value.
As we study current issues and reflect on the week’s Bible message, the aim is
to create a safe and trusted community where members challenge each other and
faith is encouraged.
Day: Sunday Mornings
Time: 10:10 – 10:50 a.m.
Location: Youth Room,
Second Floor
Confirmation
Heidi Hulme
309.762.0787
heidi@fccmoline.org
Available to all church youth 8th grade and above
who wish to reaffirm their baptism. Our confirmation program is built to help
youth grow in their spiritual journey as they learn about Christian faith and
the history of the United Church of Christ. Confirmands will explore their own
beliefs and those of others in preparation to become an adult member of the
church. Leadership is by Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries, Heidi
Hulme, and Jen Cavins, along with church member mentors, and the pastors.
Day: 1st and 3rd Sunday evenings (Sept. through
May)
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Church Parlor
Youth Group
Heidi
Hulme
309.762.0787
heidi@fccmoline.org
All junior and senior high school students are invited to
attend youth group events and meetings. We gather on the 2nd and 4th
Sunday from 5:00-6:30 p.m. to enjoy each other’s company and grow with
one another in faith through fun and games, service work, and faith discussion.
Day: 2nd and 4th Sunday Evenings
(Sept. through May)
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Varies
Acolyte
Heidi
Hulme
309.762.0787
heidi@fccmoline.org
Participate
in worship without having to speak! Light the candles for either the 9:00 or
11:00 service, or both. Family or friends are invited to participate.
Day: Sunday Worship
Time: 9:00 and 11:30 a.m.
Location: Sanctuary
Flamingo Teams
Heidi
Hulme
309.762.0787
heidi@fccmoline.org
Help flamingo a yard for this on-going Youth Group Mission
Fundraiser. Someone will request to have a person “flamingoed”, and we will do
all the work! We meet at the church between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. so everyone can
go to the site together. We will flamingo any day of the week during the
summer, and Friday or Saturday nights during the school year. Come join us and
don’t forget to wear black and be quiet!
Day: When requested
Time: Around 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. (dusk)
Location: Meet at the Church parking lot
The Early Word
Heidi
Hulme
309.762.0787
heidi@fccmoline.org
The Early Word is a chance to get the young churchgoers
involved in worship. We take time to explain what the morning’s Bible lesson is
in language they can understand. We invite anyone who is interested in helping
out to participate.
Day: Sunday Worship
Time: 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Location: Sanctuary
Adult Spiritual Formation and Bible Study
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Rev. Jackie
Perry
309.762.0787
jackie@fccmoline.org
If you want to get a head start on the Sunday morning sermon
scriptures and go deeper in your understanding of the scriptures in the company
of friends, then try this study group. Optional lunch follows the study.
Day: Wednesday Mornings
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Childcare: No
Location: Church Parlor
Stewardship Small Groups
Rev. Allen Mothershed
309.762.0787
allen@fccmoline.org
These one-time dinner groups help us all take a deeper look at
the attitudes and actions that shape how we live in relationship to our
financial and material resources. What is the source of generosity in our
lives? What are realistic expectations for sharing when we consider other
competing needs and interests?
Time: Friday and Sunday Evenings, October and early November
Time: TBD
Locations: Member’s homes
Service Opportunities: Living the Faith in Action
Visiting Friends
Sara McLees, Parish Nurse
309.762.0787
sara@fccmoline.org
You are invited to join caring individuals who are dedicated
to keeping members in touch with the church community. This is done through
visiting, listening and sharing with our members who are unable to come to
church. This group is structured to meet the needs of people who are visited.
Friends visit members in hospitals, nursing facilities and in homes.
Day: Flexible/monthly rotation
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Music Ministry
Chloë
Stodt
309.762.0787
chloe@fccmoline.org
Do you love to make music? Looking for a way to share this
love and your musical gifts in prayer and praise with your church family? FCC
has five regularly rehearsing choral/handbell ensembles, plus new opportunities
for those who are unable to commit to weekly rehearsals for an entire program
year: The choirs meet September through May.
Cherub Choir
gathers the littlest ones (age 3 – grade 2) on Sunday mornings led by Chloe
Stodt.Choristers is our elementary choir (grades 3 – 6), rehearsing
Wednesdays at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Music Room, and led by Chloë Stodt.
Singspiration,
our junior-senior high choir, also rehearses Wednesdays in the Music Room, from
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. under Chloë’s direction.
Chancel
Choir, our “life after high school” choral experience, rehearses Wednesdays
at 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Music Room and is directed by Paul Renaud 563.324.4170.
Campanella
Ringers is a handbell ensemble for high-schoolers through adults with some
musical background, rehearsing in the lower level education wing Wednesdays
from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. and is directed by Gail Glockhoff-Long 563.355.5664.
Cantors/Songleaders
participate in a ministry of musical hospitality by facilitating and supporting
congregational singing in worship, both vocally and visually. Requirements are
an ability to sing on pitch, ease with public singing, and a spirit of servant
leadership. Training is provided; call Chloë if you feel led in this direction.
Guitar
Ensemble - The goal for this group is to gather the guitarists among
our membership to practice accompaniments for congregational singing (primarily
for 5:30 p.m. Saturday worship). Individual guitarists may also volunteer to
assist Singspiration and/or Choristers in their worship leadership. Rehearsals
are Saturdays from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. with Chloë’s guidance, and will begin after
definite interest has been expressed.
Instrumental Support for Hymn Singing. FCC has purchased a set of instrumental
parts for hymn accompaniments in order to enable our many student and more
experienced instrumentalists to participate musically in worship more often.
See the Newsletter and the Bulletin Announcement page for more specific
information.
Ushers
David
Hulme
563.514. 1456
d.hulme@mchsi.com
Russ Armstrong
309.736.1083
russcella@earthlink.net
Welcome
and assist worshippers as they enter the sanctuary for worship on Sunday
mornings, facilitate the offering of our gifts, and pass out worship bulletins.
Ushers give the first impression of our church to both guests and visitors and
facilitate both worship and a safe environment. Training is provided.
Day: Sundays
Time: 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. (starts a half hour before
each service)
Location: Sanctuary
Communion Preparation Ministry
Kim Fuller
309.496.1660
k_fuller@frontiernet.net
Be a part of preparing the elements of Holy Communion for
God’s people for our worship services. Members of this team prepare and set up
the elements before worship. You may help at either service; detailed
instructions are provided.
Day: First Sunday of each month
Time: 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. (starts a half hour before
each service)
Location: Sanctuary
Communion Servers
Kim Fuller
309.496.1660
k_fuller@frontiernet.net
Servers have the honor of assisting with serving Holy
communion during our worship services. Training is provided. You may serve at
either service
Day: First Sunday of each month
Time: 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.
Location: Sanctuary
Lector/Worship Leaders
Rev. Jackie
Perry
309.762.0787
jackie@fccmoline.org
Lectors/Worship Leaders assist in leading the congregation
in worship (Saturday or Sunday) by reading scripture, leading liturgy and
assisting with sacraments and rituals. Lectors/Worship Leaders assist with
special services such as Christmas Eve and during Holy Week. This is a
short-term commitment. Training is provided.
Day: Saturday Evening
service (5:30 p.m.) and
Sunday Morning services (9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.) and Special Services
through out the year.
Location: Church
Prayer Group
Sunny
Moorhusen
309.654.2492
An hour of quiet, meditative prayer and worship where
sharing leads to deeper friendship.
Day: Thursday mornings
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Parlor
Van Ministry
Mike
Bealer
309.799.7740
mdb41550@aol.com
Provide rides to the 11:00 a.m. worship service Sunday
morning to those unable to drive. Several drivers are needed for a rotating
schedule.
Day: Sunday Mornings
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Quad Cities area
Hospitality Team
Sonja Miller
309.496.9947
babylv1111@aol.com
The hospitality teams practices the spiritual discipline of
welcoming guests to our church in a way that makes them feel at home and gives
them the opportunity to make connections and friendships in the church. The
team both greets and makes follow-up contacts on Sunday morning to our guests.
You may choose which Sundays to work. You may simply be a greeter or also be on
the planning team. The team meets monthly on Sunday mornings.
Day: Greeters meet Sunday mornings before services,
Sanctuary
Monthly team meetings
are the 2nd Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Library.
Baptismal Gift Cross Stitchers
Shannon
Gruhlke
309.762.0787
shannon@fccmoline.org
Each child baptized in our church receives a framed gift
that has a cross-stitched verse and is personalized with the child’s name and
baptismal date. Work is done individually; schedule is flexible depending on
when baptisms occur. Cross stitchers are encouraged to join this ministry;
guidance and support is available.
Card Ministry
Jan
Bjurstrom
309.762.8994
janb@att.net
Beautiful handmade cards are sent to people in our community
and all over the country to those who need encouragement and support.
Day: Every other Thursday, or as called
Time: 9:30 a.m.. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Church parlor
Worship Arts
Rev. Jackie Perry
309.762.0787
jackie@fccmoline.org
Explore your artistic side, enjoy creating with others while
serving worship and church life through the arts. This has included making
banners for worship and exploring different designs for the liturgical
paraments. Ministry is project driven and may be expanded to include
flowers/altar creations, bulletin covers, prints, drawings, art exhibitions,
poetry or dramatic readings and the like.
Day: Call for details
Time: Call for details
Location: Church
Warm Fuzzies
Kathy Harris
309.797.5939
This group uses donated yarn and supplies to craft mittens,
hats, scarves, and other items to give to those in need. Those interested come
when they can to work on items, learn new techniques, and enjoy lively
conservation. Items are also sold at the Mission Fair (usually in October or
November) to benefit that committee’s projects.
Day: Wednesdays (September through May)
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Childcare: No
Location: Large Dining Room
First Friends
Michele Panicucci, Chair
309.797.4527
gpanic@mchsi.com
Be a friend to our guests before
and after they join our church.
Introduce them to other members,
invite them to church activities
and inform them of ministry
opportunities. Help “show them the
way” into the life of First
Congregational Church.
Day: no set day
Time: no set time
Location: no set location
Mission Ministries
Churches United Meal Sites
Rev. Jackie Perry
309.762.0787
jackie@fccmoline.org
Prepare and serve a meal at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in East
Moline, a Churches United meal site. . Our church commits to serve 8 to 10
times throughout the year. Why not start a family tradition of service, or ask
a friend to serve with you? Sign up at least one week ahead of time. Helpful
guidelines are located with the sign up sheets.
Day: see sign-up sheets in Church Library
Time: see sign-up sheet
Location: Mt. Zion Baptist Church (East Moline)
Winnie’s Place
Corinne
Potter
309.788.4854
pottercorinnej@sau.edu
We work with Churches United to help women in transition
from homelessness to a self-supporting lifestyle. Assist through donations to
the shelter.
Day: Varies
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Thanksgiving Baskets
Mike Walters
309.794.0926
Distribute food baskets to local families in need. Last year
96 local families receive two large baskets of food each to prepare
Thanksgiving dinner for their families. Help put the baskets together and
deliver them.
Day: Saturday and Sunday before Thanksgiving
Time: TBA
Location: Church dining rooms
Mission Fair
Assist
the Mission Board in raising money and raising awareness of the challenges
faced by people throughout the world. A wonderful variety of quality and unique
items from around the world are sold at the fair. A fair
price is paid to those who make craft and food items;
proceeds from the sale go to world missions. Buy your Christmas gifts here and
enjoy Saturday’s fair with our Chili Cookoff!
Day: October or November
Location: Church Dining Room
Giving Tree
Brenda Duckett
309.797.3662
bduckett@gmail.com
Provide Christmas gifts for persons in need. Local agencies
provide names and wish lists and volunteers choose names and purchase the
gifts. Last year 115 people received gifts.
Day: Sign-up times provided
Time: As scheduled
Location: Deliver to the church
Boards and Committees
Church Council
Mark Churchill,
Chair
309.787.2625
mchurchill@churchillfirm.com
Council is the group that is responsible for the overall
direction and ministry of the church on a month-by-month basis. Its membership
is nominated by the congregation at the annual meeting and is made up of
at-large members and the chairpersons of the major church boards and
committees. Members of this board are nominated and voted on at the annual
meeting. If interested in serving a 3-year term commitment, contact Mark.
Day: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Board Room A, Lower Level Education Wing
Board of Trustees
Dan Neff, Chair
309.797.1997
dneff@aquent.com
The Trustees oversee building and grounds, financial management,
budgeting, stewardship, investment of the church’s endowments, and wills and
bequests. This committee is broken into subgroups of each of the above areas.
Members of this board are nominated and voted on at the annual meeting. If
interested in serving a 3-year term commitment, contact Dan.
Day: 3rd Monday of each month
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Board Room A, Lower Level Education Wing
Diaconate Board
Russ Armstrong, Chair
309.736.1083
russcella@earthlink.net
The Diaconate is responsible for overseeing the elements of
worship, and monitors the membership of the congregation. This includes all
matters related to worship (communion serving, ushers, evaluating worship,
etc.) and the formation of programs that tend to the wellbeing of the
congregation. Members of this board are nominated and voted on at the annual
meeting. If interested in serving a 3-year term commitment, contact Russ.
Day: 4th Tuesday of each month
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Church parlor
Church Life and Growth Board
Marcia Renaud, Chair
563.324.2170
marpjr@aol.com
Our goal is to develop ways for all members to make friends,
identify gifts and talents, and find a meaningful place of ministry. Help us
build pathways of belonging so we can connect and involve members in our
congregation.
Day: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Jr. High Classroom, Lower Level
Music Board
Kim Porembski, Chair
309.762.2143
eskikim@gmail.com
At
First Congregational, music is inspiring and worshipful as we use our talents
and gifts to give praise and glory to God. The purpose of Music Board is to
assure that the music programs of the Church are of the best possible
quality. It is not necessary to be musically talented to be
a member of this board.
Day: 1st Tuesday of each month
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Church Parlor
Red Wagon Board
Sherri Moorhusen, Chair
309.523.2321
smoor@frontiernet.net
Our Board works with Wendy Simmon, Director of Red Wagon
Daycare & Preschool to help facilitate the needs of Red Wagon students and
staff. Talk to Sheila if you are interested in being nominated to serve.
Day: 4th Monday of each month
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Church Parlor
Board of Christian Education
Michele Duckett, Chair
563.340.9791
pumpkintzu@gmail.com
The CE Board oversees children, youth, and adult educational
ministries in our church including Church School, Vacation Bible School, and
special events and studies. Each member of the Board serves on a subcommittee
overseeing one aspect of Christian Education in our church. Talk to Michele if
you are interested.
Day: 1st Tuesday of each month
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Board Room A, Lower Level Education Wing
Personnel Committee
Gayle Haun, Chair
309.736.1679
dglshaun@mchsi.com
Personnel has the responsibility for visioning staffing
needs, hiring staff positions (except pastors), evaluating staff, establishing
and maintaining personnel policies, and making recommendations regarding budget
needs to cover the expense of staff salaries. This committee is nominated and
voted on
at the annual meeting. If interested in serving a 3-year
term commitment, contact Gayle.
Day: 1st Monday of each month
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Senior Pastor’s
Office
Youth Board
Heidi Hulme
309.762.0787
heidi@fccmoline.org
This board is represented by 6 junior/senior high students
and 4 adult leaders and is responsible for planning and approving the Youth Group
schedule, along with learning how to be leaders within the church.
Day: Second Sunday of each month
Time: 4:15 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Church Parlor
Wellness Committee
Sara McLees, Parish Nurse
309.762.0787
sara@fccmoline.org
This
committee serves to promote wellness of body, mind, and spirit within the
congregation. It is to assist, guide, and promote the parish nurse program.
Day: Quarterly, to be announced
Time: To be announced
Location: Parish Nurse’s Office
Fellowship Groups: Friendship and Support
Men’s Association
David Hulme, Chair
563.514.1456
d.hulme@mchsi.com
Make connections with men, young and old, who get to know
each other through recreational activities and service projects. Fall
plans include a best ball golf tournament, cookouts, work on repairs to the
church after the flood, and rehabbing houses in the church neighborhood. Call
David for details.
Day: No set day
Time: No set time
Location: No set location
Women’s Connections
Nancy Keller, Co-chair
309.736.7506
nancykeller@mail.com
Sally Sohner,
Co-chair 309.762-0344
salsohner@aol.com
This is a great way to make connections with both young and
older women in the church through fellowship opportunities and service
projects. There are planned meetings and programs throughout the year,
preparing and serving funeral luncheons, and other various requests.
Day: Varies
Time: Varies
Location: Various locations within the church
Church Bridge Group
Ginny Larsen, Chair
309.797.8371
ginnylarsen@gmail.com
All bridge players are invited to come for an afternoon of
cards, fun, and fellowship on the first Tuesday of each month. Three rounds of
6 hands each are played each time. New players are always welcome.
Day: 1st Tuesday of each month
Time: 1:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Location: Church parlor
Retired Folks
Come join us for breakfast and fellowship as we share laughs
and memories with each other. We are always looking for more people to join us!
Day: 1st, 3rd and 5th
Tuesday of each month
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Village Inn Restaurant, 2122 53rd
Street, Moline 309.797.5556
Congregators Dining Group
Buck and Coralie Wendt
309.797.3320
Join
the Congregators for food and conversation. This is a great way to meet and
fellowship with other adult members of the church. This group has been meeting
for many years and is always an enjoyable fellowship. The group is
predominantly retired individuals and couples, but all ages of adults are
welcome.
Day: 2nd Thursday of each month (April, May,
June, September, October, November and December)Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Church unless otherwise announced
Dinner Club
Hosts for Dinner Club
rotate 309.762.0787
The Dinner Club is a monthly fellowship
group attended by many of the active members of our church. Join the group for
great food and conversation.
Day: Varies
Time: Varies
Location: Varies