Pastor's Corner

First Congregational United Church of Christ
54 So. Jackson St, Janesville, WI 53548

Church Office: firstcon@tds.net

(608) 752-8716

Rev. Wesley Bixby: firstconpastor@tds.net

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

"A Caring Church for Thinking People"
Since 1845

External Links

UCC Web Site

WI Conference UCC

SW Wisconsin Association UCC

United Church Camps

*Pastor's Corner*	Message from Pastor Wes A Scattering of Lilies It is the morning after Easter. We have shouted “Alleluia”, we have listened again to the sacred narrative that sets our faith spinning, and we have celebrated the promise that death does not and will not have the last word. The morning after Easter dawns and we still hear the echo of brass. The morning after Easter arrives and there in our sanctuary is a scattering of lilies. As I look at the left over flowers and the candelabras with candles and wax, it looked like there had just been a grand party. As I stood there in our sanctuary, I thought about the day after Easter. Like the disciples centuries ago just because we’ve journeyed into the empty tomb, just because we’ve heard the good news that Christ is risen, that does not mean we know what we are to do or to say or what to believe the day after Easter. The mystery of Easter does not unravel itself neatly to us after the 40 days of our Lenten journey.
The mystery of Easter does not resolve itself when the last Alleluia is sung. The mystery of Easter rather invites us to move deeper into our faith. In the coming weeks, together as people of faith we will listen to the response of those first disciples and indeed ponder our own response as people of faith today. We ponder the reality of doubt, we will hear of eyes being open only when bread is broken, and we will prayerfully ask ourselves; ‘why exactly is it that we believe?’ It is my prayer for all of us that as the lilies disappear, as the final jellybeans are enjoyed from the candy dish, and as we move into April and May that we will continue to let the mystery of Easter stir with us. And as we ponder the good news that Christ is risen, we will find a deeper connection with our faith springing forth! God’s blessings to you in these early days of spring. For Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Alleluia! *See you in church.* Pastor Wes 608/752-8716 (church) firstconpastor@tds.net (email)

The Christian Century (read the latest online edition)	"The CHRISTIAN CENTURY magazine believes that the Christian faith calls Christians to a profound engagement with the world--an engagement of both head and heart. We think Christians can and must articulate their faith in a way that is meaningful and intellectually compelling to those around them. That is why the CENTURY examines issues of politics and culture as well as theology, and that's why it pays attention to the challenges of faith that arise in our everyday lives as parents, friends, spouses and citizens. We also think that faith is nurtured in community--that's why we care about handing down the rich practices of the Christian tradition as lived out in congregations and denominations." ["Our Mission" from the Christian Century web site]

Sojourners (read the latest online edition)	"Our mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world. In response to this call, we offer a vision for faith in public life by: publishing Sojourners magazine, Sojo Mail and other resources that address issues of faith, politics, and culture from a biblical perspective; preaching, teaching, organizing, and public witness; nurturing community by bringing together people from the various traditions and streams of the church; hosting an annual program of voluntary service for education, ministry, and discipleship. In our lives and in our work, we seek to be guided by the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and humility." [Mission from the Sojourners web site]