Services | First Congregational United Church of Christ Alexandria, MN

Seasons of Worship

Christmas Season

December 24 & 25

The Christmas season is always festive at First Congregational Church and it begins with our celebration of Advent; the spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Through service music, Choir cantatas, anthems, Advent Candle Lighting, scripture, storytelling, preaching, drama and the “Hanging of the Greens,” we get into the spirit of Christmas.

Everyone looks forward to the annual Children’s Christmas program, Choir Cantata and the 4pm Family Christmas Eve Service, December 24th.

Lenten Season

April 1, 2018

Our season of Lent begins with a traditional Ash Wednesday service which includes the imposition of ashes for those desiring it. Thereafter, on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, we do what we call, Midweek Lenten Meals.

We begin with a supper provided by volunteers and then move into the activity or study for the evening. We have watched video series, done book studies and had guest speakers on a wide variety of subjects. The season concludes with a traditional Maundy Thursday service and Tenebrae service.

Easter Season

April 1, 2018

Our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus is another highlight of our liturgical year! Through uplifting music, drama, choral presentations, preaching and children’s messages we celebrate the good news of God’s gift of new life.

Other Special Services

Annual Service of Remembrance

January 7, 2018

The first Sunday in January is set aside for our annual ‘Service of Remembrance.’ Our deceased members are named and recognized during the service from the past year. A white rose is given to each family in memory of their loved one

Celebration of Aging

Periodically we do special services of recognition, such as the “Celebration of Aging.” It is then that our members over the age of 80 are recognized and appreciated. We have video interviewed them and then used highlights of those interviews to be shared on Sunday morning.

Veterans’ Sunday

We are pleased to honor our veterans, both living and those residing in the heavenly realm, through the singing of patriotic hymns, the reading of testimonials and color guard presentations by the VA. For those who wish it, a photo is displayed on the projection screen as the name and branch of service of our veterans is read aloud.