First Congregational United Church of Christ

	First Congregational United Church of Christ	About Us
		310 Broadway St. Eau Claire, WI 54703 Phone: 715-834-2668 Fax: 715-834-0674

The mission of the First Congregational United Church of Christ is to proclaim
the good news of Jesus Christ to all, exalting the worship of the one true God,
and laboring for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice,
the reign of peace, and the realization of human unity.

About Us

Contact Us

Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini

Senior Minister
pastor@firstucceauclaire.org

Rev. Lynn Scott
Director of Small Group and Family Ministries
lynns@firstucceauclaire.org

Jill Christopherson
Director of Religious Education
jillc@firstucceauclaire.org

Mary Barnes
Director of Elderlife
maryb@firstucceauclaire.org

Chad Murray
Youth Director
chadm@firstucceauclaire.org

Pam Braun
Nursery Coordinator

Jan Smith
Office Manager
jans@firstucceauclaire.org

Brent Podhaski
Custodian

Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff
Director of Music
schwargr@uwec.edu

Judy Lies
Organist

Denise Theyerl
Director of Youth Choirs

Meredith Pirazzini
Youth Choir Accompanist

The First Congregational United Church of Christ was organized in 1856 and is the oldest Protestant church in Eau Claire. We have about eight hundred members and are known for our outstanding choir and music program. We have joined in covenant with the United Church of Christ, which stresses freedom of faith and practice for the individual, autonomy for the local congregation, and service to God's cause of love and justice.

Our church is governed by its members elected to the church council and other committees. The nominating committee welcomes all people interested in serving on these committees. Our standing committees include Religious Education, Stewardship, Lay Life and Fellowship, Spiritual Life, Mission Education and Social Concerns, Church Growth & New Member and Facilities.

The work of our church is primarily accomplished by its members. We rely on our members to assist with worship by ushering, greeting, preparing communion, counting offerings (tellers), reading scripture and leading prayer. We hope members with special talents will help out as needs or projects arise.

The concept of encouraging every person to volunteer for a specific area is one of the most effective ways of maximizing the talents of the church. It sets us free to use the gifts that God has given to each one of us. Invariably we exceed our expectations in terms of ability, creativity, effectiveness, commitment, and accountability. The volunteer program puts ministry in the hands of the laity where it belongs from a Biblical perspective. Check out our listing of volunteer opportunities with descriptions.

Learn About Membership

If you are interested in joining this congregation where we worship, learn, love, encourage, explore, serve and journey together, please call the church office, 834-2668. Anyone interested in joining our church can do so by contacting the minister or office manager.

Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini,
Senior Minister

pastor@firstucceauclaire.org

Jan Smith, Office Manager

jans@firstucceauclaire.org

Our Church Profile

Worship services are offered each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Communion is held regularly throughout the year. Children are invited to the church service and may attend Sunday school following the Children's Message (about 20 minutes into the service).

Church school is offered for children through the seventh grade. Confirmation is offered. Special church school programs are offered during the summer and at various times throughout the year.

Nursery care for infants and toddlers is offered during all services of worship.

Mission opportunities are an important part of our church life and include, but are not limited to Habitat for Humanity, Feed My People, Interfaith Hospitality Network, and Community Table. Volunteers to help in these missions are always needed and appreciated.

Ministry opportunities within the church are numerous - mentoring confirmands, visiting shut-ins, those in nursing homes, or those who have been hospitalized; sending cards; providing transportation to church; participating in prayer chains; or helping with food service for luncheons, funerals, weddings, church events, or coffee hour. Volunteers for these ministries are always welcome.

Stewardship is an important part of church membership. Pledges of tithes, time, and talents are made yearly in the spring; Our fiscal year begins July 1. Pledge forms and envelopes are available from the church office.

A Memorial Garden has been established on church property for the internment of cremated ashes. A plaque near the Fireside room lists name of those interred. The church provides for and maintains this garden. There is no fee for this service.

Members in need of personal ministry (for example, inclusion in the prayer chain, spiritual counseling, homebound ministry, planning a wedding, funeral, or baptism) should speak with the minister or office manager.

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