No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!
MISSION STATEMENT: We resolve to love, unite to serve, and commit to curiosity for God IS still speaking.
Events
What is happening at the First Congregational Church, Watertown, SD?
Join us for upcoming events at the church every month. We have some special things planned and we would love for you to join us. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, join in some fun activities, and learn more about our faith.
We have Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study, Crafters Fare, and Sunday mornings church services at 10 am, every is welcome.
The event / birthday calendar has more of the listings.
We look forward to seeing you.
Wed. Message
November 27, 2024
Give Thanks in All Circumstances
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks in all circumstances? Easy for you to say, Paul. We’re real people, with real problems. Some of us are broke. Some of us are chronically sick. Some of us are fighting with our significant other. Most of us are worried about the warming planet, the rising sea levels, the more frequent wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. We’ve got real problems, okay Paul?
Actually, so did Paul. He was arrested frequently for his faith. He spent a fair amount of time in prison, facing harassment and beatings. And he alludes in scripture to a “thorn in his flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7), which was probably some kind of chronic illness or chronic pain condition. Paul had real problems, too.
One of my favorite poets, Wendell Berry, once wrote the following about 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
“You mustn’t wish for another life. You mustn’t want to be somebody else. What you must do is this: ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.’ I am not all the way capable of so much, but those are the right instructions.”
Being thankful in all circumstances isn’t easy; it’s one of the most difficult spiritual disciplines. But being grateful is also good for us. Gratitude affirms worth and value independent of circumstantial things. According to Psychology Today, “Brain scans of people assigned a task that stimulates expression of gratitude show lasting changes in the prefrontal cortex that heighten sensitivity to future experiences of gratitude.” In other words, gratitude is something we can practice and become better at.
Giving thanks in all circumstances is not something I’m always capable of, either, but it something I’m practicing.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings, Pastor Dustin
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Please submit all reports for the monthly newsletter.
Please join us upstairs before church and downstairs in the Fellowship Hall following the worship service on Sunday mornings for coffee and treats, everyone is always welcome.
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Thursday, November 28, have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Saturday, Nov. 30 at 10:00 am, volunteers are needed to help putting up the Christmas decorations here at the church. We have the tags for the Angel Tree for decorating.
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Communion Sunday, December 1, 2024
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Parents; a message from Rachel: the Sunday School will be having a class photo taken for the church directory on Sunday December 1, 2024. The kids can dress up if they want, but it is not a requirement. If you don’t want your child in the class photo, please reach out to Rachel Clendenin, at 605-520-4489
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Church council meeting, Monday, December 9, 2024 6:00pm
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W.I.N.G.S. (Women n Gods Service) will have a Christmas get together on Saturday December 14th at 10:00. All women are welcome! Bring a dozen of your favorite Holiday treats to share with coffee! We also will be discussing our plans for next year.. Mark your calendars and plan to come! Thanks Brenda Foster
Christmas Fund Offering; Sunday, December 22, 2024
Check with Susan Aamold at saamold05@gmail.com if you would like to be in the upcoming church directory to see if you can still send a photo.
There is a list for Rachel's Hope (hygiene products) on the bulletin board by the entry way.
Bible Study, the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month at 3PM with Pastor Dustin, everyone is always welcome to
join us.
You are receiving the weekly message a day early, I will be out of the office on Wed. and Fri.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Money Counters:
Dec 01 Melissa Pond
Dec 08 Sue Pearson
Dec 16 Robin Briggs
Do we have your correct information?
If you have moved, taken out your landline, changed cell numbers, switched email addresses, etc.
We would greatly appreciate a note, email or phone call so we can update our records, Call or email:
605-886-6994 or ucc1wtn@midco.net.
A huge thank you!!
After faithfully serving First Congregational Church for many years as our volunteer worship live-streaming coordinator, Don Moore has decided to retire from that role. We want to thank Don for the many years that he worked to bring our worship services to homebound members, to those who worship with us in another state or time zone, and to all of us during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as for all the other ways that he and Marlys have contributed to the life of our congregation over the years. If you see Don in worship, or out and about in the community, please shake the man’s hand and tell him, “Thank You!”