Read Treasurer Jennifer Jones' year-end report, here.

Worship, February 22

First Sunday in Lent

Seminary Sunday (CUE Special Offering)

As we begin our journey towards Easter, through the wilderness of Lent, we join Jesus in his own wilderness beset with temptations. He's just finished a forty day fast and now is barraged with questions and challenges from the devil. Jesus did not give in to the chaotic peppering of possibilities and poor choices, but would we? What kept him strong? How shall we take care of ourselves?

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, 25 - 3:7; Matthew 4:1-11

Liturgists: Jennifer Jones

Music: Chancel Choir sings Ysaÿe M. Barnwell's "Would You Harbor Me?"

Message of the Day: "Weary But Unbowed"

Coffee Fellowship in Inglis Room

Memorial Hall is unavailable on Sunday, so Coffee Fellowship will take place upstairs in the Inglis Room. Cheers!

Adult Ed, February 22
Home Repair Program

Sunday, February 22, our Adult Education session, starting at 11:20 in the Kishlar Room, will focus on a collaborative program between Churches Together for Justice (CTJ) and Rebuilding Together St. Louis (RTSTL) to repair homes for neighbors-in-need living in the 63119 ZIP code.

CTJ is composed of 12 congregations in 63119 and surrounding areas, has been in operation for more than five years, and is asking its participating congregations to fund a home repair effort in collaboration with RTSTL,

a not-for-profit corporation with 30 years of experience doing this work.

CTJ needs to raise at least $5,000 to sponsor at least one home in 2026. Up-front sponsorship is required to launch investigation (income eligibility, repair needs, etc.) into a home owned by a qualified applicant. Additional details about the program are available here.

People who are already interested in contributing can either contribute by using the “Give to Churches Together for Justice Home Repair” option on the FCC Donate Page or contact Doug Miller.

Pastoral Relations Committee,

February 22

The Pastoral Relations Committee is composed of church members given the responsibility of fostering a healthy relationship between the pastor and church members.

The Committee meets bi-monthly (next time on February 22) and seeks to maintain open communication between pastor, staff, and congregants; it is not a personnel or policy-making committee. The discussions of the committee are confidential, thus allowing members the freedom to express varying views.

Current members include Sharon Love, Emily Polaske, Dana Romeis, Dan Claggett, Anne Gerst, and Barbara Moore, and ex-officio members Moderator Chris von Weise and Pastor David Denoon.

We encourage all congregants to discuss with PRC members their concerns and views, both positive and negative, about what is going on in the life of the church and bring to light any issues that ought to be discussed.

CUE Seminaries Offering, February 22

This week, we celebrate and support the work of the CUE Seminaries - Chicago, United of the Twin Cities, and Eden. These three historic institutions were founded for and by the merging entities of the United Church of Christ. Chicago Theological Seminary was one of the first recipients of benevolence funds from First Church. Eden has faithfully supplied us with student ministers since 1927. These three are the UCC seminaries in the Midwest.

Envelopes for contributing to the CUE fund will be available from the Narthex tables, on Sunday. The seminaries are also one of the dropdown menu items at our website's Donation page.

Help Curate the Next Display Case

It is time to send the Epiphany display creches to their homes and create something for the Easter Season, perhaps an emphasis on The Cross.

Do you have a Cross or other favorite Easter items to share with us for the season? If so contact Joan Musbach and bring the item(s) to the church office. The plan is to change the display case the week of February 22.

Lady Elect Meeting, February 24

You are cordially invited to the February 24th (11:30) Lady Elect meeting in the Inglis Room, featuring Chair Yoga with Jeanene Harris. (This activity is a make-up session from our cancelled January meeting.) Wear comfy clothing and bring a sack lunch to eat after the workout. There will be a release form for you to sign, in order to participate. To rsvp, text or leave a voicemail for Marilyn at (314)894-2046. Include your name. It is necessary to RSVP again, even if you RSVP'd last month. People's plans change from month to month.

First Church Security Update, March 1st

On Sunday, March 1st, after worship, Pastor Dave Denoon, Kristy Barton, and Sharon Love will provide a recap of the “4-E Intruder Training” conducted a few months ago by Webster Groves Captain Jillian McCoy. They will also present recommended security improvements Capt. McCoy offered, after a walk-through of the building with the Pastor.

The Security Update on Sunday, March 1st, in the Inglis Room, will likely be the first of many discussions we will have as a church over the next year. Please, plan to attend.

If you need childcare in order to attend this important meeting, please contact Johari Hunt.

Adult Ed, March 22

Lynn Mark on Immigration Law

Lynn Mark, Accredited Representative in the Immigration Law Program of the Legal Services of Eastern Missouri will discuss the latest information on happenings within their practice in relationship to Immigration and ICE. There are so many changes coming that it’s hard to predict what will be on the agenda.

Habitat For Humanity Workdays,

May and October

St Louis Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and the UCC has been with them from the start. Our denomination's contributions and work days have resulted in an average of one "house build" per year over that 40 year period. In 2026, Habitat has big plans to build a minimum of 35 homes for deserving families. After completing the last home in the Lookaway neighborhood near Chain of Rocks, Habitat will initiate both new construction and rehabs in a number of metro areas including Maplewood, Hyde Park, Gravois Park and Dutchtown. The primary focus this year will be on the Evens neighborhood, northeast of U. City. Habit is careful to build where people want to live, close to grocery stores and other services. 

Our UCC group of 16 churches collectively donated $32,000 to Habitat last year. The largest piece of that was $9,000 raised from the St. Pat's Dinner at Samuel UCC in Clayton. This year's dinner will be held on Saturday, February 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The menu includes special Corned Beef from Kern Meat Co., potatoes, vegetables, soda bread and homemade desserts. I can tell you from experience, it's an excellent meal. The suggested donation is $20 for adults, and $6 for children. Every penny goes to the Habitat effort. Phil Shoulberg will have tickets for sale beginning this Sunday. 

This year, we at First Church have two opportunities to help hard-working people get in decent homes. On MAY 16, we'll combine with Hope UCC/Isaiah 58 to supply 10 workers. On OCTOBER 3, we will join congregants from St. Lucas UCC to again supply 10 workers. As we get closer to those dates, they will give us worksite locations. There are clipboard signup sheets for both dates in the office. 

Look for a the announcement regarding a celebration making the 40th Anniversary. Habitat is planning a late September Block Party in one of their new neighborhoods.

Sunday Volunteers

Please consider signing up for one or more of the following opportunities. The names of the opportunities are links to Google Sheet signups.

Worship staff will provide training:

Liturgist

Slideshow Presenter

A/V Volunteer

Girl Scout Cookie Season Has Returned

Girl Scout Ellington "Ellie" Fisher has opened her virtual cookie shop at this link. From there, you can order your favorite Girl Scout cookies, and maybe even discover some new favorites!

Every cookie purchase supports the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. Plus, you help power amazing programs for Ellie's troop—because all proceeds stay local!

Thanks again for helping me reach my cookie goals!

Ellington

Girl Scout Cookie Program

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Inc

St. Pat's Dinner at Samuel UCC, February 28

Camp MoVal Trivia, March 6

OPPORTUNITIES AT CAMP MOVAL:

Registration for summer camps is now open. Follow this link to learn more or register. (Please note: Youth and child campers from First Church are provided with a Christian Education subsidy worth half their participation fee! So, be sure to let Johari know you're signing up.)

If you'd like to volunteer your time doing various odd jobs and repairs with a wonderful group of others, sign up for Mission Mondays at MoVal, every fourth Monday in a month. For more information, contact Contact Myron Ury, Volunteer Coordinator, 314-471-2349 (call or text) or myronury@gmail.com.

Chili Benefit for the Unhoused, March 7

Gateway ONA Convocation, March 7

Jacqueline Novak's Comedy Show, March 27

Jacqueline Novak, sister of our very own Rebecca Novak, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and published author. Her off-Broadway, one-woman show Get On Your Knees was a New York Times "Critic's Pick," and her performance was nominated for a 2020 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance. In 2024, Get On Your Knees was made into a Netflix special, directed by Natasha Lyonne, for which she received a 2024 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. Tickets can be purchased here or elsewhere online.

MEAL-A-MONTH

February Shopping List

Canned Tuna, packed in Water • Tuna Helper • Canned Carrots (low or no salt)

Canned Fruit in own juices • Powdered Milk, shelf stable milk, soy milk

Diapers • Diaper Wipes • Formula with Iron

What’s Going on at First Church

For a complete calendar of all church events and building use,

please click here for our online calendar.

Sunday, February 22

First Sunday in Lent

Seminary Sunday (CUE Special Offering)

9:00AM Canterbury Bells Warmup - Sanctuary

9:45AM Nursery Care Available

10:00AM Worship

10:15AM Kids' Church

11:05AM Coffee Fellowship - Inglis!

11:20AM Adult Ed: Home Repair Project - Kishlar

11:30AM Pastoral Relations Committee

Monday, February 23

7:00PM Executive Ministry (Zoom)

Tuesday, February 24

10:30AM Staff Meeting - Church Office

11:00AM Lady Elect - Inglis

Wednesday, February 25

9:30AM Yoga with Jeanene - Inglis Room

Thursday, February 26

9:00AM Journeymen - Parlor

6:00PM Canterbury Bells - Sanctuary

7:30PM Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Sunday, March 1

Sacrament of Christ's Table

Second Sunday in Lent

9:00AM Brown Baggers

9:45AM Nursery Care Available

10:00AM Worship

10:15AM Kids' Church

11:05AM Coffee Fellowship - Memorial Hall

11:20AM Adult Ed: Church Security Update - Inglis



Charlie Brader - February 5

Sandra Hoffsten - February 5

K Wentzien - February 6

Mary Edwards - February 6

Cory DeWald - February 7

Elyse von Weise - February 8

Kathy Hill - February 11

Phoenix Hill - February 14

Doug Barton - February 15

Erick Falconer - February 16

Pat Doyle-Grace - February 20

Martin Mills - February 21

Elle Polaske - March 5

Emery Fisher - March 9

Brennan Butler - March 12

Kris Rinne - March 14

Kitty Pearl - March 18

Lauren Gomez - March 20

Jim Harris - March 21

Casen Hood - March 21

Nick Suber - March 25

Amy Byrne - March 26

Danny Smith - March 29

The Listen Everywhere system is our new accommodation for people who need assisted-listening. Listen Everywhere can be downloaded to your phone and can be used with or without hearing aids. If your phone is incompatible with the Listen system, we also have stand-alone units available. Please see Mark Metcalf, this Sunday, to get started using the Listen system, or email him at markmetcalf@firstchurchwg.org.

Let Breeze Serve as Your Church Directory

If you would like to access the church directory, change your listing there, or check on your donations, Breeze is the app for you!

Here are a few simple steps, for you to access information from and about the church on your personal devices:

1. Download the breeze app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play store (Android phone)!
2. The app will ask you to provide your Church ID, which is is: fccwgstlmo
3. Last, use your Username and Password to log into the app! (If you don't know your Username, contact the Church Office.)

To download a flier about using the Breeze website or app, including further instructions, click here.

To access the Breeze website, click on this link.

Give to First Church

CLICK HERE to donate online,

to make a pledge to the church.

Otherwise, you can send a check payable to “FCCWG” to:

First Congregational Church

10 W. Lockwood Ave.

Webster Groves, MO 63119

Sunday bulletins can be found by clicking here. They are uploaded by Friday for the upcoming Sunday.

Watch recorded videos of Sunday worship and other events on our YouTube page.