Growing in Spirit
We understand growing in the Spirit as a life-long journey. Questions, doubts, searching, mystery -- we believe they’re all a part of the experience as we nurture and support one another to find faith-filled answers that are true to who we are through Christ. We offer tools and a welcoming environment for children, youth, adults, and families of all kinds to discover the unconditional love of God, explore the life of Jesus, develop awareness of social, justice, and peace issues, and grow in relationship with God and one another.
Children's Faith Learning Community
A Re-Visioning of Sunday School!
On Sunday mornings, families begin together in the sanctuary and then after a special Children’s Time, children leave worship to join their adult leaders for classes: preschool/kindergarten, 1st to 3rd grade, 4th to 6th grade. Through age appropriate curriculum that engages the many ways children learn, they explore the older and newer testament Bible stories in a way that relates to life today. From the very beginning of their spiritual journey we hope to encourage self-confidence and the gift of wondering.
Youth
Youth are involved in the life of the church. In addition to programs specific to them, youth regularly participate in worship, share musical gifts, participate in service projects and are supported to initiate projects around issues they are drawn to and to serve as leaders in children’s programs.
Synergy Youth Group meets monthly, on Wednesday evenings, from September to May. Youth 4th to 6th grade join for conversation and activities, and grow in spirit through being together in a caring, accepting community.
The Gathering meets monthly, on Wednesday evenings, from September to May. Youth in 7th grade gather to learn more about the Bible and our faith tradition, to ask questions and explore leadership roles, break bread and 'do' community together. The anticipation is the The Gathering youth will move next year into Confirmation.
Confirmation is a year long journey for middle school youth that meets twice each month, on Wednesday evenings, from September to May. Youth more deeply explore our faith tradition, visit with other faith communities, and ask larger questions about beliefs and issues. After going through the process, each youth decides whether to be confirmed, which happens during worship in the spring.
Senior High Youth Group meets throughout the year as a safe and energetic place for young people to explore and question. Here they can continue to develop leadership skills and be a part of service and mission projects.
Camps and Retreats: Middle School and High School youth get a sense of the concerns and joys of the larger church, and have opportunities to develop relationships with youth from across the state, as they participate in events offered through the MN Conference. During the summer, along with adult leaders from our church, they have the opportunity for a youth camp experience.
Adults
We learn with each other through invited speakers and films concerning spiritual, social, and justice issues, and throughout the year adults gather on Sunday afternoons for conversation around books and the Bible. Some books we’ve read include: Convictions (Marcus Borg), The Powers That Be (Walter Wink), Falling Upward (Richard Rohr), Getting to the Heart of Interfaith (Mackenzie, Falcon, and Rahman).
In order to create a safe environment for all people, First Congregational UCC has passed a comprehensive SafeChurch policy that is updated and shared regularly. For more information, contact the church office at katoucc@mankatoucc.org.