Organ Benefit Concert

Yesterday, Sunday, October 14, 2012, was a busy one at First Congregational UCC.

The worship service was the kick-off for the Stewardship effort of the church in preparation for next year.  The sermon was "Give God the Best" and there was an additional stewardship speaker from the congregation, Katie Harle.

There was a Mission Fair that ran all day.  There were several tables selling gifts and fair trade items from around the world.  Our Illinois Maya Missions sponsored a table, selling Mayan craft items.

At 3:00 pm there was a concert to benefit a fund to improve and repair the pipe organ of the church.  The Quad City Brass, Chancel Choir, Bell Choir and a sporano soloist were featured.  A highlight was a solo by organist Dalaie Choi, the church organist.

The concert was followed by a Chili supper to benefit Christian Care.  The chili was good.

Busy as this sounds, each activity seemed to compliment the others.

Blessing of the Animals

 Here are a couple of photos from the Blessing of the Animals service held at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Moline, Illinois, last Saturday, October 6, 2012.  This date was chosen because it is near St Francis Day, which is October 4.  We think we had 14 dogs and three cats along with the two legged creatures at worship.  It was brisk outside, but the grass and trees provided good space for the animals!

NAMI Walk

First Congregational United Church of Christ, Moline, fielded a team of for the walk sponsored by the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill at Centennial Park in Davenport on Saturday, October 6, 2012.  Here is a photo of most of the team.  We ended up with a few more people and one more dog!

The team was organized by Sara McLees, parish nurse at the church.

The walk is a way to raise both funds and awareness for mental illness.  The day was both bright and brisk.