News and Info
from First Congregational Church of Battle Creek
Many are deconstructing their faith entirely, seeking to reimagine it for another generation. For us, the way forward seems daunting and bewildering. Yet, we are still here. Christ is still risen. And we still have a priceless gift to offer this world. What does this moment ask of us as a community seeking to embody God’s love on earth?
Read MoreWe invite you to join us for Holy Week us as we journey through the eye of the needle in our annual remembrance of Jesus’ self-offering, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Read MoreDue to the winter weather we have decided to close on Sunday, January 14th. There will be no worship service at 10AM.
Read MorePerhaps many of us live with the myth that joy is not something we deserve—or that it is wholly out of reach. But our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God. Can you tether yourself to that deep truth? You deserve to feel joy—fully. The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. Our joy is better when it is shared. Share in our joy this Advent!
Read MoreDuring this season of change, I wanted to take a moment to update you on the progress of my managed transition, which officially began on September 1. Over the past month, we've navigated some unforeseen circumstances, including unexpected staffing changes which required adjustments to my transition plan. My focus has been on supporting Nate as he takes on additional responsibilities while I transition out of my role as Executive Director. His dedication and the support of other church leadership have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition.
In the upcoming weeks, I will dedicate my time to critical tasks, including documentation related to the creation of the 2024 budget, organizing essential documentation for building management, and communicating with key community…
Read MoreFirst Congregational Church of Battle Creek (fccbc.org) is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Operations Coordinator to join our team.
Read MoreIt has been an exciting and transformative journey that First Congregational Church of Battle Creek (FCCBC) has embarked upon in partnership with Partners for Sacred Places. Over the past year, we have been working diligently to create a transition plan for the FCCBC building into an arts, culture, and spirituality center that can better serve both our congregation and the broader community. In this article, we will share the progress we've made, the challenges we've encountered, and the vision that is emerging as we move forward.
Read MoreDear Members of First Congregational Church and the Battle Creek community,
I am writing to share an important update regarding my role as Executive Director at First Congregational Church and the managed transition plan that has been developed in the last two weeks. As you may already know, on September 3rd, I announced in worship, through email, and on social media my resignation from this position that has been more than just a job—it's been a calling and a privilege. Since that announcement, I have been working diligently in my part-time capacity at FCCBC, focusing on developing a comprehensive plan
Read MoreThis fall in Wisdom School, we'll be exploring The Gospel of Thomas. This collection of Jesus’ subtle, challenging, and revolutionary sayings reveal him as his earliest students encountered him: a living master of conscious transformation.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe that summer is already drawing to a close. I continue to be grateful for our journey together, and for the ways we have grown in our faith and our commitment to one another over the last several months. Here are some notes and updates on that journey.
Read MoreThis fall, we’re exploring some of the songs and canticles of the First and Second Testaments, songs which have kept the story of God’s presence and mercy alive and burning in the hearts of countless women and men.
Read MoreIn a deeply divided era of remarkable shifts, accelerating technological advancements, and new ways of thinking about what it means to be human, we find ourselves on the brink of something new, seeking guidance and inspiration. This summer, we’ll explore how the early Christian community met similar challenges in their own moment in history.
Read MoreThese past several weeks of Eastertide have been an incredible season of growth for our community as we’ve deepened our understanding and engagement with the Easter mystery. As we’re wrapping up the Easter season, I want to highlight a couple of points of interest, and to give you a little roadmap for where we’re headed this summer.
Read MoreThis Eastertide, we invite you to the liberating spiritual practice of embodiment. We encourage you to explore the way our bodies and our senses can lead us into deeper communion with God’s presence in one another and in the world.
Read MoreIt’s kind of hard to believe that this past weekend marks three years since I crammed every cubic inch of my Scion with clothes, books, and a can-do attitude, loaded my dog Calvin up, and hit the interstate headed north for six hours to come to this city, to this community, to you, and to kick off the adventure of walking alongside you to be your pastor. Three whole years!
Read MoreOur questions won't necessarily lead to answers, but they can help us find clarity and a new perspective. Ultimately, we pray they lead to a new beginning, a restoration, a wider grace. Join us on Wednesday, February 22nd at 7PM in-person or online as we begin our Lenten journey!
Read MoreOur Advent & Christmas series From Generation to Generation… from the clergy and artists at A Sanctified Art reminds us of the ways our lives, histories, actions, and stories are interconnected and woven together. The work of God is always unfolding—in and through us. This Advent, may you remember that you belong—to a story etched into the wrinkles of time, to generations that have come before and will come after, to a love that won’t let you go. Join us for the first Sunday of Advent on November 27th!
Read MoreFor the next nine months at FCCBC, beginning on September 11th, we’ll be walking through the whole arc of Scripture as story as we follow the Narrative Lectionary. Each week, we’ll take a look at a different story and attempt to hear it with fresh ears and fresher imaginations.
Read MoreThe first phase of FCCBC’s work with Partners for Sacred Places* has been in full swing throughout the month of August. The 30+ interviews with key Battle Creek community members and stakeholders have largely been completed and research about FCCBC’s community impact will continue into early September. Sarah Jones, a Chicago based consultant with Partners, had a three day trip to Battle Creek. During this trip, she…
Read More“Out in front of us is the drama of [people] and of nations, seething, struggling, laboring, dying. Upon this tragic drama in these days our eyes are all set in anxious watchfulness and in prayer. But within the silences of the souls of men an eternal drama is ever being enacted, in these days as well as in others. And on the outcome of this inner drama rests, ultimately, the outer pageant of history.” (Thomas Kelly, Holy Obedience)
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