Our Mission
- As the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Flagstaff, we accept the life and teaching of Jesus Christ as a way of establishing a covental relationship with God, with one another, and with all of God's creation.
- As an Open and Affirming congregation, we reach out to welcome all who wish to join in a spiritual journey based on a Christian tradition, attentive to the Word of God. We respect diversity among us and honor different theological and philosophical traditions.
- In an atmosphere of inclusion and care, we seek to create an extended church family, nurturing individual spiritual development of members and friends of all ages. We serve as a positive force for wider community care, peace, social justice and other forms of responsible stewardship.
Mission of the Moment
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Opposition to Arizona Immegration Law S.B. 1070
On 2010 April 24, the Southwest Conference of the UCC overwhelmingly voted to send a letter to President Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, Secretary Janet Napolitano and Governor Jan Brewer condemning the Arizona Immigration Law S.B. 1070. The text of the letter outlines actions of opposition to be taken by the Southwest Conference of the UCC and recommendations for individual and corporate action.
At that same meeting, the Conference also passed a resolution "A Call for a More Humane US Immigration Policy; End Migrant Deaths; Support Immigrant Communities" encouraging the US government to immediately act to repair our broken immigration policy. This resolution originated at Shadow Rock UCC.
On 2010 April 25, many conference delegates, including members of FCCF, attended a demonstration against SB 1070. The demonstration was held at the Arizona State House in Phoenix, Arizona.
Since that time, Philip Reller has taken the lead in organizing SW Conference UCC opposition to SB 1070. Please contact Phil at the Justice Witness Team of the Southwest Conference of the UCC before May 10 to find how we may oppose this law as people of faith.
New Missions
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Home and Hearth
Members of our congregation are offering to let visitors stay in their homes while the visitors are vacationing or traveling through Flagstaff. We encourage visitors to make a contribution to our church. We are advertising primarily in other UCC churches within the SW Conference and hope that these "Home Stays" will let us become more interconnected within the conference and be a part of the Extravagant Welcome for which the UCC is famous. Check out our Brochure.
On-Going Missions in the Community
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The Food Bank
The children help collect non-perishable food from the parishioners each Sunday during the church service. Once a month the food is delivered to the Care and Share Food Bank in Flagstaff.
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Good Cents Offering
The loose change from each Sunday's collection plate is gathered and donated quarterly to one of the following: Northland Family Help Center, Senior Living Foundation, Heifer International, or Humane Borders.
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Family Food Center
A group of people from First Congregational Church team with staff from the Arizona Daily Sun and United Campus Ministries to serve food to the homeless at the Family Food Center on the second Monday of each month.
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Knit Wits Too
The knitting and crocheting group meets the third Saturday of each month at the church at 1:30 pm. Anyone interested in making knitted or crocheted lapgans (small blankets) is invited. Lapgans are donated to organizations in the community that work with children and elders. Yarn donations are greatly appreciated.
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Quilts for Kids
The quilting group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays to make small quilts for the Flagstaff Police Department Toys For Tots program. Fabric is furnished; bring your own sewing supplies and machine. Everyone is welcome.
On-Going Missions in the World
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Neighbors in Need
Neighbors in Need supports ministries that address poverty, economic development, human rights, peacemaking, violence prevention, racial and economic justice, environmental concerns, and public policy advocacy. This annual offering is collected in the fall.
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Climb to Conquer Cancer
Each year a group from the First Congregational Church joins the annual cancer prevention fund-raising event for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Participants walk seven miles up Snowbowl Road honoring those who have battled or are battling cancer. The Climb takes place the third Saturday in August.
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Heifer International
A gift of a Heifer International animal sets in motion a series of events that make a difference and change lives of those living in poverty. How? Increased nutrition, income, community development, education, housing, and empowerment.
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UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)
UNICEF works throughout the world to advocate for children's rights and to help children meet their basic needs and reach their full potential. The children "trick or treat" on the Sunday prior to Halloween to collect funds for UNICEF.
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One Great Hour of Sharing
Money collected for the One Great Hour of Sharing programs through the United Church of Christ is used to build sustainable communities, meet emergency needs in the US and disaster relief internationally, and aid the refugee and immigration ministries. This annual offering is collected in the spring.