07/17/2026
Hands & Hearts celebrates the ministries and teams whose gifts shape the life of Decorah Congregational United Church of Christ. Each month of this series, we'll shine a light on one aspect of our shared ministry, honoring the people whose often unseen acts of service strengthen our congregation and extend Christ's welcome into the world.
Fellowship Ministry
Extending Our Welcome — Healing the World One Heart at a Time
Some of the most meaningful moments at Decorah UCC happen after the benediction. Around a cup of coffee, a shared treat, or a simple conversation, strangers become friends, visitors become neighbors, and a congregation becomes a community.
That is the quiet ministry of Fellowship.
While coffee is brewed, tables are set, and refreshments are prepared, something much deeper is taking place. Fellowship Ministry creates a welcoming space where people linger, reconnect after the week, meet someone new, or simply enjoy being together. It is often during these unhurried moments that encouragement is offered, friendships deepen, and people discover they belong.
As one volunteer reflected, Fellowship Ministry "serves to bring people together in a time and a space where they can feel comfortable with conversation—and a treat at the same time." It is that simple combination of hospitality, conversation, and care that transforms an ordinary coffee hour into an expression of welcome.
Volunteers shared that two moments on Sunday mornings are especially meaningful: the communal prayers during worship and the fellowship that follows. Worship draws us together in spirit, while coffee hour gives us the opportunity to know one another more personally. Around a cup of coffee, a bowl of grapes, or a shared piece of cake, people catch up on one another's lives, welcome visitors, celebrate joys, and quietly support one another through difficult seasons.
Behind those moments is a team whose ministry extends far beyond serving refreshments. Volunteers organize supplies, coordinate schedules, prepare food, clean up, and thoughtfully consider the needs of everyone who gathers. Gluten-free choices, lower-sugar options, and other accommodations are offered so that hospitality can truly include everyone.
Norma Jean beautifully describes another dimension of the ministry:
"I appreciate Fellowship Ministry time as it offers an ease and flow of conversation as people go through the serving line. I also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with others on the Fellowship team as we support one another in making the kitchen a space where people in the congregation can share their gifts of hospitality and service."
That spirit of collaboration is woven throughout the ministry. Fellowship is not simply about serving coffee—it is about creating opportunities for people to serve together, share their gifts, and strengthen relationships while caring for the congregation.
Joy is found in many small moments: watching children happily choose fresh fruit alongside a favorite treat, seeing longtime friends linger over another cup of coffee, or noticing someone who lives alone enjoying conversation they may not otherwise experience during the week. The ministry also extends its care beyond Sunday morning. After potlucks and Soup Sundays, leftovers are carefully shared with others so that fellowship continues beyond the church walls.
Like every ministry at Decorah UCC, Fellowship thrives because many people contribute in many different ways. Some volunteer regularly, others occasionally. Some bake, some help with setup or cleanup, and others partner with a friend to share responsibilities. Every act of service—whether five minutes or several hours—helps create the welcoming spirit our congregation is known for.
The Fellowship Team also continues to improve the way it serves. Recent conversations have focused on strengthening food safety practices through thoughtful serving procedures, improved sanitation, and equipment that protects the health of everyone who gathers, especially those who are more vulnerable.
How You Can Help
Volunteer to host coffee hour or assist with a special fellowship event.
Bring baked goods, fruit, or other refreshments.
Help with setup or cleanup, even for a short time.
Make a designated financial gift to support coffee, tea, serving supplies, food safety equipment, and hospitality expenses.
Fellowship Ministry is currently underfunded, and both volunteers and financial support help sustain this important ministry.
Every pot of coffee brewed, every table prepared, every conversation shared, and every welcome offered quietly says to each person who walks through our doors:
There is a place for you here.
If Fellowship Ministry speaks to your heart, we invite you to join us. Together, through hands that serve and hearts that welcome, we continue healing the world—one heart at a time.
