First Congregational Church, Dodge Center, Minnesota

06/24/2026

Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil
.....
Full Recipe in Commеոτ

06/24/2026

The Darkest and Brightest Day

“When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” —John 19:30, NLT

“It is finished.”

These were Jesus’ last words on the cross. In that moment, history was split in two. It was the darkest day of creation: the sky mourned as the Son of God—through whom all things were made—took His last breath.

Jesus came as a true hero. He left His throne, His glory, and His divine position to dwell among us. He brought hope, peace, and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19); He embraced our fragility and weak faith. He didn’t just come to captivate a world distant from God but to reconcile it with its creator. He died for our sins so that we don’t have to bear that punishment and remain separated from God. Thanks to His sacrifice, we get to have eternal life and be with God forever. John 3:15 (NIV) promises: “everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”

The cross was cruel and ruthless, full of suffering and agony, yet it led to the resurrection. God spared nothing to change our story, written with the ink of the blood shed on the cross of Calvary.

When we share this story throughout generations, we invite others into the family of Christ and we share the greatest gift possible. And the dark becomes light.

Alex Campos

How can you live each day in response to Jesus’ sacrifice? Who can you share the hope we have in Jesus this week?

Jesus, thank You for giving up Your life for me. Please help me live each day in gratitude for Your sacrifice, and let my life reflect Your love and grace. Amen.

https://www.bible.com/verse-of-the-day/JHN.19.30/32867

06/23/2026

How to Serve God and Others

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God.” —1 John 4:7, NLT

As a child, one of my favorite things was listening to the stories of faith my dad shared with us. I was always amazed to see how God’s power and faithfulness had manifested in his life. It was so encouraging for me to see how his love for Jesus was evident in the way he loved and served others.

Now, as I develop my own relationship with Jesus, I have had the privilege to serve Him and witness the impact of sharing His love with others.

In 1 John 4:7 (NLT), the apostle John says, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another.” This reminds us that we are called to love because we know God. Serving Him is not about striving to earn His love but about responding to the love He has given us. When we love, we follow the great commandment, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ . . . This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37–38, NIV). We are then instructed to: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, NIV). We serve and love God by serving and loving His people.

How do we serve others? One way is to show the same compassion and grace God shows to us each day. This grace and compassion are a sweet gift to share with others and it shows others the light of Christ (John 8:12).

Daniela Calveti

Who can you share God’s love with this week? In what areas can you serve Him in your church, your community, or your work?

Loving God, thank You for the love You’ve given me. May my life reflect Your grace. Please help me see others as You see them, with a lens of love and compassion. Amen.

https://www.bible.com/verse-of-the-day/1JN.4.7/13737

06/22/2026

God, thank You because in Jesus, I see the fulfillment of Your promises. Please help me trust in Your faithfulness, even when the hardships persist. Amen.

06/16/2026

Being used by God to bring heaven to earth is meant to be a part of the normal, daily Christian life. We are called to more than simply working a job, going to school, hanging out with friends, and trying to enjoy life. No matter what job you work, God wants to bring the kingdom to earth through you. No matter who your friends are or where you find yourself, God wants to bring the kingdom to earth everywhere around you. If you will say yes every day to the adventure of being used by God, your life will begin to take on a whole new purpose so much more fulfilling than anything you’ve previously experienced. May you live to see God’s kingdom come to earth through your life today.

“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver ...

06/11/2026

DODGER DAYS FIREMAN’S FEED

Join the Dodge Center Fire Department on Friday, June 19, from 4:00–7:30 PM for our annual Fireman’s Feed during Dodger Days!

Enjoy:
🌭 Brats
🍔 Burgers
🌭 Hot Dogs
🥤 Root Beer Floats

Your support helps fund vital equipment, training, and resources that allow our volunteer firefighters to continue serving the Dodge Center community.

Bring your family, your friends, and your appetite. We look forward to seeing you at the Dodge Center Fire Hall!

06/11/2026

Join us at the community center tomorrow for a fun and hilarious magic show! Perfect for all ages! *Note that we won’t have storytime at the park this week - join us for this special event instead!