First Congregational United Church of Christ Eau Claire, WI

06/18/2026

Wednesday was a great day. The group started the morning offering our hands in service at the Selma YMCA. Mr. Austin shared with the group about the programs through their Y and how they impact the community. They deep cleaned and organized their children's spaces.

After lunch the group went back to the Selma Center. They enjoyed learning a few songs we plan to share with the congregation.

Next, they walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of Bloody Sunday. They heard from a Selma ambassador about the marches and the violence perpetrated on the marchers.

Everyone enjoyed dinner at Lannie's BBQ where they listened to a presentation from Ms. Diane, a foot soldier on Bloody Sunday and during other marches. She shared her stories of being arrested multiple times while only 15 years old.

They ended the day driving to Montgomery, checked into our hotel, then spent time in the pool.

06/17/2026

Yesterday the youth group spent much of the day at the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation. They learned the difference between non-violence and nonviolence as well as the steps for putting nonviolence planning into action.

Following the training, they toured the Voting Rights Museum. The group was thrilled to see an exhibit that was created by UWEC!

Again, they met more people and heard lots of stories. The teens keep sharing that the firsthand stories are the most impactful part of the trip.

06/16/2026

After a late night, the group enjoyed the opportunity to sleep in a bit and reported for breakfast at 8am. After a debrief of Sunday's activities, we headed to downtown Birmingham, ready to engage in a walking tour of the area surrounding Kelly Ingram Park (location of the Children's March), 16th Street Baptist Church (church where six children were killed in a bombing), and the A.G. Gaston Motel (motel were Dr. King and other activists gathered and planned many Civil Rights demonstrations. We popped into Alicia's Coffee to grab a drink for our walk.

Next the group walked across the street to Kelly Ingram Park to see the statues that tell the story of the Children's March that helped to desegregate Birmingham. The monuments were raw and gave us a small glimpse at what happened there.

Then they walked over to 16th St. Baptist and while we could not go inside, we did get to meet another interesting person with stories to tell.

We stopped for lunch then headed to Bethel Baptist, another church which was instrumental in supporting the Civil Rights movement. We were welcomed by 3 African descended women, two of who were food soldiers.

We followed a day of learning with late afternoon field trips. Most went the motocross museum while three of us went to a bookstore and botanical garden. We enjoyed an amazing BBQ dinner at Dreamland BBQ then came back to the hotel to swim and then debrief our day.

The teens will share more stories later about all of the interesting people they have met along the way.

06/16/2026

On Sunday the group got up early and hit the road for Nashville. Lots of road construction put us a little behind schedule. The group walked to the African American Music Museum where they spent about an hour and a half learning about how African descended people have shaped music and music culture. The teens interacted with music displays, mixed their own music beats, sang, danced, and even donned gospel robes for a performance. What a fantastic experience. Following the music museum, they headed to Goo Goo Chocolate Co. for little history on the Nashville based chocolate company and got to make out own 1/4lb Goo Goo chocolate.

Then it was back on the road for the last leg of the drive to Birmingham. We stopped at a Buc-ees in Athens Alabama and experienced all that is Buc-ees.

More to come soon!

06/14/2026

The high school youth group made it safely to their hotel last night for the start of the Civil Rights Immersion Trip they have been preparing for over the last year. Over the next week, updates will be shared about their travel.

06/11/2026

Thank you to the Nursery/Sunday School task force for starting a butterfly garden in two large pots at the front of the church. The kids will be able to take care of the plants all summer during Sunday school!

06/01/2026

The Chippewa Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present a special recital honoring our country’s 250th anniversary entitled, “A Patriotic Musical Celebration” on Sunday, June 14th, at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational UCC. The concert will feature Lake Street United Methodist’s Handbell Choir. Two Community members will each sing a patriotic solo, and a father/daughter team will perform a trumpet duet. Several members of the CVAGO will be performing. A freewill offering will be taken. Delicious refreshments will be served following the recital.

05/14/2026

Join us for a picnic in the park following worship this Sunday, May 17. If the weather is not ideal, we will move the festivities inside.

05/06/2026

This Sunday, May 10, is Graduation Sunday and the youth will present their spring program "A Family of Love." During the children's message graduating seniors will be recognized as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. Later in the service youth will present the spring program complete with the Angel, Youth and Chancel Choirs. All are welcome and we hope you join us.

03/19/2026