First Congregational United Church of Christ (Menomonie WI)

06/12/2026

June 14, 2026
Pride Worship & Bridge Coffee Hour
This Sunday we'll celebrate Pride during Pride Month. Come see an amazing Pride Flag display in the Fellowship Hall during 9-10 AM Bridge Coffee Hour. The flags are on loan from UW-Stout's Qube office. Stay late or come early!
During 10 AM worship, Pastor René will preach with special music performed by Abigail Barneson. Abigail is a 14-year-old homeschooler from Eleva who plays violin and is self-taught on guitar, ukelele and piano. She sings and does Irish dance with her sisters Sara and Lilah.
The Early Contemplative Service at 8:30am includes a short period of silence for personal prayer and meditation, and is not live streamed.
Scriptures for Sunday are in the comments.

06/07/2026

Today, to honor survivors and build community with those working to end gun violence. We especially remember Fletcher Merkel and his family as his dad Jesse grew up here and his grandfather Dennis is still connected. There are too many stories of gun violence rippling out changing lives in ways not of God.

Read more about the ongoing effects of gun violence below....
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2026/05/us/minneapolis-annunciation-school-shooting-recovery/

(and yes, we have a WIDE range of shades of orange!)

06/05/2026

Sunday, June 7, 2026
"Enough"
Sunday "Wear Orange Weekend" as we pause to remember those who have lost their lives to gun violence, and we seek to honor their memory by making our voices heard.

Jay Gordon will share his talents and Pastor René will preach at the 10 AM service. Livestream is available at menomonieucc.org.
Holy Communion will be served. For those worshiping at home, you are invited to have communion elements ready to participate during that time in the service.

The Early Contemplative Service at 8:30am includes a short period of silence for personal prayer and meditation, and is not live streamed.

Sunday's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 2:1-4
This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.

Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob.
God will teach us their ways, so that we may walk in their paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
God will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

06/05/2026

On Friday June 5, 6:30-7:30pm, a Candlelight Vigil will be held honoring those who died as a result of cuts to healthcare.
The vigil will be held at the “I Heart Menomonie” sculpture on Crescent St and 6th Ave E. All are welcome. Candles will be provided.
Local organizers from GROWW will be holding the vigil to shine a light on the declining state of healthcare in western Wisconsin.
Friday’s vigil’s intent is to draw attention to those who have died because of the inadequacies of our healthcare system. “People are struggling with every aspect of healthcare,” said Pastor René Mehlberg, who will be co-leading the event. “The ever-increasing costs and greater requirements for coverage take a toll. For some, unfortunately, it’s the ultimate toll.”

This vigil is just one of approximately 100 around the country as part of the Seven Days in June campaign. The goal of the Seven Days in June campaign is to “elevate health as a governing priority.”

06/04/2026

Biblical Pride Month

Ancient Rabbis, Biblical Interpretation, and the Conversation Most Christians Never Heard about Gender Identity

05/31/2026

Here's a newsy video of a Wall Dogs Mural festival in Keane NH a few years ago. Murals in Menomonie will be a similar event June 24-28!
Our church is providing our Fellowship Hall and the South lawn/parking lot as the meal distribution hub from Thursday AM through Sunday AM (except Saturday night).
Other organizations will provide most meals. UCC members will be liaisons with the volunteer meal folks, and welcome the 300 volunteers who are invited to grab meals and go or sit awhile and dine in our cool Fellowship Hall or under the tent. UCC volunteers are needed! Talk to Andrew Mercil, Nita Fitzgerald or Rene Mehlberg to sign up!

Mural painting collective the Walldogs came to Keene, NH for their ...

05/29/2026

Sunday, May 31, 2026
"What's Next?"
Sunday we will recognize and bless graduates in our midst and those dear to our hearts. The Chancel Choir will sing and Pastor René will preach. Livestream is available at menomonieucc.org
The Early Contemplative Service at 8:30am includes a short period of silence for personal prayer and meditation, and is not live streamed.

05/22/2026

Service information for Michael Feigal Saturday, May 23.

05/22/2026

Dr. Michael Feigal's Celebration of Life Service is Saturday, May 23 at 11am at the church. Visitation at 10am; lunch following the service.

To watch the service live, please use the following link:

Funeral Service