Worship Notes for January 25, 10 AM Worship
Worship Leader: Rev. Sara MacGilvra Branom
Scripture: John 6:1-14
Lay Reader: Dave Neagle; Ushers: Randy and Caroline Houtz; Accompanist/Music Director: Melissa Gilbert; Acolyte: Aalayah Dunn; Nursery: May Harris, Lily Yelvington; Fellowship Lunch: Hosted by the Fellowship Board; UCC Tellers: Steve Gettel, Carol Shipley; Christ UMC Tellers: Rosemary Neilsen, Jeanne Nobbs
The service will be live-streamed on both church Facebook pages and a recording of the livestream will be available on YouTube later in the day and on the UCC website.
Call to Annual Meeting – 136th Annual Meeting of First Congregational United Church of Christ and Christ United Methodist Church – Great Falls, MT
The First Congregational United Church of Christ/Christ United Methodist Great Falls Council has announced the 2026 Annual Meeting for Sunday, January 25 following worship. We will conduct the business of the congregation, vote on the 2026 recommended budget, install board members and officers, and discuss other items of interest to the congregation. Lunch will be provided by the Fellowship Board. The annual meeting of the Memorial Fund Corporation will follow immediately after. All members and friends of First Congregational United Church of Christ-Great Falls are strongly encouraged to attend and participate, keeping in mind that only FCUCC members are able to vote.
Electronic copies of Annual Reports for viewing before the Annual Meeting can be obtained by contacting the church office.
NOTE – Each week’s complete Worship Bulletin is also available on this web page – both on the front page and in the Posts.
Christian Education News
On Sunday, January 25, children will attend worship with their families. There is no Sunday School. Nursery care will be available as usual. Sunday School will resume on February 1.
May and Lily will provide child care for the Annual Meeting. – Kids will eat lunch, then watch a movie under the supervision of our wonderful nursery staff. Location to be determined.
Christian Service
The greatest gift you can give someone is your TIME. Because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back.
Souper Bowl of Caring – Tackle Hunger with the Super Bowl of Caring offering February 8.
Thank You For Fishing – Thank you so much, as always, to our amazing volunteers who worked at the Fish Food Pantry last week to help distribute food: Jack Armstrong, Elaine Balzer, Harry & Connie Brauer, Carol Davidson, Syneva Heupel, KimKay McCarty Martin, Steve & Karen McElroy, Sandi Nicolai, Janet Olson, Dennis & Sue Turton and Nancy Zbinden. You are so appreciated! Our next turn to work at the food pantry is March 23-27. Maybe see you then!
Volunteer Opportunities
Annual Family Promise SOC HOP Fundraiser Volunteers: Fundraiser is on April 25, 2026. Volunteers are needed for assistance with the following tasks:
- Outreach to churches to promote the event and sell tickets
- Distributing event posters throughout the community
- Organizing games and costume contest at the event
- Set up and clean up on April 25, 2026
Interested volunteers can call Cari Yturri at (406) 788-3704.
Jesus’ Sandwich Shop – Will be open every Sunday to make sandwiches to be handed out through First United Methodist Church sack lunch ministry. Join the other sandwich makers in Fellowship Hall after worship to make PB&J, PB and Honey and meat and cheese sandwiches. All supplies will be provided and donations are welcome. Just make an extra gift to CUMC or FCUCC and indicate “sandwiches” or drop some cash in the Jesus’ Sandwich Shop jar on the sandwich table.
Announcements and Upcoming Meetings
Reminder – Newsletter items should be received by 12:00 P.M. on Tuesdays of the week you wish to have your information printed.
Call to Annual Meeting – 136th Annual Meeting of First Congregational United Church of Christ and Christ United Methodist Church – Great Falls, MT following worship on January 25.
Call to CUMC Charge Conference – Christ United Methodist Church and Rev. Dawn Skerritt invite you to this called Church Conference to vote to move forward with Federation with First Congregational United Church of Christ. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall (2900 9th Ave. S). FCUCC members/friends are welcome to attend but will not be able to vote. The meeting will be presided by Rev. Karen McRae, District Superintendent.
14th Annual Four Chaplains Memorial Service – Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in our Church Sanctuary (doors open at 1:15 P.M.) This non-denominational service celebrates the true story of four World War II U.S. Army Chaplains. Sponsored by American Legion Post 341, this service honors those men who joined together despite their different beliefs. In February of 1943, the U.S.A.T Dorchester sunk in the cold Atlantic. Lt. George Fox, Lt. Alexander Goode, Lt. John Washington, and Lt. Clark Polling, brought hope in despair and light in darkness. Quickly and quietly, they spread out among the soldiers, trying to calm the frightened, tend the wounded, and guide the disoriented toward safety. When the ship went down, the four chaplains, who had given their life jackets to others, linked arms offered prayers. Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T Dorchester, only 230 survived. Guest Chaplains will include Montana Air National Guard, the Jewish Community, and 341st Wing at Malmstrom Airforce Base.
Coming Up
Thursday, January 22
10:00 A.M. Grief Group, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, January 25
9:15 A.M. Choir Rehearsal
11:00 A.M. Congregational Annual Meeting
Tuesday, January 27
10:00 A.M. Mitten Makers, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, January 28
10:00 A.M. Bible Study, Parlor
1:30 P.M. Pinochle, Fellowship Hall
6:00 P.M. Youth Group, 2900 9th Ave. S
6:00 P.M. Handbells
7:15 P.M. Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, January 29
10:00 A.M. Grief Group, Fellowship Hall
