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First Congregational
309 N Garfield Ave, Pocatello,
Idaho 83204
(208) 232-3056
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Idaho State Journal Saturday December 17, 2011 - Faith Section
First Congregational Church invites community to share in Christmas services
By Susan Matsuura
It doesn’t happen very often, but this year, we find ourselves with the welcome wonder of celebrating December 25, Christmas, on a Sunday morning. First Congregational United Church of Christ in Pocatello will host two services that welcome all to celebrate the birth of a baby who gave hope to a world filled with hardships and oppression.
The first service will be held on Christmas Eve, 7:30 p.m. and the second will be on Christmas morning at 11 a.m. Each will feature:
- Music of the season accompanied by our church organist and Idaho State University music student, Derek Schaible on our fine pipe organ and grand piano;
- Scripture readings that record the events surrounding the time of the birth of Christ (approximately 4 BC/BCE).
Many people at this time of year struggle with the push and pull of excess consumerism and binge buying that has become so much a part of modern culture in America. We do too. We struggle to find an angle to the Christmas story that gives us reason to hope for something less superficial and more fulfilling.
Typical and traditional manger scenes in our country depict a white European holy family in a homey barn with animals kneeling at a safe distance. That likely was not the scene of the day which probably featured a scene aptly described by Mark Sandlin, pastor of Vidalia Presbyterian Church, “…an olive skinned middle-eastern, unwed, pregnant mother, who was seen as little more than property, giving birth to what the world would surely see as an illegitimate child who was wrapped in what rags they could find and placed in a smelly, flea infested feeding trough in the midst of a dark musky smelling animal stall….” This newborn was not of the dominant culture and he came into the world at a time when the poor suffered greatly. He overcame unthinkable odds and gave hope to people who had little to none.
The Pocatello United Church of Christ’s radio spots describe our congregation as “open-minded, diverse, and spiritual... committed to social and economic justice.” Our motto says, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” So just as Jesus accepted all—rich, poor, men, women, old, young, all ethnicities, and all sexual orientations—we do too—all are welcome. We take the Bible seriously, but not literally.
The United Church of Christ denomination is committed to justice and equality. It is typical for us to have service and advocacy projects. Recently we participated in a national food and hunger initiative named Mission 1 that was between the interesting dates 1/1/11 to 1/11/11. Overall the effort gathered over 1 million food items, raised over $111,111 and sent more than 11,111 letters of advocacy to Congress for food justice.
Our church is found at 309 North Garfield Avenue, just west of Pocatello High School, has facilities and activities for fellowship and fun, worship, study, service, and leadership. We invite anyone to visit at and check us out any Sunday at 11 a.m. For more information see www.uccpocatello.org or call the office 232-3056, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday-Friday
Pictured below: Cambrie Waterhouse, Torin Kelchner, Sienna Alpert, Tali Johansen
