Life and Learning Ministry

The Life and Learning Ministry is responsible for the total program of Christian Education in the Church. They coordinate with the Minister and staff to enlist and train teachers and volunteers. The ministry also initiates new educational projects and classes, and provide a well rounded Christian Education program.

First Congregational Church is a family-friendly church that sees a vibrant and well-rounded Christian Education program as an essential part of the church, with programs for all ages. Come to First Congregational and find new friends – we would love to have you as a part of our church family!

Sunday School

Children attend the first part of Sunday service with their families. Sunday school begins after a “Children’s Moment” with the congregation. The Sunday school lessons are coordinated with music and crafts to keep the children interested and involved. The intent of the lessons is to further understanding and knowledge of Christian beliefs and values, always with an emphasis on the joy of God’s love. The teachers and volunteers strive to make Sunday school a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

There is a separate program for teens. It delves more deeply into the Bible’s messages for living in our times, and facing the challenges that come with young adulthood. All Congregationalists are encouraged to find God’s truth through experience. Therefore, a strong focus is on finding the joy of God’s love by giving to others, both within the community and beyond.

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Adult Education

There are many opportunities for adults to learn more about their faith and community at First Congregational Church. While some adult education opportunities run consistently throughout the year, other options are announced in the Daily Update.

  • Lectio divina – every Tuesday at 10 am, a group gathers to look at the scripture readings for the coming Sunday. Prayer, meditation, and conversation about the reading are the major parts of this practice.
  • Roots of Joy – every Tuesday at 7 pm. While not a class, Roots of Joy is an alternative worship service that gives space to explore our faith in new and dynamic ways. It incorporates anything that is inspiring the group of people present, and is a free-flowing service. It often includes a variety of art, music, reading, and conversation!
  • Adult education classes – offered at various times throughout the year, often in blocks of 4-6 weeks. The topics and schedule vary based on the needs and interests of the congregation.

Pilgrim Fellowship

Pilgrim fellowship (PF) is for youth of all ages. They are a fun group that does a variety of social, service and worship activities throughout the year.

Remembering Jesus’ commands to love God, one another, and our neighbors, we will promote and model compassion, concern, respect and responsibility.

Following the example of Jesus, we will encourage growth in prayer, biblical understanding, worship, fellowship, stewardship and service. We believe that these are key aspects of Christian discipleship. Also remembering Jesus’ commands to love God and our neighbors, we will promote and model compassion, concern, respect and responsibility.

Youth Service Project – Akeela House

Many people in Alaska face the struggle of addiction. Addiction has a devastating effect on the individual’s life and the lives of their loved ones. Many times society forgets about these people and their daily life struggle to be clean.

The Pilgrim Fellowship youth group supports recovery efforts being made by the clients of Akeela House Recovery Services. Akeela House is one of the longest running recovery programs in Alaska. The PF youth group wants to support this organization through a donation drive. During the month of April we will be collecting much-needed items from our friends, neighbors, and the FCC congregation for the clients of Akeela House.

Items listed in the order that they are needed include:

  • Bath soap and body wash
  • Deodorant
  • Women’s ankle socks and low-cut underwear (sizes M, L)
  • Men’s athletic socks and t-shirts (sizes L, XL)
  • Skin lotion
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Gift certificates for use at WalMart to purchase underclothing items
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shavers and Q-tips
  • Note pads and ink pens

Thanks in advance for your support in helping us help those who need to know our community cares about them and supports their efforts to live a substance-free and healthy lifestyle. Please bring your items to the church, and the PF Youth will hold them and make the delivery on the second Sunday in May.