Boundary Waters Trip
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), as we know it, was established in 1978 by Congress through BWCA Wilderness Act. This Act restricted logging, mining, and most motorized access to this 1,000,000+ acre area in northern Minnesota. The BWCAW is part of and managed by the Superior National Forest. The BWCAW is visited by more than 200,000 visitors who travel the more than 1500 miles of canoe routes and stay at the 2000+ camp sites. The Boundary Waters is a pristine, yet rugged wilderness. The lakes are cut from granite and surrounded in old pine growth, creating a wonderful habitat for all sorts of woodland creatures- big and small. 

You are invited to join us as we make a 40 – 50 mile loop through this wilderness, canoeing and portaging from lake to lake.  You will cook over an open fire, sleep in tents or under the stars. There is no electricity, no cell phone coverage and no modern conveniences. We will work together to carry all of our gear between lakes on our backs.  This is a rugged trip but people of varying skill levels – beginners to experienced outdoors-people are encouraged to participate. 

There will be several different team configurations- 
Young Adult Teams – For young people who have completed high school through age 25
Co-ed Team
Adults – Adults 26 years old and older
Co-ed Team

Dates you need to know:
Open Registration Begins March 8 - There are limited spaces, Register early!

Cost:
The cost for the trip is $325 per person which includes all travel expenses, gear and food during the canoe trip.  Participants will need to pay for their own food during van travel.

Young Adults and Adults have successfully off-set their expenses in the past by fund-raising activities.  If you are interested, assistance is available through the Christian Education office.

BWCA.com

Men’s Fellowship 3rd Saturday of the month at 8am- Family Center
Imagine this as a great start to your weekend… Hot coffee, a hearty breakfast, and sharing time with someone who wants to talk about the game, hear your work story or give you fix-up tips on your yard maintenance.  Your weekend can start this way when you attend Men’s Fellowship.  Each month, we gather together for fun conversation and also take the opportunity to talk about what is going on in our lives.  Sometimes we talk about our struggle to be a good father, neighbor, son, co-worker or husband. We also talk about our joys- new experiences, new opportunities, new goals – all in an atmosphere where other men care, offer advice and give support for wherever you are in life.  Men’s Fellowship gives us the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with others while we are able to celebrate all that is unique and good about being men.  Guys, we are all in this life together!  Let’s get together and walk with each other on our life and faith paths!

Women’s Fellowship Meets monthly on the second Saturday
The Ladies of First Congregational have a ball at Women’s Fellowship!  Activities include trips to places like the Grand Rpids Art Museum and the Wege Nature Center.  The group dyes Easter Eggs and carves Jack-O-Lanterns.  The group sponsors a beautiful Luncheon for Mother’s Day and brings in guest speakers like Newscaster, Terri DeBoer and Scuba Diver and Author, Valerie Van Hurst.  In December the group puts together baskets of goodies to deliver holiday cheer.  Most of all, the group meets to have fun in a safe and loving environment where all women are treasured for their unique gifts and talents.

Our Healthy Church
Is a group of church friends seeking to help make us spiritually, mentally and physically healthy.  For more information, Contact Rhea Anes at  rheaanes@msn.com

Walk and Talk – Wednesdays  10am – walk in the church parking lot (4 laps = 1.5 miles) talk with friend and get good healthy exercise
Family walk – Sundays  2pm – at Seidman park (upper).

Golden Ladle Cook- off – Every other month our best cooks get together to compete for the Golden Ladle Award.  Entrants create a special dish based on a chosen theme.  The whole church shares the job of judging and gets to taste all the fabulous offerings! Judges vote with their dollars and the food that collects the most money wins the Golden Ladle.  Proceeds are used to support mission projects and Christian Education events.
Past Themes:  Fiesta, Quick Breads, Soups and Stews, Casseroles, Salads, Chocolate, Grill-off, finger foods and others. 
Create your best dish and you could be the next winner!

Church Picnic
June 2009
Start out your summer at the annual church picnic!  Soak up some sun and celebrate with friends as we share an informal worship service and picnic lunch at church.  Games for kids and adults, special music and singing, fun for everyone!

Community Halloween Event – Treat yourself to fun! On October 31st, friends and neighbors gather for Halloween Fun.  We watch your favorite Halloween movies outdoors on the “big screen”, we roast marshmallows on the bon fire and share cider and doughnuts.  Tricks and treats for kids, safe Halloween fun for the whole family!

Faithful Fridays -  7am - 9am – a focused time of prayer and informal conversations over delicious baked goods as we face daily challenges and respond to opportunities.  We share with each other, reflect, pray and search the scriptures for God’s leading for each of us.  We’ll gather in word and in spirit before work, before school, before we start our day.  No need to sign up or sign in.  Show up anytime and stay until you feel it is time to go.

Bible Study - Fridays, 10:30 am – 11:30am at Schneider Manor. Gather to hear and reflect on God’s word.

Knitting Ministry - Meets the last Monday of the month for conversation and knitting, of course!  7pm