No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!
MISSION STATEMENT: We resolve to love, unite to serve, and commit to curiosity for God IS still speaking.
Events
What is happening at the First Congregational Church, Watertown, SD?
Join us for upcoming events at the church every month. We have some special things planned and we would love for you to join us. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, join in some fun activities, and learn more about our faith.
We have Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study, Crafters Fare, and Sunday mornings church services at 10 am, every is welcome.
The event / birthday calendar has more of the listings.
We look forward to seeing you.
Wednesday Message
June 3, 2026
Mercy, Not Sacrifice
"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." – Hosea 6:6
It's easy for religious people to assume that God is primarily interested in how we observe our religion. Say the right prayers. Attend the right services. Believe the right doctrines. Follow the right rules.
But Hosea reminds us that God has always wanted something deeper. Speaking through the prophet, God says, "I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice."
The people of Hosea's day were still going through the motions of religion. The sacrifices were being offered. The rituals were being observed. Outwardly, everything looked fine.
The problem was that their hearts were elsewhere.
They were worshiping God while neglecting their neighbors. They were performing acts of devotion while failing to practice compassion. They were honoring God with religious observance while ignoring the people God loved.
Hosea's words are a reminder that faith is not measured merely by what happens in a sanctuary. Faith is measured by what happens when we leave it.
Do our prayers make us more compassionate? Do our worship services make us more loving? Do our beliefs help us see the image of God in other people? If not, then we may be offering sacrifice while missing the very thing God desires.
The good news is that God's desire for mercy is not another burden placed upon us. It is an invitation. God is always calling us beyond religious performance and into relationship — relationship with God and relationship with one another.
After all, if God is love, then growing closer to God should make us more loving people.
Prayer
God of steadfast love, teach us to value what you value. Help us not merely to practice religion, but to embody compassion. May our worship draw us closer to you, and may our love for you be reflected in how we treat our neighbors. Amen.
Sign up in the narthex if you would like to volunteer to serve coffee on Sunday mornings.
Join us upstairs before church and downstairs in the Fellowship Hall following the worship service
on Sunday mornings for coffee and treats, everyone is welcome.
Bible Study, the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month at 3pm with Pastor Dustin, everyone is welcome to join us.
Every other Thursday of the month Kimmie Schmieg will have her Girl Scout meeting in the
Fellowship Hall from 6 pm to 7pm.
Sunday Coffee: June 7, Lynne Forbush
Church council meeting, Monday, June 8, 6:00pm
Meals on Wheels, Monday – Friday, June 15 through June 19, 2026,
Wings will meet on Saturday, June 13th, at 1:00. We will be making Oreo cookie Pops for Father's Day. All women are welcome! Bring your favorite cookie sprinkles to add to our cookie pops. They will be available to all after church on Father's Day, June 21st. Bernie Boersma will have devotions and provide the dessert.
Brenda Foster
Do we have your correct information?
If you have moved, taken out your landline, changed cell numbers, switched email addresses, etc.
We would greatly appreciate a note, email or phone call so we can update our records, Call or email:
605-886-6994 or admin@uccwatertown.com