Wednesday Message

February 25, 2026

 

Finding Our Why

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18a

Simon Sinek famously encourages leaders and organizations to start with why.  Not with the plan.  Not with the budget.  Not with the building.  Instead, start with the deeper reason underneath it all.

Why do we exist?  Why does this matter?  Why is it worth our time, our energy, our devotion?

Scripture says something similar.  “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”  The verse isn’t talking about eyesight.  It’s talking about clarity of purpose.  Without a shared sense of calling—without a why—energy scatters.  Activity replaces intention.  We stay busy, but we don’t always move forward.

Lent is actually a perfect season to ask this question.  It’s a season of stripping away distractions and returning to what matters most.  It’s a time for honesty.  For re-centering.  For remembering why we do what we do as a church in the first place.

That’s what our upcoming Strategic Planning & Visioning Retreat is all about.

On Friday evening, March 6, and Saturday morning, March 7, we will gather at the church with Rev. Drew Terry, a consultant from the national setting of the United Church of Christ, to begin clarifying our shared vision.  On Friday evening, members of the congregation will respond to thoughtful questions about our mission, values, and hopes.  On Saturday morning, we’ll begin identifying themes and priorities that can shape a strategic plan.

We don’t yet know the how, and that’s fine.  First, we need clarity about the why.

Why does First Congregational UCC exist in Watertown in this season?  What is God calling us to offer our community?  How can our resources—especially our building—serve that calling in faithful and sustainable ways?

Before we talk about plans or possibilities, we need clarity about purpose.

Jesus knew his why.  It carried him through the wilderness.  It carried him through misunderstanding and resistance.  It carried him all the way to the cross and beyond.  Vision does not remove difficulty—but it gives meaning to the journey.

My prayer is that we will approach this retreat not as a business meeting, but as a spiritual exercise.  An act of listening.  An act of trust.  An act of hope.

Because when a community rediscovers its why, something powerful happens.

And that kind of clarity can shape not just a plan—but a future.

Prayer
God of vision and purpose, clear away the noise that distracts us from what truly matters.  Help us remember why you have called us together.  Give us courage to listen deeply, wisdom to discern faithfully, and trust to follow where you lead.  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; March 1, Susan Aamold

Almost time to spring ahead and change the clocks, Sunday, March 8th, starts “Daylight saving time”

Church Council Meeting, Monday, March 9, 2026 @ 6:00 pm

Ministerial Association Lenten services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church this year, on Wednesday,

March 18th, First Congregational Church will lead the worship service and serve the lunch.

 

Saturday, March 14, 2026, Celebrate National π PI Day, UCC Women’s Fellowship (WINGS) invite all women to come enjoy a slice of pie and get to know other members. 121 1st Ave SE, 1:00 pm,

RSVP by March 8, 605-886-6994 or admin@uccwatertown,com.

What is your favorite pie? Caramel Apple Crumble, Banana Cream, Chocolate French Silk, Peanut Butter, Wild Berry?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Counters: 

Mar. 01 Kelley Anderson

Mar. 08 Rose Moehring

Mar. 15 Allison Foster