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Welcome to life in the pandemic, friend. I’m glad you’ve found your way to our website. Supportive communities that can embrace even from afar have never been more important. If you are seeking a place to belong, you’ve found it.

Like churches and mosques and synagogues and sanghas around the world, First Congregational Fort Worth has been finding ways to nurture community that are not dependent on physical proximity. We warmly invite you to attend worship (virtually) at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings on either Facebook live or on this site at Worship Live. Prior videos are available here. We also have a YouTube playlist for sermons.

Among the gifts I cherish the most of these odd, scary days of pandemic are the countless ways, large and small, that people find to express hope, gratitude, positivity, and love to each other. We are building resilience together despite being unable to gather.

At a time when we truly need each other, we must stay away from each other in order to protect each other. It’s a strange world, isn’t it? No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, I hope you feel welcomed to join in the journey.

In sickness and in health.

Here's my email if you’d like to talk.

IN RESPONSE TO THE APPOINTMENT OF AMY CONEY BARRETT TO THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT:

First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fort Worth is an open and affirming community. We believe God is still speaking, still revealing God’s self to us, and still offering grace and love. When we say "You are welcome here," we mean it! Everyone. Gay, straight, richer, poorer, every skin color, every nationality and culture. That’s just how we roll.

We are together processing the news of the appointment of Amy Coney Barret. We know this decision deeply affects our community, and our LGBTQIA members and friends. As pastors in this community, we want to remind you that we are standing with you, in front of you, behind you, and to either side of you, as friends, allies, and LGBTQIA people ourselves. You, dear ones, are not alone.

While we grieve this decision, may the anger of injustice burn in our hearts, and strengthen our resolve. We will not stop in our pursuit of justice. We will continue to do the work to which God calls us. We will marry, offer the sacraments, carry protest signs, write letters, make phone calls, preach love, and bring the kingdom of God to our side of Fort Worth, and the ends of the earth.

If you want to chat, we are just a Zoom call away. You are love, God is proud of you, and the pastors of First Congregational Fort Worth are proud of you.

Rev. Kathy Bowser

Rev. Lee Ann Bryce

Rev. Dr. Russell Dalton

Rev. Peter Nichols

Rev. Stacy Roberts

Rev. John Will

Rev. Tammy Wynn

BLACK LIVES MATTER

We live in a system that keeps Americans divided by race -- those who live traumatized by it, and those who have benefited from it. As persons of faith, and followers of the radical teacher Jesus, we feel we must speak out against injustice and not just be passive protesters.

Racist violence has been tacitly supported in this country throughout its history. Treating others as less than human because of the color of their skin is not an expression of kindness or inclusion, and it must end. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Elijah McClain, among the countless others who have been victimized by racist violence in our nation's history, must not be forgotten or ignored. We must all stand together to fight against white supremacy and racism in all its forms.

We, as a nation and a world, have been forced to pause in this time of COVID-19 to create a safer world, and this must include safety for all Americans and all global citizens. We must stand in solidarity and move from passivity to action in seeking safety, justice, and respect for every person.

Blessings and justice for all.

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE TIME Join us on Zoom each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. to say hello to friends before worship. The Zoom link is sent out via email each week. Contact office@fortworthucc.org if you do not receive a weekly church email.

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP Face-to-face worship is suspended for now, but join us at 9:50 a.m. on our YouTube channel (recommended), here on our website, or on our Facebook page for live worship. Just click on one of the blue buttons below the pastor's letter to join Rev. Lee Ann and special guests for online worship.

THE EDUCATION HOUR The Education Hour meets immediately after worship. See The Comma for all the details. (There are Zoom links involved!)

EVENTS

Our 2021 stewardship campaign, Ripple, has begun and will run through the month of October. When you make a pledge to our church, it allows us to plan our 2021 budget for staff and church ministries next year. It also allows us to continue serving and being a refuge for the people who need us most. If you'd like to make a pledge, just click here.

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**NEW TIME** Racists Anonymous

Wednesdays, 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (Central Time)

Using an approach similar to 12-step programs, the goal of RA is not to change others, but to eliminate racism in ourselves. (Go to rainternational.org) for more details. Because we are meeting via Zoom, everyone is invited to attend--no matter where you might be in the country. To receive the Zoom link, or if you have questions, please email office@fortworthucc.org.

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PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

We have many options for personal and spiritual growth. Check them out here.

Calendar

Join us for worship online on the Live Worship page, YouTube, or Facebook Live.

BLACK LIVES MATTER