The Directory is a product of OutReach LGBT Community Center
600 Williamson St | Madison WI 53703 | 608.255.8582
www.lgbtoutreach.org | info@lgbtoutreach.org
To promote equality and quality of life for LGBT people.
• First Congregational United Church of Christ
In May 1992, First Congregational UCC became one of Madison’s first faith communities to adopt a formal statement welcoming and affirming ALL people, regardless of sexual orientation: “As a community of God’s children, we, the members of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, acknowledge our shortcomings and our need to reach out to all who wish to affirm their faith with us in this community of faith
and to worship with us as members of this congregation. We acknowledge that the church has often judged and excluded from the community of faith gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons or has been complicit by its silence. We confess the presence of
ignorance, fear, and hatred in ourselves, in the church, and in our society and we ask the grace of God to overcome them. We invite and welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation to join us in our journey of life and faith, and to seek covenant to be responsible to God and to one another.” LGBT people serve in lay leadership positions and on staff. Children of samegender couples have been baptized into our community of faith. Our church pastors have officiated at same-gender union ceremonies, in our sanctuary and other locations. Straight individuals and couples, including some with small children, have joined First Congregational UCC because of its “Open and Affirming” policy and practices.
The Rainbow People (our fellowship of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender folk and friends) meet monthly, generally the second Sunday of each month after worship. In the past the group has met in members’ homes for meals and discussion, planned and led an annual worship service, participated in WI Capitol Pride
Marches, traveled to the NAMES quilt display and participated in AIDS Walk Wisconsin. Upcoming activities are announced in the weekly “Tower” newsletter, in regular Sunday bulletins, and on the web site.
1609 University Ave, Madison WI 53726
email: info@firstcongmadison.org
Phone: 608.233.9751
