Congregational United Church of Christ
Newton, Iowa
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome!
God Is Still Speaking!
Come Listen with Us!
AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CONGREGATION
Holiday Services
Each year, we gather together for three additional worship services
as we prepare ourselves to celebrate Jesus' resurrection during the season of Lent and as we rejoice in Jesus' birth on Christmas Eve.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the season of Lent. We begin the Lenten season as a community as we join together in prayer and song and receive the imposition of ashes. During this service, we are reminded that we are dust and to dust we shall return as we commit ourselves to engaging in a season of reflection and repentance. We begin this season in worship seeking to turn back to God (and away from all the other things that call for our ultimate trust) that we might fully celebrate the love of God made known through Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
Pastor Kurt Hoover serving Holy Communion
Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Maundy Thursday
As the season of Lent draws to a close, we gather for a special service of worship that combines two traditions of Maundy Thursday, both well-known and rich with meaning. We come together to serve as Jesus taught us to serve, to love one another as we have been loved, as we take one another by the hand and wash the hands of our siblings in faith and allow another to wash our hands recalling how Jesus washed his disciples' feet. We also share a holy meal together, Holy Communion, as we recall the last meal Jesus had with his closest friends and followers before he was handed over to the authorities.
Christmas Eve
On this holy night, we gather together to celebrate God’s gift to the world, the birth of a child, Jesus Christ. During this candlelight service of worship, we open our ears to hear anew this "good news of great joy for all people" as we listen to the Christmas Story and join together in singing well-known Christmas carols.
See "Calendar" and "Upcoming Events"
for dates and times of these special services.
​
