Special Services

Christmas paegent

Through-out the year we celebrate special services. Some are traditional and you can return each year to find comfort in the familiar words, songs, and stories. Others are brand-new and may only happen periodically. But each special service at First Congregational Church of Winona offers a chance to explore the way God is still speaking into our lives.


We are always growing and trying new things, so this page will be updated regularly. We will make every effort to share the news of any upcoming special services with our community.


Christmas Eve: 5:30pm

We gather in our beautiful sanctuary to hear the familiar story of Christ’s birth, sing carols, pray and rejoice in the birth of our newborn king. We close our service with candlelight and the quiet of our organ chimes. For many this service is the true way to begin their Christmas season. Come early as our sanctuary fills up fast.


Ash Wednesday: 6:30pm

“We are dust and to dust we shall return.” Gather to remember and participate in this ancient ritual of the church. We confront together our fragility as humans but find comfort in God’s presence that we are never alone. This service is done in partnership with Grace Presbyterian Church.


Maundy Thursday: 5:30pm

We sit at tables together and remember the final night of Jesus’ life before he was betrayed and killed. This special service draws up deeply into the sacrament of Communion and takes along our journey through Holy Week. This service is done in partnership with Grace Presbyterian Church.


Good Friday: 6:30pm

In order to truly celebrate the resurrection, we must first confront the death. This quiet and somber service remembers how Jesus was killed for his message of God’s radical love. This service is done in partnership with Grace Presbyterian Church.


Easter Sunday: 10am

Alleluia! He is Risen! Come to 1st Congregational to celebrate that God’s love conquers with the empty tomb. This special service is a true celebration. Come join us for song, story, prayer, and rejoicing! Together we cry: ALLEULIA!!