Simiele now preaching in Riceville

RICEVILLE - Pastor Mike Simiele came out of retirement and has been serving the First Congregational/United Church of Christ since November. He replaces Pastor Gary Gilbert, who faithfully served the congregation for 11 years before retiring.

Services are held every Sunday at 10 a.m. “It is a traditional form of worship. I give sermons, with clear teaching of God’s word, and minister to the needs of the people.”

Pastor Simiele retired from pastoral ministry in May 2021, after 43 years of previous ministry in New York, California, Montana and Cresco.

After two years, he felt as if  the church members were “like sheep without a shepherd, and I was a shepherd without sheep. Thus it became a good fit and positive connection.”

Pastor Simiele also stated he will emphasize our Lord’s challenge, found in Mark 12:30 — You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it — You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

A little history: First Congregation/United Church of Christ’s congregation was organized in 1858 as Congregational Church of Saratoga. The present church building was dedicated on Dec. 27-31, 1902. The name was changed to First Congregational Church of Riceville in 1917.

First Congregation/United Church of Christ is located at 105 East Main St. in Riceville and all are welcome and encouraged to attend!