FCC Identity & Mission Statement
Guided by the Holy Spirit, the purpose of First Congregational United Church
of Christ in Elgin is to seek God's Truth, practice Christ's teachings, and love
others unconditionally.
Sunday Morning Schedule 8:15 am: Open Door Worship
in the Chapel 10:15 am: Worship in the Sanctuary 10:30 am: Sunday School Google Map, Directions & Parking Childcare and free parking is available.
Join us for Breakfast with the Bible every Sunday morning at 9:30 am.
Emergency Message Mailbox
Just call the church number (847-741-4045) and then dial extension 16 to hear
if activities have been cancelled or changed.
"I
saw the church and thought it was beautiful on the outside,
but then I discovered there were beautiful people on the inside."
— Joe Drozd
FCC Mission Grants
Through the generosity and thoughtfulness of
others, the endowment fund of First Congregational United Church
of Christ has some means to help fulfill this mission. In working
to be good stewards of this money, we are seeking members and organizations
that have programs with a similar philosophy. Read more and print out a grant application
Miss our Service? See it Right Here! May 12, 2013
First Congregational Church, the oldest church in Elgin, is
pleased to offer video taken at our weekly 10:15 a.m. worship service. Now you
can see
what all the excitement is about at F.C.C.! Click the button
to watch the video of our most recent service. If you are unable to play the
video, you will need to download and install Adobe's
Flash Player and restart your web browser before viewing the video.
Once you start the
video, you can click
this
button
on the player to change the video quality to a higher resolution.
To see videos dating back to January 1, 2012, please click
here to access the archives. Thanks for visiting our site!
Silent Auction Mission Trip Fundraiser, Sunday, May
19
We’d like to ask for your help with the 2013 Mission Trip Silent Auction
fundraiser. Do you frequent a business that might be willing to make a donation
to the Silent Auction? These donations could be gift certificates, actual items,
or… whatever they’d be willing to offer.
Click here for more information The 2013 Jane Hampton-Chipman Memorial
Lenten Recital Series Was a Resounding Success!
Many
thanks to everyone who helped with the Lenten Concert Series. Whether you were
plugging it on Facebook, by word of mouth, hanging posters at your local hang-outs,
handing out programs, your efforts are sincerely appreciated! We on the Music
Ministry are always open to suggestions, so please email or catch one of us at
church and let us know what kind of concerts you'd like to see at FCC.
Wishing you a very blessed Easter in the risen Lord!
-Music Ministry
We are proud to present the following recordings of these fine concerts:
Friday, March 8 at 12 Noon
Mark Baldin, trumpet and Jon Warfel, pianist
Sunday, March 17 at 3 P.M.
Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Jared Stellmacher, organist
Friday, March 22 at 7:30 P.M.
John Linker, Organist/Choirmaster
Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington, Kentucky
Friday, March 29 at 12 Noon
First Congregational Church’s Chancel Choir and Chamber Orchestra performing
Requiem by Bradley Ellingboe
FCC Grants $90,000 to Local Organizations
More than $90,000 was recently awarded to 20 different Elgin area social service
and arts organizations by Elgin's First Congregational Church. Recipients included
organizations such as PADS, Youth Leadership Academy, and Habitat for Humanity. Read the rest of the Daily Herald Article Bible Study Opportunities for Everyone at FCC!
Breakfast with the Bible We continue to study the Old Testament book of Exodus.
There are so many foundational, familiar, fascinating,
and frustrating stories to explore. Bring your Bible
to fellowship hall at 9:15 for an in-depth look at of
one of the Bible’s most interesting books. Remember,
breakfast is served each Sunday, beginning at 9:00, and
childcare is
available.
Beer, Burgers, and the Bible
Each month on the 4th Monday, the men of our church meet
at the Elgin Public House for Bible study and good eats. “Say
WHAT?” is the current theme of our Bible study
for Beer, Burgers, and the Bible (a.k.a., “Dude-maris,” or “Triple
B”). We are taking a close look at some of the
Bible’s problematic passages. This month we will
meet on May 21st (because the 4th Monday Memorial Day)
at 6:30pm at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street.
Order something to eat (it’s half-price burger
night), if you like, and come upstairs for an hour of
Bible study for dudes only.
Women, Wine and the Word
Women, Wine and the Word a women’s dinner and devotion
group meet on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:30.
The dining location changes each month. Please check
the current issue of Church Life or contact Pastor Lois
for information about the location of the next gathering.
Please join us.
Women’s Study Group
A Women’s Study Group meets every Thursday 11:30
am- 1p.m. in the conference room. Currently this group
is studying the Gospel of Luke. This great discussion
group is looking at the two questions: Who is Jesus?
and Why am I Following Him? All are welcome to join the
group at any time. For more information please contact
Pastor Lois. F.C.C.'s Own YouTube Channel We
now have our own YouTube channel where you can view larger size videos of past
worship services. Please help us promote this channel by telling your friends
and anyone who might be looking for a church. The channel can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheFCCElgin or
by searching YouTube for TheFCCElgin.
ONLINE GIVING FCC is truly coming into the 21st century. At its April
meeting, the Church Council approved the option of online giving
to our church. Now you can choose
to have your regular offering, or renovation pledge, or any other gift automatically
transferred from any bank account. This service is available through the United
Church of Christ and will operate just like your online bill payments. It will
promote consistent giving and make it easier to forecast cash flow. FCC will
have complete control over contribution information, and confidentiality will
be maintained as in the past. Click here for
more information and to download the authorization form.
Give a Gift
to FCC
Help First Congregational Church continue to seek God’s truth,
practice Christ’s teachings, and love others unconditionally
in Elgin. Your gift is much appreciated.
May 5: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Preacher — Dr. Paris Donehoo
Sermon: Praying to a Wall
Scripture readings:
Romans 8: 12-17, 26-27
Luke 8: 22-25
Luke 11: 1-4
Anthem: The Lord's Prayer from "Requiem" by Bradley Ellingboe Holy Communion
May 12: Last Sunday of Easter
Preacher — Dr. Paris Donehoo
Sermon: Where They Have to Take You In
Scripture readings:
Acts 6: 1-6
Luke 14: 25-33
Anthem: O For a Closer Walk with God
May 19: Pentecost Sunday
Faith Statements by the Confirmands
Anthem: Mothering God You Gave Us Birth
May 26: First Sunday after Pentecost
Preacher — Dr. Paris Donehoo
Sermon: That's Not the Question
Scripture readings:
Romans 5: 1-5
Luke 7: 1-10
Anthem: O Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord by Gordon Young
The United Church of Christ.
Where God is Still Speaking.
Visit www.ucc.org
button
to watch the video of our most recent service. If you are unable to play the
video, you will need to download and install 
Once you start the
video, you can click
this
button
on the player to change the video quality to a higher resolution.
The United Church of Christ.