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. The 2012 grant application
will be available on this website by June 1st. Read more
Miss our Service? See it Right Here! February 5, 2012
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.
To see videos dating back to January 1, 2011, please click
here to access the archives. Thanks for visiting our site!
What's Your Epiphany? We are currently in the season of Epiphany, the season which extends from
January 6, until Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on February 15. During
this time we sing hymns of Jesus life from childhood to his ministry with the
disciples. Many people say they have an "epiphany" when they have a
realization of something or a "light-bulb moment". This is what the
magi experienced when they visited the Christ Child - they realized he was the
Savior. What's been your latest epiphany? Has it been something rooted in scripture
or something someone has said that made you go "a-ha!"? First Congregational
Church wants to be a part of your Christian walk and faith journey, sharing in
your epiphanies. Women's Retreat February 24-25
Comfort Suites
2480 Bushwood Drive, Elgin
Finding Christ in the Chaos and Clutter of Life
This retreat will give you an opportunity to grow closer with other women in
the
church, deepen your relationship with God, and to pamper your mind, body, and
soul. Together we will experience meaningful devotions, spa treatments, and a lot of rejuvenating fun! So come and let us
find Christ in the Chaos and Clutter of Life.
Click
here for details! Grief: Walking the Valley of the Shadow Everyone can master a grief but he that has it.
—
Shakespeare
Perhaps no experience is more pervasive in human
life, and more unwelcome, than grief. The
transitory nature of our time in this world means
treasured relationships, events, or situations will
inevitably end before we want them to. Should
Christians grieve? Should we grieve differently
from others? What resources does the Bible give us
for dealing with our losses —
whatever they may be?
During this Lenten season you will
have the opportunity to explore grief
with your sisters and brothers in Christ
at FCC. Like our “Transitions” and “Forgiveness”
studies, small groups will be meeting during the
weeks of February 27, March 5, 12, 19 & 26.
(Watch Weekly Window, email blasts, and posters
around the church for specific times groups will
meet.) You can pick the time that best fits your
schedule. Each week will focus on a different
biblical passage dealing with grief. Paris will be
preaching a sermon based on that biblical passage at
the end of each week. All you need to do is commit
only one hour a week for only five weeks. Let’s
have everyone at FCC (also any of your friends and
neighbors) involved in this time of growing
together. Order Photos from the 175th Anniversary Banquet Photos taken at our 175th anniversary banquet are now available for you to view
and purchase on the church website at www.fcc-elgin.org/175th-Anniversary. Check
them out! They are really nice! All proceeds will go toward the stained glass
window fund. Thanks to Chandler Swan for taking the pictures! Christmas Eve Services Our hearts were calmed as we received the newborn King as a baby
this night. The family worship included the Blessing
of the Children and the traditional service at 10:30 p.m. featured the Chancel
and Handbell choir. Both culminated with singing Silent Night by candlelight
and
Holy
Communion. “Rejoice greatly” – Zechariah 9:9
Thank you to all who came out to our Advent Worship Service which featured an
Advent procession with lessons and carols and calmed spirits and prepared hearts
for the true meaning of Christmas. The choir of 60 voices from Redeemer Lutheran
and Grace Episcopal of Hinsdale along with our own FCC Chancel Choir accompanied
by organ and the Gargoyle Brass of Chicago filled the rafters and brought the
awareness of
Advent. 4th Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along A
Wonderful Success
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Christmas Carol Sing-Along!! We sang
everything from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to Silent night and everything
in between. The group was led by banjos, guitars, piano, drums and harmonica.
Special thanks to the Elgin High School and Larkin High School choirs for coming
out and singing for us! Donations went to the Community Crisis Center or First
Congregational’s
Renovation Fund (after
175 years, who doesn’t need a renovation?)
See the video, click here! Limited Edition Ornament Celebrates F.C.C.'s 175th
Anniversary
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Custom Designed and Hand Painted Ameriscape Ornament of First Congregational
Church by Hestia--Made exclusively for for Shockey Jewelers and to celebrate
the 175th anniversary of F.C.C.
To purchase this ornament please go to:
Shockey Jewelers
18 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL 60120
847-742-0113
Cost:
$22.50 plus tax
with stand (as shown) additional $5. Mobile Food Pantry Serves
The Local Community On
Tuesday, November 1st FCC hosted the Mobile Food Pantry of the Northern Illinois
Food Bank in our rear parking lot and served 1,250
people. Thank you to all who volunteered to make this
possible! F.C.C. Mobile Text Alerts
Do you rely on texts for communication more than emails? Would you like to keep
informed about all that's happening at F.C.C. and be alerted to last minute changes
or needs here at church? If you answered yes to either of these questions you
can now text fccelgin to 781-728-9542 and you will be added to our mobile text
alerts system. We hope you will consider joining us!
The Evangelism & Outreach MinistryF.C.C. Is Celebrating Its
175th Year! F.C.C. Was Proud to Be Included on
The 2011 Gifford Park Association's House Walk First
Congregational Church of Elgin was founded May 12, 1836, one year after Elgin
was incorporated as a city. The church's records, which include marriage, birth
and death certificates, are some of the most valuable for those researching Elgin's
history as well as the background of the church. The church is also known for
its spectacular stained glass windows, especially the famous “Rose” window
facing Chicago Street. The church was included on the 2011 Gifford Park
Association’s
House Walk Tour on September 10th and 11th.
F.C.C.'s 175th Anniversary Featured in Daily
Herald Articles
First Congregational Church of Elgin — the first congregation to
be formed in the city — marked a special anniversary on Thursday,
May 12, when it celebrated the 175th anniversary of its founding.
It’s a milestone just as important to the city as the church because it
commemorates the beginning of the city’s long religious heritage.
Click here to read the historic walk article 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. Scrips Program Raises Money for F.C.C.
Doing some shopping? Thinking of "simple" gifts for friend
or neighbor or trying to keep to that budget? Why not give Scrips? Scrips is
a program where you can buy gift cards/certificates which are loaded at the full
face value, yet a percentage is donated back to our church. Participating in
Scrip is easy and allows you to give back to the church without spending an extra
dime.
Click here to see the complete list of retailers that Scrips offers.
For questions, to get instructions on how to place orders online and begin purchasing
ScriptNow products or to place verbal order, contact Jennifer Phillips at 224-588-7034
or by e-mail at phillipsville500@yahoo.com. 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.
The first phase of the F.C.C.
Renovation
Is Now Complete! Click here to see more photos!
Listen to Last
Week's Service
Entire Service (2/5/12) Real Audio(streaming) MP3(please
download first)
February 5: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Preacher — Dr. John Kauffman
Scripture readings:
Isaiah 40:21-31
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29039
Sermon: Impossible?! Lets Fly!
Anthem: Hearken, Stay Close to Jesus by David M. Michael Holy Communion
February 12: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Preacher — Dr. Paris Donehoo
Scripture readings:
1 Kings 3:3-14
Micah 6:6-8
Sermon: Magic Eight Ball
Anthem: Offertory by John Ness Beck
February 19: Last Sunday after Epiphany
Preacher — Dr. Paris Donehoo
Scripture readings:
Exodus 34:29-35
Luke 9:28-36
Sermon: Shine On!
Anthem: Sing to God by G.F. Handel
February 26: First Sunday in Lent
Preacher — Dr. Paris Donehoo
Scripture readings:
Psalm 23
1 Thess. 4:13-18
Sermon: Grieve with Hope
Anthem: WHen Jesus Walked the Wilderness by Lloyd Larson
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 
Our hearts were calmed as we received the newborn King as a baby
this night. The family worship included the Blessing
of the Children and the traditional service at 10:30 p.m. featured the Chancel
and Handbell choir. Both culminated with singing Silent Night by candlelight
and
Holy
Communion.
On
Tuesday, November 1st FCC hosted the Mobile Food Pantry of the Northern Illinois
Food Bank in our rear parking lot and served 1,250
people. Thank you to all who volunteered to make this
possible!
First
Congregational Church of Elgin was founded May 12, 1836, one year after Elgin
was incorporated as a city. The church's records, which include marriage, birth
and death certificates, are some of the most valuable for those researching Elgin's
history as well as the background of the church. The church is also known for
its spectacular stained glass windows, especially the famous “Rose” window
facing Chicago Street. The church was included on the 2011 Gifford Park
Association’s
House Walk Tour on September 10th and 11th.
The United Church of Christ.