Ministries
Opportunities
Food for Greater Elgin
The second largest food pantry in Kane County hosting client-choice distributions offering both day and evening shifts for our clients’ convenience. This style of food distribution has been proven to lower waste while preserving the dignity of clients. Shoppers can receive food twice monthly, and may choose from a variety of products, including meat, fresh produce, dairy, deli, and shelf-stable items, and are assisted by volunteers during the shopping process.
Interfaith Food Pantry
FCC provides space to house the All Peoples Interfaith Food Pantry. Its hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:30 am – 11:30 am. All Peoples Interfaith Food Pantry distributes food to Elgin and South Elgin residents. People can receive food once per week from January 1 – December 31. No referral necessary.
Crop Walk
Since 1983, Elgin area faith communities and civic organizations have banned together in a local CROP Hunger Walk effort to bring awareness to the persistent problem of poverty and hunger locally and globally. During that time, Elgin CROP Walkers have raised over $500,000 (thats 1/2 million!) dollars in support of the sustainable projects of Church World Service and Elgin area soup kettles and food pantries.
Themes
Small Groups
DAMARIS Women's Group
The women’s dining out group meets the 4th Thursday of each month at a different restaurant each month. They meet at 1 PM for lunch followed by a short Bible study. Click here to email for more information.
ECO Group
A small group exploring how to live greener, connect our faith in to faithful stewardship of the environment and address global climate change. Meets every other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
B.O.B.S.
Are you a “BOB”? Would you like to be a “BOB”? Our men’s breakfast group called “Boys Out for Breakfast” (hence “BOB” – get it?) meets at Alexander’s on Hwy. 31 just north of the tollway on the third Tuesday of each month at 8:30am. There is no agenda except fellowship and good food at the start of the day. Click here to email Tom Howard that you’re interested.
Women's Study Group
Are you free during the day on Thursday? We’d love to have you join our Women’s Study Group which meets on Thursdays from 10:30 am — 12 pm in the Conference Room at FCC. We choose books and Bible studies on various topics and discuss how they are relevant to our lives today. Many go out to lunch after the study. Feel free to join the group at any time.
Serving the Church
Serve on a Ministry
Opportunities include ushers, greeters, coffee hour setup/cleanup, sanctuary decorating, and funeral or event luncheons.
A-OK (Acts of Kindness)
A small group that reaches out to people, who attend our church, in their time of need. Supporting them by coordinating meals and /or transportation, equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and other hospital equipment.
Volunteer
The church gardens beside and in front of the building need general maintenance including planting, weeding, pruning and spring and fall clean-up.
First Congregational
United Church of Christ - Elgin, IL
Ministries
Embraces diversity, social justice, and progressive theology. Open and affirming, promoting love, acceptance, and inclusion.
About Us
Want to know more about our Church that started in Elgin founder, James Gifford's cabin? Meet our Church staff and learn more about the structure of First Congregational Church and the United Church of Christ.
Upcoming Events
Our Sunday services, special musical events, Ministry groups and community outreach offer ways to connect with our congregation regularly. Join us!
How We Give
We believe we are called to touch lives not only in our immediate, local community, but also in the larger world in need.
Welcome From Pastor Jesse
Welcome to First Congregational Church of Elgin! I’m so glad you found our website!
One of the important affirmations in the United Church of Christ is, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
Are you craving an authentic connection to God? Are you looking for a progressive message about faith and spirituality?
Are you ready for a sense of belonging and involvement? Are you seeking to find meaning in your unanswered questions?
Then FCC Elgin is the place for you!
We’re a spiritual community with a long, rich, diverse heritage here in Elgin for 184+ years. We’re a church that is proudly progressive, intentionally inclusive, and authentically Christian. We honor many paths to God, encourage questions, seek social justice, care for the planet, and welcome LGBTQ individuals and families.
There are many ways to learn more about us and get involved, so please explore our website and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Peace to you in Jesus Christ,
Pastor Jesse Tanner
