Ministries

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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

Live Love, Stop Hate

 Live, Love, Stop Hate.  We adopted this as our mission theme in 2018, addressing issues of religious and racial intolerance in our community. In 2019 we took up the crisis of opioid addiction, sponsoring addresses by nationally known addiction speakers, networking with local governmental and social service agencies working on addiction issues and founding a support group for families struggling with the addictions of family members. The theme for 2020-2021 will be Environmental concerns, Income inequality and Criminal Justice Reform.

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.

FCC Logo Icon

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