News

The  choir, under the direction of Travis Erickson, was once again so inspiring. This is an annual event. Even with over a foot of snow and sub-zero temps, the choir arrived along with the faithful member who braved the elements. They were not disappointed. The night was filled with amazing music. We all left with out spirits enriched.

Barb Mitchell is marrying her high school sweetheart in December. We are so happy for her. The church threw a surprise party for her to wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life.

On Sunday, October 19th the faith families of First Congregational UCC and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church gather for a shared meal and conversation. This was the first in a year-long exploration of deepening trust, building relationships, and organizing for positive change in the community. All who were there spoke with enthusiasm of the joy and delight they experienced at these tables of love and fellowship  that were set for all. Because of the energy that was created, there is now even greater antcipcipation for the next event in January hosted by First Church.

After a year of discernment, education, and dialogue First Congregational UCC voted to become a Just Peace Church.

Since their founding in 1854 with a covenant signed by the first members of the church that included a promise to be open to all who believe in Jesus irregardless of the color of their skin, this church has found ways to be a church of peace and justice.

Also an Open and Affirming church, the members here consistently look for ways to create a just world for all. For them, living out Christian faith and discipleship is about openly up the invitation to embody love to all lived out through faithful action in service to others.

The Just Peace designation commits our church and its members to seeking pathways to reconciliation, to accountability, to speaking truth to power in love, to advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable among us, to welcoming the stranger in our midst, to setting free the oppressed, to making sure that no person is treated differently because of life choices they have made, to caring for our environment and reducing our carbon footprint, and so much more.

We are proud to add to our identity and our mission a clear commitment and calling to be a Just Peace Church.

In anticipation of an announced ICE raid on the city of Chicago, the DeKalb Migrant Aid organization held a legal clinic at First Congregational UCC. About 80 showed up to hear a live presentation on their rights. The presentation was given in Spanish, and translated into English and Arabic.

Those in attendance learned about their rights, whether they were documented or undocumented. Strategies for keeping families intact, for securing legal aid, for partnering with their employers to remain fully protected were all discussed.

All in attendance also received a gift card to a local department store to use as best fit their needs. Temperatures will drop to single digits here in DeKalb this week, and so the church is also participating in a clothing drive to help our migrant workers and families.