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A Community of Faith
All Are Welcome
Worship at FCCW nourishes both your mind and your soul. Members and visitors come from many backgrounds and hold varying beliefs about religion and social issues. We recognize there is a deep societal longing for faith and community but often a general distrust in institutions. We are an open and affirming congregation which means we make a public covenant of welcome into the full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. Stated simply, we are all equal recipients of the love and grace of God.
Come as you are. Our love for one another and our community is what holds us together.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT TIME IS YOUR CHURCH SERVICE?
Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m. and typically lasts one hour.
WHAT IS YOUR DENOMINATION?
THE UCC (United Church of Christ) is a socially liberal mainline Protestant church formed in 1957 as a merger of two other Christian denominations. Click here to learn more.
WHERE DO I ENTER (ACCESSIBILITY)?
Enter through the front door to the sanctuary, found at the corner of Wilmette Ave., Lake and 11th St.. Once inside, walk up the short series of steps directly into the sanctuary.
If you need an elevator, you may also enter the church through the wooden side door marked as handicap accessible found to the right of the front steps, on the Wilmette Avenue side. Inside, the elevator to Pilgrim Hall and the Sanctuary will be directly in front of you, and will take you to the second floor.
WHAT ABOUT PARKING?
There are street spots along Wilmette Ave., 11th street and a public lot at 747 11th St. that is free on Sunday mornings.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Anything that makes you feel comfortable!
DO YOU OFFER CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP?
We encourage children to be in worship, sitting in the pews, making art or playing with the small “fun bags” we offer kids as they enter the sanctuary. We can also provide childcare in our Sunday school room on the first floor. Contact us by Fridays at 3pm to arrange Sunday childcare in advance.
DO YOU OFFER COMMUNION?
On the first Sunday of every month, we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion. If you wish to partake, you will approach the front of the sanctuary, take a piece of bread from the plate and dip it in the cup. We use non-alcoholic grape juice and offer the option of gluten-free wafers. If you are unable to approach the front because of mobility issues, but want to participate in communion, let an usher know and we will be sure you are served at your seat.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNION?
We have an open communion table. This means that all people of all ages are welcome to receive the bread and the cup. You do not need to be baptized or a member of this or any other church. You are also welcome to simply observe if you’d rather not take communion.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL SUNDAY SERVICE LIKE?
When you walk in the doors of FCCW, you are given a bulletin in order to follow the order of worship. Service is a time to join together in community. We pray, sing hymns and listen to music offered by our choir or special musical guests. We hear scripture followed by an inspiring sermon. One of the most appreciated parts of the service is getting the chance to connect more deeply with one another during the period of “Joys and Concerns.” People share and request prayers for individuals and families as well as for those in the wider community and around the world. Prayers of joy are also encouraged as we appreciate the small and large blessings of our daily life.
At the conclusion of worship, we offer coffee hour in the adjoining Pilgrim Hall. This is an opportunity to enjoy snacks, a warm or cold beverage, ask questions and forge deeper conversations.
HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHURCH?
Please sign up for our weekly newsletter here. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Contact a staff member for specific questions: Church office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Send an email to 1stChurch@fccw.org or leave a voicemail message at 847-251-6660.
