Community Outreach
At First Congregational United Church of Christ, mission work is a vital expression of our faith in action. Through hands-on service trips and ongoing outreach efforts, we partner with communities near and far to offer compassion, build relationships, and respond to real needs. These are our current highlights the ways we serve together as a congregation—living out Christ’s call to love our neighbors.
Our Puerto Rico Work Trips
Mission work is a cornerstone of Youth Ministries at First Congregational United Church of Christ.
We believe that when given the opportunity, our youth grow in their faith through meaningful, hands-on service. Every two years, a group of 15–20 volunteers from our congregation travels to Puerto Rico to assist a local animal shelter, offering support and compassion to both animals and the community.
In the time between trips, we work together to raise the funds needed to make this mission possible. These experiences—building relationships, serving alongside peers and adults, and living out our call to be the hands and feet of Christ—are often life-changing for everyone involved.
Follow the Star: Christmas Gift Giving
As part of our ongoing mission outreach, Follow the Star is our annual Christmas gift giving program inspired by the Magi’s journey to bring gifts to the Christ child. Through this ministry, we collect and distribute gifts for children from infancy through age 16, supporting families in need during the holiday season.
In partnership with San Lucas United Church of Christ in Humboldt Park and Advocate United Church of Christ on Chicago’s east side, we work to share hope and joy with those facing economic hardship. Whether through donating gifts or contributing funds, our congregation joins together each year to reflect the spirit of giving and live out our call to love and serve.
Teen Parent Connection
As part of our mission outreach, we support Teen Parent Connection, a local non-profit serving teen parents in DuPage County since 1985. Many young families face daily challenges, and basic necessities like diapers and wipes can become a significant burden.
Through our ongoing collection efforts, we help provide practical support and relief to these families. We focus on collecting larger diaper sizes (5, 6, and 7) along with unscented baby wipes. Every contribution helps ease the load for young parents working hard to care for their children.
