What to Expect
At First Congregational, you’ll find a church that embraces you as you are—with your questions, your hopes, your doubts, and your dreams. We are an open and affirming congregation shaped by the inclusive love of Jesus and committed to walking together through all seasons of life.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after time away, we want you to feel at home. Our worship is both rooted in tradition and alive with creativity. Our community life is grounded in relationships, spiritual growth, justice work, and joyful service. We honor the sacred worth of every person and believe that God is still speaking—inviting us into deeper love, wider welcome, and courageous faith.
Come as you are! Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are truly welcome!
Who We Are
We are an open and affirming congregation, grounded in the radical love and inclusive teachings of Jesus. We celebrate the boundless grace of God—a love that knows no limits, a forgiveness that restores, and a welcome that embraces all people just as they are. Through vibrant worship, compassionate service, and meaningful relationships, we nurture faith across every generation—from the youngest child to the eldest seeker. Together, we grow in spirit and purpose, trusting that God’s voice is still speaking. Rooted in justice, compassion, and hope, we strive to live our mission: To be faithful partners in Christ’s work of love, healing, and liberation for all.
What We Value
Passion for the Bible and vibrant worship
Serving others with care and respect
Promoting environmental sustainability and “green” practices
Actively involving children and youth in church life
A deep love for music
Spiritual growth for all ages
Our Core Beliefs
We believe in the unconditional, inclusive love of God.
We believe Christ’s message of redemption and reconciliation speaks to every generation.
We believe God’s voice is still speaking—guiding us, challenging us, and calling us forward.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
We are called to be Global Citizens—connected to all of God’s Creation. We intentionally nurture the light of God within us and share it in a complex world that needs healing.
We advocate for justice for all, including care for the environment, and believe that the church’s mission has the power to transform lives.
Our Mission
With a legacy of outreach, we joyfully respond to God’s call to love and serve.
From local partnerships to global causes, our mission work reflects our belief that love in action brings hope and change.
We are committed to working locally for the global good.
Our Worship
Our worship blends the richness of tradition with fresh, creative expression.
Rooted in the faith of those who came before us, we gather to experience God’s presence in meaningful ways.
All are welcome at our communion table—a space open to anyone seeking God’s grace and Christ’s love.
A Community Rooted in Christ
We are individuals with hopes, dreams, questions, and fears.
We are stressed-out parents striving to live by our values.
We are children building our foundation through love and connection.
We are friends walking together through life’s highs and lows.
We are a community of imperfect people, committed to following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Groups & Community
Each group at First Congregational is unique.
Whether gathering over meals, study, prayer, or shared service, our small groups are built on connection and care.
Together, we grow in faith, support one another, and build lasting friendships rooted in Christ’s love.
Let us know you’re new!
Please reach out to the Church office and let us know you are new and we’ll have one our welcomers get in touch with you!
630-832-2580 | communications@elmhurstucc.org
Come as You Are
At our Sunday worship service, you’ll see a variety of attire. Some people dress up, others are more casual, and plenty of youth show up in sports uniforms. All are welcome! Just be yourself!
Our Historic Home
Like most older churches, our building shows its age in places, but within these walls you’ll find a warm and welcoming community. Our space may be a bit outdated, but the spirit of its people is vibrant, open, and full of life. We believe it’s not the building that makes a church—it’s the people inside it.
When You Arrive
Parking is available directly across from the church on Church Street, with additional spaces along Kenilworth Avenue.
All main entrances are open and accessible for your convenience.
The sanctuary is located on the west side of the building. As you enter, printed materials and information are available in the open foyer leading into the worship space.
Restrooms and a coat rack can be found in the main hallway just beyond the entrance.
Accessibility
We are handicap accessible with some limitations.
There are several handicap parking spaces in the parking lot. There is a sidewalk drop-off/pickup lane at the glass doors along the north side of the building.
Inside the door to your left there is a lift. An usher can assist you in operating the lift. There is one flight of stairs leading up to the sanctuary, church parlor, and Sunday School rooms.
Please contact our church office if you have further questions about our accessibility.
The Worship Service
Worship celebration is in a positive upbeat traditional style with blended music at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Large and regular size print bulletins are available as you enter the sanctuary.
We have a Guest Book if you would like to sign it.
Please sit anywhere you would like.
In each pew is a black “Friendship Pad” where you can record your name, address, and phone number if you would like.
There are cards you can use to request specific prayers. Typically, there is conversation before the prelude music.
The church bell is rung just before the service starts.
And, if you are running late, please do not worry about entering the service at any time.
Children & Youth in Worship
Children and youth are most welcome!
Each Sunday the children are invited to the front to participate in the Children’s Message. The message typically runs in harmony with the pastor’s message and the Sunday School lessons.
After the Children’s Message in the service, your youngster can attend Sunday School.
If you choose to have your children stay in worship, there are children’s bags with coloring sheets and other activities available in the foyer.
Our “Youngest Among Us” Room opens at 9:45 a.m. for little ones from infancy to 2nd grade and is located down the main hallway from the sanctuary.
Our 3rd to 5th Grade Students meet in Room #100 on the main hallway, across from the nursery. Through stories, interactive art, and games, children learn from the sacred stories of the Bible.
Music
Music plays an integral part of our worship service. Congregational singing on hymns is led by a soloist or the choir. Every Sunday features solos, duets, and instrumentals in various styles.
Communion
Communion is the first Sunday of the month. It is an open table and everyone is welcome. Those who are able are invited to come forward to receive the bread and cup and ushers will serve others in their seats.
Offering
Goodness is God’s heart towards us. Gratitude is our response. The fruit of gratitude is a life of generosity. We believe that while we may not have all that we want, we do have more than we need, and giving is our joyful response to all that God has provided.
Noisy Offering
It’s a noisy offering because your youngest worshippers collect spare change from the other worshippers. We celebrate this offering on the first Sunday of every month. The money goes toward our Global Outreach.
Following the Service
We encourage visitors to meet the minister and other members of the congregation for coffee, juice, and snacks following the service. We have this “fellowship time” in the church parlor located next to the sanctuary.