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Naperville Sun 4/21/06 First Congregational United Church of Christ Profile Religious affiliation: United Church of Christ. Neighborhood: 25 E. Benton Ave. Size and character of congregation: About 350 members. Everyone is welcome. We are a progressive, theologically liberal congregation that celebrates the diversity of our world. Worship services and programs encourage service to others. Pastors: The Rev. Greg Schneck-Skiba and the Rev. Katie Morrison. Scheduled services: 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Largest service and turnout: In 2004, our church hosted the two senatorial interfaith candidate forums featuring Barack Obama and Alan Keyes. The sanctuary and two additional rooms were overflowing with people. Biggest wish-list item: Loving people to join and enhance our dynamic family of faith. Biggest issue: Getting the word out about the church and its extravagant welcome. Most memorable wedding or other service: During one service, church youths and their advisers described their experiences during a mission trip to Biloxi, Miss., before Hurricane Katrina hit. Another service featured a group of adults who spoke about their experiences during a recent trip to Biloxi. Proudest moment: Our denomination has been airing commercials on the welcome we have for all people, many of whom come from other church backgrounds. Unfortunately, the major networks refused to air the most recent commercial. Most dedicated volunteer: Our members are active. Our church invites the homeless people of the area for shelter and meals on Wednesday nights. We are an official PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) site. Other services and programs offered: Includes a Stephen Ministry program, youth ministry, adult programs, support groups and prayer chains. The church supports food banks, family shelters, hospice care, recycling programs, work projects, the CROP Walk and blood drives. Fair Trade coffee and tea are available at coffee hour every Sunday. Most prized possession: God's love discovered in Jesus' life and teachings and in our ministry with each other. Also, members of Naperville's founding families have given the church beautiful stained-glass windows, most of which were dedicated in 1906. Built in: The church was chartered in 1833. The current church, built in 1906, is the second to be built on the site, donated by Morris Sleight. What makes it special? As the oldest chartered church in DuPage County, we have a long history of commitment to social issues, including recycling, inclusion of gays and lesbians, homelessness, ending war and the promotion of fair trade policies. Click here to read the full profile as submitted to the Naperville Sun |
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