The Power of Generosity
Your church invites community, and for that, I am so thankful.
- Donna Lunke
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Dream it.
The Congregational Church is consistently a presence in the community. It is a voice for love and peace at rallies such as Pride or on any matter of inclusion. It is the place where food is kept for those in need and food is offered during Thanksgiving. It warms my heart to see a church represent the teachings of love and care for our neighbors.
Marcia Hyatt
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Build it.
When I was looking for a space to run my daycare, Northwoods Childcare, out of and they gladly offered me a room to do just that! It's been almost a year that I've been running Northwoods Childcare out of the First Congregational Church and it's been such a blessing to the families that I provide care to, myself and my daughters!
Hunter MacClaurin-
Owner of Northwoods Childcare
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Grow it.
Generosity is an action. The more specific and tangible the action, the more lasting its effect. Whether it works or not is irrelevant. Your intent leaves a lasting impression on our community, an impression we all share.
Pat Companaro
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Play it.
Working with the church has been very positive; they are flexible, patient and responsive to the needs of my program, consistently displaying the same compassionate, growth-oriented community values which align with my mission to build community through music.
Ben Nichols
Music Teacher
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Cook it.
One of our favorite memories was delivering to Harbor View Apartments the first Thanksgiving after COVID. All meals except one were delivered to the community room that had been set with a long table, Thanksgiving napkins and paper plates and a centerpiece. You could feel the joy and excitement in the room!
Donna Lunke
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Host it.
From welcoming people to hold yoga, tai chi, and meditation classes and gatherings to weekly sing-a-longs, this church is part of creating a better life for people in the wider community.
Mark & Melinda Spinler
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Move it.
I must start with “The Rusty Playground” so named and beloved by a three-year-old for the four-sided squeaky teeter totter he pretends is a train, a game still loved at age six. Or the quiet of tai chi in a basement of bikes, so many bicycles remembering tourist season temps who are so often forgotten or ignored. Enno’s actions indicating we are all simply humans in need of a bit of kindness and clearly understands pride of any individual can hold in simply being accepted for themself. That banquet of thanks every November and I am grateful for Enno’s offer of space to spread my work out when it was greatly needed. Thank you,
Pete Heiden.
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Protect it!
Beyond its support of the Violence Prevention Center, the First Congregational Church is also a strong advocate for inclusivity and social justice. Enno, the pastor, is actively involved in the Cook County Pride Committee, helping to organize events and initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in the area.
Lindsey Gau -
Director of Violence Prevention Center
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Bike it!
WTIP story on W.O.W.
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Dish It.
Our Community Thanksgiving Dinner has been a community staple for 50 years!
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Share It.
The Cook County Food Shelf is very grateful for the storage space in the lower level and the on-going support and commitment to help our community and for working with the food shelf in our expanding needs.
Gwen Lenz
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Meet it.
Dear Beloved Community,
I have been part of a group that has met at UCC for over 35 years.
You have provided for us and so many others a welcoming, safe and beautiful space.
Thank you for being what Christ has called us to be. Welcoming, providing for the needs of the community, standing up for justice and peace.
You are what the Beloved Community is.
Thank you
Suzanne Sherman
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Give it.
Our church raised over $200 to help our youth with school meals. The state does pay for the first meal, but if a student goes back they will be charged. At the end of the last school year, there was over $3,000 of family debt. We hope to keep that down this year.