What do you hear when you talk to community leaders and ask them what your church is known for?
Local leaders with historical perspective always remember the role of First United Church and its predecessor churches in Oak Park’s bold, progressive civic life in the 1960s and 1970s. Oak Park stood almost alone in its refusal to submit to white flight as the population of
Chicago and its suburbs re-segregated. Members of the church led the Village Council when it adopted one of the nation’s first Open Housing ordinances in 1968. The First Congregational Church provided office space and support for the non-profit organization created to combat re segregation in residential housing.
Today, we are known for our outstanding nursery school, as a leader in mission work, serving as a hub for service organizations, and our generous donations to Mission Partners (enabled by our SMEF fund).
What do new people in the church say when asked what got them involved?
New members mention that they have found a church that truly welcomes and embraces them, regardless of sexuality, gender identity, or religious background. Others are attracted to our visible commitment to social justice and the range of volunteer opportunities. New members with young children are drawn by our Christian Education program. Some families migrate from the Nursery School or Sunday evening youth programs to Sunday morning attendance.