Dear Members and Friends, Please join me in a very enthusiastic and heart felt welcome to our new Sr. Pastor, Rev. Chrissy Tatum Williamson. As a member of the search committee, I am grateful for the working of the Holy Spirit and tireless dedication of the committee that led us to Chrissy. As a group, we believe she is the right person, at the right time with the gifts and skills to lead First Congo forward. By way of background, Chrissy was born and raised in North Carolina. She has a BA in French and Sociology from Furman University. Additionally, she has a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest and a Master of Arts in Theology and Ethics from Union Theological Seminary. She joins us from the Progressive Baptist tradition and has served at three churches and most recently as the Senior Pastor at Greystone Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Caroline. There are so many amazing qualities that we discovered in Chrissy that make us so excited to have her lead First Congo. Here are some of our observations: amazing preaching skills; her warmth and approachability; ability and willingness to listen; knowledge of scripture; commitment to social justice; extensive work with youth ministry; focus on faith formation; and her experience with both large and small congregations. I personally love a quote from Chrissy in her message to our congregation back in March, “God will help us all grow together to continue becoming the people God has made us and is calling us to be.” Again, please join me in giving a warm and gracious welcome to Chrissy, Justin and Mia as they join First Congo and our community. Gratefully, Tom Mitchell, Moderator
And please note, Chrissy is excited to meet each of you and to learn more about our community of faith! As she begins her ministry with us, please remember that she is still getting to know First Congo. If you need to reach her, you can email Chrissy at chrissy@wscongo.org.And don’t forget to wear your name tags—it’s a wonderful way to help her (and one another!) feel connected.
PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS!Worship at 8:45 AM and 10 AM:This Sunday at First Congo Rev. Chrissy Tatum Williamson will preach a sermon entitled: “The Difference Between Molding and Molded.” Everybody likes the idea of being transformed (past tense). Looking back on the past and seeing how we’ve grown and changed. Children exude pride when they begin a new school year, one grade more than when they left for summer break. As adults we sometimes look upon our careers and our skills (whether for work, play, or hobby) in much the same way. Look at how we’ve grown and changed and improved! What nobody likes is the work of changing. This week’s reading challenges us to take a humble look and see if God might be molding us – even now. Communion will be served at both services this Sunday, with the Chancel Choir singing at 10 AM. Following worship, join us for a special Holy Grounds hosted by the Search Committee as we welcome Rev. Chrissy Tatum Williamson.View Livestream Here!
Looking for a meaningful way to connect and grow in faith? Join us this fall for Friday Friends!We’ll gather on Fridays at noon starting September 5 for an informal time of fellowship and faith discussion. Each week includes a video or other media followed by conversation.Bring your brown bag lunch or takeout—no prep or reading required, just come as you are!
A SPECIAL Farewell Breakfast for Rich at his favorite local spot!All men are welcome! Please register below.
Tuesday, Sept 23Burger Night OutSpecial EditionCelebrate Rich KirchherrBurger Night Out – Once a month (or so) we build friendships over a burger and beverage. Newbies welcome!Tuesday September 23 is a special edition of Burger Night Out, a celebration of Rich Kirchherr’s ministry. Murray Johnson will once again open up his home and host in his backyard. In a change of pace, the donations we collect will be directed to the Kirchherr Ministry Fund. · Tuesday, September 23.· 539 Park Street, La Grange Murray Johnson’s backyard.· Gather at 5:30 pm · If you are able, arrive at 5 pm to assist with set up or stay late to help clean up.· We will collect free will donations on behalf of the Kirchherr Ministry Fund. · Bring your own beverage and lawn chair (if convenient)Please RSVP to Mark Laubacher, mark@laubacherco.com or text to312-560-0837.
The Caregiver Circle of Friends Are you providing care for a loved one? The role of caregiver often takes us by surprise and navigating the way can be exhausting, stressful, rewarding, and joyful – often all in the same day. Walking with others in a similar situation can provide stress relief, companionship, and a time to share tips and resources. The Caregiver Circle of Friends is a group of caregivers who meet on Mondays from 1:30-2:30 at Plymouth Place. We use various books as discussion points and have time to share individual joys and concerns, walking with each other through the caregiving journey. New friends are welcome! This is open to all First Congo members, not only those living at Plymouth Place. We resume our weekly meetings on Monday, September 8. Our book this fall is The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for your Loved One Without Losing Yourself. Please contact Jean Larson MSN, RN Faith Community Nurse at jean@wscongo.org if you are interested in joining us. I’d love to hear from you!
Sunday School Registration is Open for 2025/2026! Sunday school is offered to kids ages preschool – 7th grade every Sunday morning at 10 AM, with an “all ages” option during the 8:45 AM service. This year, the 6th & 7th graders will start the morning in church with their family and head to the Education Building with the younger kids. They will be given a special role in storytelling and leading activities with the younger kids, under the guidance of our experienced teachers. Be sure to find the Sunday School table at the annual picnic, where we will have a special activity for kids.
Confirmation Class 2025-2026for incoming 8th GradersHope Sabbagha, our Confirmation Coordinator, is excited to meet and teach the Confirmation Class of 2025-2026.In order to receive up-to-date information about all the happenings,please use the QR code or link below to register your child. And please note that September 13th will be the Confirmation Retreat, so mark this important date on your calendar!
The Kemper Library is a thoughtfully curated collection of resources for adults, young adults, and children that fosters relational reconciliation, encourages faith formation, invites personal healing, and nurtures a vision of God’s peace and wholeness. The library is carefully cataloged and maintained by the members of the Kemper Library Committee.
The space was formerly the late Rev. Dr. Robert Kemper’s pastoral study and is presently the meeting location for many church meetings and small group gatherings. A beautiful stencil of Bob’s beloved benediction is painted along the walls:
God go with you May he walk where you walk Guide where you must make choices Comfort where you hurt And surprise you by his continued love for you And what you are And what you do. Amen.
Please stop by, peruse the shelves, and check out a book or two for your spiritual journey.
For the complete inventory of books, click the button below:
To request a resource to be added to the Kemper Library collection, please complete the form below:
"*" indicates required fields
Would you like to pay us a visit?
We are a vibrant and growing church drawing members from many surrounding towns. We welcome all people as children of God and value that our members come from many Christian traditions. We welcome you to come and experience the Spirit’s abiding presence and to deepen your faith with us. We can’t wait to meet you!
Register for Moms in Faith Mornings
Please note, Girls, Inc. of Chicago is one of the church’s mission partners. If you would like to learn about the organizations, please click here.
All are welcome to this special event.Remarks from speakers will be at 4PM.Volunteer to Help with Set-Up, Food or Clean-Up
Request the Zoom Link
Tuesday, Sept 23Burger Night OutSpecial EditionCelebrate Rich KirchherrBurger Night Out – Once a month (or so) we build friendships over a burger and beverage. Newbies welcome!Tuesday September 23 is a special edition of Burger Night Out, a celebration of Rich Kirchherr’s ministry. Murray Johnson will once again open up his home and host in his backyard. In a change of pace, the donations we collect will be directed to the Kirchherr Ministry Fund. · Tuesday, September 23.· 539 Park Street, La Grange Murray Johnson’s backyard.· Gather at 5:30 pm · If you are able, arrive at 5 pm to assist with set up or stay late to help clean up.· We will collect free will donations on behalf of the Kirchherr Ministry Fund. · Bring your own beverage and lawn chair (if convenient)Please RSVP to Mark Laubacher, mark@laubacherco.com or text to312-560-0837. 
