ABOUT OUR WORSHIP SERVICES
At First Congo, worship brings together the best of both traditional and contemporary expressions of faith. Our services include familiar hymns, inspiring music, prayer, scripture, thoughtful messages, and opportunities for reflection.
We are a community that is Diverse in Thought. United in Christ. We recognize that people bring different experiences, questions, perspectives, and understandings of faith. We welcome those differences and believe they make our community stronger. Whether you grew up in the church or are exploring faith for the first time, we hope you will find a place to connect, wonder, and grow.
First Congo practices Open Communion which we celebrate on the first Sunday of each month. This means that everyone is welcome at Christ’s table. You do not need to be a member of First Congo or belong to a particular denomination. If you wish to know the presence of Christ and share in this sacred moment, you are welcome to participate.
At First Congo, we believe Christ’s table is a place of welcome, grace, and belonging. We may not always think alike, but we come together in faith, united by Christ’s love. There is room for everyone.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
From September to May, join us for Sunday morning worship services at 8:45AM and 10AM in the Sanctuary.
During the summer, we offer a single worship service at 9:30AM. On the last Sunday of June, July and August, worship will often be held outdoors on the lawn (weather permitting) at 9:30AM.
Our 10am Worship Service
First Steps, a special message just for the kids, with Ms. Jen
Communion by Intinction
Sharing joys and concerns…may God’s love abound.
Our Senior Minister, Rev. Chrissy Tatum Williamson, preaching from the pulpit
Musical soloists
SUNDAY SCHOOL
At First Congo, we believe God is a loving God and that every person is created with dignity and is beloved by God. These beliefs are at the heart of everything we do with children and youth.
We want every child and young person to know they are loved, valued, and welcomed just as they are. Through stories, conversations, friendships, and shared experiences, children and youth are invited to wonder about their faith, ask questions, explore God’s love, and discover ways to put their faith into action.
Faith grows in community. Together, we learn, grow, serve, and discover what it means to follow God’s good way for our lives.
We offer Sunday School for children ages 3 through 8th grade.
- 8:45 AM Worship: Sunday School is available for children through 5th grade.
- 10:00 AM Worship: Children begin worship with their families before heading to Sunday School. Classes are available for children through 8th grade.
Childcare is also available for our youngest children during both services.
We invite you to be part of a community where children and youth are known, loved, encouraged, and supported as they grow in faith.
HOLY GROUNDS
Sip good coffee & connect in the Parlor or Light Court
From September to May, join us in the Parlor or Light Court of the Education building for a faith-filled coffee, food and fellowship hour before and after the 10AM worship.
During the summer months, Holy Grounds will often take place on the lawn (weather permitting) following the 9:30AM worship service.
ELEVEN10 CONNECTION
Sundays at 11:10AM following worship. Discussions and speakers on a variety of topics. See below for a complete list.
Questions? Contact Meredith@wscongo.org.
Childcare provided upon request.
WORSHIP ONLINE
For those who prefer to worship from home, we live-stream our 10AM service during the year and our 9:30AM service during the summer, in addition to some of our other events, on our YouTube channel (click below).
PODCAST
Missed a Sunday? No worries! Click below to listen to past sermons or check out our new kids’ podcast, Curious Kids, Faithful Answers. You can also find Words and Music Testimonies through this link.
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR BUILDING
We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone. The First Congregational Church of Western Springs was recognized by the United Church of Christ as an Accessible to All (A2A) congregation in June 2025, affirming our commitment to be physically, socially, and virtually accessible to people with disabilities.
INFORMATION FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED
For those with a hearing impairment, The First Congregational Church of Western Springs has a hearing loop system in the Sanctuary so you will never miss a moment of Sunday service. If you have a T-Coil-friendly hearing aid, enable the T-Switch functionality. The sound from the service will be transmitted to your hearing aid. Also, hearing devices are offered for those needing assistance. Ask an usher to help you when you arrive. If you prefer to use one of our hand-held FM hearing devices, please ask an usher for assistance.INFORMATION FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED
For those with a hearing impairment, The First Congregational Church of Western Springs has a hearing loop system in the Sanctuary so you will never miss a moment of Sunday service. If you have a T-Coil-friendly hearing aid, enable the T-Switch functionality. The sound from the service will be transmitted to your hearing aid. Also, hearing devices are offered for those needing assistance. Ask an usher to help you when you arrive. If you prefer to use one of our hand-held FM hearing devices, please ask an usher for assistance.
ELEVATOR ACCESS
Our elevator is located at the north end of the Education Building and will take you to the second floor (Seim Room, Plymouth Hall and other widely used rooms).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. What time are worship services? From September through May, we offer two Sunday morning services at 8:45 AM and 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary. During the summer, we gather for one service at 9:30 AM. On the last Sunday of June, July, and August, worship is often held outdoors on the lawn, weather permitting.
2. What should I expect when I visit? You can expect a warm welcome! Our worship services bring together traditional and contemporary music, prayer, scripture, a message, and opportunities to connect with others. Whether you are familiar with church or just exploring, you are welcome here.
3. What should I wear? Come as you are! Some people dress up, while others wear jeans. There is no dress code. We want you to feel comfortable.
4. Are children welcome in worship? Absolutely! Children are an important part of our church community. Sunday School is available during both worship services, with classes for children through 5th grade at 8:45 AM and through 8th grade at 10:00 AM. At the 10:00 AM service, children begin worship with their families before going to Sunday School. Childcare is also available for our youngest children.
5. Do I have to be a member to receive communion? No. We practice Open Communion. Anyone wishing to know the presence of Christ is welcome to participate, regardless of church background or membership. Our communion bread is gluten-free.
6. Is there a time to meet people after worship? Yes! Join us for Holy Grounds in the Parlor or Light Court before and after the 10:00 AM service from September through May. During the summer, we often gather on the lawn following the 9:30 AM service. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy coffee, conversation, and fellowship.
7. Can I watch worship online? Yes! We livestream our 10:00 AM service during the program year and our 9:30 AM service during the summer on our YouTube channel.
8. What if I miss a Sunday? You can listen to past sermons through our podcast. You can also find our Curious Kids, Faithful Answers podcast and Words and Music Testimonies there.
9. Is the church accessible? Yes. First Congo is committed to being physically, socially, and virtually accessible. We have a hearing loop and handheld hearing devices in the Sanctuary, and an elevator in the Education Building. We are proud to be recognized as an Accessible to All (A2A) congregation by the United Church of Christ.
10. Do I have to be a member to attend? Not at all! You are welcome to join us for worship, participate in activities, and get to know our community. There is no expectation that you become a member.
