First Congregational Church Of Western Springs

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers his reflection during our annual picnic.

Zada Clarke offers her testimony on Grow.

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will preach as we return to two services at 9 and 10:30AM. His sermon will kick off our three-week worship series on Grow. Serve. Share., a holistic understanding of the stewardship of all God’s gifts as a way of faithful living.

This Sunday we’ll hear the story of Jesus healing a woman who had been afflicted for 18 years. Imagine her joy! But because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, the leaders of the Synagogue became indignant. Join us Sunday as we consider how the authorities may have been “Missing the Point,” and what we may be overlooking as well.    We will also celebrate the sacrament of Baptism and our music will be led by soloist Christina Kaloyanides-Abbott.

Scripture calls us to run with perseverance the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the perfecter and pioneer of our faith. But who gets distracted along the way?  If you do, you’re not alone, and you’ll want to listen to Meredith’s sermon: “Pay attention….SQUIRREL! PAY ATTENTION!”  We’ll choose our favorite hymns to open worship and Janet Mensen Reynolds will provide the anthem and offertory music.

We welcome our Guest Preacher - Rev. Becca Stevens. 

Our annual "Ask the Pastor?" with Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr service. 

As we continue our Biographies of Grace and Lives of Love series, Katherine Willis Pershey will be preaching on 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 and reflecting on the life of the late Rachel Held Evans, author of books such as Inspired and Searching for Sunday. Our lay speaker will be Laura Tilden. Ann Morris will offer special music, including a rendition of The Water is Wide.

Susan Frick reflects on her work facilitating a support group for younger onset Alzheimer’s.

This Sunday Rich will lift up the life of Edith Cavell. She was a British nurse during World War I, and was eventually in a position where she needed to provide care for soldiers from both sides. She paid dearly for what she said was the only action her faith allowed her to take. Cavell offered some powerful statements about what it means to both love your country and be a disciple of Christ.  Susan Frick, a new member, will reflect on her work facilitating a support group for younger onset Alzheimer’s, and All-In — The Congo House Band will help lead worship in song.

This Sunday, we will consider the gospel through the lens of Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer, founder of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and author of Just Mercy. Sonja Martinez will offer a testimony and musicians from the Western Springs School of Talent Education will offer special music. Let us do Justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God!

This Sunday, we will consider the gospel through the lens of Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer, founder of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and author of Just Mercy. Sonja Martinez will offer a testimony and musicians from the Western Springs School of Talent Education will offer special music. Let us do Justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God!

Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey offers her reflection on Dolly Parton. 

This Sunday, as we continue our Lives of Love/ Biographies of Grace worship series, Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr will reflect on two pastors who overcame obstacles in their lives to lead wonderful ministries. Bill Johnson overcame a societal obstacle and was ordained as the first openly gay pastor in our nation’s history. His ordination took place 50 years ago this month. Bob Kemper began as a senior minister of our church 50 years ago this month, and he overcame a physical obstacle: his legal blindness.  

Rev. John Rodgers offers a reflection on Bob Kemper. 

Ben Pershey offers our annual Father's Day Reflection. 

Frances Perkins and George Marshall were two of the most influential government leaders of the 20th century. They profoundly influenced our nation and the world by shaping and forming some of our most important social programs. The foundation for their lives of service, grace and hope was their Christian faith. Ben Pershey will offer a Father’s Day reflection. And you may not know, but Diaconate donates $250 to the charity of choice for those who offer Mother’s and Father’s Day reflections. Ben has selected BEDS Plus to receive this donation. Lauren Reynolds will be our featured vocalist. The Semi-Annual meeting will take place immediately following worship.

Our Biographies of Grace & Lives of Love sermon series continues as Meredith reflects on Alberta King, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how she influenced her son’s faith and passion for justice.  Arcadia McCauley will sing the world premiere of Jeff Kust’s composition, The Sculptor, in honor of Alberta King’s legacy.  Jean Larson will also share a reflection on how her mother impacted her faith.

Our Biographies of Grace & Lives of Love sermon series continues as Meredith reflects on Alberta King, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how she influenced her son’s faith and passion for justice.  Arcadia McCauley will sing the world premiere of Jeff Kust’s composition, The Sculptor, in honor of Alberta King’s legacy.  Jean Larson will also share a reflection on how her mother impacted her faith.

We begin our summer worship series, Biographies of Grace & Lives of Love. Tiernan Murrell will be our lay speaker. Katherine will preach on Acts 2:1-21, the story of Pentecost, and reflect on the life of Eugene Peterson. We will celebrate Communion and receive beautiful music from the Western Springs School of Talent Education.