First Congregational Church Of Western Springs

We will worship together, listening to the reflection from Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey entitled "Under Her Wings" and enjoying music provided by the Lord of the Ringers and the Tower Chimes. Join us!

This Sunday we begin the season of Lent with our theme “Filled to the Brim.” I will preach on the theme of the abundant life found in forgiveness in my sermon entitled: Broken Vessels, Broken Bread and we will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion at both services.

The Psalmist reminds us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Come and worship as we are reminded just how much God loves us and be inspired to love yourself just as profoundly!

Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey takes on one of the hardest teachings of Jesus - the commandment to love our enemies. 

God wants us to live an abundant and full life!  We’ll explore ways to do just that through the journey of Lent.

This Sunday Rev. Rich Kirchherr will offer the second of his historical moments in the history of our church. The first one was on January 16, and this one is about our missionary minister in India during the 1920s and 30s. His name was the Reverend Ralph Keithahn, and both his time in our church and India were controversial.  Again, historical moments are simply that. However, some continue to raise questions that speak to our faith in 2022. This week, after sharing Rev. Keithahn’s story,  Rich will reflect on the question, “What Does Our Faith Say about Other Religions?”

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers his sermon entitled: The Purpose of "We". 

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will offer a historical minute on a controversy that erupted  not long after our sanctuary was built. It was over a family having the ashes of a loved one interred in the floor of the church.  And it was quite a controversy.  The sermon will wonder about why it was such a difficult topic, and will reflect on what our faith says about the end of life.  The Scripture is John 14.

Churches all around the world traditionally remember the Baptism of Christ on the first Sunday after Epiphany. We will join this global celebration as we remember our own baptisms as well. Katherine Willis Pershey will preach and Lauren Reynolds will serve as liturgist as we return to in-person worship this Sunday.

We will celebrate the Epiphany in this first worship service of the New Year, with special music, Holy Communion, and a brief message from Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey. Bring your juice/wine and bread/crackers to participate in Communion.

Please join us for our traditional lessons and carols for Christmas Eve. Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will offer a reflection on the theme of “coming home for Christmas”.  Our choir will be accompanied by organist Kathy Christian, and a brass quartet.

On this 4th Sunday of Advent, Rev Meredith Onion will reflect on the beautiful story of Elizabeth and Mary. The bells will ring, the children will sing, and we will light the candle of Love, as we continue our joyful anticipation of the birth of our Savior.

We continue our Advent series, Close to Home, with Pastor Katherine preaching on one of the classic characters of Advent - John the Baptist. John the Baptist’s good news sounds harsh, but he preaches a home for all—where inequities are banished, valleys are lifted up, and all have the resources they need for collective flourishing. Ultimately, John’s message is one of joy. The choir will sing and the candle of joy will be lit.

This Sunday we gather for the second Sunday of advent, and light the candle of peace. Rich will offer a reflection on the theme of anticipation and remembrance. We will celebrate the sacrament of communion.

We will celebrate the First Sunday of Advent as we light the candle of Hope.  Our Advent Sermon series, Close to Home, begins as we explore our deep longing to return home to God.

Ray Klemchuk offers a Thanksgiving Reflection. 

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers his annual Thanksgiving Alphabet sermon spelling the word "Congregation". 

The bells are ringing this morning as we joyfully welcome the adult and children's bell choirs back to worship! Katherine Willis Pershey preaches this morning, and during the 10:30 service we will welcome new members into the life of our congregation.

This Sunday we will read the names of members who have passed in the last year, and toll the bell in their memory. Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will reflect on the idea of everyday saints who are in our midst.

Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey will preach on the Greatest Commandment and Peter Kralovec-Kirchherr will serve as worship leader.