Evangelism

Ministry Members
Harold Harmison - Chair
Chris Lehman
Penny Kotal
Clint Whitrock
Joe Sietz
 

WORSHIP

     Each Sunday morning we gather to worship God, which is central in the life of First Church.  We offer a traditional service at 9:00 a.m. and a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m.  A fellowship time is held at 10:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., providing the opportunity for us to gather together between services.  Transportation is available for both Sunday morning services, by contacting the church office.

     Children are welcome to worship with their parent(s) or family member at both services.  A staffed nursery is provided for infants during the worship services for any parent seeking such.  A cry room is also available in the balcony for those parents desiring to keep their young children with them.

     The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month during both worship services.  First Church follows the practice of "open Communion"; everyone is welcome at the communion table, regardless of church membership, background or age.

EDUCATION

Sunday School meets during the 9:00 service with classes for 3-year-olds through high school.  The 10:30 service includes Sunday School classes through 3rd grade and an adult class.   Our dedicated teachers provide curriculum that focuses on knowing God's Word and moves toward practical application of the faith in everyday living.

MUSIC

·         Adult Vocal Choir (high school age and above) - Sing and lead worship at the traditional service September-May.

·         First Ringers (hand bells) - Perform periodically throughout the year.

·         First Praise - Sing and lead worship at the contemporary service year-round.

Our LOGOS children and youth provide music on occasion, as well!

PRAYER

Our Prayer Chain members pray for anyone who requests prayer.  All members are encouraged to pray daily and to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

MISSIONS

First Church always looks beyond its walls. Both pastors and laity serve in numerous positions within the denomination. Substantial gifts are made to local, state, national and international programs.

·         1957 - Sponsored 10 Hungarian "Freedom Fighters."

·         During the '70's and *80's, sponsored 2 large Vietnamese and Amerasians families.

·         Instrumental in supporting development of Adolph Meyer Zone Center and Habitat for Humanity in Decatur.

·         Support Dove, Inc. and the Northeast Community Fund (Food Bank).

·         "Home church" to a Zimbabwe missionary, with additional support to a Zimbabwe student here in the U.S.

  FELLOWSHIP and PROGRAMS

    Everyone is invited to share in Christian fellowship.  We offer a variety of programs for all ages.

    LOGOS:  A mid-week program for grades 1-12, meets Wednesdays from 4:15-7:15 September-April.  LOGOS is a four-part program that offers Bible Study, Worship Skills, Recreation and Family Time.  LOGOS builds Christian relationships between children, youth and adults in an atmosphere loaded with FUN!

    Confirmation:  8th grade youth, provides them with a foundation for faith and prepares them for church membership.

    Youth Fellowship:  Grades 7-12, meets every Sunday evening.

    Seasonal Activities:  Age 2 through 6th grade.

    Vacation Bible School:  Every summer.

    Adult Study Groups:  Interests include Bible study, Women's Fellowship, Men's Breakfast, Big Kids Klub and Golden C's.

    Meeting Space:  Available for many community groups including Cub and Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Baby Talk and others.

      EVANGELISM

     Every member is called to be a disciple – an evangelist for Jesus Christ – “Enthusiastically telling the life changing good  news of Jesus and his love.”  We promise to open our doors and hearts to all God's  children, sharing the love of Christ with everyone we meet.

OUR HISTORY

On December 9, 1888, 37 new members chartered First Congregational Church of Decatur, Illinois. Ground was broken on the first building site April 22, 1890 at the northwest corner of Church and Eldorado Streets. In April 1957 construction of a new building began on 15-acres purchased in the 3400 block of North MacArthur Road. The downtown church was sold to Antioch Baptist. The new building was dedicated on October 5, 1958. The debt was erased in 1965. Plans for the addition of the South wing to house the growing Sunday School and much needed space for the church offices were approved in 1966. It was opened on September 10, 1967. That year, 5 acres of the western portion of the property were sold for the construction of Progress School. Over the years many rehabilitation projects have been undertaken. In 1961 the congregation approved the constitution of the United Church of Christ, a merger of the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. The church name was officially changed to read: First Congregational United Church of Christ of Decatur, Illinois. Since 1968, our Playmates Pre-School has served the Decatur community with classes for 3 and 4 year-olds. We are a church blessed with a 115 year history that has been and continues to be dedicated to the glory of God!

 OUR MISSION

     To provide a structured spiritual faith in God through worship, prayer, Christian education, fellowship, personal growth, and caring to all individuals and to the mission of Jesus Christ in our community and the world.

OUR GOALS

·         To provide regular Christian worship, education and fellowship so as to serve the needs of all age groups within the church community.

·         To provide challenging monetary support for local and world mission programs.

·         To provide encouragement in prayer and devotional life for individuals.

·         To provide opportunity through the church for Christian involvement in the issues and concerns of the community.

·         To provide better understanding between churches through ecumenical efforts.

·         To provide assistance and comfort for those with personal or emotional trials.

·         To provide opportunities for the entire membership in active involvement in these goals and as a church, to strive to be faithful to our God.

   First Congregational

   United Church of Christ

   3465 N. MacArthur Road

   Decatur, Illinois 62526-1450

   Telephone:  (217) 877-2216

   FAX:  (217) 877-9665

   Email:  firstchurchdecatur@sbcglobal.net

   www.firstchurchdecatur.com

   Enjoy the warm welcome, the friendly

   atmosphere and the sincere interest

   shown to newcomers.  Find us a

   church in whose life you want to share.

   This is the church you have been

   looking for--a church for the whole

   family or the individual--a church that

   serves the community and the world in

   the name of Jesus Christ.