Elgin's First Congregational Church begins new year with focus on healing and transitions

First Congregational Church of Elgin begins 2020 with a look at what it takes for both ourselves and the church to have healthy and healing lives.

"Both people and institutions can fall into practices that inhibit effective living, that lock us into ways of living that only make us worse over time," said the Rev. Michael Montgomery, interim senior minister. "Having a spiritual base coupled with religious practices can give us foundations for health."

They offer two services at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. at the church, 256 E. Chicago St. in Elgin.

At 11:30 a.m., the church will celebrate the ministry of Rev. Michael Montgomery, who has served them as an intentional interim minister for the past year and a half.

Under his stewardship, the congregation addressed long-term financial issues and found a new mission emphasis in the caring for the earth. The church is moving ahead with the installation of solar energy panels on its roof, a first for down town Elgin.

On Jan. 20, Montgomery will begin service as the interim executive director of Food for Greater Elgin.

For details, visit fcc-elgin.org or www.facebook.com/fccelgin.