Two Palatine congregations come together for Thanksgiving celebration

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, and 403 years later, two disparate peoples came together once again to break bread and give thanks.

St. John United Church of Christ has shared its sanctuary with St. Archangel Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church since 2023, and on Sunday, Nov. 24, the two faith congregations celebrated the traditional American holiday together.

The St. John steeple has been a familiar sight at the corner of Algonquin and Roselle roads for 178 years. It’s an open and accepting congregation, widely known for its support of all faith communities across the northwest suburbs.

Just like the first celebration in 1621, there were language and cultural barriers, but nothing that good food and open hearts couldn’t easily cross.

“Even small churches can do great things,” said Pastor Sandy Kolar. “And we are honored to partner with our Palatine community.”

For information on St. John UCC, contact stjohnUCCpalatine@gmail.com or see www.stjohnuccpalatine.org. Call (917) 565-3773 for information on St. Archangel Michael Church.