Elgin's First Congregational to host forums on faith and social issues

First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago St., continues "Faith and …," a six-part series on the intersection of faith and key social issues.

In addition to the focus of this weekend's two services, a Community Forum will be held at 9 a.m. in the church's fellowship hall with more detailed input and discussion.

Each week, panels representing local nonprofit organizations, government officials and advocacy groups will discuss the issue at hand with an emphasis on local action.

The worship theme on Jan. 20 will be "Faith and Income Inequality (Anti-Poverty)."

The sermon by Rev. Michael H. Montgomery will reflect upon the different Biblical and religious foundations and challenges facing our work with people who suffer from poverty. The pastor has a doctorate in sociology and theology from Chicago Theological Seminary and 12 years experience working with people who are homeless in the Oak Lawn area.

Worship services are 8:15 and 10:15 a.m.

Panelists include Sheila Jackson of Food for Greater Elgin; Deb Dempsey of the Kane County Regional Office of Education's Equal Chance Program; John Steffen, a church member and Elgin City Councilman; and Jennifer Ford from Women on the Brink, a local advocacy group. They will discuss the nature of the problem in Elgin, what they are doing about it and what they want churches to do.

Other Sunday topics will include "Race and Racism," "Women in Church and Society," "GLBTQ Issues," and "Mental Health, Suicide and Bullying."

Worship is at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. More information can be found on the church's Facebook page or website at www.fcc-elgin.org, or by calling the church at (847) 741-4045. Child care is provided. The church is accessible to people with disabilities.