First Congregational Church of Des Plaines Celebrates Anniversary Year with Acts of Service

In October of this year, First Congregational United Church of Christ of Des Plaines celebrates its 150th anniversary. To commemorate the many years in Des Plaines and to honor this milestone, church members have committed themselves to a special challenge.

In the months leading up to the anniversary, participating congregants will be involved in Challenge 150, an ongoing service activity where participants are encouraged to each volunteer 150 service hours during this anniversary year.

First Congregational Church historically has been a service minded organization, with members volunteering their time to causes such as Relay for Life, Exodus World Service, PADS, Meals on Wheels, the Night Ministry Christmas Stocking Drive for the Homeless, disaster relief projects and much more. The Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines, now a 501 (c) (3) organization, was founded in the basement of the church by a group of local women in 1971.

This year church members are increasing their activities to not only include service projects, but random acts of kindness as well. Activities in recent months include thank you cards sent to 150 community leaders and difference makers in Des Plaines, recognizing them for their efforts; a winter coat drive; a collection of new socks for the needy; and Feed My Starving Children, where a large group of congregants worked with other volunteers to pack 15,768 meals for hungry individuals in underdeveloped countries. Church members old and young also recently created 150 flower pens for area nursing home residents and Meals on Wheels recipients, to help cheer them during the dreary winter months.

"Each activity is geared towards giving back to the community that has been our home for 150 years," says Heather Larson, Chairman of the FCCDP Sesquicentennial Committee. "We are challenging ourselves with the number '150.'

To that end, we want to send out 150 cards, collect 150 coats and create 150 flowers. It's a great goal, and we are having a lot of fun along the way."

Each month the number of service hours are tallied. Those reaching certain milestones of 50, 100 and 150 hours are presented with a special treat. To date congregants have completed a total of more than 2,250 hours of service.

In the coming months, look for church members out in the community participating in acts of service, wearing their special anniversary t-shirts. They will be cleaning up an area of Big Bend Lake, delivering Blessing Bags for the homeless and conducting a drive to benefit Roll Over Animal Rescue.

First Congregational Church of Des Plaines is located at 766 Graceland Avenue. Each Sunday the church hosts two worship services, at 8:00 am and 9:30 am. Youth from 8th grade and under attend Sunday School during the later service. All are welcome to join in fellowship during coffee hour, following the 10:30 am service.

FCCDP's mission? "Following Christ, we connect a diversity of people with each other and with God."