Elgin pastor to explore the benefits of religion July 14
On Sunday, July 14, the challenges of Jesus' promise to bring Good News will be brought to an actual murder trial at worship at First Congregational Church in Elgin.
The discussion springs from the experience of the interim senior minister, Rev. Michael Montgomery, as an alternate juror in a murder trial several years ago.
"I was struck by the enormous grief and sadness for all concerned," observed Montgomery. "And there was a challenge for me as a witness to the trial of wondering just what the benefits of religion, in my case the benefits of the teachings and life of Jesus, had to the accused, the witnesses and the parents of those involved."
In Sunday's sermon time, the congregation will divide up into groups to discuss these questions with an eye toward what the discussion says about their lives as well.
Worship services are 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. All are welcome.
The church is located at 256 E. Chicago St. in Elgin.
On July 21, the service will be on "God, Gay and the Church: A Woman's Story." The congregation heard Michael Blackwoods' faith story in June, how is the experience of women who are lesbian the same or different? The Rev. Kirstin Peachey will be preaching.
On July 28, it will be the Rev. Lois Bucher's farewell service, with special guest Rev. James Olson of the Illinois Conference administering the ritual of closure.
For information, visit www.fcc-elgin.org or call the church office at (847) 741-4045.