Elgin's First Congregational moves forward

At a congregational meeting Oct. 6, First Congregational Church of Elgin made two far-reaching decisions that will shape the congregation's future.

First, the congregation voted without dissent that the church is a community of followers of Jesus Christ who are open and affirming of all people. They believe that God's love embraces all people, no matter what sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status they may have. However the rest of the world describes you, and however you describe yourself: you are welcome at First Congregational Church of Elgin.

While this has long been true informally (without votes), now the church can be publically identified as fully accepting of people no matter what their status or sexual orientation may be. The vote followed six months of discussion on the issue.

Second, the congregation voted, also without dissent, to add a solar energy system to the church's roof.

The proposal, which had been approved by the City of Elgin's Heritage Commission, will completely meet the church's electric utility expenses and make a small action against global climate change.

Over the next 30 years, the congregation expects to save approximately $600,000 in electric utility expenses as well.

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall at the church, 256 E. Chicago St. in Elgin.

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