Elgin's First Congregational Church prepares for the future

On Sunday, Oct. 27, First Congregational Church of Elgin launches a three-week propulsion into the future with two programs that look at the nature of this congregation and what it feels called to be in the future.

The Rev. Michael H. Montgomery, the intentional interim senior minister of the church, will preach at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services on "The First Congregational Way." He will reflect on how this congregation's culture shapes its life. The Congregational tradition has long defined itself by covenantal relationships between God and themselves and rejected creeds, no matter how good.

This sermon is part archeology, part theology as it examines the congregation's beliefs and what they want for the future.

The second week, Nov. 3, will feature a celebration of All Saints Sunday with the reflections of three of the church's longest serving members and the reception of financial pledges for the upcoming year.

On Nov. 10, the worship will be led by the as yet unnamed candidate for the position of the permanent senior minister.

In the Congregational tradition, a search committee has reviewed candidates for the position and sought to discern who is called by God to serve this congregation as its minister.

After meeting the candidate and reviewing their qualifications, the congregation will vote on the candidate presented.

The church is at 256 E. Chicago St. in Elgin. For details, visit fcc-elgin.org or www.facebook.com/fccelgin.