Frequently Asked Questions

We invite all persons to fully share and participate in the life, ministry and leadership of our church. Learn more about our inclusive commitment:

Open and Affirming Statement:
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. – John 13:34
“We the members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ value and welcome a diverse congregation. We believe all persons are created in God’s image and are loved, valued and blessed equally by God. We celebrate everyone including people of all ages, races, cultures, sexual orientation, gender identities and expressions, family configuration, economic circumstances, physical, cognitive or emotional abilities, education, or spiritual and religious traditions. We hereby declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, that all persons are invited to fully share and participate in leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family.”

We strive to demonstrate in all ways that “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” We commit to the ongoing work of an Open and Affirming congregation, trusting in God’s grace and guidance from the Holy Spirit to fulfill this affirmation.

We encourage each other to bring questions, experience joy, feel included, and be part of something greater than ourselves. Learn more about the United Church of Christ. (Adopted 2018)

Our worship style is traditional. Our music is a mix of hymns and contemporary songs. We celebrate Communion the first Sunday of every month. All people, all ages are invited to the table. The readings and prayers are projected on screens and are also printed in a bulletin. Sit anywhere. During “Prayers of the People” we share joys and concerns out loud and then include them in a prayer by the pastor. Whether you feel comfortable in jeans and gym shoes or a suit or a dress, you’re welcome here exactly as you are. Be comfortable. There is no dress code. Be yourself.

St. Paul’s offers Sunday School class for Pre-K thru High School, starting in worship and finishing in the classrooms by 10:30AM. All children begin in the sanctuary sitting with their family for worship. Kids up to Grade 6 are invited to the front for “Time with Children” with Pastor Liz. After the lesson the kids go to class. Kids are also welcome to stay in worship and try Sunday School when they’re ready. The classrooms and nursery are located down the hallway just outside of the sanctuary. Parents pick-up their kids from the classrooms. The nursery is equipped with speakers to listen to the service. Our mission is to give children and families a chance to experience the wisdom and the wonder of the stories of our Christian faith and to be in service together to our neighbors. We aim to provide lessons and experiences that teach and model the Gospel call to love: to love God with all of your heart, soul, strength and mind; to love your neighbor as yourself, which also means loving yourself; and to figure out what it means to follow Jesus. All Christian Education volunteers including nursery staff receive background checks per the guidelines of the United Church of Christ Safe Church Policy.

Plan to stay after worship for a spread of tasty treats and a cup of coffee – or two! “Coffee Hour” is a chance for the church community to say hi to both new and old friends.

Your family will be respected and affirmed here. Our curriculum teaches love for God and following Jesus by practicing lovingkindness, justice, and peace for all. Children of all ages are encouraged to receive communion (bread and grape juice) but parents ultimately decide.

We celebrate Holy Communion every first Sunday and the table is open to all. Do who wish to know the presence of Christ? Come to the table! We print the prayers and responses in a bulletin and project them in worship every week so we all read and participate together. Baptism is not required to worship and belong at St Paul’s. Baptism is a sacred Christian commitment and path that I’m happy to explore with you.

In today’s world, you can be a member of nearly anything and everything: Amazon, Netflix, AARP – the list goes on and on. It can be confusing then to talk about church membership. While you definitely get something in return for being a member, we don’t charge an annual fee.

At St. Paul’s, membership has both practical and faithful components. Practically speaking, St. Paul’s is a registered non-profit with the state of Illinois. In that capacity, we occasionally vote to make financial decisions and who to call to leadership. Only members can vote when those moments arise.

However, the heart of membership has more to do with your faith journey than voting privileges. Choosing to become a member is like making a grace-filled promise with the church and God, declaring that you want to walk with us in spiritual growth, fellowship, and service in such a way that we might know you by name. In a world that can so easily discard everything from clothes to relationships, membership is a small way of saying we’re going to stick it out with one another even when – especially when – it’s hard.

Some folks visit St. Paul’s and want to join right away; others need even a few years before they’re ready. Take your time; it’s a personal decision. You may have to be a member to vote, but you don’t have to be a member to participate in the life of the church. Wherever you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

Check the newsletter for New Member informational sessions throughout the year or contact Pastor Liz to talk membership anytime.

[From Membership written by Rev. Alex Shea Will, Area Conference Minister for the Southern New England Conference of the UCC]