Our Mission
We exist to personally know the living Christ of the Bible
and by the power of the Holy Spirit
to extend and enjoy His Kingdom
in our homes,
in our community
and in the world
to the glory of God alone.
Worship with Us!
Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
405 W. State St. in North Aurora, IL.
Thinking of visiting?
What to Expect.
What We Believe.
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What to Expect
We gather to worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Our congregation enjoys a blend of contemporary worship songs and classic hymns, along with special selections by the choir, bell choir, and others. Pastor Mark preaches practical truths from God's Word, so bring your Bible and experience the transforming power of Scripture.
At Union Congregational Church we strive to create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The dress at Union is typically casual, although many do wear suits or dresses. No matter what you wear, we strive to create a "come as you are" environment.
If you are a parent, we also know you're looking for a safe, fun place to bring your kids. We've made sure that both of these are achieved. You'll see it in our programs and in the volunteers who work with your kids. During the service, children in kindergarten through 5th grade sit with their parents for the first part of the service (15-25 minutes), and will then be dismissed to go to their separate Sunday School time. Nursery is available during the entire worship service. If you are new to Union, you may want to come a little early to acquaint yourself with the rooms and the staff. Please check out Children's Ministry page for more information.
Directions
Union Congregational Church is located at 405 W. State Street in North Aurora, IL 60542. From Route 31, take Oak Street west to Cherrytree Court. From Randall Road, take Oak Street east to Cherrytree Court. Go south on Cherrytree Court for 2 blocks and you will arrive at the Church on your right. The larger parking lot is in the back.
Mission Statement
Why should our congregation be focused on knowing Christ? Because Jesus alone is the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). He is the heir of all things, through Whom God created the universe; He is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's being (Hebrews 1:2-3). This is why every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).
I hope you noticed that it is the Christ of the Bible we want to know and serve. There are many lesser christs floating around in our society--christs who have been formed in the imaginations of people, rather than the Christ revealed in Holy Scripture. Union Congregational Church unashamedly believes that the Bible is the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is all that God wanted said (John 20:30-31; Revelation 22:18), and only what God wanted said (John 8:26-28). The Lord Jesus taught, "Until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18).
The desire of our church is to know the Christ of the Bible better, so we will love Him more and be used by the Holy Spirit to help others know Him too, which helps to extend Christ's kingdom upon the earth (Matthew 6:9-10). Unfortunately, there are some Christians who believe that when Christ said His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), it means that Christ's kingdom doesn't have much to do with this world. That is a wrong understanding of Christ's words. When Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world, He was referring to the fact that the source or origin of His kingdom was not of this world--it was from His Father in heaven--and therefore would not operate in a worldly fashion, having ego-driven leaders bent on achieving self-centered agendas (Mark 10:42-45). Jesus prayed in John 17:14-17 that His followers would remain in the world. Why? So they could influence it (Matthew 5:13-16), but not be of the world, conformed to its values.
Christ came into the world to seek and save the lost. And just as the fall of man affected every area of life, so salvation in Christ is to affect every area of life--our families, our community, our culture, and ultimately the peoples and governments of all the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 1:17-21). Nothing is outside the Lordship of Christ, because the One who created and sustains the universe rightfully owns the universe and everything in it. As King David prayed in 1 Chronicles 29:10-12 (ESV):
"Blessed are you, O LORD . . . forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hands are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all."
This is why everything our church does is to be for God's glory alone.
Union Congregational Church exists:
To personally know the living Christ of the Bible
The Rev. Mark C. Alvis accepted the call to the pastorate of Union Congregational Church following a vote by the congregation on Sunday, April 10, 2005. A member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference since 1990, Pastor Alvis has served on its Board of Directors and Nominating Committee.
Mark is a graduate of Biola College and Talbot Theological Seminary. He loves the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference because it welcomes believers from a wide spectrum of evangelical viewpoints. The denomination stands firm on the essential doctrines of the faith and practices charity on issues where good people have differed for hundreds of years. After several decades of teaching and study, he has found that the conclusions of older scholarship are often superior to some of the views espoused by the "new kids" on the block.
Having served three pastorates in California, Rev. Alvis came to North Aurora from Middletown, New York, where he had been pastor of First Congregational Church. In introducing himself to the North Aurora congregation, he commented, "I am a team player. I believe Gods blueprint for local churches is for a plurality of elders who work together for the welfare of the body. Nothing excites me more than seeing lay people minister effectively."
Pastor Alvis began his ministry in North Aurora on June 26, 2005. He and his wife Cindy have five children and two grandchildren.
Email Pastor Mark Alvis here .
Matt Gruel is the Pastor of Family Life at Union Congregational Church. His position began in the Fall of 2009 with the purpose of reaching out, discipling, and equipping the younger population of the church to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. His desire is to see that parents become the primary Christian educators in the church and the home.
Matt came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as a child, but he started to live out his faith while a student at Butler University. In college, Matt was heavily involved and discipled through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. As a result of that involvement, he had the opportunity to minister to Muslims in a large Middle Eastern country. While there for a year, God instilled in Matt a love for outreach and diversity, which ultimately led him to Bridgeway Community Church of Carol Stream, IL in 1997.
Matt started his work at Bridgeway while a student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL. He received his M.Div degree in 2001, and began working full time with the church. Matt also holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Butler University which has proved very valuable with his involvement in worship and music ministry.
Pastor Matt currently resides in Batavia with his wife, Cynthia, and his two sons, Cameron and Caleb.
Email Pastor Matt Gruel here .
Harold Williamson is the janitor of Union Congregational Church. He has served in that role since 1992. Harold is married to Ruth Williamson who has been the church Secretary since 1984.
They have two children: Timothy and Cheri. Tim has two children, Kari and Chad. Kari works at Costco along with her dad. Chad is in the Marines and is curretly serving in Afghanistan. Harold and Ruth reside in North Aurora where they have lived since 1962.
Email Ruth Williamson here .
History
Union Congregational Church is a Bible-based ministry serving people of the Fox Valley region in North Aurora, Illinois. We are a Congregational church, meaning that the church's direction is understood to come from Jesus Christ through the Scriptures, and not through hierarchical channels. A Congregational church sees itself as a local embodiment of the universal Christian church.
Union Church had its beginning in 1850 as a Sunday school. Initially the meetings were held in a one-room 30' x 30' schoolhouse located on the east side of Route 31. Those attending came from both sides of the Fox River. Because there was no bridge across the river in the village of North Aurora, people from the east side came by boat or walked across the ice when the river was frozen. The church was incorporated in 1885.
In 1863, a larger schoolhouse was built on a site where Route 31 now crosses the East-West Tollway. Sunday School sessions then moved to the new building. By this time, Sunday afternoon worship services were being held with some frequency by ministers from Batavia and Aurora who served on a volunteer basis.
In 1872, the new larger schoolhouse was moved to the northeast corner of Route 31 and State Street, where the North Aurora Activity and Friendship Center is now located.
In 1887, a brick schoolhouse was erected. However, the church and Sunday School continued in the older building. Since the building's furnishings had been moved to the new schoolhouse, the church used makeshift furniture for a time until they were able to buy pews. Members sat on boards placed on old nail kegs and lighting came from kerosene lamps hung on the walls. During this time a local mill owner served as worship leader.
As the congregation coninued to increase, students from North Central College in Naperville volunteered as Sunday School teachers and worship leaders.
The first full time Pastor, Rev. Robert F. Paxton, was installed in 1891. During the next 30 years 9 different pastors served the church. In 1915, early in the Rev. James H. Hart's pastorate, the first Ladies Aid Society was formed. The Rev. Harry Kalas, a Student Supply Pastor from 1926 to 1929, was instrumental in expanding the youth activities.
In 1929, the congregation relocated once again, moving its building to the spot now occupied by the North Aurora Fire Department. The choir dates back to about the time of this move.
During the pastorate of the Rev. George E. Fields (1946-1959), Union Church joined the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches, which in 1957 merged into the United Church of Christ. He started the Annual Turkey Supper.
In 1962, during the pastorate of the Rev. David Gallop (1960-1971), the congregation erected its present modern building on a five-acre plot at 405 West State Street. Also during Pastor Gallop's term Union began publishing a free weekly newspaper, The North Auroran, which was mailed to every household in the village. The newsletter contained a message from the Pastor, timely information concerning local schools, churches, etc., as well as advertising. Publication of the newsletter continued until December 1995, which the increasing costs of supplies and postage necessitated its discontinuance.
The Rev. John C. Riggs served as pastor from 1972 until his retirement in 1991. A number of programs, projects and ministries were started during his pastorate. A library became a permanent part of the church program along with a tape ministry. Union Pre-Elementary School, with both morning and afternoon classes, started in 1973. In the Fall of 1974, a set of handbells became part of the church's music ministry. Children's Church services, which had been discontinued some years before, were resumed and special children's messages were included in the Sunday morning worship service. Chancel paraments were added to the beauty of the sanctuary and a sick room equipment ministry was initiated as part of the church's services to the community at large. The Youth Group made its first annual retreat to HoneyRock Camp in Wisconsin in 1979.
In 1981, Union Church transitioned to the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, an evangelical denomination with views more in keeping with the church's ministry. In 1982, Union Church expanded its office and educational wing. The added space provided a chapel, additional classrooms, and a Mission Outlet ministry room. In February 1990, the church ordained its first lay Elders.
The church called the Rev. Larry T. Wentzel as Senior Pastor in 1993; he served until accepting another assignment in 2004. In 1996, Union Church joined the National Association of Evangelicals.
In 2005, the church called Pastor Mark Alvis as the next pastor. He continues to carry on the Lord's work at Union. He helped to add Pastor Matt Gruel to the staff in 2009 in order to help disciple the younger people of the congregation. That same year, the church began the Church Revitalization Program of the denomination. This program is still in process, and the church awaits to see how God will bring about strategic change to the church.
Union Congregational Church looks to the future with great expectancy being solely dependent upon the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith, Doctrine and Polity
THE WORD OF GOD
We believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (Mark 13:31; John 8:31, 32; 20:31; Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21)
THE TRINITY
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, the Trinity; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. (Genesis 1:1, 26; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1, 3; Romans 1:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:5, 6)
GOD THE FATHER
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (Psalms 145:18; Luke 10:21, 22; John 3:16; 6:27; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2:5, 6; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6)
JESUS CHRIST
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in his substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. (Matthew 1:18-25; 20:28; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; 20:30, 31; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9, 10; 8:46; 9:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 7:25; 9:28; 1 Peter 2:21-23)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. (John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:8-14; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26)
REGENERATION
We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. We believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. (Genesis 1:26; 2:17; 3; 5:2; Psalms 51:7; Proverbs 28:13; Ecclesiastes 2:11; Jeremiah 17:9; John 1:12, 13; 3:14, 15, 16; 5:24; 8:12; 10:27-29; Romans 3:19; 5:19; 8:1; 9:22, 23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; James 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 14, 15; 20:10)
THE CHURCH
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. (Acts 1:8; 2:42; Ephesians 2:19-22; 5:19-21; Hebrews 10:23-25)
CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. (John 14:15, 23-24; Romans 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Colossians 1:9-10; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 John 2:3-6)
THE ORDINANCES
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lords Supper. We believe that Christian baptism signifies the individuals entrance into the visible covenant community of grace. We believe the Lords Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
CHURCH POLITY
Its government is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among congregational churches, and it is in fellowship with all churches which acknowledge Jesus, the Christ, to be their Divine Redeemer and Lord.
(Acts 4:18-20; Romans 14:7-9, 12; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Acts 15:36, 41; Acts 16:5; I Corinthians 16:1; Galatians 1:1-3)
This church is affiliated with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, and may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis.
CHURCH COOPERATION
We believe that the local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. (Acts 15:36, 41; 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:1; Galatians 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4, 10, 11)
THE LAST DAYS
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked. (Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; Revelation 20:4-6, 11-15)
Our Denomination
The Conservative Congregational Christian Conference is a theologically conservative denomination believing in the autonomy of each local church under the Headship of Christ. We are comprised of churches that flow from various streams of history including Congregational, Christian, Evangelical and Reformed and independent Community churches. We are solidly committed to the basic doctrines of the Christian faith, but allow for diversity in those areas where Christians have tended to disagree. Our members hold strong convictions, but do not believe that Christians should divide over secondary issues. As an evangelical denomination, we are fervently committed to evangelism, church planting and missions for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Click here for the CCCC website.
The Northern Illinois Regional Fellowship is a group of eleven churches affiliated with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference (CCCC).
Click here for the NIF website.
Children's Ministry
Every Sunday during the 10:30 a.m. worship service, children grades K-5, are dismissed from the service to attend Sunday School. Additionally, we have a nursery available for the entire worship service.
The lessons your children will hear are from the inspired Word of God, and they will worship through songs that praise our Lord. About once a quarter, our children sing for the congregation during the worship service. Our mission is to share the gospel with your children and to grow followers of Jesus Christ.
You can be assured of the well being of your children while they are in our care. Our teachers are actively involved in the church, and we insure that our regular teachers are spritually mature prior to serving in children's ministry. All teachers have been mentored and observed by our children's ministry leadership.
We look forward to getting to know your family. Teachers are available to answer any questions on Sunday mornings, or you may call the church office during the week, (630) 897-0013.
Youth Ministry
About once a month, Union Youth get together for a fun event. Students in grades six through twelve meet to study the Word of God together and hang-out.
Here at Union, we're striving to developiong an "Endeavor Society." You can find out more about Christian Endeavor at their website .
The vision of an Endeavor Society if for every young person to learn to follow Jesus, train for service, and find their place in the cause of Christ by the age of 21.
We do this by operating a youth-led ministry where young people learn by doing and lead by example. There is a three-stage personal plan young people follow as they take forward steps in their faith. At the same time, they meet together in a student-led and adult-supported environment where they implement their God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. The systematic approach creates consistent growth opportunities, as they learn in a safe atmosphere.
Union's youth ministry promotes earnest and action-oriented Christianity among young people to make them more useful in their service to God. Opportunities are endless for young people as they begin to respond to God's call on their life to take action while learning to be leaders in the cause of Christ.
Our ministry is guided by peer-selected officers and organized into task-oriented teams: leadership, operations, communications, and care. These teams allow youth to operate in their areas of strength and develop more skills and abilities while expanding their capacity for servant leadership. These teams work together to accomplish their selfmandated mission while holding to five organizational priorities based upon Acts 2:42-47:
1. Meet together,
2. Learn from each other,
3. Care for each other,
4. Encounter God, and
5. Take action.
Through team coaching and individual discipleship, adults help release the potential and promise of this called generation. Young people experience higher expectations and greater accountability for themselves and transfer those crucial qualities to their peers as well. The crowning premise of Endeavor is that adults only help facilitate what the teens prayerfully dream. The entire process is one of learning by doing. Adults never do anything for young people they can learn to do themselves.
Students are encouraged to bring friends and hang out as they develop friendships with each other and with the adults who volunteer in this ministry.
For more information about Student Ministry, please contact Pastor Matt Gruel here .
Upcoming Events
Youth Winter Retreat
January 20-22, 2012
Brochure for Winter Retreat (2012).pdf
Small Groups
Our small groups exist to glorify God by connecting people relationally in groups for the purpose of building up and equipping disciples of Jesus Christ to reach their world.
Groups meet weekly or bi-weekly to study, to share, and to support one another in their Christian lives. A typical meeting lasts for an hour and a half usually includes light refreshments.
A small group is a place to give and receive care through the joys and difficulties of life. Every believer needs to be in an accountability relationship to grow in areas of our walk with the Lord. A small group is a great place to be authentic with other believers. Small groups offer the privilege of praying for other people.
We believe that small groups are key for our church as we desire to grow and impact our community for Jesus Christ.
Current Small Groups meet on the following days:
Tuesday p.m.
Bible study in North Aurora
Wednesday p.m.
Bible study _ Union
Saturday a.m.
Men's Bible study _ Union
Sunday a.m.
Small Group _ Union (8:30 am)
Women's Bible study _ Union
If you would like to join a small group please contact Pastor Matt Gruel here .
Family Ministry
Families come in all shapes and sizes. God brings the variety of family members together for security, love, and most importantly to help each other follow Jesus. Central to our mission to "love God" is worshipping God at home with our families. We believe that next to our personal relationship with God, our relationship with our family is of the utmost importance.
Union Congregational Church is committed to helping families become all that God wants them to be. We are here to support parents and couples through the ups and downs of life. We desire to be a great support for every parent as they journey through the adventure of raising children.
Our Children's, Student, and Adult Ministries all seek to encourage families to grow closer to each other and closer to Christ. Additionally we have other periodic events and seminars to help couples and families develop a close relationship with one another and with the Lord.
For more information about our Family Ministry, please contact Pastor Matt Gruel here .
Couples' Night Out
Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 5:00-8:00 pm
Click here for more info and registration.
Music Ministry
At Union Congregational Church, we believe that true worship is found in the heart of a life dedicated towards godly living. We believe that the music ministry at Union Congregational Church is our expression of this dedication. Worshippers can experience inspiring worship of our Lord in our services.
Our mission is to engage both the hearts and the minds of fellow worshipers, give praise to our God, encourage fellow believers in their faith, and present the unsaved with the message of Christ's atoning work.
Ministry of the Word -
We believe that the ministry of music is first and foremost a ministry of the Word; taking the message of Scripture and bringing it to life through music.
Excellence -
We strive to achieve excellence in our styles of worship reflected in the balance of excellence in human preparation and divine empowerment.
Creativity -
We aim to provide a creative and Word-focused approach to the worship ministries of Union Congregational Church, constantly seeking to discover and refine the skills that God has given to us.
If you would like to get involved in our music ministry, please contact Pastor Matt Gruel here .
Rehearsal Times:
Wednesday nights (during the school year):
6:30-7:30 pm - Union Bells
7:30-8:30 pm - Chancel Choir
Faith Guild
Women have the unique opportunity to be highly influential in their homes, workplaces and community. Faith Guild reaches out to women of all ages to teach and encourage them in their Christian faith.
We usually meet the third Thursday of each month from September to May in member's homes or at the church. We reach out to the church and community in many ways. For example, we host an annual Spring luncheon and a Fall bake sale.
ALL women are welcome.
TBA
Library Purpose
The library tries to be a resource to the other ministries and people of the church. Help can be found on how to grow in your spiritual walk, have a quiet time, or pray; how to be a better leader, board member, teacher, parent, spouse, or friend; teaching suggestions, Bible studies and aids, mission information, biographies, Christian views of current events, inspirational fiction; videos and audio tapes for learning or enjoyment.
Book Club
Meets every other month usually on the fourth Tuesday at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss one book in depth and also share with others what you have been reading. You are welcome to attend whenever it fits your schedule.
How to locate an item
We have a catalog on the computer to assist you. The ICON is in the center of the screen labeled Catalog. You can search by author, title or subject.
Library Layout
We use an abbreviated version of the Dewey Decimal system for cataloging. Lower numbers start in the northwest corner and continue to the east wall. Then to the free standing shelving, again right to left back to the west end. The side of this unit facing the room contains childrens selections and the free standing unit by the desk contains children's fiction. Dewey numbers continue on the south wall with lower numbers toward the east. Teen items can be found on the east wall. Also on the east wall are some reference materials and videos. Fiction can be found on the west wall with the end of the alphabet finding a home on top of the free standing unit. Novels with Biblical characters are lower shelving north east, biographies are on the south wall after the Dewey numbers finish. More children's videos are by the entrance. Nest series DVDs Bible stories are on revolving rack on west wall.
How to check out an item
It is simply a matter of signing the card with the current date
and placing it in the box on the desk. Please try to return your selections within three weeks. There is no limit on the number you are permitted to take out.
When you return an item, just leave it on the library desk.
We do have the capability to check out a book using the computer. If you would like to start using, ask Kathy to walk you thru the process.
Library Policy
Anyone is welcome to use Union Church Library. If you are not a member or regular attendee, please leave a name and contact information (i.e. phone, email, address) paper clipped to the card.
There is no limit on number of books that can be checked out at one time.
Books are due within three weeks from the date checked out.
Lost books should be paid for at replacement cost.
Although there are no official fines charged for overdue books, money donations are appreciated. These can be given to Kathy or Ruth in the office.
Book donations are welcome, but the library reserves the right to accept or pass on to others if they can not be used in our library.
Helpful Link
http://eclalibraries.org - Book reviews, book lists
Thursday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Titles to be discussed are
W hen I Lay My Isaac Down and
A New Kind of Normal by author Carol Kent.
Evangelical Church Library Conference
October 22 and 23
Wheaton, IL
Click here for more information.
Email Librarian Kathy Carlson here .
The Mission Board
The Mission Board of Union Congregational Church oversees the funds the church has budgeted for Missions, maintains contact with the field workers that the Church supports, and raises awareness in the church about the condition of believers throughout the world.
At this time, the Board's primary focus is on international missions, but it does provide direct support to several local or stateside ministries. It keeps the church informed about local Christian organizations the members can support on their own. The board holds a monthly meeting, and special meetings when the need arises.
Other projects the Mission board handles are the medical ministry; a collection of medical aids, such as wheelchairs, commodes, crutches and canes, available for free loan; and the church's December collection of non-perishable food and gifts for its Christmas Basket distribution.
Throughout the year, the Union Congregational Church Mission Board serves as a reminder that the love of Christ extends to all peoples, and that we need to help those field workers who are showing His love to them.
Field Worker Websites:
The Tiner Family (Austria)
Midwest Indian Mission
Frontiers
African Inland Mission - Aviation Division
Project 206 (Blog by one of the technicians)
Keys Evangelistic Ministries
Wayside Cross Ministries
Missions Network News
Missions Network News RSS feed
And, if you would like to check out any major charities, take a look at the Better business Bureau's charity website .
Piece Makers
Piece Makers is a group of ladies who meet each Tuesday from 9 am to 3 pm. We gather for quilting, fun and fellowship.
We accept pieced tops from anyone and transform them into beautiful quilts. Monies earned are used for the good of the church. New quilters are always welcome.
Banners
Banner ladies make banners for different occasions and religious events pertaining to the Bible.
We design, measure, cut, sew and glue them together. We meet on Wednesday mornings and invite you to join us.
ReUnion
ReUnion is our monthly newletter full of details about church functions and events. Click the buttons below to read a recent issue.
February ReUnion.pdf
March ReUnion.pdf
April Reunion.pdf
May ReUnion.pdf
June ReUnion.pdf
July ReUnion.pdf
August ReUnion.pdf
September ReUnion.pdf
October ReUnion.pdf
November ReUnion.pdf
December ReUnion.pdf
January ReUnion.pdf
Here you will find information on upcoming events along with a calendar of regular activites at the church. We hope to see you at one of our functions soon.
Jan. Calendar.pdf
Saturday, February 4, 2012
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Free Childcare is available.
Click here for registration and more info!
October 2, 2011.pdf
October 9, 2011.pdf
October 16, 2011.pdf
October 23, 2011.pdf
