January 24, 2020 Gathering Together 24   And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,   25   not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.    Hebrews 10: 24-25 In this Moderator Moment, we would like to feature the work of our Church in the context of being an inclusive community . We will do so within the action framework of: Ways to Serve, Ways to Support and Ways to Work , providing opportunities for you to be informed and to get involved.

How do we create an Inclusive Community? Our Church and Denomination (United Church of Christ - UCC) have a long history of advocation and action to provide an inclusive community. The Congregational Church has the distinction of ordaining their first African American minister in 1785; establishing the first foreign mission program in 1810; ordaining the first female minister in 1853; uniting the traditions of Christian believers of African, Asian, Pacific, Latin American, Native American and European descent to form the United Church of Christ in 1957; ordaining the first opening gay minister in 1972; electing the first African American President of the United Church of Christ in 1976; and passing a resolution supporting same-gender marriage equality in 2005. For more information about the “firsts” in our Denomination, please visit our Church website here . Almost 11 years ago at the June 2009 Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn, we adopted the “ Open and Affirming ” statement, declaring all people being welcomed to our Church. At the June 2018 Annual Meeting, the Congregation adopted the “ Just Peace ” statement, declaring our intent to promote peace in our world for all people. While these accomplishments and declarations have set a tone of inclusivity throughout the years, we each hold the responsibility to continue making all people feel welcomed and valued. Our Ushers work to welcome all, as they attend Sunday services or special events. Our Newcomers’ Ministry introduces prospective members to our Church and nurtures them in the early days of participation. Our Ministry of Meals supports people during times of need, so they have the loving sustenance to manage any health or crisis situation that they face. When we say “hello” or “good morning” to one another, we convey that a person matters. Each of us have the ability and power to create and sustain our inclusive setting, not just within our Church walls, but beyond.

Ways to Serve: Ushers and Greeters – Welcoming one another each week

Ways to Support: Bridge Communities – Family sponsorship

Ways to Work: Technology Ministry – Making the Church accessible to all

We celebrate all members of our Congregation who take actions large and small to create our inclusive Church and greater community. We hope the examples of inclusive practices inspire you to seek ways to further our inclusive practices. Let’s all ask ourselves, “how can we make our Church, our community and our world more inclusive?” With a grateful heart, Kelley Kalinich Ted Harman Jackie McCarthy

535 Forest Ave. fccge.org

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