Mission & Outreach

“The greatest moment in worship is when, strengthened by word and song, we go out into the world to do the work of the church. We don’t go to church. We are the church.”

SOURCE: UNKNOWN

“Faith with Our Sleeves Rolled Up!”

The First Congregational Church of Western Springs has a longstanding tradition of outreach and ministry beyond our walls. We often refer to this as ‘faith with our sleeves rolled up!’ As articulated in our Mission Statement and our call to be Christ’s disciples, numerous individuals and groups within our congregation work to: increase our love of God by increasing our love of neighbor; follow Christ to the side of all who suffer and despair; be Christ’s messengers and advocates for justice; and be generous and thoughtful stewards of all of God’s gifts. We invite all who wish to join us to share in the joys and challenges of this calling.

We also believe strongly in avoiding “toxic charity,” as described by author Robert Lupton, and instead embrace an Oath of Compassionate Service:

Never do for others what they have (or could have) the capacity to do for themselves;
Limit one-way giving to emergency situations;
Strive to empower the most vulnerable among us;
Subordinate self-interests to the needs of those being served;
Listen closely to those we seek to help; and,
Above all, do no harm.

Individuals and groups within the church (Mission and Outreach, Woman’s Society, and Plymouth Fellowship to name just a few) give their financial support and volunteer hours to partner with various organizations, locally, nationally and globally. In particular, the Mission and Outreach Ministry Team is a group of dedicated volunteers working together to identify giving and volunteer opportunities for the church, with a goal of funding dynamic organizations that empower individuals and change lives. We strive to truly partner with these outstanding non-profit organizations, making a positive impact to change the world. We invite you to learn more about the work of our mission partners and explore the numerous opportunities to support them with your time and financial resources.

Feel free to reach out to Rev. Meredith Onion, clergy liaison to Mission and Outreach if you have questions.

EMAIL MEREDITH

Mission & Outreach
Grant Process

At this time, Grant Applications are not being accepted. Please check back in the late winter of 2025 for an application. Any registered 501(c)(3) organization is invited to submit a completed application at that time.

The criteria used to evaluate the funding decisions include:

What is the impact the organization has on its constituents?
Does it promote self-reliance and/or emergency relief?
Is there current First Congo participation and/or potential opportunities to form connections with the organization?

Please feel free to contact our staff liaison, Rev. Meredith Onion, with any comments, questions, or requests.

EMAIL MEREDITH

Mission and Outreach grant process writing

Mission & Outreach
Committee

In keeping with our Mission Statement and our call to be Christ’s disciples, numerous ministry teams and fellowship groups within our congregation work to: increase our love of God by increasing our love of neighbor; follow Christ to the side of all who suffer and despair; be Christ’s messengers and advocates for justice; be generous and thoughtful stewards of all of God’s gifts; and invite all who wish to join us to share in the joys and challenges of this calling.

Numerous groups within the church (Mission and Outreach, Woman’s Society, Plymouth Fellowship to name just a few) give their financial support and volunteer hours to partner with these various organizations. In particular, the Mission and Outreach Ministry Team is a group of dedicated volunteers working together to identify giving and volunteer opportunities for the church, with a goal of funding dynamic organizations that empower individuals and change lives.

We believe strongly in Robert Lupton’s Oath of Compassionate Service:

Never do for others what they have (or could have) the capacity to do for themselves;
Limit one-way giving to emergency situations;
Strive to empower the most vulnerable among us;
Subordinate self-interests to the needs of those being served;
Listen closely to those we seek to help, and above all, do no harm.

Over the last several years, the Mission and Outreach Committee has been revisiting how to best allocate its funds. The committee revamped its philosophy and practice of benevolent giving after reading a book by Robert Lupton called ‘Toxic Charity,’ which suggests:

Benevolent giving that does not empower the receiver could be doing more harm than good.
While compassion and generosity are the key to Christian ministry, they should be channeled in such a way that they benefit the recipients of ministry instead of inadvertently diminishing their dignity and increasing their dependency.

As such, the Mission and Outreach Ministry Team has put in place a two-year grant application process, where an extended evaluation will take place every two years and an abbreviated process takes place in the intervening year. That schedule will give the committee time every other year to focus on volunteer opportunities for the congregation and strengthening its partnerships with the chosen charities. In addition to the funding of its named charities, the committee will also continue its denominational giving. A small portion of the Mission and Outreach budget is also put aside every year to help with one-time giving opportunities, such as emergency relief efforts and refugee relocation.

To learn more about the work of the Mission and Outreach Committee, please contact Staff Liaison, Rev. Meredith Onion.

EMAIL MEREDITH

Meet The First Congo
Mission & Outreach Partners

Aerie Africa

A U.S. nonprofit that provides safe homes and loving support for orphaned children in the Wolaita Soddo region of Ethiopia. https://aerieafrica.org/

Aging Care Connections

An organization based in La Grange whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for older adults and their families. https://www.agingcareconnections.org/

Amani Ya Juu

A social economic enterprise committed to peace and reconciliation for women from many African nations and cultures using beautiful African materials to create high-quality fair trade home goods and accessories. The name, Amani ya Juu, is a Swahili saying which means “Peace from Above.” https://amaniafrica.org/

Back Bay Mission

A UCC organization based in Biloxi, Mississippi whose mission is to eradicate the sting of poverty and its effects on individuals and communities. https://thebackbaymission.org/

B.E.D.S. Plus

An organization that helps the homeless population of West Suburban Cook County obtain stable, affordable housing and provides a continuum of support services including professional counseling and employment services. https://beds-plus.org/

Big Rig Books*

A mobile library operating in the greater Chicago area and Ft. Myers, Florida. Children from low-income homes are given the opportunity to select books to take home. http://bigrigbooks.org/

Breakthrough Urban Ministries

Breakthrough partners with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunity. https://breakthrough.org/

Buddy’s Place

A bereavement and grief program that offers family-based support groups for children, teens, and their families. https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/services/behavioral-health-and-support-services/buddys-place-grief-support/

Caring Place Foundation

An organization in La Grange that provides programs, activities and services to low-income and special needs children, youth, adolescents, teens and their families. http://caringplacefoundation.org/

Center For Independence

An organization that helps children with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy develop motor function and positive self-esteem through “Conductive Education.” https://www.cfimove.org/

Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL)

(CAAEL) provides a full spectrum of interscholastic academic and athletic programs to thousands of Chicagoland’s most at-risk boys and girls ranging from ages 7-21. https://caael.org/

Chicago Theological Seminary

A UCC-affiliated seminary that has educated future church leaders for over 160 years. https://www.ctschicago.edu/

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin

This regional association seeks to expand the ministry of Christ in mission, witness, and service, as well as to establish and build up congregations. https://cciwdisciples.org/

Church World Service

A cooperative humanitarian ministry of 36 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations. https://cwsglobal.org/

Church Women United

A movement of Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian women inspired by the Holy Spirit to serve women and children around the world. https://www.churchwomenunited.net/

Common Hope

A nonprofit that provides impoverished Guatemalan families with opportunities for better lives through a comprehensive set of programs. https://www.commonhope.org/

Community Assisted Rides (formerly Interfaith Community Partners)

Community Assisted Rides is a non-profit organization which provides transportation to older adults to physician appointments, grocery shopping, and other quality life errands like trips to the bank, hairdresser, and church. If you or a friend could benefit from these services or if you are able to volunteer to drive, please call 708.354.9328. https://communityassistedrides.org/

Community Support Services

A nonprofit that works with children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. https://www.cssservices.org/

Companions Journeying Together

An organization that seeks to reach incarcerated women and men through a variety of programs designed to build healthy relationships and foster positive communication. https://cjtinc.org/

Cradles to Crayons*

An organization that strives to bring basic necessities to children in need. https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/chicago/

Dining for Women

A “global giving circle” that funds grassroots projects in developing countries that are fighting gender inequality. Supported projects educate girls, teach women skills, and help develop markets for their projects. These projects seek to improve living situations for women and their families and create a more equal future. https://diningforwomen.org/

Dresses for Hope

A nonprofit dedicated to clothing vulnerable children throughout Africa and beyond. https://littledressesforafrica.org/

The Firehouse Community Arts Center

The Firehouse Community Arts Center’s mission is to interrupt the cycle of violence among youth and young adults in North Lawndale through the power of the arts and faith! https://www.thefcac.org

Gilead

Gilead is a progressive, inclusive, creative community of Christian faith on Chicago’s north side — a community that makes beautiful worship, throws great parties, and tells true stories that save lives. We’re a church where all are welcome — and where all means all. If you’ve been told or made to feel that you’re too queer, too out, too smart, too loud, too weird, have too many questions, or too big an agenda for church, we wanna meet you! https://www.gileadchicago.org/

Girls, Inc. of Chicago

An organization that supports, mentors, and guides girls in an affirming, pro-girl environment where they can gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. https://www.girlsincofchicago.org/

Global Ministries

Global Ministries (https://www.globalministries.org/): The vision of Global Ministries is to work for justice, reconciliation, and peace through receiving and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. https://www.globalministries.org/

Growing Hope Globally

An organization that raises money to help people in developing countries grow their own food. https://www.growinghopeglobally.org/

Hinsdale Family Services Food Pantry

A compassionate nonprofit that serves the residents of Southeast DuPage County. https://www.hcsfamilyservices.org/

The Hope Chest

The Hope Chest is an upscale resale shop specializing in quality women’s clothing. Founded in 1994, The Hope Chest is a not-for-profit organization whose sole beneficiary is Pillars Community Health’s Constance Morris House (CMH). The Constance Morris House is a shelter for domestic violence survivors and their children. https://www.thehopechest.net/

ICAAP (Reach Out and Read)

A national nonprofit that champions the positive effects of reading daily and engaging in other language-rich activities with young children. https://illinoisaap.org/reach-out-and-read/

Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants

Upholding the divinity and rights of immigrants through accompaniment, advocacy and education. https://www.icdichicago.org

Kids Around the World – OneMeal*

The OneMeal program empowers groups and their volunteers to pack meals and deliver HOPE in the form of nutritious food to impoverished kids throughout the world. https://kidsaroundtheworld.com/onemeal/

Little By Little

Little By Little is a nonprofit organization that faithfully partners with those in need of improved health and well-being. https://www.littlebylittlehaiti.org/

Midwives for Haiti

An organization that trains nurses to be skilled birth attendants and brings high impact projects to combat maternal and infant mortality in Haiti. https://midwivesforhaiti.org/

NAMI Metro Suburban

NAMI Metro Suburban improves the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by mental illness by providing education, support and advocacy FREE OF CHARGE in the western suburbs of Cook County. https://www.namimetsub.org/

New Moms

At New Moms, young moms, 24 and under, take powerful first steps toward economic mobility and family well-being. Our 2-Generation approach puts families experiencing poverty in control of their goals and unleashes their potential. https://newmoms.org/

Night Ministry

A Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, healthcare, and human connection to those struggling with poverty and homelessness. https://www.thenightministry.org/

Off The Street Club

A Chicago-based organization aiming to keep 3,000 children off the street and expose them to a safe, supportive environment. https://www.offthestreetclub.com/

Openlands

An organization that protects and maintains the natural spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding area. https://www.openlands.org/

Our Church’s Wider Mission

A conference dedicated to spreading peace and justice and listening to the words of the still-speaking God. https://www.ucc.org/ocwm/

Pillars Community Health

A nonprofit with a mission to improve the health of our communities and empower individuals through compassionate, whole-person care, giving all people access to the care they need, when they need it. https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/

Rebuilding Together

An organization that improves the homes and neighborhoods of elderly, disabled, and low-income residents. https://rebuildingtogether.org/

RefugeeOne

An organization creating opportunity for refugees fleeing war, terror, and persecution to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance. http://www.refugeeone.org/

San Lucas UCC

A Humboldt Park UCC congregation that serves 5,000 people a year through a hot meals program, food pantry, and thrift store. https://www.sanlucasuccchicago.org/

Spark Shop

SparkShop’s mission is to inspire and mobilize the next generation of engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs & manufacturing geniuses. SparkShop empowers students to apply their skills to engineering challenges and see their value in the STEM fields. We focus on inspiring 4th and 5th graders with a mix of visits from our staff of engineers and interdisciplinary, connected curriculum for their teachers. https://www.sparkshop.org/

Soup Kitchen

An organization based out of Union Church of Hinsdale enriching the quality of life of older adults and their families through a range of programs and services. https://hinsdale.church/soup-making-at-union-church/

Teen Parent Connection

An organization that helps young mothers and fathers confront the challenges of parenthood and create opportunities. https://teenparentconnection.org/

UCC Disaster Ministries

Every year, disasters leave families in need of spiritual, physical, financial and psychological support. UCC Disaster Ministries responds to natural and human- caused disasters across the United States and around the world. https://www.ucc.org/disaster/

UCC Outdoor Ministries

UCC camps and retreat centers all over the country that serve local congregations, nonprofits, families, individuals, and businesses year-round. http://www.il-outdoorministries.org/

Westchester Food Pantry

The Westchester Food Pantry serves as a resource throughout the year for those who are hungry and food insecure. Supported by the generous donations and work of our community – residents, organizations and businesses – we are able to supplement food needs in our Village and neighboring communities. https://www.westchesterfoodpantry.org/

For more information on Mission and Outreach, contact Meredith Onion at 708.246.1900

Mission & Outreach

“Faith with Our Sleeves Rolled Up!”

Mission & Outreach Grant Process

Mission & Outreach Committee

Meet The First Congo Mission & Outreach Partners

Aerie Africa

Aging Care Connections

Amani Ya Juu

Back Bay Mission

B.E.D.S. Plus

Big Rig Books*

Breakthrough Urban Ministries

Buddy’s Place

Caring Place Foundation

Center For Independence

Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL)

Chicago Theological Seminary

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin

Church World Service

Church Women United

Common Hope

Community Assisted Rides (formerly Interfaith Community Partners)

Community Support Services

Companions Journeying Together

Cradles to Crayons*

Dining for Women

Dresses for Hope

The Firehouse Community Arts Center

Gilead

Girls, Inc. of Chicago

Global Ministries

Growing Hope Globally

Hinsdale Family Services Food Pantry

The Hope Chest

ICAAP (Reach Out and Read)

Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants

Kids Around the World – OneMeal*

Little By Little

Midwives for Haiti

NAMI Metro Suburban

New Moms

Night Ministry

Off The Street Club

Openlands

Our Church’s Wider Mission

Pillars Community Health

Rebuilding Together

RefugeeOne

San Lucas UCC

Spark Shop

Soup Kitchen

Teen Parent Connection

UCC Disaster Ministries

UCC Outdoor Ministries

Westchester Food Pantry

The First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Join Us

Mission & Outreach
Grant Process

Mission & Outreach
Committee

Meet The First Congo
Mission & Outreach Partners