BURGER NIGHT OUT
Once a month (or so) — At a different burger joint (times and locations vary)
This group of men BUILDS FRIENDSHIPS over a burger and a beverage.
Since 2016, BNO has raised $10,000 for BEDS Plus, our local homeless services agency.
Get the BNO emails. Sign up on Realm or email Mark Laubacher.
FRIDAY FRIENDS
Fridays, 12PM
Seim Room
Meetings include prayer, a brief video or lesson, open discussion, which often veers into unexpected directions as the Spirit leads us, sharing of joys and concerns, and friendly conversation. And bring your lunch!
Holy Grounds
Sip good coffee & connect in the Parlor or Light Court
HOLY GROUNDS, our extended coffee hour, offers a variety of discussions and topics weekly for your participation. Join us at 9AM in the Parlor or Light Court for a faith-filled coffee, food and fellowship before and after worship!
Justice Ministries
Our hope for this group is to live into the many scripture references that call us to “act justly.” Our desire is to have faithful, respectful conversations and to share resources and ideas for how we might truly take steps to make our world just for each and every person. We will share our ideas, interesting articles, or calls to action that we become aware of. And please know that we will not always agree on what steps need to be taken — but we will strive to respect one another’s desires, opinions, and ways in which we will choose to work toward justice.
Eleven10 Connection
Sundays at 11:10AM following worship! Open to all ages!
Join us after the 10AM worship on Sundays for discussions and speakers on a variety of topics. Questions? Contact Meredith@wscongo.org. Childcare provided upon request.
Lectio Divina
Mondays, 10am
Via Zoom
Lectio divina is a slow, rhythmic reading and praying of a Scripture passage. Members of the group take turns reading a passage chosen each week. We notice what arises within us as we hear the passage read. Then we read it again, and then again, noticing what words and phrases touch our hearts and notice the feelings that arise. We are then invited to respond to God about whatever is stirring within us and pray with the passage. Finally, we rest and let God respond and speak to us.
If you would like to know more, please contact Meredith Onion.
Men’s Breakfast
From September through May on the second Saturday of every month, the men of the church are invited to come together for light breakfast, hearty fellowship, and an interesting program. The Men’s Faith & Fellowship Breakfasts begin at 7:45 am, typically in the Seim Room, and end by 9 am. The group is led by our Senior Minister Rich Kirchherr.
Please contact Rich at 708.246.1900 or rich@wscongo.org with any questions or additional information.
Moms in Faith – Mornings
Friday mornings, 9–11AM from September to May
Seim Room, 2nd floor
Moms in Faith (Friday Morning Chapter) is a fellowship group that gathers together to discuss a variety of topics, grow in our faith, and share our journeys of motherhood. Relevant books, podcasts, panels, guest speakers and more will help to inspire our conversations. You do not have to be a member of First Congo to join the group, and there is no age limit — participants are raising children age birth through college.
We will gather most Friday mornings from 9–11AM. Childcare will be offered!
Members of Moms in Faith are encouraged to pay $50 each semester to cover program expenses. Scholarships are available if this is a barrier to participation. Reach out to Jess Root if you’d like more information.
Moms in Faith – Evening
2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 7–8PM
Seim Room, 2nd floor
The evening chapter of Moms in Faith is coordinated by Jeannette Lloyd. This small group ministry gathers the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 7–8PM for devotions, fellowship, and prayer.
To learn more, contact Jeannette Lloyd or call 708.246.1900.
Refugee Resettlement
Working under our Mission and Outreach committee and in conjunction with an agency called RefugeeOne, our mission is to help resettle refugee families from countries like South Sudan, Syria, Eritrea, and Afghanistan. Our church has been involved with this ministry for more than 55 years.
Our efforts in action:
May 26, 2021: Five years ago, the family was forced to separate. While Mweniake and her son were allowed into the U.S., her husband was not, so he stayed behind in a refugee camp in Tanzania. See their reunion that took place at O’Hare Airport and our own Clare Kralovec telling the story of First Congo’s role in helping our RefugeeOne family.
Seek.Pray.Love.
Thursdays from 5 – 6:30PM
Seek.Pray.Love. is a small group of women exploring their faith together, who meet on Thursdays from 5 – 6:30PM in one another’s homes. We invite you to join us — we’ve been waiting for you!
This fall, we’re reading Be the Brave One: Living Your Spiritual Values Out Loud and Other Life Lessons by Ann Kansfield. If you’re interested in learning more or joining the group, please email Meredith Onion.
Thursday Morning Women’s Book Group
Women of all ages gather on Thursday mornings from 9:15 – 11AM September through May to engage with books and each other, to deepen our theological understanding, and to help walk the Christian path with integrity, purpose, and passion. Every session includes sharing our joys and concerns. We also laugh a lot!
Beginning September 12, 2024, we’ll be reading and discussing Life After Doom: Wisdom & Courage for a World Falling Apart by Brian McLaren. The group meets in the Seim Room from 9:15–11AM every Thursday. A Zoom option is also available. Interested, please contact Meredith Onion.
Together Women Rise
(formerly dining for women)
2nd Tuesdays evenings, location varies.
The chapter enjoys a meal together; it may be in someone’s home or at church. Members share camaraderie and learn about that month’s featured grantees through videos, educational documents, and presentations, as well as free and open discussion. The money raised each month goes to fund the featured and sustained grantees, as well as support the entire mission of Together Women Rise.
Contact: Laurel Seidelman, lseidelman@comcast.net
Woman’s Society
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 12:30-2:30PM (evening chapter & Friday morning chapter available).
This inter-generational group of women focuses on three things: fellowship, hospitality, and service. The group is open to all women of the church, as well as non-member friends of the church.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available Friday evenings at 7PM in the Parlor. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.
PILLS ANONYMOUS
Meets 6–7PM on Mondays & Thursdays in the Library
Pills Anonymous is a 12-step recovery program for people who have a dependence on mood-altering prescriptions drugs, such as opiates, benzodiazepine, and stimulants.
Please contact Jan Yount if you are interested in getting connected.
