Our Values

Who are we as a church? What is our identity?

Our Purpose and Covenant are codified as part of our Church Constitution and function similarly to a Mission and Vision Statement. Our Purpose and Covenant lay out those values we hold most dear, guide our decision-making, and inform how we interact with one another, our neighborhood, and the world. 

Purpose

We are an open and inclusive Christian Community, members of the worldwide Body of Christ, gathered to do the work of disciples:

Worshiping God

 as we celebrate our faith through scripture, sermon, prayers, song, and sacrament.

Sharing the Gospel

 as we join with others to lead the way to a just and peaceful world.

Nurturing the Faith

 of children, youth, and adults, as we shape Christian character and conduct.

Caring For Others

 as a congregation, as we share our hopes and joys, our doubts, and our sorrows.

Loving Our Neighbors

near and far, as we generously use our hands, voices, and abundant gifts to serve those in need.

Covenant

Members of the church covenant together to:

  • Follow and model the ways of Jesus Christ, humbly striving to be faithful disciples.
  • Search for an honest understanding and expression of Christian faith through worship, education, and involvement in the wider community.
  • Nurture, care for, and support each other, celebrating joys; extending support in times of doubt, grief, and struggle; and working in good faith to restore relationships in times of conflict.
  • Engage and share in the life of the church, contributing our talents and resources to its purpose and ministries and seeking connection through church events.
  • Advocate for people who are poor, marginalized, and oppressed, seeking justice and peace in the world.
  • Practice inclusion by valuing people of all races, ethnicities, cultural identities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities in every aspect of our congregational life.

Open and Affirming

We welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people into the full life and ministry of the church, including ordination, expecting and encouraging them to share their talents and gifts in the life, liturgy, leadership, and employment positions of our congregation, as our ministers, teachers, members, visitors, and friends.   Both of our denominations — Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ — now welcome LGBTQ members. In PC (USA), the policy is described as being “More Light.” In the UCC, the policy is seen as being “Open and Affirming.” We seek to be an inclusive expression of Christ’s body celebrating our diversity while finding our unity in Christ.  

First United sponsors a group called PFLAG, or Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. This group offers support for parents and friends of people coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. It also offers advocacy for the wider community. PFLAG marches in Chicago’s Pride Parade in June and hosts an Oak Park Film Festival in October.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that our church building is situated on the ancestral land of the Bodewamiadkiwen (Potawatomi), Myaamia (Miami), Oceti Sakowin, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Peoria. We honor them and thank them for their stewardship of this land. We commit ourselves to developing deeper partnerships that advocate for the progress, dignity and humanity of the many diverse Native Americans who still live and practice their heritage and traditions on this land today.