Welcome to our website!

 

The Westminster Shorter Catechism asked, "What is the chief end of Man"? The Answer, "Man's chief end is to Glorify God and serve him forever". (WSC. I). As followers of Jesus Christ our task as individuals and as the visible church is to glorify God in all we do.

 

In today's market place of ideas and choices, we are faced with an overwhelming selection of goods. Supply and demand not only relates to material goods, but even religious beliefs these days. This market mentality of our times has become known as, 'church shopping'. But is looking for a church really like buying food products or cell phones? In some ways it may be, we certainly want what we buy to be as good as it's selling appeal. In other ways church shopping is not like the market - the gospel is given away freely and salvation is a free gift of God, not of works.

 

When you look for a church what are you looking for? Entertainment? How large a program it has? Close to home? Makes you feel comfortable? perhaps. Or ... does looking for a church also include preaching the gospel and the full council of God faithfully, teaching the Word of God passionately, moving people to grow spiritually, and serving others lovingly?

 

Being faithful to the Bible and Jesus Christ should be a primary concern of anyone seeking a church. At First Church we desire to be faithful to Christ Jesus and eager to know the Bible, the inspired revelation of God to and for us. We desire to know God and glorify God through worship, prayer, study, and service to others.

 

We believe Jesus Christ is central to our lives here at First Church and that the Bible is inspired and trustworthy in all it teaches. We hold that faith must go hand in hand with deeds. We know that God through Christ has done for us what we could never do for ourselves - grace, a free gift of salvation purchased for us by Jesus' perfect sacrifice for our sins on the cross. We worship with the intent on glorifying God, seeking His will for our lives through prayer, sharing with Him and others our needs, and giving Jesus Christ all the Glory. We gather around the Table of our Lord to break bread and share the cup so that we never forget the price he paid for our salvation. We Baptize our children reminding our community of faith of the covenant promise God made to Abraham and his offspring forever - they are ours to claim still.

 

We are a small congregation but we believe we can do great things for God and our neighbor. We wish to place the means of grace first and then move on to the means of service as an organic 'happening' which flows from our faith. Faith and service go hand in hand.

 

If you desire a church that is faithful to God's Word and believes it to be the center of worship and faithful living, if you seek a church which holds to the Reformed tradition of placing the Majesty of God first in all things, and if you are looking for worship that is spirited yet alive and spirit-filled then we invite you to join us. We hope that you will discover that God's Word in a world of marketing ploys may prove to be accurate. Truth is, we believe that if we trust God and remain true to His word, we cannot be decieved.

 

We believe God is still speaking, and we also believe He has already spoken through His revelation of Scripture. While we will accept you on your journey wherever you may be, we hope God will move you where He wants you to be. We are aware that life is full of commas, but God also places periods on life's journey sometimes for our own good. We hold to sound belief and have a heart for social outreach. We seek to create avenues of peace and justice because we love the Prince of lasting Peace and true Justice!

 

We invite you to join us on Sunday morning. Our worship begins at 10:45 AM. We have a Bible Study at 9:15 AM until 10:15 AM (March - June). In this world of overwhelming choices, we hope you will make the choice to seek Christ Jesus. Our chief end is not always our own comforts and wants, but to glorify God forever.

 

Dr. Dean M. Kucera

 

Interim Pastor

 

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Pastor Kucera studied for his B.A. degree from Judson Baptist College with a Major in Philosophy and Religion and Minor in Fine Arts. He studied for His Masters in Divinity from Both: Covenant Theological Seminary, St Louis MO, and University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque. IA. Pastor Kucera went on to Study for His Doctorate at the U of Chicago. His interest in Psychology led him to Study Clinical Psychology on both a Master's level (Governors State University, University Park. IL), and Doctoral level Psychology at Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Rolling Meadows, IL. Pastor Has also studied in Hungary and has written articles for Hungarian Religious publications. He is currently finishing up two books. One on Christian Apologetics for Lay people and Cultural Issues and the Church today. He hopes to finish these up and work toward publishing them. Pastor Kucera loves cooking and oil and water painting and wood working. His love for music often results in his playing both piano and organ for services and fun.

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                                                              and God has spoken !