First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake

Prayer Shawl
2026-03-17 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
The prayer shawl ministry will once again meet on the 3rd Tuesday at 1:30pm in the church Library.
Whether you crochet or knit, all are welcome! If interested, please call the church office at 815-459-6010.

Young at Heart - Lunch at The Cottage Pub - 3/16/2026
2026-03-16 12:00 - 14:30 | Crystal Lake South High School, 1200 S. McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Monday, March 16. 2026 at Noon
Reservations by 3/12/2026
Lunch at The Cottage Pub
6 E. Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Pat has arranged for lunch at the restaurant. We will have the back room, separate checks and order off the regular menu or special St. Pat’s Day menu.

2026 First Congregational Church's Annual Spring Concert "Music for Your Soul"
2026-03-15 16:00 - 18:00 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us Sunday, 3/15/2026 in person or Watch LIVE online @ 4:00pm
First Congregational Church’s Vestry Adult Choir and Jubilate Bell Choir will present their Annual Spring Concert, “Music For Your Soul”
First Congregational Church’s (FCC) adult Vestry Choir and Jubilate Bell Choir will present their annual spring concert, “Music For Your Soul,” on Sunday, March 15 at 4:00pm in the church’s beautiful sanctuary at 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake, Ill. The choirs are under the leadership team of Ann Tucker, Director of Music, Toni Gambini, Bellmaster, and Dr. Andrei Liquer, Organist.
FCC’s virtuosic adult bell choir, Jubilate, will perform five pieces on the concert. Alex Guebert’s Built on the Rock will open their set. Capriccio by Kevin McChesney and How Can I Keep From Singing arranged by Arnold Sherman continue Jubilate’s pursuit of excellence and beautiful dynamic ringing. Guebert’s gorgeous Reunited, and Kurt Meyer’s ambitious Prestidigitation will round out their portion of the performance.
For Vestry Adult Choir’s portion of the program, they will be singing Cry Out and Shout by Knut Nystedt (1915-2014), a 20th century Norwegian composer. O Love is a hauntingly beautiful piece by Iowa-based composer Elaine Hagenberg (b. 1979) accompanied by piano and cello. A central piece in the concert is Moses Hogan’s (1957-2003) Music Down in My Soul, featuring the song “Over My Head” as well as fantastic original writing by the 20th century African American composer. Kyle Pederson, (b. 1971) is a Minneapolis-based composer and has written this exceptional work, All of Me, for chorus, violin and piano. The powerful text focuses on love, inclusion and hope for our world. More Waters Rising is a collaborative effort of twin brothers, Adam and Matt Podd (b. 1986), based in New York City. They have arranged singer-songwriter Saro Lynch-Thomason’s (b. 1986) original song written in 2016 for chorus, piano and percussion; soloists will be Allison Atteberry and Rick Fergus. Lynch-Thomason’s uplifting text calls us to “resource the best parts of ourselves as we work towards justice.” Bagpiper, Anita Jannes, will join Vestry for a unique and stunning arrangement of Amazing Grace by Stephen Hatfield. Closing the program will be the inspiring 1968 gospel song, Oh Happy Day, written by Edwin R. Hawkins (1943-2018) and arranged by Mark Hayes; it will feature Brandy Braxton, soprano.
For more information, call the church office at 815-459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org. The public is invited to attend this free program; a free-will offering will be received. Nursery care will be provided during the performance, and the concert will be live-streamed. Doors will open at 3:30pm for the 4pm concert. A reception for all will follow. First Congregational Church is handicapped accessible.

Sunday Morning Adult Discussion Group
2026-03-15 11:15 - 12:15, 2026-03-08 11:15 - 12:15, 2026-03-01 11:15 - 12:15 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us for the
Sunday Morning Adult Discussion Group
Sundays after Worship at 11:15AM
in the Library

Worship Service - 3/15/2026 at 10AM
2026-03-15 10:00 - 11:30 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us every Sunday in person or Watch LIVE online @ 10am
Sermon: Rev. Eric C. Fistler
Title: TBD
Scripture: John 9:1-41

Worship Service - 3/15/2026 at 8:15am
2026-03-15 08:15 - 08:50 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us every Sunday in person at 8:15am in the Chapel
Sermon: Rev. Eric C. Fistler
Title: TBD
Scripture: John 4:5-42

Family Music Class
2026-03-12 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-05 09:30 - 10:30 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Family Music
For children Birth – 6 with caregiver
Thursdays from 9:30AM – 10:30AM

Adult Faith Practices - A Grief Observed
2026-03-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-03-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:30 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
A Grief Observed
Hosted by Pastor Emily

This Lenten study will focus on C.S. Lewis’s small but powerful book, “A Grief Observed.”
In a poignant account of grief after the death of his wife, C. S. Lewis shares his struggles with faith, doubt, anger, questioning God, and the meaning of life in the face of profound loss. Based on personal journal entries kept during his bereavement, the book details Lewis’s emotional journey from despair to a new understanding of faith and love.
Participants will need a copy of the text. Contact Pastor Emily for help ordering.

Wednesday Bible Study with Pastor Eric
2026-03-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-03-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:30 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Genesis
In the Beginning … and Then is got complicated.
Hosted by Pastor Eric

Wednesday's Together
2026-03-11 17:45 - 21:15, 2026-03-04 17:45 - 21:15 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us on Wednesdays for Dinner without the dishes! Stay for the fantastic Programs.

SCHEDULE
Adult Faith Practices | 12:00pm – 1:00pin the Library
Adult Bible Study | 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Chapel
Youth Bell Choir | 5:15pm – 6:00pm in the Bell Room
Community Meal (All Ages) | 5:45pm – 6:30pm in the Schaper Hall
Jubilate Adult Choir | 6:30pm – 8:00pm in the Bell Room
Adult Faith Practices | 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the Library
Adult Bible Study | 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the Chapel
Carol and Chancel Choir | 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the Choir Room
Vestry Adult Choir | 7:45pm – 9:15pm in the Sanctuary

FCC - Yoga
2026-03-11 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-03-04 08:30 - 09:30 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
FCC Yoga
Wednesdays 8:30AM – 9:30AM
If you have any questions, please contact:
Deb Rosulek
Phone: (815) 354-2309
e-mail: debrosulek@yahoo.com

Community Lunch
2026-03-10 19:00 - 21:00 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month at 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Bring your lunch, join us in Shaper Hall, everyone is welcome!

The Tears of Things - Book Discussion Group
2026-03-10 19:00 - 20:00 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
The Tears of Things
Alternating Tuesdays 7:00PM – 8:00PM
It seems that the post WWII order we have grown accustomed to is crumbling all around us. Didn’t we learn anything? There is a gnawing feeling that there must be something better. We live in a time when the Christianity we were raised to believe is giving way to a new broader, expansive and meaningful Faith that includes God inspired justice.
Join us as Scott Hagedorn and Mike Chakoian moderate a discussion series exploring the way of both ancient Hebrew and contemporary prophets. What does it mean to be a prophet and how can the prophetic voice provide a constructive roadmap to a new order based on the teachings of Jesus through the lens of Franciscan Friar Richard Rohr in his new book “The Tears Of Things – Prophetic Wisdom For An Age Of Outrage”

Worship Service - 3/8/2026 at 10AM - Annual Spring Cantata - "Oh Jonah!"
2026-03-08 10:00 - 11:30 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us this Sunday, 3/8/2026 in person or Watch LIVE online @ 10am
Sermon: Cantata
Title: Oh Jonah!
The First Congregational Church presents “Oh, Jonah!” during the 10am worship service on Sunday, March 8, at the FCC sanctuary, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake. The production will feature two of FCC’s youth and children’s choirs, ages 3rd-8th grade. Ann Tucker, Director of Music, directs the cast and choirs. Barbara Thorsen will accompany.
Come have a whale of a good time as the story of the prophet Jonah is brought to life with music, dance and merry-making. As they begin their story, there are six angels who are trying to help Jonah understand what God wants him to do. It is a wonderful story about how we all must not only listen for the word of God in our lives but also accept the responsibility that we have to follow through with what we know is right. Come hear the angels who wake up Jonah for God singing “Oh Jonah!”
There will be no Sunday School classes so all children may attend church with their parents to enjoy the wonderful presentation in drama and song. Childcare will be available for infants and toddlers.
Visitors are always welcome to any church activity. First Congregational Church is handicapped accessible. For more information, call the church office at 815-459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Worship Service - 3/8/2026 at 8:15am
2026-03-08 08:15 - 08:50 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States

Men's' Fellowship Breakfast - 3-7-2026 - 8:00AM
2026-03-07 08:00 - 10:00 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
Join us for the first Men’s Fellowship Breakfast on March 7, 2026 at 8am
The next Men’s Breakfast will be on Saturday, Feb 7 at 8-9 AM in Schaper Hall

Women's Fellowship Luncheon - 3/5/2026 - 12:00PM
2026-03-05 12:00 - 14:00 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Program with Award Winning Storyteller Megan Wells.

We will have a lunch provided by Lorraine Anderson and friends ($5 cost) followed by program. Please RSVP by March 2 so we can have an accurate count for lunch. You can reply on Realm, by calling the church office, talking to Carin or Shelah, or signing up with the WF representative in Shaper Hall after the 10:00 service on March 1.
Looking forward to an enjoyable program and fellowship.

Worship Service - 3/1/2026 at 10AM
2026-03-01 10:00 - 11:30 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us every Sunday in person or Watch LIVE online @ 10am
Sermon: Rev. Eric C. Fistler
Title: Eternal Life Starts Now
Scripture: 3:1-17

Worship Service - 3/1/2026 at 8:15am
2026-03-01 08:15 - 08:50 | First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us every Sunday in person at 8:15am in the Chapel
Sermon: Rev. Eric C. Fistler
Title: Eternal Life Starts Now
Scripture: John 3:1-17
