First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr's sermon is a response to a question that he received from a young person via email: “Is our Christian faith unique from other religions?" The service will also include Communion, so please have your bread and juice when worship begins.

On the Sunday closest to Epiphany, Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will offer a teaching sermon on the story and power of the journey of the Magi. We marvel at the persistence of God to shine the way for the Magi so that they might bear witness to the divine.   As we journey forward, we carry the dreams of our ancestors in faith. With courage and resilience, we dream on.

This week, we recognize what preceded Mary’s song of praise: news that was disorienting and bewildering, possibly threatening her life. Together, Mary and Elizabeth find courage and comfort in spite of their unusual circumstances. We, too, are called to carry, support, and encourage one another’s dreams.

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers his Christmas Eve reflection. 

Rev. Meredith Onion offers a reflection on the 12 days of Christmas.

We hear the story of a fun Christmas party!

Enjoy the story of a woodcarver who visits a very special baby.

Enjoy the story about a young shepherd boy who experiences two Christmas blessings.

Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey offers her sermon.  Ultimately, dreams sow joy, even if that joy doesn’t immediately spring forth. Sowing seeds into the soil always feels risky and feeble—how can something so small become something so beautiful, so big, and so nourishing? Like Mary, we are called to tend and nurture the dreams God has woven into us.

Ms. Hope tells a story about a pig.

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers his sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent. 

Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey offers her sermon on the First Sunday of Advent. 

Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey offers her sermon. 

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers his annual Thanksgiving Alphabet reflection. 

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers his sermon. 

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers his sermon. 

Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey offers a sermon. 

Rev. Meredith Onion reflects on discovering Harmony when we’re Centered in Christ, even if we’re diverse in thought.

In these partisan and tension filled days leading up to our election, Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will consider what a citizen of our nation might pray for.

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr offers a reflection on the gift of sharing a meal that will sustain us in a way that no other meal will.

Sydney Sabbagha tells a story about one of her favorite Christmas treats. 

September 27, 2020 Worship

Setting Sail - Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr September marks the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim’s departure from England to what they hoped would be a new and improved England. Our spiritual forebears came, of course, seeking religious freedom from a hierarchical Church, but they also became a litmus test as to whether a body of people can govern themselves. The only path forward, they believed, wa...

The Last Motel - Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr reflects on two journeys that end in gratitude and generosity. 

Rev. Meredith Onion offers her sermon.