First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Our Words & Music Podcast brings the Words of our speakers directly to you in podcast format. Words & Music presents a special show in celebration of Plymouth Fellowship (PF), our high school youth group. This uplifting event will highlight the inspiring spirit, creativity, and dedication of our youth, while raising funds to support their programs and activities. Through heartfelt stories...

Our Words & Music Podcast brings the Words of our speakers directly to you in podcast format. Words & Music presents a special show in celebration of Plymouth Fellowship (PF), our high school youth group. This uplifting event will highlight the inspiring spirit, creativity, and dedication of our youth, while raising funds to support their programs and activities. Through heartfelt stories...

Our Words & Music Podcast brings the Words of our speakers directly to you in podcast format. Words & Music presents a special show in celebration of Plymouth Fellowship (PF), our high school youth group. This uplifting event will highlight the inspiring spirit, creativity, and dedication of our youth, while raising funds to support their programs and activities. Through heartfelt stories...

Welcome to our NEW Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers. This week we join Alice Root asking Our Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr (rich@wscongo.org) two questions that curious kids are wondering about. Questions this episode are: Why do we retell the Bible stories every year? What is a Sermo...

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus as we hear Rev. Meredith Onion's reflection, “Filled with Expectation.” Jean Larson, our Faith Community Nurse will serve as Liturgist. Link to Livestream: January 19, 2025 - Worship Service - YouTube Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnUo2zw7mBs&t=2150s ⁠⁠ If you are new to our faith community and are interest...

Welcome to our NEW Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers. This week we join Alice Root asking Our Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr (rich@wscongo.org) two questions that curious kids are wondering about. Questions this episode are: If God is a girl or a boy, why is it assumed he is a boy? Who...

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus as we hear Rev. Meredith Onion's reflection, “Filled with Expectation.” Jean Larson, our Faith Community Nurse will serve as Liturgist. Link to Livestream: ⁠ https://youtube.com/live/wEIy5Kx4E9w Link to Start of Sermon: https://youtube.com/watch?v=wEIy5Kx4E9w&t=1740s If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning mo...

Rich will offer a teaching sermon for this Epiphany Sunday, and how Epiphany's profound ancient meaning still can speak to our modern hearts. We will celebrate Communion at both services. See you Sunday! Link to Livestream: January 5, 2025 - Worship Service Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fReCL6f4aaI&t=1884s If you are new to our faith community and are interested in l...

Welcome to our NEW Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers. This week we join Alice Root asking Our Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr (rich@wscongo.org) two questions that curious kids are wondering about. Questions this episode are: Why do we learn about Jesus? Why are there so many different v...

Christ is born! We walk with him into the new year a renewed people by his life and ministry. While Sunday school will not be available, childcare will be provided. We look forward to seeing you! Link to Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/wjDAKtEzZkw Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjDAKtEzZkw&t=1980s

Please join us for our traditional lessons and carols for Christmas Eve. Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will offer a reflection. Our choir will be accompanied by organist Kathy Christian, and a brass quartet. If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to https://www.wscongo.org/new-here/welc...

Hope is vulnerable and can feel like a tremendous risk, especially if you’ve experienced loss or trauma. But Mary shows us a resilient hope that takes risks—she risks her body to bear a son who will become the hope of her people. Similarly, Joseph makes a risky choice to stay with Mary; dismissing her quietly would have kept him safe. But instead, he chooses hope. He chooses to trust the angel, an...

Dyana VanWyngaarden shares her story.

Lisa Marie Weslowski shares her story.

Terri Rivera shares her story.

On this last Sunday of the church’s calendar year, we’ll hear Pilate challenge Jesus to explain who he is.  Join us as we consider what it means to “Belong to the Truth”.  Our choir will sing, and Janet Mensen Reynolds and Lauren Reynolds will share a special musical offering. 

On this first day of Advent, Rev. Kathryn Price will preach about how God continues to bless each of us in the most unexpected ways and in the most unexpected places.

What better way to begin our national day of gratitude than by gathering to worship God? Thanksgiving Day is a “come as you are,” 40-minute service where we sing the wonderful hymns of Thanksgiving and hear a reflection on gratitude from a member, Mary Rose Kennith .

Rev. Rich Kirchherr offers his alaphet reflection for Thanksgiving.

Rev. Meredith Onion offers a reflection.

Rev. Kathryn Price offers her reflection.

Rev. Meredith Onion offers a reflection.

Rev. Kirchherr answers the question - "Is there a hell?"

Matt Dahl shares his space story.

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will continue his series based on questions from the summer's Ask the Pastor sermon and recent conversations. This Sunday, he'll delve into the Gospel of John, reflecting on Jesus' words, "I go to prepare a place for you." His sermon, titled The Geography of Heaven?, will explore what Scripture and tradition reveal about this frequently pondered question.