Senior Pastor

We are the First Congregational Church of Western Springs (www.wscongo.org). Founded in 1887, First Congo welcomes all people as children of God and value that our members come from many traditions. As a growing and thriving church family, the Church seeks to be a faithful people, to introduce our children to a loving Jesus, and to live out our faith in Christian mission and service. We are an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation and welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions to join with us in our worship, mission and service.

Our church is truly blessed both financially and with membership and congregation engagement. We have approximately 1250 members 18 years of age or older, roughly 415 pledging households and have averaged 40+ adult new members and 25 confirmands (a total of ~ 65) a year for the last few decades. Financially, First Congo operates with an annual budget well in excess of $1.5M, and the church is current on all elements of its annual and long-term capital and maintenance plans (virtually no deferred maintenance). Lastly, we have a robust endowment that has traditionally contributed significantly to our annual operating budget through the transfer of a portion of the interest earned to the church’s operating account.

The community of Western Springs is a wonderful place to call home. Located 18 miles west of Chicago, Western Springs has some 15,000 residents and is a picturesque mix of historic landmarks, excellent schools, beautiful parks and modern eateries. Western Springs has been named as one of the best places to raise children and the safest city in Illinois. Equally attractive and abutting Western Springs are the villages of LaGrange, LaGrange Park and Indian Head Park. With additional elementary and middle schools, they too feed into Lyons Township Highschool District 204.