Welcome to
St. John's United Church of Christ
17824 Jefferson St, Union, Illinois
Join us for Worship
Sundays at 9:30 am
In-person and online
Livestream on Facebook
At St. John's United Church of Christ, we know that inspiration opens hearts. An open heart is an open mind and an open mind is one that can practice tolerance, experience gratitude and feel the glory of God.
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here!
ABOUT ST. JOHN'S UCC
We welcome you to join us! Our worship service is fairly traditional and includes a sermon, congregational prayer, hymns, and special music. Worship lasts about an hour. You can try us out online at:
We are an Open and Affirming congregation, and we welcome into the full life and ministry of the church persons of every race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, age, physical ability, and economic status. 🏳🌈
Our Pastor
On March 3rd, 2024, Rev. Steve Welker was called as Pastor. Pastor Steve grew up in central Indiana in a suburb of Indianapolis. He graduated from Plainfield High School (IN) and went to Indiana State University where he received a BS in Elementary Education.
He taught for nine years as a sixth-grade teacher in Seymour, IN. During that time, he earned a MS in Elementary Education at Indiana University. As well, he coached boys’ football and basketball and freshmen girIs’ basketball.
In 1987, he entered seminary and served as an associate minister while attending seminary. He was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1991. In those over thirty-three years of ordained ministry, Pastor Steve has served congregations in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Illinois as a settled pastor and a trained intentional interim pastor. He has served eight congregations as an interim minister in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.
He has standing with the United Church of Christ (Fox Valley Association).
He married to my high school sweetheart, Brenda, and they will we celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in June. The have two grown daughters who have blessed them with two great sons-in-laws and three awesome grandkids.
Pastor Steve is an avid reader, golfer, and grandpa. As well, he “plays at” the guitar every once and a while.
Coming Up
Sunday April 28
Week 3- Creating Caring Communities: A Whole New Ball Game
The pitch clock was a game changer for Major League Baseball. Does God have a pitch clock to speed up our understanding of love?
1 John 4:7-21
Second Tuesday of each month
Taco Tuesday 11:30 AM at Clasen's, 17628 Depot Street, Union IL 60180
Lunch and fellowship
Second Tuesday of each month
Council Meeting 5:30 PM at the church
Table Talks!- April 28, May 5 after worship ...who are we...where we want to go, how do we get there
NEWS & UPDATES
You are welcome to attend in-person worship, or view our services online.
In-Person Worship Guidelines
Masks are not required, but are available for your use.
Please use hand sanitizer when you enter.
If you have tested positive in the past week, or do not feel well, please stay home.
Live-Streaming
Each week we share a bulletin via email, and on our Facebook page.
You may join worship live or view a recording afterwards on the church Facebook page Facebook.com/stjunion.
You do not need to be logged into Facebook to view the video.
UCC DISASTER RELIEF
The United Church of Christ has issued an appeal to support immediate needs for families and communities affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian.
Emergency response personnel are active. Relief agencies are meeting immediate needs where they can gain access to communities hard hit by the storm. United Church of Christ partners through National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster who focus on relief are implementing their plans. Global Ministries Area Executive for Latin America Angel Luis Rivera is in touch with bilateral partners. Conference leaders and Conference Disaster Coordinators are making contact, assessing needs, and communicating with the Global H.O.P.E. team so that help can be channeled, now and for the long term.
Your generous financial support will be used by our partners in the areas of greatest need, for relief and long-term recovery. If you prefer, you may mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO BOX 71957 Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “Hurricanes 2022 Fund” in the memo section.
Thank you for your support.
Donate: https://support.ucc.org/donate---hurricanes-2022
Connect for news and updates:
UCC UPDATES
Learn about what's happening
in the Illinois Conference:
and around our denomination:
LIFE AT ST. JOHN'S
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
~Matthew 18:20
Heifer Project
Heifer International is a global nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
A team of us worked construction at a Habitat for Humanity Work Site in Marengo on Saturday, Nov. 26. Thank you to Denny, Danny, Destini, Lillian, Doug, T.C., and Dave for participating!
Slideshow is below!
CONTACT US
St. John's UCC
17824 Jefferson St
PO Box 401
Union, IL 60180-0401
815-923-4203