Ministry of Local Congregation: On Saturday Sept 20 and Sunday Sept 21 United Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Country Club Hills will celebrate 25 years as a merged congregation. Elder Leila Ward is chairman of the ad-hoc committee planning the event. In 1989 Harvey First Christian and County Club Hill United Christian officially united to better serve God, the community of believers, and the surrounding community. We were blessed with the dedicated leadership of Rev. C. Richard Taylor until 1994 and Rev. Howard Kennon from 1996 until 2013. CCIW Regional Moderator the Rev. Cheryl P. Jackson presently serves as Transitional Senior Minister.
The 25th Anniversary Celebration will include a Saturday luncheon with time to enjoy pictures of charter members of the merged congregation and pictures of current church families taken 30-40 years ago. A Jeopardy style game will feature memorable people, ministries, and happenings. One happening we enjoy recalling is a Christmas Pageant in which all participants were from the Girl and Boy Scout Troupes meeting at the church. There were no children in our church family and the Scouts participated and many soon became part of our Unique Family of Faith.
Saturday afternoon will continue with praise dancers, a men’s quartet, community singing, video messages from past student and youth ministers, and a panel of young people sharing how the church has influenced their lives and how they have been blessed by God. Church camp and Summit have made a significant impact on many of their lives.
The guest preacher for Sunday worship will be the Rev. Larry Jackson of Jackson Blvd Christian Church. He will focus on the future and God’s call to spread the Good News and care for the local and wider community. The day will conclude with a pot-luck dinner and more time for sharing and picture browsing.
I have fond memories working with Lelia and other members of the congregation. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!