First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Religious and Faith-Based Community Serviceswscongo.org

First Congregational Church of Western Springs is a United Church of Christ congregation in Western Springs, Illinois offering worship services, faith formation, youth and music ministries, health programs, and mission outreach to 40+ partner nonprofits, supported by ~18 staff and voluntary member tithes.

Company typePrivate
Founded-
HeadquartersWestern Springs, United States
Headcount11–50
GTM typeB2C
OfferingServices

What First Congregational Church of Western Springs does

First Congregational Church of Western Springs is a United Church of Christ-affiliated nonprofit religious congregation headquartered at 1106 Chestnut Avenue in Western Springs, Illinois. The organization operates a broad ministry portfolio organized around weekly in-person worship services (held at 9:30am and 10am Sundays), with YouTube livestream distribution of the 10am service and sermon podcast archives reaching virtual attendees. The congregation is supported by a staff of 18 including two pastors (Pastor Chrissy and Pastor Meredith Onion), a Faith Community Nurse (MSN, RN), Music Director, Christian Education Director, Communications Manager, Operations Manager, New Member and Engagement Coordinator, and Youth Choir Director.

Programming spans faith formation for all ages — Sunday School using the Dwell curriculum for ages 3 through 7th grade, an 8th-grade Confirmation Class, youth groups (JRneys for junior high, Plymouth Fellowship for high school), Congo Hoops intramural basketball, and multiple music ensembles (Adult Chancel Choir, Tower Chimes, Lord of the Ringers, Children's Choir, All In Congo House Band). Care ministries include a 16-member Prayer Team, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Called to Care lay visiting, caregiver support, and grief support. Health Ministries offer Faith & Flow Yoga, Mindful Movement, Red Cross blood drives, flu clinics, and a medical equipment lending closet.

Revenue is generated primarily through voluntary member tithes and pledges via the GROW.SERVE.SHARE stewardship program and the Realm online giving platform, supplemented by endowment donations, memorial gifts, Woman's Society annual dues ($25), altar flower sponsorships ($55), and First Congo Preschool registration fees ($110 per child). The church maintains partnerships with over 40 mission organizations including Aging Care Connections, B.E.D.S. Plus, Westchester Food Pantry, NAMI Metro Suburban, and Youth Outlook, supported through biennial grants and volunteer engagement. Operational technology centers on the Realm church management platform for giving and registrations, YouTube for livestream and on-demand content, SignUpGenius for volunteer coordination, and the OneTap accessibility plugin supporting 30+ languages.

First Congregational Church of Western Springs firmographics

Firmographics

Name: First Congregational Church of Western Springs
Legal name: First Congregational Church of Western Springs
Website: https://wscongo.org
Company type: Private
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 11–50 employees
Short description: First Congregational Church of Western Springs is a United Church of Christ congregation in Western Springs, Illinois offering worship services, faith formation, youth and music ministries, health programs, and mission outreach to 40+ partner nonprofits, supported by ~18 staff and voluntary member tithes.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

First Congregational Church of Western Springs industry classification

Industry

Product category: Religious and Faith-Based Community Services
NAICS: Religious Organizations (8131)
akta.pro primary industry: Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)
akta.pro secondary industry: Faith-Based Childcare Centers (EDACAAAN)

Keywords

Religious services
Faith formation
Worship services
Community outreach
Youth ministries

Where First Congregational Church of Western Springs is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Western Springs
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

First Congregational Church of Western Springs business model

Business model

GTM type: B2C
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

Member Tithes and Offerings: Primary revenue from congregation members giving financial pledges and tithes through the GROW.SERVE.SHARE. stewardship program. Giving methods include check, Sunday offering plate, stock or securities gifts, charitable fund or IRA distributions, estate planning, auto withdrawal, and online giving via Realm.
Endowment Fund: Donations to endowment fund to sustain the church's future.
Memorial Gifts: Donations made in memory of loved ones.
Faith & Flow Yoga Classes: Donations of $10/class encouraged from adults to help cover expenses and fund related ministries. Youth participate free of charge.
Woman's Society Dues: Annual dues of $25 per member ($27 via Realm) to defray administrative expenses for the intergenerational women's group.
Preschool Registration: Registration fee of $110 per child for First Congo Preschool.
Altar Flowers and Special Occasions: Altar flowers sponsorship at $55, plus poinsettia or Easter altar flowers in season.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
Subscription	Annual	Woman's Society membership
One time/ perpetual license	Pay-as-you-go	Altar Flower Sponsorship
One time/ perpetual license	Pay-as-you-go	Preschool Registration Fee
Donation/ grant-funded	Pay-as-you-go	Faith & Flow Yoga

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels13 records

First Congregational Church of Western Springs product offering

Product offering

Core offering

First Congregational Church of Western Springs is a United Church of Christ congregation that delivers weekly worship services (in-person and YouTube livestreamed), faith formation programs for children, youth, and adults, pastoral care through prayer and visitation ministries, music and arts programming, health ministries, and mission outreach to over 40 partner nonprofits. It also operates the First Congo Preschool and offers community programs including the Woman's Society and Green Team environmental initiatives.

Product overview

First Congregational Church of Western Springs is a United Church of Christ congregation offering a broad portfolio of interconnected ministries organized around worship, faith formation, community care, music, arts, health, and mission. Core offerings include weekly in-person and livestreamed Worship Services and a Sermons archive; Sunday School using the Dwell curriculum and Confirmation Class for children and youth; the Kemper Library lending resource and curated Children's Book Recommendations for families; the Curious Kids, Faithful Answers podcast; and the Congo Connection quarterly magazine. The Music Ministry encompasses the Adult Chancel Choir, Tower Chimes, Lord of the Ringers, Children's Choir, and All In Congo House Band. Health Ministries feature Faith & Flow Yoga, Mindful Movement, a medical equipment lending closet, and support groups. Mission & Outreach partners with over 40 nonprofits, supported by the Woman's Society's semi-annual Rummage Sales. Youth programming includes JRneys (junior high), Plymouth Fellowship (high school), Congo Hoops (basketball), and children's choirs and handbells. The Green Team leads environmental initiatives. All financial giving is managed through Realm's online giving platform, with events coordinated via SignUpGenius.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

Worship Services
Sunday School
Confirmation Class

Quantifiable outcome

Over 250 volunteers participate in semi-annual rummage sales
+2 more outcomes

Companies that use First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Customer profile

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

First Congregational Church of Western Springs technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

First Congregational Church of Western Springs partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

42 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

Aging Care ConnectionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Grange-based organization enriching quality of life for older adults and families. Church provides volunteer support and funding through Mission and Outreach grants.
Amani Ya JuuminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial economic enterprise committed to peace and reconciliation for women from African nations using African materials to create fair trade home goods and accessories.
Back Bay MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCC organization in Biloxi, Mississippi with mission to eradicate sting of poverty and its effects on individuals and communities.
B.E.D.S. PluscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization helping homeless population of West Suburban Cook County obtain stable housing with professional counseling and employment services. Church donates $1,000 and provides volunteer opportunities.
Breakthrough Urban MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunity in Chicago's Garfield Park community.
Center For Independence Through Conductive EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps children with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy develop motor function and positive self-esteem through Conductive Education.
Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides academic and athletic programs to at-risk boys and girls ages 7-21 throughout Chicagoland.
Chicago Furniture BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides dignity, stability and comfort to Chicagoans facing poverty by allowing clients to handpick an entire home's worth of furnishings for free.
Chicago Theological SeminaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCC-affiliated seminary that has educated future church leaders for over 160 years.
Church World ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative humanitarian ministry of 36 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations providing global humanitarian aid.
Community Assisted RidescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit providing transportation to older adults for physician appointments, grocery shopping, and quality life errands. Contact: 708.354.9328.
Community Support ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks with children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.
Companions Journeying TogethercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReaches incarcerated women and men through programs designed to build healthy relationships and foster positive communication. Church provides board members and pen pal volunteers.
Dining for WomenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal giving circle funding grassroots projects in developing countries fighting gender inequality through education and skills training.
Girls Inc. of ChicagominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports, mentors, and guides girls in pro-girl environment with skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
Global MinistriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks for justice, reconciliation, and peace through spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ globally.
Growing Hope GloballycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRaises money to help people in developing countries grow their own food. Accepts donations through church.
NAMI Metro SuburbancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides education, support and advocacy for mental illness FREE OF CHARGE in western suburbs of Cook County.
New MomscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps young moms 24 and under take first steps toward economic mobility and family well-being through 2-Generation approach.
Night MinistrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago-based organization providing housing, healthcare, and human connection to those struggling with poverty and homelessness.
Off The Street ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago-based organization keeping 3,000 children off the street in West Garfield Park through safe, supportive environment and summer camp.
OpenlandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtects and maintains natural spaces of northeastern Illinois and surrounding area.
Our Church's Wider MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCC conference dedicated to spreading peace and justice and listening to the words of the still-speaking God.
Pillars Community HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit improving health of communities through compassionate, whole-person care giving all people access to care when needed.
Rebuilding Together Metro ChicagominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerImproves homes and neighborhoods of elderly, disabled, and low-income residents.
RefugeeOnecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreates opportunity for refugees fleeing war, terror, and persecution to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance.
The Hope ChestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUpscale resale shop benefiting Pillars Community Health's Constance Morris House shelter for domestic violence survivors and their children.
UCC Disaster MinistriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResponds to natural and human-caused disasters across the United States and around the world.
UCC Outdoor MinistriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCC camps and retreat centers serving local congregations, nonprofits, families, individuals, and businesses year-round.
Westchester Food PantrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYear-round resource for hungry and food insecure residents of Westchester and neighboring communities including Western Springs. Church donates $1,000 and hosts collection table.
Youth OutlookcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst and longest-running social service agency in Illinois dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth with drop-in centers, caregiver support, and community education.
BandWith ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago-based non-profit providing lasting access to high quality music and performing arts instruction to underserved communities starting in East Garfield Park. Free-will offerings from Words & Music services support this organization.
Buddy's PlaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBereavement and grief program offering family-based support groups for children, teens, and their families.
Caring Place FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnhances quality of life for underprivileged children and children with special needs and their families.
Church Women UnitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMovement of Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian women inspired by Holy Spirit to serve women and children around the world.
Common HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides impoverished Guatemalan families with opportunities for better lives through comprehensive programs.
Hinsdale Family Services Food PantryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerServes residents of Southeast DuPage County.
ICAAP (Reach Out and Read)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit championing positive effects of reading daily and engaging in language-rich activities with young children.
Midwives for HaitiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrains nurses to be skilled birth attendants and brings high impact projects to combat maternal and infant mortality in Haiti.
San Lucas UCCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumboldt Park UCC congregation serving 5,000 people annually through hot meals program, food pantry, and thrift store.
Spark ShopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInspires and mobilizes next generation of engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs through STEM education for 4th and 5th graders.
Teen Parent ConnectionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps young mothers and fathers confront challenges of parenthood and create opportunities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

First Congregational Church of Western Springs competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

St. Matthew's United Church of Christ (Wheaton): UCC congregation in Wheaton, IL explicitly connected to First Congo via shared handbell director (KC Congdon). Comparable UCC programming model and similarly positioned in Chicago western suburbs.
First United Church of Oak Park: Progressive UCC-affiliated congregation in Oak Park with deep community programming, social justice mission, and broad music and youth offerings — directly comparable in theological positioning and mission footprint.
Community Church of Glen Ellyn: Community-oriented progressive church in Glen Ellyn, IL with multi-generational programming, music ministries, and mission outreach — comparable model, size, and Chicago western-suburban setting.
Christ Church of Lake Forest: Progressive community church in affluent Lake Forest, IL with similar music, formation, and outreach programming; comparable by theological identity, demographic profile, and Chicago north-shore suburban footprint.
Winnetka Congregational Church: UCC congregation in nearby Winnetka with comparable progressive identity, strong music and youth programs, and similar affluent Chicago suburban member base — overlapping both theology and demographic profile.
Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation: Progressive, arts-engaged religious community in Oak Park with comparable inclusive identity, arts programming, and broader Chicago-area reach. Overlaps in mission positioning and community engagement style.
Lake Street Church of Evanston: Progressive, community-oriented church in Evanston, IL with a similar Open and Affirming identity, music ministry, social justice focus, and broad programming for children, youth, and adults in a Chicago suburb.
Peoples Church of Chicago: Progressive, Open and Affirming UCC-affiliated congregation in Chicago with strong social justice, music, and youth programming — comparable in theology, progressive identity, and mission breadth.
First Congregational Church of Oak Park: A nearby UCC-affiliated progressive congregation in Oak Park, IL with similar theological identity, multi-generational programming, and community engagement model. Most directly comparable peer given shared denomination, progressive values, and Chicago western-suburban footprint.

Broad incumbents

Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago: Larger, established progressive mainline (PCUSA) congregation on Chicago's Magnificent Mile with extensive programming, music, mission, and youth offerings — a broader incumbent in the same progressive-Chicago-church space as First Congo.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

First Congregational Church of Western Springs financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

First Congregational Church of Western Springs leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

First Congregational Church of Western Springs subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries1 record

First Congregational Church of Western Springs funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

First Congregational Church of Western Springs M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about First Congregational Church of Western Springs

What does First Congregational Church of Western Springs do?

Is First Congregational Church of Western Springs a public or private company?

First Congregational Church of Western Springs is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was First Congregational Church of Western Springs founded?

First Congregational Church of Western Springs was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is First Congregational Church of Western Springs based?

First Congregational Church of Western Springs is headquartered in Western Springs, United States, in the North America region.

How does First Congregational Church of Western Springs make money?

Seven revenue lines are on record. Member Tithes and Offerings are the primary driver. The others are endowment Fund, memorial Gifts, faith & Flow Yoga Classes, woman's Society Dues, preschool Registration and altar Flowers and Special Occasions.

Who are First Congregational Church of Western Springs's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are St. Matthew's United Church of Christ (Wheaton), First United Church of Oak Park, Community Church of Glen Ellyn, Christ Church of Lake Forest, Winnetka Congregational Church, Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Lake Street Church of Evanston, Peoples Church of Chicago and First Congregational Church of Oak Park. Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago is listed as a broad incumbent.

Does First Congregational Church of Western Springs have an API?

No public API is recorded for First Congregational Church of Western Springs.

What industry is First Congregational Church of Western Springs in?

First Congregational Church of Western Springs's product category is Religious and Faith-Based Community Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAJAA, Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues), with a secondary code of EDACAAAN, Faith-Based Childcare Centers. Its NAICS code is 8131.