Doing Good, Together

Outreach

We don't just talk about a better world. We work toward one.

A Century of Showing Up

Justice has always been in our DNA.

FCCW's commitment to outreach isn't a program — it's part of who we've always been. In the aftermath of World War II, this congregation helped resettle nearly 400,000 refugees. During the civil rights movement, FCCW members marched and organized for fair housing right here in suburban Chicago.

That same spirit animates our work today: showing up for unhoused neighbors, advocating for racial equity, caring for creation, and building bridges across faith traditions.

We believe that faith without works isn't faith at all — it's just sentiment. And sentiment doesn't house anyone.

Volunteer With Us
400K
Refugees helped post-WWII
150+
Years of community service
12+
Active outreach partnerships
100%
Open & Affirming — all welcome

"Doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly — that's not just a mission statement. That's Monday through Sunday."

— Rev. Mary Herbig
Serving dinner to those experiencing homelessness

Homelessness & Housing

Every person deserves a home.

FCCW has partnered with Connections for the Homeless in Evanston for years, providing volunteer support for meal service, direct assistance, and community events for individuals experiencing homelessness on the North Shore.

We also work with the Interfaith Housing Coalition to support emergency shelter and transitional housing for families — because a temporary crisis shouldn't become a permanent condition.

Volunteer shifts are open monthly. No experience or training required — just your time and your care.

Sign Up to Volunteer Connections Website

Interfaith Partnership

Building bridges across faith.

For years, FCCW has cultivated a deep partnership with Congregation Sukkat Shalom — a Jewish congregation also located in Wilmette. Together we study, serve, gather, and advocate for a more just and compassionate North Shore.

Our joint programming includes shared holiday observances, adult education evenings, social action projects, and simply breaking bread together. We believe that the work of building understanding between faith communities is itself sacred work.

In a world that too often uses religion to divide, we choose to use it to connect.

See Joint Events
Community outreach

Our History

A legacy of justice.

Long before "social justice" was a buzzword, FCCW was doing the work. Postwar refugee resettlement. Civil rights marching. Fair housing advocacy. Opposition to apartheid. Welcoming LGBTQ+ neighbors as full members. Each generation has asked: who needs us most right now? And then showed up.

1940s–50s

Refugee Resettlement

FCCW helped resettle nearly 400,000 displaced persons in the aftermath of World War II — one of the most ambitious acts of humanitarian service in congregational history.

1960s–70s

Civil Rights & Fair Housing

FCCW members marched, organized, and advocated for fair housing in suburban Chicago — bringing the civil rights movement to the North Shore's own backyard.

Today

Open & Affirming

FCCW is an Open and Affirming UCC congregation — which means LGBTQ+ individuals and families are not just tolerated but fully, joyfully welcomed into every aspect of church life.

All Outreach Programs

Where we show up.

Across six areas of ministry, FCCW puts faith into action — week by week, neighbor by neighbor.

01
Wilmette Community Nursery School
For decades, WCNS has provided play-based early childhood education to North Shore families regardless of church membership. One of FCCW's most enduring gifts to the community.
02
Earth Care
As a certified Earth Care Congregation, FCCW works to reduce our environmental footprint, tend our community garden, compost, and advocate for climate justice policies locally and globally.
03
Interfaith Dialogue
Our partnership with Congregation Sukkat Shalom and other North Shore faith communities creates ongoing opportunities for learning, friendship, and shared service across religious lines.
04
Racial Justice
The Racial Justice Task Force leads education, conversation, and action — bringing speakers, organizing study groups, and building partnerships that work toward equity in our congregation and beyond.
05
Community Meals
Through Connections for the Homeless and Interfaith Housing, FCCW volunteers serve hundreds of meals each month to neighbors experiencing homelessness in Evanston and across the North Shore.
06
Holiday Giving Drives
At Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, FCCW organizes food drives, gift drives, and donation campaigns that connect our congregation's generosity with families in need across the region.

Support the Work

Your generosity makes all of this possible.

FCCW's outreach programs run on the generosity of members and friends. A gift to the church's mission fund goes directly to programs like these.

Give Online Contact Us About Giving

Get Involved

Volunteer with us.

Most of our outreach work happens one volunteer shift at a time. Whether you can give two hours a month or two days a week, there's a meaningful role for you in our work.

Fill out the form and we'll match you with the right program based on your interests, availability, and any skills you'd like to share.

Volunteer Interest Form