Who we are

We know there are 5 churches down the street. We aren’t special. We want to be firmly rooted in the vintage Christian faith of what Christ-followers have always believed everywhere. We’re focused on blessing and serving the culture and community in which we find ourselves today. Call us ordinary followers of Jesus. We’re okay with that! The people of First Church come from Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Barrington, Cary, McHenry, Woodstock, Huntley, and places in between and beyond.

Who we are for

First Church is for the person exploring their faith, maybe for the first time. We’re for the believer, rooted in the historic tenets of the Christian faith. We’re for the follower of Jesus looking for a place to get connected to the Jesus mission. And we’re for the leader looking to influence the community on the Kingdom’s behalf.

When we get together each week

Sundays, we have a traditional worship service at 9:15 and a contemporary service at 10:45. Both services live-stream here.

Sunday Morning Children’s Ministry (we call it Kids First), meets during both services.

In the Summer, our schedule is slightly different. We have an 8 a.m. abbreviated service in our outdoor chapel. Then we have a 10 a.m. blended service in our sanctuary.

 Devoted to Christ

Everything we are and do is centered on Jesus Christ. We seek to share the life-giving news of God’s salvation by inviting others into a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to help one another become well-acquainted with the Bible. We help one another develop a meaningful pattern of personal prayer. And we gather each week to offer our worship to God and the gift of loving faith community to one another. Jesus Christ is the foundation and center of all we are and do.

  Connected to Others

We believe that the Christian Way is intended to be lived within arms’ length of others who are on this spiritual path, too. First Church is committed to healthy relationships across generations and among those who call this community of faith home. We have particular joy in helping marriages and families be and become Christ-centered, vibrant, and healthy. The Christian Way is always a shared journey.

 Sent to Serve

A signature characteristic of First Church is its irrepressible desire to serve others in Christ’s name. We believe that salvation in Christ not only secures our eternity, but a relationship with Christ provides a lifelong purpose for each of us individually and all of us as a congregation. Like Jesus himself, we are here not to be served by others, but to serve others on his behalf (Mark 10:45).