I was called to St. John UCC in October 1999 and we felt at home more quickly in this church and Freeport than any community in which we or I have lived.  This says a lot considering I have lived in 17 communities in my 56 years, and in 9 communities in 34 years of marriage.

     One of my great learning's from those moves is the importance of being open to, affirming, appreciating, and respecting the diversity of people.  I feel the same in the area of faith.  How could I not when I was baptized in a United Methodist Church (1956), confirmed in a Presbyterian (’64), and married and ordained (‘76) in the United Church of Christ? 

     Some of the pleasures in life I treasure are having time and taking vacations with Sandy; spending time with our children (Tim, Jeff, Beth); watching football (Bears fan), baseball (White Sox fan), and other sports; baking from scratch with chocolate; enjoying an occasional fine wine or glass of scotch; buying ties; and reading.  Also, I get great excitement and joy from continuing to learn; and I occasionally share my exuberance about something I recently read or learned. 

     I also treasure the continuing education opportunities and spiritual retreats I take advantage of each year, and the spiritual meditations I write.  (You will find one of these in our “Weekly Meditation” section.)

Dear Child of God:

      You are welcome at St. John United Church of Christ! 

      I say this without hesitation or doubt, and without any sense of exclusion.  Whomever you are; whatever your personal, social, economic, or faith background; whatever your family or marital status; you are welcome at St. John United Church of Christ.  We believe in the welcoming embrace of God’s love for all people. 

      We are a church, like many churches, that has members who have been here for generations.   Others have been steady visitors for years.  They have been invited but never pressured to become members.  We are single, married, divorced, and remarried.  Many were previously in Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Reformed, United Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, or other churches.  All have gifts of faith and life which we affirm and welcome.     

      Here, people have found a community of faith that is open, tolerant, diverse, and accepting, along  with the other strengths and weaknesses of being human.  They have found people who are striving to grow in their faith, faithfulness, depth, spirituality, and the love of God.  Some are      Biblically learned and others not.  All believe in the love, grace, forgiveness, redemption, and  openness of God, who sent Jesus Christ and His healing love to our world. This is our vision, too: “Bringing the healing love of Christ to our community for the glory of God.”

      This welcome comes from God in Jesus Christ, whose openness, forgiveness, and love is for all people, so we extend the invitation and welcome to you.  It is what God in Christ wants us to do.

      You are welcome at St. John United Church of Christ when the Spirit moves you.  I hope we meet someday.  Please introduce yourself to me if you visit St. John UCC.  Also, thank you for  taking the time to read this. 

         May you know the blessing, presence, love and peace of God in your life and soul. 

      In Christ,

      Donnley Dutcher, Pastor

      E-mail – donnleystjohn@aeroinc.net   Phone: 815-235-2824

A CHURCH WITH OPEN HOLY COMMUNION

      We believe that if you walked up to Christ and said, “I believe that by having some of your Bread and Cup that I will receive You and Your acceptance, love, forgiveness, grace and new life; and I want what You can give me through these gifts and in Yourself,” that He would share His Bread and Cup with you.  If you come with this spirit in your heart and soul, or if you already believe in Him (whatever church background from which you come), we will serve you Holy Communion; and your children, if you want them to receive it, also.