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SINCE 2007
[Spring Creek UCC Facebook Group]
Our Mission Statement
We, the members of
Spring Creek
United Church of Christ,
are a people of God
centered in Christ.
Responding actively to God's love,
we strive to be inclusive,
reconciling, and caring
in our ministry to each other
and to the wider community.
Our Vision
is to be a church that is
embracing our diversity
to make a "divine difference"
...Together.
We belong to
Partners for Faith
an interfaith community
that includes Gloria Dei
Evangelical Lutheran Church,
St. Anskar Episcopal Church,
Temple Beth-El
Reformed Jewish Congregation,
and Spring Creek UCC,
all committed to mutual
understanding, support,
and service to our
wider community.
No matter who you are
or where you are
on life's journey,
you are welcome here
at Spring Creek
United Church of Christ.
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...And what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
— Micah 6:8 [NRSV] —
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Educational Opportunities
Adult study and prayer groups meet from 9:30 to 10:15 AM every Sunday, with a frequently updated schedule of topics. Christian education for children age 5 and older is concurrent with the 10:30 AM service and youth participation in worship is encouraged. On most Sundays, young ones depart with adult leaders during the pastor's message and return to take part in the offering and closing prayers.
Sunday Service at 10:30 AM
This is a full service of singing, praying, reading, and reflecting, lasting about an hour and led by the Pastor, Lay Leaders from the congregation, the Music Director, and Choirs of the church. On the first Sunday of each month, the service includes Communion; on the second Sunday, anointing and prayers for healing.
We often feature a unique musical and cultural theme, such as Dixieland Gospel for Mardi Gras, songs of love for Valentines Day, Irish music near St. Patrick's Day, songs of our national heritage near Independence Day, work songs near Labor Day; and songs of thanksgiving on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day. There are also musically themed services such as Blues and Psalms of Lament.
Our services are a collaboration between our ordained pastor and members of our church who are on the Lay Worship Leader team. Our lay leaders typically read scripture lessons, offer brief homilies, lead prayers, give announcements, and take an active role in many other aspects of the service. At least one service each year is completely planned and led by our lay members.
A time of fellowship, refreshments, and conversation follows the service.
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| Our Gardens and Smoke-Free Campus
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Our church is located in a tranquil woodland oasis in northeast Rockford.
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Our memorial garden offers a peaceful place for prayer and meditation by the bubbling fountain, or visitors may also stroll the rustic nature path through the trees near the creek. It's not unusual to spot wild turkeys, foxes, even deer, and the noise of city traffic is muted by bird calls and rustling leaves.
We plan outdoor services during the warm months, and bonfires in the fall. Some wooded areas are available for the natural interment of both human and pet cremains.
Our church family maintains the garden and grounds entirely through volunteer initiatives, and we take pride in the beautiful results. The building and grounds are smoke-free environments and offer an appealing choice for weddings, celebrations, and large group events.
Inquiries may be made via the church office regarding about rental opportunities and wedding planning. Our event coordinator will be happy to discuss fees and available dates. LEARN MORE...
Welcome one another, therefore,
just as Christ has welcomed you,
for the glory of God.
— Romans 15:7 [NRSV] —
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| Opportunities to Get Involved
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 There are many opportunities to serve in our various ministries, programs, and committees. Check out our Comments newsletter for ideas. Whatever your interest, whether it's involvement in prayer groups, community outreach, planning fellowship activities, music and worship, stewardship and finance, Christian education, focus groups, programs for children and teens, gardening, or helping with our fundraisers, there is a place for YOU at Spring Creek United Church of Christ.
Our Church Council meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend the proceedings. Proposed agenda items should be submitted to the moderator at least one week prior to the meeting and will be included as time allows. Our annual meeting is held in June and additional congregational meetings are convened during the year to discuss and vote on matters of the church.
2012-2013 Executive Board:
Duane Phillips, moderator
Harriet Roll, moderator-elect
Liz Schultz, past moderator
Debra Phillips, clerk
Leslie Carr, treasurer
Betsy Dietz, financial secretary
2012-2013 Ministry Leadership:
Communications: Lora McClelland
Community Care: Russell Ferling & Brad Erickson
Congregational Care: Julie Eklund
Education: Bob Black
Finance: Terry White
Personnel: Kathy Grossen
Property: Tom Heidenreich
Worship & Music: Sara Ostgarden & Deb Floor
Some ministries have IT. Some don't.
Most churches want IT. Few have IT.
When a church has IT, everyone can tell.
IT is always powerful. IT is always life-changing.
IT also attracts critics. IT is controversial...
What is IT? I don't know...
But if you've ever been
a part of a ministry
that had IT,
you knew you were part
of something special.
-excerpt from book by author Craig Groeschel
How Churches and Leaders Can Get IT and Keep IT
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