Open and Affirming
Open and Affirming (ONA) is the United Church of Christ’s (UCC) designation for congregations, campus ministries, and other bodies in the UCC which make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ advocates for and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and queer individuals, equipping UCC congregations to fully embody Christ’s extravagant affirmation. Through education, advocacy, and community-building, the Coalition empowers churches to become bold witnesses for LGBTQ+ justice and inclusion, ensuring that all people are celebrated as beloved children of God.
Click the button below to read our Downers Grove church’s individual Open & Affirming Covenant.
Pride Month is Almost Here!
Check out our Featured Events page to see activities we have planned to celebrate throughout the month of June!
A WISE Congregation
In the United Church of Christ (UCC), a WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) congregation is one that actively works to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The goal is to reduce stigma and promote inclusion, both within the church and in the broader community. For more information, read Our WISE covenant.
Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which provides us with the opportunity to stand with our community and show that no one struggles alone.
Our church provides programming throughout the year to help find healing through sharing our life experiences and building strong communities that can help to challenge stigma and find healing.
Hope for Healing and NAMI DuPage are two of many organizations that provide resources for those that struggle with Mental Health.
Whether you attend a program, share resources, or simply check in with someone you care about, every action makes a difference.