Something for Everyone...

Although we are a smaller church family (fewer than 100 families) we offer a wide range of activities for folks of all ages to be involved within, in the church and beyond the church walls - from newborn to senior and several intergenerational activities where folks of all ages are invited to join together in the fun. Trinity is rich in opportunities to serve the local church community through one of the Church Boards (Deacons who take care of worship; Trustees who take care of the grounds; Christian Education who take care of providing Christian education; Membership Development who work in spreading the message of Christ to all; and Missions who work to bring Christ's love to others in very practical ways) as well as the broader community.

In fact, the 2009 US Congregational Life Survey taken by Trinity's membership noted that 42% of our membership is involved in social service or advocacy programs through the congregation (compared to 27% in congregations of similar size and 30% in other UCC congregations). Additionally, 41% of Trinity's membership is involved in social service or advocacy groups in their community (compared to 26% in congregations of similar size or 36% in other UCC congregations). 31% of Trinity members worked with others in the last year to solve a community problem (compared to 21% in congregations of similar size or 24% in other UCC congregations). And... 39% of Trinity's members report wider community care or social justice emphasis as one of the three most valued aspects of their congregation (as compared to 10% in congregations of similar size or 19% in other UCC congregations). Trinity members value community participation as well as social action within as well as outside of the church - and are active in bringing Christ's message of love to all in many different ways.

In addition to the internal church related opportunites (such as Gift of Hope Grandparents Raising Grandchildren), Trinity's Board of Missions forges relationships with many external agencies including the Cicero, Berwyn, Stickney (CBS) Anti-Hunger Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Pillars Social Service Organization, Animal Welfare League,  Heifer International, Sarah's Inn, Youth Crossroads Inc., Ronald McDonald House, Back Bay Mission, and several other programs.

We invite you to join us in working to bring Christ's love alive through the gifts God has given. For more on upcoming opportunities visit our Calendar page.

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Thank you Jewel-Osco!

Trinity Community Church, UCC was proud to recieve from the North Riverside Jewel-Osco a $1,000 donation on behalf of the CBS (Cicero, Berwyn, Stickney Food Pantry) Food Pantry in honor of Jewel-Osco's Grand Reopening on November 19, 2009. Trinity and the CBS Food Pantry have had a long relationship. Today CBS distributes over 700,000 pounds of food each year and in 2008 served 11,674 families. For more information about CBS or to contact them to make a donation see their website at CBS Anti-Hunger Foundation.  In addition, Trinity was instrumental in working with the North Riverside Jewel-Osco Store, the Stickney Jewel-Osco Store, and the CBS Food Pantry to orchestrate the delivery of many complete Thanksgiving meals to our neighbors throughout the near-western suburban area. Many thanks to all the folks at both stores who gave so that others could enjoy. Pictured left to right: the store managers of North Riverside Osco and the North Riverside Jewel, Ms. Joyce Schmidt the Director of Trinity's Missions Board at Trinity Community Church, UCC and the Pastors (Pastor Penny and Pastor Bill). Once again THANK YOU JEWEL-OSCO!

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Newborn to Age 3

Children are always invited in worship however we also offer a free nursery year round so that parents have an opportunity to worship together or alone in worship knowing that their precious one is being cared for. For your convenience baby changing tables are provided in the handicapped stall in each restroom.

Age 3 through 7th Grade

Free Sunday School is offered from September through May. All God’s children are invited forward during Sunday worship for a time with the Pastors after which the children are invited to attend Sunday School. It is in the historical tradition of our church to offer free Sunday School to all who wish to participate. Trinity is also home to the the Children’s Center, a full-day day care option.

8th Grade

During 8th grade students are invited to join in the Confirmation Experience. Confirmation is a rite of passage making a child into a full member in the church with all voting privileges and rights of membership. Confirmation runs from September until Palm Sunday also known as Confirmation Sunday. During the journey the student is invited to examine their faith and belief structure, to name for themselves what they believe, and if indeed they wish to become a member of Trinity Community Church, United Church of Christ. Whether or not a student decides to become a member does not matter – what matters is that through the journey they are provided critical thinking skills to decide for themselves how God works, or does not work, in their life.

Teens and Young Adults

Unlike many other churches, once a young adult is confirmed as a full member of Trinity Community Church they are invited and encouraged to participate as any older adult member would, to become actively involved in worship (through music, as a liturgist, preparing communion, etc.) and in the leadership of the church (serving as all members in the broad variety of leadership positions). Currently several “teens” serve on a number of Church Boards (Board of Deacons, Board of Christian Education, Missions Board, and Board of Member Development) and as Sunday School teachers. They are active in deciding and creating the future of our church.

”Older” Folks, the 20+ Crowd

As with the young adults, all of us older folks, the 20+ crowd are encouraged to participate in all the unique ways that God has given gifts. This includes active participation on Church Boards as well as however the Spirit may move one: participating in worship; starting a new ministry; writing a song in honor of the church’s 125th Anniversary; or… ??? There are also several events geared more toward the “older” audience, namely:

The Red & Wild Ladies of Trinity an informal group of women who meet for fun and fellowship at various times throughout the year. Check out the calendar for an upcoming date.

The Good Fellows of Trinity a very informal men’s group that gathers rather periodically - often for pizza and beer. Check the calendar for a future date.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group meets at Trinity the second Thursday of the month at 10 AM. Led by our own Adrian Charniak it is a time for sharing and companionship. This group is open to all grandparents raising grandchildren throughout the western suburban area of Chicago-land.

Intergenerational – All Ages

Trinity is very strong on intergenerational events where folks of all ages are invited to participate and share together. Below are just a few of the intergenerational events.

United Children of Christ organized by Ms. Julia Irmis, Youth Leader, as unique way to connect the youth of our church and our community together through service and fun.

Bible Study open to all and a time to share and reflect on scripture. Normally offered monthly however keep an eye on our calendar for the next meeting as it has been placed on hold as the leader of the group recovers from surgery.

Annual Church Retreat held at the UCC Tower Hill Retreat Center in Sawyer, Michigan every Memorial Day weekend. A time to relax along the shore of Lake Michigan complete with unique worship services, bonfires, opportunities for hiking through the woods, swimming in Lake Michigan (for the brave of heart as it is often still very cold in May), and a time to forget about life and relax for a while. All are invited. More details will be forthcoming from the Board of Christian Education as the time approaches.

Christmas Pageant a celebration of Jesus’ birth in song and drama. Ever consider being a Wise Man or Wise Woman – this is your chance! Many positions to fill as the Christmas story is brought to life during the worship service (usually on the third Sunday of Advent – but be sure to check out the Worship schedule under the Worship Services link.

Family Fun Nights transform our Fellowship Hall into a basketball court, volleyball court, or a craft extravaganza. Fun for all ages – check calendar for upcoming dates (usually between September and May).

Halloween Party sponsored by the Board of Christian Education includes pony rides, best costume contest, biblical scare house, and more – fun for all ages! Dress up and enjoy the evening. Check calendar for more details.

Talent Show offered usually in March is an all church event. All ages are invited to share a talent – singing, dance, ??? Whatever your talent is – even if it is praying silently – you are invited to participate! Fun for all. Check our calendar for more details.