Are children welcome in worship at Saint Pauls?

Children are important members of our worshiping community and belong to the household of faith. We need kids and grownups alike to Make a Joyful Sound in the City. Faith is "caught" not just "taught."  At St. Pauls, children and youth are given visible leadership roles during the worship service as Acolytes and Call to Worship Leaders. Children in church may pick up a Just for You worship packet from the ushers. Childcare is available for very young children (typically six and younger) who have difficulty sitting through the worship service. Parents are encouraged to follow up on the worship experience and talk at home about what was seen and heard.

How do I join Saint Pauls?

Inquirer's Classes are held three times a year (fall, winter and spring/summer) for those interested in membership at Saint Pauls. Attendance does not commit you to joining the church, but in order to join, you must attend the whole series (usually three classes). During these classes you learn the history of Saint Pauls and the United Church of Christ, our beliefs and practices. The reception of new members occurs during Sunday worship three times a year. Members of the church are asked to contribute their time, talents and financial support to the ministries of the church and to attend worship on a regular basis.

Do I have to become a member in order to participate in programs and activities?

Not at all. Even before you become a member, you are welcome and encouraged to participate in any of the programs, committees or activities of the congregation except for serving communion or chairing a standing committee of the church council.

Who can take Communion at Saint Pauls?

Communion is the Lord's Supper, the joyful feast of the people of God. It is celebrated in worship the first Sunday of every month as well as at special services. We practice open communion at St. Pauls. All who believe in Christ and seek reconciliation with God and neighbor are invited to participate. You need not be a member of Saint Pauls to join with us in communion. Children may receive communion if they are seated with an adult who wishes them to receive it. (Both grape juice and wine are served during communion).

Does Saint Pauls have a confirmation program?

Confirmation is the rite by which youth, baptized as infants, confirm their membership in the church.  To be confirmed at Saint Pauls, youth complete a rigorous two-year educational program during their 8th & 9th grade years.  See {Youth Education} for details.

Who is a minister in the United Church of Christ?

An Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ is a member who has been called by God and ordained to preach and teach the gospel, to administer the sacraments and rites of the Church, and to exercise pastoral care and leadership. Ordination for ministry in the United Church of Christ is through the regional Associations of local churches. The procedures for ecclesiastical authorization of ministry in the United Church of Christ are outlined in the Manual on Ministry, which is available through the Office for Parish Life and Leadership of the United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, 216-736-3849 (www.ucc.org).

How do decisions get made that affect the life of the congregation at Saint Pauls?

As a congregation of the United Church of Christ, Saint Pauls is governed by representatives of the congregation. There is a constitution and by-laws and an elected executive committee who work in conjunction with a council of church members and the senior pastor in determining all matters of weight.  Officers of the congregation are elected and the annual budget is approved at the annual meeting of the congregation.  Other major decisions , such as the call of a new senior pastor, are voted on at special meetings of the congregation. All active members of the congregation have a vote in such meetings.
Saint Pauls supports the United Church of Christ, locally, through the Chicago Metropolitan Association, regionally through the Illinois Conference, and nationally through the Office of General Ministries. These bodies, in turn, provide resources and opportunities for fellowship to local congregations such as Saint Pauls, but they do not determine policies or decisions on the local church level.

Are sermons available via email?

Yes indeed. Send your e-mail address to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to get on the sermon list. Please state "Request for Sermon Copies" in the subject of your e-mail. They are also available {Sermons ' here}.

Does Saint Pauls have a group for young adults?

Most definitely! The 21/41 Club organizes monthly social outings and service projects for individuals between the ages 21 to 41, whether they are married, partnered or single. See {Young Adults} under ways to CONNECT!

Does Saint Pauls offer activities for older children besides church school?

Yes. Youth and teens can participate in a wide variety of activities including {Youth Groups}, {Youth Choirs}, {Mission Trips} and more.  Confirmed youth are eligible to serve on committees and task forces of the church.

Why is there no apostrophe in "Saint Pauls"?

At the time of World War I, all congregations with German names were asked to change their names to English because of the prejudice against German Americans during that War. St. Pauls did change its name, but held onto a bit of its German heritage by not putting an apostrophe in "Pauls." There is no apostrophe in the German language.