“Openness to change.” That’s the motto of Flossmoor Community Church. Founded in 1923, this church began with just five women. They organized the Flossmoor Community Sunday School. It was located in the Leavitt Avenue School. The church welcomed 33 pupils on March 7 1923.
In 1926, a group decided to form a new church. This church would have no denominational affiliation. Regular Sunday services started alongside the Sunday School. Flossmoor Community Church adopted a constitution. 107 people became charter members on February 22 1927.
In 1934, the church moved to The Community House. It was on Hutchison Road. This building was first a social center. Later, the school district used it.
Dr. Robert K. Bell became the minister in 1945. He was a Presbyterian minister. He served in Flossmoor for thirty years. The church grew quickly. Hugo C. Haeuser designed a new building. It would be L-shaped and made of Briar Hill stone. The property was across from The Community House.
Construction began in 1948. The first section included the sanctuary. It also had a choir loft and narthex. The lower level featured a stage. It also included a fellowship hall, kitchen, and utility room. A Cassavant pipe organ was installed in 1950. The education wing was added in 1953. The stained glass windows were completed in 1960.
The sanctuary was widened in 1965. Seating increased from 280 to 530. The education wing was expanded. A choir wing was added. Flossmoor Community Church became a leader in Christian Education. The Weekday Preschool started in 1953. A unique youth program began in 1970.
In 2006, the church started Project Sacred Space. The chancel area was reconfigured. It became handicap accessible. New space was created for the choir and organ. New pews and infrastructure upgrades were added. The Bell Chapel and Narthex area were rebuilt. This created a large gathering space. A new Chapel unified the sanctuary. Fellowship Hall was remodeled. The kitchen and bathroom areas were updated. A new Spirituality Center was created.
Flossmoor Community Church celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017. It is seen as a model church. It offers education. It provides a place to practice faith. It helps those in need.
Pastor Fred Lyon credited the staff. He also thanked the elders and governing board. They worked together to lead a church of 750 members.
The church welcomes newcomers. Members come from 30 Christian traditions. Some have no religious background. Flossmoor Community Church offers opportunities for all ages to grow in faith.
Worship takes place at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday. Education hour follows at 11 a.m. Children can attend Worship Our Way during worship.
Flossmoor Community Church is involved in many outreach programs. These include Hurricane Katrina relief. They also support mission work in Guatemala.
The church has taken an interest in social issues. They see them as people. Denise Morris coordinates the Refugee Ministry. The church co-sponsors a Syrian family. They furnish apartments. They stock food. They transport families.
Flossmoor Community Church supports Public Action to Deliver Shelter. They provide shelter for homeless men. The church also makes its space available to other groups.
Lighthouse provides support for LGBTQ youth. It also supports their families. Valerie Litchfield is one of the coordinators. The church opens its doors to the wider community.
Bill Lindstrom has been a member since 1959. He and his wife are very happy to be members. Flossmoor Community Church has a way of making people feel at home. The church remains committed. It transforms to discover more appropriate forms of service.