Welcome to the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Charlevoix, Michigan! 

Our church was founded in 1882 but our roots in Congregationalism reach all the way back 1620 and the Pilgrims’ quest for religious freedom. We are a member congregation of the United Church of Christ and like our denomination we reflect the same diversity in thinking and theology.

Our church building houses the Community Food Pantry which serves families living in the greater Charlevoix School district area, the Charlevoix Early Headstart Socialization program, Also a member of our congregation serves as the contact for the Charlevoix Ministerial Emergency Assistance program. We open our doors to many other community organizations for meeting space. Our members serve our community through involvement in the Rainbow Shoppe, B.A.S.E.S. Teen Center, Northern Community Mediation, Charlevoix Area Hospital Foundation and Guild and many others.

Our worship style while traditional is open and inviting. Dress for all our services is casual. Members and guests, young and old, are invited to lead worship as lay leaders, guest pastors and special musicians. Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month as well as on other special occasions. We strive to keep worship inspiring, fresh and spirited.

Music is particularly strong at our church. We have a Chancel Choir, Pilgrim Bell Ensemble, the Altarnotes, and Jongleurs (recorders). Throughout the year but especially during the summer months guest musicians from Bay View, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and others add a dimension that enhances our worship.

Our church building also serves as the venue for a variety of community musical organizations for practice and performance including the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Bay View Young Artists, and the Charlevoix Men’s Chorus. In 2006 we added a new Rogers Trillium organ with which our very talented organists add to the depth and richness of our worship experience.

We offer two worship formats each Sunday. Our First Light Service at 9:00 a.m. is informal and reflective in style. Worshipers gather in a circle in comfortable chairs pray and reflect upon the day’s scripture and message. The 10:30 a.m. is our traditional service in the sanctuary.  From Memorial Day weekend through the second Sunday of September our early service moves to the Michigan Beach pavilion and we meet at 8:30 p.m. The Sanctuary Service remains at 10:30 a.m. through out the year.

Come, join us. We look forward to your presence with us as we celebrate the presence of God in our midst through word and music, prayer and praise!