About Us

Why Choose Us?

For over one hundred and fifty years, the First Congregational Church of Huntley has served the spiritual needs of the ever-changing generations. The Church has always been a beacon of light to the community where people could go for help and be part of a close Christian fellowship.

Young and old alike join in to worship, celebrate baptism and communion, sing praises, join in fellowship and prayer, and depend upon God’s guidance to lead us into the future. Our church has a mission to the needs of the members, a mission to serving the community, and a mission to a world in need of the love of God and the compassion of Christ.

We are the United Church of Christ, where God is still speaking, Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not. We believe in God’s continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God’s ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God’s creative movement in the world.

Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking.

Who We Are

Open and Affirming

We believe all people are created in God’s image and thus are loved and blessed equally by God.
UCC Beliefs

UCC Beliefs

Our church has a mission to the needs of the members, a mission to serving the community, and a mission to a world in need of the love of God and the compassion of Christ.

Our History

Our history began in 1846 when Thomas Stillwell Huntley sold his property in New York and moved to Huntley.

Community

We’re involved in missions all year. Our members are active locally and abroad!

Putting Your House in Order

Putting Your House in Order

Helping you develop a plan for the continued well-being of family members should an untimely death occur.

Our Staff

These are a few friendly faces of some of the folks that help make our church go.

Stacy Nilsen

Stacy Nilsen

Administrative Assistant

Stacy has been the Administrative Assistant at First Congregational Church since September 2010. Stacy was previously an Administrative Assistant for 29 years at an engineering and surveying firm. She is married to Marty for over 30 years and they have one adult child, Allyson married to Eric. Away from the office, she enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, hiking and biking. Stacy’s passion is cooking and baking, she loves to share her creations with family and friends.
Rev. Dr. Michael Smith (Pastor Michael)

Rev. Dr. Michael Smith (Pastor Michael)

Rev. Dr. Michael Smith has 21 years of ministry experience. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan in 2020 and his Masters of Divinity from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 2010.

Pastor Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Missouri Valley College 1984, where he also was awarded football All-American honors.

Pastor Michael has been happily married to his wife, Synthea, since 1996. They have two children: their son David, will be attending Northern Illinois University and their daughter Gracie, who’s a law student at the University of Chicago.

Pastor Michael is an avid sports and fitness enthusiast. In his free time, he walks (runs with) the newest edition to the family, “Patches” the dog.