WHO WE ARE
A Home for
Everyone
At Epiphany United Church of Christ, we strive to embody the radical welcome demonstrated by Jesus Christ. No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
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Welcome to our first-time guests!
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Welcome to those who have no church home, need strength, have doubt, want to follow Christ, or even do not believe.
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Welcome to those who were baptized here and have worshiped in this place for generations!
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Welcome to people of all sexual orientations & gender identities, to people of all racial & ethnic heritages, and to families of every shape and size.
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As part of the United Church of Christ, Epiphany UCC proudly embraces a rich diversity of theological and biblical perspectives. We believe that through baptism and confirmation, every individual brings unique talents and gifts to offer, enriching the life and mission of our church.
Community
Outreach
Epiphany is a vibrant church committed to both
local and global outreach.
We joyfully work to meet the needs of community in the North Center, Roscoe Village, and Ravenswood neighborhoods of Chicago and beyond.
Whether it’s through the local Welcome Meal, providing educational opportunities, or supporting missions for social justice, we are a living, breathing example of Christ’s love.
Nourishing Beyond the Plate
The Welcome Meal has been providing for our neighbors each Wednesday night for dinner since 2002!
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We gladly welcome anyone who is in need of a hearty meal or looking to connect with the community. We typically fill stomachs with roughly 45 meals a week!
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Doors open at 4:30pm and dinner is served at 5:45pm. Groups, families, and individuals are encouraged to volunteer for the meal. Help is typically needed between 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Funding is supported by members and friends of Epiphany UCC.
the Welcome
Meal
Epiphany's History
Epiphany is a member of the wider Protestant denomination in the United States called the United Church of Christ that draws its heritage from a variety of traditions going back centuries.
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Epiphany UCC has roots in the German Lutheran tradition, brought to the United States by immigrants in the 19th century. In 1894 Reverend William Grotefeld offered to serve the growing German-speaking Christian community on Chicago's Northwest side. The worshiping community started in a storefront, and under the leadership of Reverend Paul Brauns. Epiphany officially took shape as a community-focused congregation.
By 1895, the first building was erected at the corner of Roscoe and Claremont. In 1900, Reverend C.F. Weiss took the helm and guided the congregation through much change, including purchasing land for a new building on which the current church stands.
In every decade, Epiphany has embraced change with open arms, maintaining a strong presence that reflects its commitment to inclusivity both in worship and outreach. Included in those commitments, in the late 1990s Epiphany became home to the Common Pantry, Chicago’s oldest emergency food source. And in 2001, the congregation proudly declared itself an “Open and Affirming congregation” to LGBTQ+ individuals. Through all of these transformations, Epiphany remains dedicated to meeting the needs of its community while honoring its rich, diverse history.