Union Congregational Church to celebrate 150th with homecoming
Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Elk River is inviting the community to join its 150th anniversary celebration Sept. 13–14 with a weekend of food, music, and reflection.
With the theme “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Embracing the Future,” the two-day homecoming event will blend fellowship, entertainment and worship, said the Rev. Nora P. Elliott, pastor of Union Church.
The celebration begins Saturday, Sept. 13, with a family-friendly BBQ dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The event will feature classic cookout fare, children’s activities, face painting and a silent auction.
Those wanting to attend the dinner need to reserve their seats in advance as seating is limited. All who attend the musical event in the evening will have a chance to bid on the silent auction items, which will include local gifts and experiences such as a weekend cabin stay.
At 7 p.m., guests will move into the sanctuary for “Theology of Broadway,” a musical worship experience featuring Minneapolis-based performers Jen Burleigh-Bentz and Kristina Mitchell. They will be accompanied by pianist David Hovik Lohman, a former musician with the *Wicked* national tour and current minister of music at St. Luke Presbyterian Church. Rev. Elliott will interweave scripture and theological reflections exploring themes of grace, justice and hope in Broadway music.
“This weekend is about more than just looking back,” Elliott said. “It’s about carrying forward the spirit of love, justice, and joy that’s guided this congregation for 150 years. We’re blending music, theology, and community to celebrate a sacred legacy still alive and growing.”
The celebration continues Sunday, Sept. 14, at the 10 a.m. worship service, when the Rev. Trish Greeves, a former pastor of Union Church, will return to co-lead the service with Elliott. The service will reflect on the church’s history while offering a vision for the future.
All are welcome to attend, whether they are longtime members or first-time visitors.
Proceeds from the event will support the church’s “Safe, Sacred, and Strong” capital campaign, which aims to improve accessibility at the building and in the parking lot. BBQ dinner tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Admission to the Saturday musical event is free, with a suggested donation of $30.
Founded in 1875, Union Congregational Church describes itself as a compassionate, justice-seeking congregation that strives to create a peaceful, loving world through faith and action.
More information and ticket details are available at www.ElkRiverUCC.org.
(Editor’s note: This story was compiled from a press release, with assistance from the AI program Chat GPT. The final version was reviewed by an editor.)
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