What is MGCC Presbyterian (Morton Grove Community Church)?

Updated

MGCC Presbyterian is Morton Grove Community Church, a Presbyterian community church in Morton Grove, Illinois. Its website (mgccpresbyterian.org) serves as the public hub for worship information, events, sermons, music, and giving. The church describes itself as LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes people of all faiths, creeds, races, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds. It was founded in the early 1950s and states that it is both proud of its history and how it has evolved over time.

Who it is and where it meets

  • Denomination and location: A Presbyterian community church based in Morton Grove, Illinois.
  • Founding: The site's description says the church was founded in 1952, while a page heading states 1951 — treat the exact year as "early 1950s" unless you confirm with the church directly.
  • Current worship location: Services are held at the log cabin in Skokie, not at a building in Morton Grove. This is worth noting if you're planning a visit.
  • Remote option: Worship services are also available via Zoom, and the site provides a Zoom link for worship.

What the site offers

The homepage functions as a community noticeboard and media hub rather than a deep informational site. Key sections include:

Section What it provides
Worship info Sunday services at 10am, at the log cabin in Skokie, plus a Zoom link
Upcoming events Dated listings such as team meetings, World Communion Sunday, and Women's Circle
Sermons Messages from Reverend Beth; the site says to email for the link
Music and video Performances and event footage hosted on YouTube
Community outreach Monthly Eucharist followed by packing bag lunches for unhoused neighbors through the Niles Township Respite Center
Giving A "Support our mission" section with donation information

Stated values and public theology

The church emphasizes inclusion as a core identity: it welcomes people of all faiths, creeds, races, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds, and describes itself as creating a welcoming environment where everyone can explore spirituality and faith.

It also publishes its own "New Barmen Declaration." According to the site, during Lent 2026 the congregation studied the original Barmen Declaration — a 1934 Reformed Christian document that resisted the Nazi-backed German Christian movement — and then wrote its own version addressing contemporary context. This is presented as an act of public theology rather than a statement of membership requirements.

Practical details if you want to visit or connect

  • Sunday worship: 10am at the log cabin in Skokie; Zoom available.
  • Communion and service: Eucharist on the first Sunday of each month, followed by packing bag lunches for homebound and unhoused neighbors.
  • Events: The site lists specific dates (for example, Sept 29 team meetings, Oct 4 World Communion Sunday, Oct 5 Women's Circle) and says to "stay tuned" for more, so check the homepage for current listings.
  • Sermons: Email the church for the sermon link if you want to listen remotely.

What the site does not tell you

The homepage does not list a street address for the log cabin, office hours, staff contact details beyond a general email prompt, or any pricing or membership requirements. If you need those specifics — especially directions to the Skokie location — contact the church directly rather than relying on the homepage alone.