St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Ellsworth

St. Paul's United Church of Christ, located in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving its community and upholding the values of the United Church of Christ. The church is known for its welcoming nature and commitment to social justice.

History

St. Paul's was founded on February 24, 1867, by sixteen German immigrant families who sought to establish a church for the German-speaking community in the area. Initially, worship services were held in the "Langbein School," but by 1870, the congregation began plans to build a church. The first frame church was completed in 1872, and subsequent developments included building expansions and changes in denominational affiliations. Over time, the church transitioned through various mergers, becoming part of the Evangelical Synod of North America in 1874, then the Evangelical and Reformed Church following the 1934 merger, and finally part of the United Church of Christ after the 1961 merger with the Congregational Christian Churches[4].

Mission

St. Paul's United Church of Christ is guided by a mission to love God and neighbors, finding joy in their journey and serving as a beacon of faith at the crossroads of the community. The church aspires to integrate faith into everyday life, emphasizing self-care and collaboration with other organizations to bring healing and transformation to the community[4].

Community and Social Justice

The church welcomes all individuals regardless of their background or stage in life's journey, focusing on serving community needs both locally and globally. It strives to be a place of spiritual growth, education, and service, with a strong emphasis on social justice and community support[4].

Organization and Operations

As a nonprofit, St. Paul's operates under the principles of inclusivity and respect for diversity, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among its members. The church's activities include worship services, education programs, fellowship events, and outreach initiatives aimed at serving both local and wider communities.