The First Congregational United Church of Christ of Grand Marais is pleased to announce the Enter, Energize, & Elevate! capital campaign to update and improve our facilities. The  'Congo Church’ has served the community for over 100 years, including in the current structure since 1972. In addition to worship services, providing ministry, and growing in our faith, the church hosts a childcare center, the Cook County Food Shelf, Workers on Wheels bikes for seasonal workers, AA meetings,  music lessons, the Explorers Club, Arrowhead Indivisible meetings, community meetings, and the annual Thanksgiving Dinner (free and open to all). Over its history, multiple community programs have been started at ‘The Congo’,  including Little Theater, Compassionate Conversations, and Pride Celebration. 

Our First Congregational UCC building is architecturally unique. It was designed by architect  Warren W. Kane to reflect the cliffs and forests of this region. Work on upgrades to the Fireside  Room has begun. The playground has also been reconstructed with grant funding from Cook  County. Our playground is used regularly by childcare providers, young families, and our wider  community.  

Our current phase this winter will include updating our electrical system and safety upgrades,  including a new smoke/carbon monoxide detector system and emergency lighting. Funding for this phase is over 70% complete. A $5,000 matching gift has been secured to help finalize this  phase of the campaign. Each dollar raised to $5000 will be matched 1:1. Donations from the community are encouraged and appreciated! They can be sent to First Congregational UCC,  PO Box 95, Grand Marais, MN 55604. You can also log on to our website at  www.grandmaraisucc.org.

Further projects will include improvements for building access and energy efficiency. The church has started accepting pledges and will also seek grants to fund the next phase of improvements.