Love God. Live Green. Liberate All.
Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church of Oak Park has been a living witness to the grace of God at work in the world. For more than a century, this congregation has gathered in Oak Park, shaped by the rhythms of Methodist worship, the power of connection, and a shared call to grow in holiness of heart and life.
Founded in the late nineteenth century, in a railroad stationhouse the church took root in a time of new beginnings. As the community Oak Park grew, as did a developing faith community seeking to follow the way of Christ with both devotion and purpose, embracing the understanding that faith is not held quietly within the heart, but lived out in acts of mercy, justice, and love.
This calling found strong expression in the early twentieth century through leaders such as Harry F. Ward, founder of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, whose ministry reflected the deep conviction that personal piety and social holiness belong together.
Through the changing seasons of the twentieth century, we continued to seek God’s leading, remaining grounded in the tradition of connectional faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit moves through communities, opening its doors ever wider, striving to reflect the fullness of God’s love in its life and witness.
We commit to the belief that Jesus was radically inclusive. Our commitment to diversity extends to include people of all races, gender, economic status, age, and ability. We believe that all people are loved by God and welcome in our community.
We commit to inclusivity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and families. In 1980, Euclid joined the Reconciling Ministries Network, affirming the call to radical hospitality and inclusion, bearing witness to the belief that all creation is invited into the fullness of life in Christ. This commitment continues as an expression of the promise to resist injustice and to embody grace in tangible ways.
We commit to deepen our commitment for creation care, embracing faithful stewardship of the earth as a sacred trust. Through sustainable practices and a renewed reverence for the natural world, Euclid lives into the call to love.
We commit to walk in the Wesleyan way, holding fast to the means of grace, the ministry of connection, and the hope of transformation. Rooted in scripture, guided by tradition, and open to the Spirit’s movement, Euclid remains a place where faith is formed, love is practiced, and God’s grace is made known in the world.
Rev. Nancy Blade serves as our current pastor. Our worship style is both liturgically rich and eclectic. Throughout the year, we offer ongoing spiritual formation programming for children, youth, and adults