Billing its leaders and congregation alike as "an open community united in love and justice," the First United Church of Oak Park was founded in 1975 when members of two denominations — Presbyterian and the United Church of Christ — combined.
The church observes creeds from both faiths, invites members of all demoninations and welcomes the gay, lesbian and bisexual community.
The church building is also home to Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, the walk-in ministry, a "cluster tutoring" program and a nursery school. It also hosts the PADS homeless ministry two nights a week.