Shelby CongregationalUnited Church of ChristJoys, Concerns & AnnouncementsShelby Congregational UCC · Established 1864
Old wisdom. New questions. Living faith. A welcoming church for open minds, caring neighbors, and every generation.
Plan your first visitA sacred place for open hearts. Come as you are.
Who we are
A living tradition
Since 1864, Shelby Congregational UCC has been a place to gather, wonder, worship, and serve.
We treasure sacred traditions while making room for honest questions and new understanding. Here, people with different experiences and points of view can listen, learn, and grow together—grounded in the life and teachings of Jesus and open to where the Spirit leads.
We welcome the diversity of God’s people, including diversity of age, background, ability, identity, sexual orientation, and conviction. No matter who you love, you are welcome here. We are an Open and Affirming congregation, and you do not have to have everything figured out to belong.
Explore our historyWe receive the wisdom of scripture, worship, music, and generations before us as living gifts.
Questions are welcome. Dialogue helps us meet one another with humility, curiosity, and grace.
Children, elders, and everyone between shape our shared life and teach one another.
Worship
Come as you are
Our one-hour service includes prayer, scripture, a thoughtful message, and traditional hymns accompanied by piano. Special music varies from week to week and may be offered by our pianist, a soloist, the Chancel Choir, or the Royal Ringers handbell choir. Dress casually, dress up, or come somewhere in between—you will fit right in.
Traditional hymns with piano anchor our worship. Special music may be shared by our pianist, a soloist, the Chancel Choir, or the Royal Ringers.
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome to receive.
After worship, join us in the Fellowship Hall for conversation and community.
Our staff
Have a question, need pastoral care, or simply want to say hello? Reach out anytime.
Pastor
Everyone calls him Pastor Russell.
Pastor Russell and his wife, Carrie, moved to Shelby in fall 2025 with their two young sons. His ministry seeks to re-enchant the Christian story for every generation and help restore a sense of the sacred to the world.
(231) 923-1180
Office administrator
Kelsey helps keep the church office connected and can assist with general questions, church information, and next steps.
Email the church officeListen & explore
Go beyond Sunday’s message with longer conversations about scripture, theology, and the stories that shape our faith. New episodes appear here from the church’s official YouTube podcast.
Open the podcast on YouTubeMore in depth of his sermons.
Shared life
Find your place
Faith, friendship, and wonder for children. Contact the office for current Sunday School details.
Led by Rev. Laura Cash-Helgren, our vocal choir and handbell choir rehearse Wednesdays and offer special music at selected services.
Explore Our Music MinistriesA seasonal space for honest questions and lively conversation, meeting October through spring. Dates and times will be announced.
When a month has a fifth Saturday, we gather around the table for breakfast and fellowship.
A monthly gathering for friendship, encouragement, service, and shared life.
Explore Women’s FellowshipPastoral hospital visits are available. For marriages, funerals, or memorial services, please contact the church office.
What neighbors are saying
“We use the church for our weekly Rotary meeting and have been meeting there for many decades. The church ladies make a great lunch.”
“Best church ever—accepting of all walks of life, openhearted, with wonderful people.”
“It’s a place of peace.”
If the feed does not appear, open our Facebook page.
Support our ministry
We are preparing a secure way to give online in support of worship, care, and community ministry. Until it is ready, please contact the church office if you would like to make a gift. Unless a payment is specifically for Women’s Fellowship, checks should be made payable to Shelby Congregational UCC.
Online donations · Coming soon
Your first Sunday
Arrive a few minutes before 9:15 AM, enter by a ramp-accessible entrance, and sit wherever you feel comfortable. Participate as much or as little as you wish. After the one-hour service, you are warmly invited to fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.
Stay connected
Whether you have a question, need prayer, or are planning a visit, we would be glad to hear from you.
