First United Church of Christ

About Us

Where God is Still Speaking

It's not about commandments. It's about relationships – even with God. The most important relationship is our relationship with God. Second most important is our relationships with the rest of the human family. In balance, these relationships produce justice amid injustice, kindness in the face of meanness, and the humility of self acceptance that comes as we sense the presence of a God who knows our inmost thoughts and loves us uncontrollably – just as we are. Spiritual journeys can be like the exercise equipment we buy and leave under the bed. Without coaches and workout partners, most of us don't stick with it. We're the "Journeys Wanted" people . . . bring yours.

Vibe: Casual, Creative, Down to Earth, Spirit-filled, Progressive, Gay affirming, Young families, Neighborhood-focused

Programs: Community Service, Social Justice, Faith and Work, Addiction/Recovery, Young Adults, Youth Group, Choir, Missions, Adult Education, Children's Ministry

Music: Passionate Reverent, Traditional Hymns, Gospel Choir, Contemporary

Denomination: United Church of Christ

Size: Small

Founded: 1763

Contact

Phone

717-243-2512

Website

http://www.1ucc.org

Social

Our Services

Sunday

08:00am: Less formal service
10:45am: Traditional service

Saturday

05:30pm: Informal Service

What to Expect

What are services like?
n an effort to meet both your spiritual and scheduling needs, First UCC in Carlisle has three services each weekend. Each service has a distinctly different style providing individuals with an opportunity to find one that most suits their personality. Our 10:45 AM service is our traditional service with music – our Chancel Choir, Children’s Choirs, or the Chancel Bells, and sometimes all three. Our Chancel Choir Director and Organist, Sharon Maurer, is the best in the area. This service is more formal in its literacy, and includes the reading of the Gospel, the Hebrew Scriptures, and the Lessons from the Early Church. There is the Word for Children and a powerful message delivered during the Homily by Pastor Lynn. Communion is served by the Elders to the congregation in the pews, approximately ten times a year. This is our best attended service. A slightly less formal service is held at 8 AM every Sunday for early risers. Although still containing all the essential components of a church experience, this service usually does not involve the choir, is a bit less formal and tends to last slightly less than an hour. The Early Service always has communion, although it is offered in a non-traditional manner. Participants form a circle around the outside of the pews so the Pastor and Elders may bring bread and wine (or grape juice) to each person. All are welcome to participate in Communion. We also offer a very informal service at 5:30PM on Saturday. This service is conducted with a piano and involves Communion by intinction where people dip bread in wine (or grape juice). Casual dress is the norm for this gathering and the Pastor can often be found sitting with the congregation. This informal alternative lasts slightly less than an hour.

What is the community like?
Welcoming.

What if I'm not a Christian?
All are welcome regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation.