Hope United Church of Christ
A Caring Community With a Progressive Tradition, Open and Affirming
The church manages this profile directly.
About Us
If…
…you understand that faith is a matter of the mind as well as heart, and that taking the Bible seriously means it cannot always be taken literally
…you know that God’s love embraces all persons equally, no matter what their race, gender, or sexual identity
…you’ve wished for a more open and embracing community of faith to nurture your spirit and your loved-ones, and haven’t found a like-minded place of belonging
Then…
…we invite you to explore the many ways that God is still speaking.
Welcome to Hope Church.
No matter who, no matter what, no matter where you are on life’s journey…you belong here.
- Vibe
- Casual, Spirit-filled, Friendly, Progressive, Gay affirming, Inclusive, Multigenerational, Young families
- Programs
- Community Service, Faith and Work, Young Adults, Youth Group, Choir, Missions, Yoga/Meditation, Nursery, Adult Education, Children's Ministry
- Denomination
- United Church of Christ
- Size
- Small
- Language
- English
- Founded
- 1881
Contact Information
Our Services
Service Times
- Sunday
-
- 10:30am
- Service
Leadership
The Reverend J. Gary Brinn
Pastor and Teacher
The Rev. J. Gary Brinn has served as the congregation's pastor and teacher since October 1, 2019.
Brinn was born into a working-class family of police officers and firefighters in Norfolk, Virginia, and is a disabled Army veteran. After completing his service, he embarked on years of travel, adventure, and odd jobs before settling into the world of digital design. He was the Director of Learning for a small tech firm in Manhattan serving Fortune 500, governmental and non-governmental organizations on 9/11. His life changed that day, as did so many others. Brinn returned to complete his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and Studio Art at Hunter College – City University of New York. He received a Master of Divinity from Harvard University in 2008, and served a year as the Tanenbaum Fellow for Inter-Religious Practice at Vassar College before ordination in the United Church of Christ. He has served parishes in Central Pennsylvania, Long Island, New York, and most recently on the coast of Maine.
A fan of Pearl Jam, Disney, and NASCAR, Brinn brings popular culture into conversation with scripture, the rich and progressive theological tradition of the United Church of Christ, and real life. In addition to justice and witness advocacy in areas like anti-racism and LGBTQ equality, he has worked on a number of community issues including work-force housing and food insecurity.
Location & Directions
What Members Say
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