MINISTRIES
OUR MINISTRIES
Christian Education (Sunday School):
Learning never stops at First UCC. Whether you are two-years-old or one hundred and two, there are learning opportunities for you to grow in faith. Our Sunday School begins after our Sunday worship at 11 am, and we meet from Fall to Spring. There are classes for youth, teens and adults. Our Sunday School is a no judgment zone; whether you don’t know anything about the Bible, just a little or a lot, you are welcome.
Mission & Outreach:
Our church puts faith into action, and 10% of our budget goes to support mission projects, nonprofits and outreach organizations. We support organizations such as food banks, disaster relief, mission agencies here in Western Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County and many others. During Christmas time, First UCC has provided gifts for grade school children in the Wilkinsburg area who would otherwise not have any presents under the tree. In addition, First UCC has also been involved with the Church World Service’s CROP Hunger Walk for many years, a walk that raises money to fight hunger both locally and worldwide.
Stewardship:
At First UCC, we strive to be good stewards of our time, talent and treasures. Ten-percent of our budget supports ministry and outreach outside the four walls of the church. Our congregation is a generous congregation, and we focus on year-round stewardship. In addition, our congregation has been recognized as a Five for Five Congregation by the United Church of Christ. Being “Five for Five” means that First UCC is a leader, providing support to Our Church’s Wider Mission and the Special Mission Offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors In Need and The Christmas Fund (formerly Veterans of the Cross).
Worship:
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here at First UCC. We worship Sunday mornings at 9:45 am. Our worship service has time for reflection, Scripture, a sermon, prayer, music, and a children’s message. We have an Open Communion Table, so no matter if you are a member of a congregation or not, you are welcome to partake in Communion (a gluten free option is also available). We celebrate Communion throughout the year during these services: Epiphany in January, the first Sunday in Lent, Pentecost, summer in July or August, World Communion (first Sunday in October), the first Sunday of Advent, and Christmas Eve. We also offer special worship services throughout the year. During Holy Week, we have a Maundy Thursday Service that includes Communion with Tenebrae (extinguishing of candles and readings), and a Good Friday Evening Service. For Easter, we have a Sunrise Service with breakfast afterwards and a Traditional Service with Communion at 9:45 am.
Music:
At First UCC, we have a choir that sings during worship in the fall through late spring. During the summer, we periodically have special music by congregants or invited guests who share their musical gifts.
Membership & Growth:
Throughout the year, we receive new members. New members range from people who have never been a member of a congregation or have never been baptized, people who simply need to transfer membership and everything in between. We also hold special fellowship gatherings throughout the year which have included bowling, picnics, baseball outings, miniature golf and special dinners. We also have special breakfasts and luncheon fundraisers, which the community looks forward to every year.