"We, the Congregation of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Newark Valley, declare ourselves to be open and affirming. With God's grace, we seek to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial, ethnic, or social-economic background. We welcome all to share in the life and leadership, ministry, and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation."

 
 A Great Time to Be UCC

Reflections on our life together by Pastor David Heckman

         To often we spend to much time thinking about all the things that are wrong with religion, faith, and yes even the church. Religion gets labeled as stale and outdated, faith seems to be dead, and those who are suppose to have faith always seem to fail us in rather embarrassing ways. We know the church is in trouble, just look around yourself on any given Sunday and what do you see, EMPTY PEWS! Sure there are lots of new people in church, but it always seems a little shy of the number we NEED. Perhaps if we had hipper music, a more energized liturgy (what is liturgy you ask???? maybe that proves the point!) or maybe if the minister would just preach sermons that always made me feel good, that might help. So if this business that surrounds God is so depressing, why do we even bother?

We bother, because what makes it all worth it, is the few moments when we feel the Spirit moving around us. When we can be there for a grieving family, when we can help someone put food on their table, or when we stop someone from hurting themselves and help them see that life is worth living. We bother because together our voices are stronger when we fight racism, sexual stereotypes, and rights for those who are considered on the margins of life.

            We bother because God calls us to be faithful, even on the days when we would prefer to ignore our faith.

            Being church is always a challenge. Being a part of the United Church of Christ can at times be an even bigger challenge, but we are better for it. We are better when we are asked to question our faith, to tear apart our understanding of God and put it back together again, and to think about issues that make us a little uncomfortable at times. I am glad that I am a part of the church, and I am even happier that I am a member of the United Church of Christ. At least we know that we will never be bored! I look forward to walking with you on our shared faith journey.

Christ’s Blessings!

Pastor Dave