320 Beach 94th St, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693, us
ABOUT US
MISSION STATEMENT
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here.
WHO WE ARE
First Congregational Church is a member church in the United Church of Christ. We are protestant denomination believing that the Spirit moves in each of us individually. As individuals we are able to interpret God's word.
We are an Open and Affirming church
OPEN - to all people who seek a comforting place to worship God
AFFIRMING - full inclusion regardless of LGBTQ status
We are a welcoming society that passes no judgement.
HISTORY
Founded in 1886, we are the oldest house of worship on the Rockaway peninsula. The origins of the church began in the living room of Fanny Holland where she taught Sunday School classes. Our roots are in the tradition of the Pilgrims giving us independence and authority to run our own affairs.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith
adapted by Robert V. Moss
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the mof Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.
OUTREACH
Food Pantry
Hours have been suspended due to the Corona virus
Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services
Seaside Senior Center – Telephone: 347-926-4119 / Fax: 347-926-4151
Hours have been suspended due to the Corona virus
Alcoholics Anonymous
See Our Partners for Days and Times
JOIN US
We are available each Sunday for worship on ZOOM
Join Zoom Meeting
On-Line
Meeting ID: 975 813 7504
By Phone
One tap mobile
+16465588656, 9758137504# US (New York)
+13017158592, 9758137504# US (Germantown)
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Meeting ID: 975 813 7504
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aytlSXHo6
Serving the Church
Pastor
The Rev. Joyce Dugger joined our congregation as Designated Pastor. In October 3020, she was unanimously voted to Settled Pastor and was installed by the United Church of Christ on July 24, 2021.
Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons works with the pastor in serving the spiritual interests of the church and the community. They assist in administration of the ordinances, in caring for the poor and needy, the sick, the sorrowing, the indifferent, and the stranger. They call upon new members and introduce new families into the life of the church. They prepare the elements for the communion service.
The Board of Deacons meets regularly once a month.
Board of Trustees
Under direction of the church and except as otherwise provided, the Board of Trustees has the care and custody of the property of the church and has charge of its financial affairs.
The Board of Trustees meets regularly and as needed for special concerns.
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee enlists church members’ financial and other support of the church’s work through administering an annual pledge campaign and by overseeing any other church-wide fundraising efforts.
Sunday School Teachers
Our team of Sunday School teachers are volunteers who provide our children and youth with the fundamentals of a Christian education. Our Sunday School serves children and youth ages 7 to 17 who meet from 10:00 to 10:50 AM. The curriculum being used is Shine: Living in God's Light.
Choir
Our choir meets for practice Sunday morning at 9:30. We are always looking to add voices.