Faith United Church of Christ

About

Faith UCC is an open and affirming church embracing diversity in our congregation and community, and affirming the dignity and worth of every person.

Story

Faith Church, State College, was founded in 1909. It was affiliated with the Reformed Church in the United States. This denomination's roots lie in the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation in what is now Germany. During the 18th century, in an attempt to avoid Europe's frequent wars and to prosper economically, many people of Reformed background emigrated to Great Britain's North America colonies, especially Pennsylvania. In 1934, the Reformed Church in the United States merged with the Evangelical Synod of North America which included nineteenth century German immigrants many of whom settled in the mid-western states, They formed the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Subsequently, in 1957, this denomination joined with the Congregational Christian Churches that were strong numerically in New England to form the United Church of Christ which now has over 1,000,000 members in almost every state of the Union.

For More than 100 years, Faith United Church of Christ has worshiped at its present location on the corner of College Avenue and Locust Lane. Another local congregation was the first to construct a building on this site. When it moved elsewhere in 1911, Faith Church's members bought the structure and used it for almost 20 years. In the early 1930's, in the midst of nation's "Great Depression," the congregation built on this site a beautiful Gothic style church. It contains a sanctuary for worship services; meeting rooms; space for church school sessions; and an area with a kitchen for church luncheons, suppers, receptions, and informal fellowship. In the early 2000's, the building was renovated, and an elevator was installed to assist those who needed help in going from floor to floor.

Although it is important to know about the congregation's history and its physical facilities, it is essential to know how it attempts to fulfill its mission to be the body of Christ at this time and in this place. Regular worship of God, the Father, and the Son is most important. This includes the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and the rite of confirmation. Located in the midst of dormitories and apartment buildings, Faith Church conducts a ministry to students,who attend worship services, sing in the choir, occasionally read the Scripture lessons, and several times a semester have lunch with the pastor . As they return for classes in the late summer, they and their parents can enjoy lemonade that is served in front of the church. After the service prior to the beginning of final exams, students receive "goodie bags" that contain various types of nourishment. The women of the congregation conduct what is known as a "Serve Sale" that provides members of the congregation and community the opportunity to purchase high quality goods. The proceeds help low income artisans and farmers to send their children to school and contribute to health and environmental projects. With other congregations in State College, Faith Church participates in the ""Out of the Cold" project that provides shelter and food for the area's homeless people, the "Crop Walk" to raise funds to eliminate hunger, "Weatherization First" that assists in weather-proofing the homes of low income families, the "Penguin Packs" program that provides lunches for children from low income families, On New Year's Eve, the congregation provides space for performers in the community's "First Night" observance and a traditional New Year's "Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner" that is open to the public. In the late spring, the congregation holds a "Strawberry Festival" that features fresh strawberries, ice cream, cakes, and cookies. In addition, the congregation contributes to the denomination's numerous benevolent causes. We do this not because it will benefit us here or hereafter but because "Jesus calls us: o're the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea,... Saying, Christian, follow Me."