Mission and Vision

Welcome to the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Corning, NY, an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. We welcome members, friends, family, and guests.  We welcome believers solid in their faith and we welcome those who are questioning believers.  Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

We are committed to creating an environment in which everyone feels welcome and safe:

  • to worship

  • to inquire

  • to celebrate

  • to build relationships

and to belong - and by doing so, to grow in faith and discipleship. 

Mission

Our mission is to create and nurture a family to do God’s work, modeling the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Vision

The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Corning is a source of Christian leadership in the greater Corning Community.  Our vision is to demonstrate our faith in Christ in all relationships throughout our individual and corporate life, increase active Christian ministries in the community, and achieve membership growth.  

We share our blessings with the world, the community in which we live and work, and among our members.  The distinctive feature of the congregation is that we are a servant people and our members proclaim their choice to act on their faith.

We engage in ministry utilizing a multitude of forms, e.g. hands-on, small group, in-person, using printed materials, and evolving technologies.

We strive to create a worshiping community that praises and gives thanks to God; a worship service that fosters spiritual growth and wholeness, encourages public application of scripture, and invites reflection, prayer, and action in response to the critical and special needs of all participants.

We nurture relationships that are renewing, refreshing, energizing, and vibrant with people of every faith and people seeking faith, welcoming all people.

God is Still Speaking

This phrase reminds us that God is not limited to outdated definitions or narrow viewpoints, and still has much more to say. God extends an extravagant welcome to all — because no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome in the United Church of Christ.

First Congregational, united with the UCC, is a welcoming, justice-minded Christian community where:

  • God is all-loving and inclusive

  • The Church of Jesus Christ welcomes and accepts everyone as they are

  • Your mind is nourished as much as your soul

  • Jesus the healer meets Jesus the revolutionary

  • Together we grow a just and peaceful world


Read more at United Church of Christ

 

 

 

 

Open and Affirming

The First Congregational United Church of Christ of Corning, NY, believes that we are all made in the image of God and that we are called to celebrate our God-given identities regardless of age, class, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, marital status, race, ethnicity, or mental ability. 

As Jesus calls us to love each other as we are loved by God, we welcome, affirm, and support all people into our full life and ministry.  (Adopted April 28, 2013.  Open and Affirming church #10--)

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!  

UCC Open and Affirming Coalition Website

Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ

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 man of 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.

Amen.