Welcome to First United Church of Christ
We Invite You:
Each Sunday worship can be a bit different here at First Church, but every week there is something that challenges us to more than we thought possible.
To make your visit easier, we offer a fully staffed nursery for infants through kindergarten and Children’s Church for children through sixth grade. In this setting, your children or grandchildren will experience a lesson, craft, or game and grow in fellowship with others.
Our church is accessible to those who are handicapped with parking on the lower level and an elevator to take you to the sanctuary or classrooms. Ushers will be happy to direct you and your family to these rooms.
- to be a part of our community of faith.
- to be blessed by God's grace during your time with us.
- to discover the opportunities we have to offer.
Each Sunday worship can be a bit different here at First Church, but every week there is something that challenges us to more than we thought possible.
To make your visit easier, we offer a fully staffed nursery for infants through kindergarten and Children’s Church for children through sixth grade. In this setting, your children or grandchildren will experience a lesson, craft, or game and grow in fellowship with others.
Our church is accessible to those who are handicapped with parking on the lower level and an elevator to take you to the sanctuary or classrooms. Ushers will be happy to direct you and your family to these rooms.
"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me
welcomes the one who sent me." Matthew 40:10.
welcomes the one who sent me." Matthew 40:10.
Our Statement of Purpose:
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we at First UCC are called to be a Christian community where following Jesus Christ means: Experiencing God, Growing in our Faith and Serving our church, our community and our world by reaching out to everyone with the unconditional grace and love of God.
We recognize the sacraments of communion and baptism.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we at First UCC are called to be a Christian community where following Jesus Christ means: Experiencing God, Growing in our Faith and Serving our church, our community and our world by reaching out to everyone with the unconditional grace and love of God.
We recognize the sacraments of communion and baptism.
Our Mission Statement:
Believing that we are loved by God, redeemed by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and guided by the Scriptures; we, here at First UCC, are called to grow in Christ and minister in His name.
Our mission is to worship God and love Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; to teach and support one another; to encourage one another to discover and use God's gifts for building up the church; to reach out and bring others to the Savior; and bring God's healing to the world.
Believing that we are loved by God, redeemed by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and guided by the Scriptures; we, here at First UCC, are called to grow in Christ and minister in His name.
Our mission is to worship God and love Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; to teach and support one another; to encourage one another to discover and use God's gifts for building up the church; to reach out and bring others to the Savior; and bring God's healing to the world.
FACILITIES
Sanctuary
Established in 1821, we are one of the oldest churches in the Sugarcreek area. In 2003 our sanctuary burned to the ground due to a lightning strike. In 2005 we dedicated our new sanctuary. Stained glass windows throughout the entrance hall, sanctuary and balconies remind attendees of God’s majesty and glory. Other symbols grace the sanctuary and serve as reminders of God’s love and promises to us.
Handicapped Accessibility
Sugarcreek First United Church of Christ is a handicapped accessible building. Parking for those who need to avoid steps is behind the building in a designated area. From there, an elevator will take you to any area of the church from the sanctuary to classrooms. Individual amplification devices are available during worship services for the hearing impaired.
Parking
There is ample parking across from the church in a paved lot. If you would like assistance, valet parking is available most Sundays with ushers at both main doors on Main Street to help direct you.
Special Event Facilities
A large fellowship hall and smaller parlor (or multi-purpose room) is available for meetings, wedding showers, or special events. Check your possible date with the church secretary.
Established in 1821, we are one of the oldest churches in the Sugarcreek area. In 2003 our sanctuary burned to the ground due to a lightning strike. In 2005 we dedicated our new sanctuary. Stained glass windows throughout the entrance hall, sanctuary and balconies remind attendees of God’s majesty and glory. Other symbols grace the sanctuary and serve as reminders of God’s love and promises to us.
Handicapped Accessibility
Sugarcreek First United Church of Christ is a handicapped accessible building. Parking for those who need to avoid steps is behind the building in a designated area. From there, an elevator will take you to any area of the church from the sanctuary to classrooms. Individual amplification devices are available during worship services for the hearing impaired.
Parking
There is ample parking across from the church in a paved lot. If you would like assistance, valet parking is available most Sundays with ushers at both main doors on Main Street to help direct you.
Special Event Facilities
A large fellowship hall and smaller parlor (or multi-purpose room) is available for meetings, wedding showers, or special events. Check your possible date with the church secretary.
WEDDINGS
We welcome non-member weddings at First Church. Whether your wedding is small or large, we can accommodate your wedding party. Our venue is ideal for the traditional and modern bride and groom.
Ceremony package includes:
Ceremony package includes:
Sanctuary (seats 350 guests; 250 on the main floor and 100 in the balcony)
Large Bride's restroom and changing room for the Bridesmaids
Groom and groomsmen changing room, restrooms and guest waiting room
Multipurpose room for brunch or lunches
Nursery for children
Reception package includes:
Reception Hall (seats 175 guests)
Large kitchen
Large Bride's restroom and changing room for the Bridesmaids
Groom and groomsmen changing room, restrooms and guest waiting room
Multipurpose room for brunch or lunches
Nursery for children
Reception package includes:
Reception Hall (seats 175 guests)
Large kitchen
Non-Member Fees:
Sanctuary Package $1,150
Sanctuary & Fellowship Package $1,500
Extra Services:
Use of First UCC Organist $175
For more information or to arrange a visit to First UCC Church, please contact us at: 330-852-2632 or
sugarcreekfirstucc@gmail.com . You can download a copy of the wedding policy below.
Sanctuary Package $1,150
Sanctuary & Fellowship Package $1,500
Extra Services:
Use of First UCC Organist $175
For more information or to arrange a visit to First UCC Church, please contact us at: 330-852-2632 or
sugarcreekfirstucc@gmail.com . You can download a copy of the wedding policy below.
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history
When the Sugarcreek First United Church of Christ celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1971, local historian and church member Maxine Eberle referred to our journey as a church as one from a few rugged pioneers to a dedicated congregation in the never-ending search for truth through Christ. Then and now, we celebrate a long history of worship, work, and witness.
The earliest settlers came into this community as early as 1806, many from Pennsylvania. One of these settlers, the Rev. William Reiter, preached for the first time in an old log schoolhouse on September 23, 1821. His text was taken from Jeremiah 6:16. This marked the earliest occasion of worship for what is now Sugarcreek First United Church of Christ. At that time, the denomination of record was the German Reformed Church. In 1847 a constitution and by-laws were adopted and the name officially became the First German Reformed Church. Four years later the cornerstone was laid for a new brick church on a hill west of Shanesville, the western most part of what is now Sugarcreek. Worship was conducted in German with an occasional English service. In 1890, the congregation voted to split the services evenly between German and English.
In 1914 dedication services were held at a new brick church on the current site with an estimated 800 people attending the morning, afternoon, and evening services. With the merger of the Reformed Church in the United States and the Evangelical Synod of North America, the name of the congregation became First Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1934. Then in 1957, with the merger of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches, our congregation became First United Church of Christ, becoming part of a new denomination with national offices in Cleveland, Ohio.
Through the years improvements were made to the sanctuary including the addition of our first organ in 1938. In 1959 a three-story educational building was dedicated, and in 1967, the congregation dedicated a new parsonage located next to the church and still being used today.
In March, 2003, lightning struck the steeple at First United Church of Christ and, although no one was injured, the sanctuary was destroyed. The entire community rallied to support the congregation providing places for our worship to continue as well as financial support during our new building fund drive. Ground was broken for the new sanctuary in April of 2004, and the congregation moved into their beautiful new space in September 2005. The educational wing built in 1959 including a large fellowship hall is still being used today.
During our long history, the people of First United Church of Christ were fortunate in the ministers who served them. The longest serving pastor was the Reverend J. G. Zahner who was in the pulpit from 1846 until 1889. A stained glass window dedicated to his memory survived the fire and is featured in the sanctuary today. More recently the Reverend Arnold H. Klaiber served First UCC from 1959 until his retirement in 1992.
The earliest settlers came into this community as early as 1806, many from Pennsylvania. One of these settlers, the Rev. William Reiter, preached for the first time in an old log schoolhouse on September 23, 1821. His text was taken from Jeremiah 6:16. This marked the earliest occasion of worship for what is now Sugarcreek First United Church of Christ. At that time, the denomination of record was the German Reformed Church. In 1847 a constitution and by-laws were adopted and the name officially became the First German Reformed Church. Four years later the cornerstone was laid for a new brick church on a hill west of Shanesville, the western most part of what is now Sugarcreek. Worship was conducted in German with an occasional English service. In 1890, the congregation voted to split the services evenly between German and English.
In 1914 dedication services were held at a new brick church on the current site with an estimated 800 people attending the morning, afternoon, and evening services. With the merger of the Reformed Church in the United States and the Evangelical Synod of North America, the name of the congregation became First Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1934. Then in 1957, with the merger of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches, our congregation became First United Church of Christ, becoming part of a new denomination with national offices in Cleveland, Ohio.
Through the years improvements were made to the sanctuary including the addition of our first organ in 1938. In 1959 a three-story educational building was dedicated, and in 1967, the congregation dedicated a new parsonage located next to the church and still being used today.
In March, 2003, lightning struck the steeple at First United Church of Christ and, although no one was injured, the sanctuary was destroyed. The entire community rallied to support the congregation providing places for our worship to continue as well as financial support during our new building fund drive. Ground was broken for the new sanctuary in April of 2004, and the congregation moved into their beautiful new space in September 2005. The educational wing built in 1959 including a large fellowship hall is still being used today.
During our long history, the people of First United Church of Christ were fortunate in the ministers who served them. The longest serving pastor was the Reverend J. G. Zahner who was in the pulpit from 1846 until 1889. A stained glass window dedicated to his memory survived the fire and is featured in the sanctuary today. More recently the Reverend Arnold H. Klaiber served First UCC from 1959 until his retirement in 1992.
contact us
First UCC Sugarcreek
526 West Main Street, Sugarcreek Ohio 44681
330-852-2632
Email: sugarcreekfirstucc@gmail.com
Staff Contacts:
Pastor Earl Rogers, Senior Pasor
Church Office: 330-852-2632
Cell Phone: 330-401-7153
Email: earl.rogers.12@gmail.com
Pastor Sharman Hartson, Minister of Visitation
Church Office: 330-852-2632
Email: sharman313@aol.com
Robin Werker - Secretary
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Church Office: 330-852-2632
Email: sugarcreekfirstucc@gmail.com
526 West Main Street, Sugarcreek Ohio 44681
330-852-2632
Email: sugarcreekfirstucc@gmail.com
Staff Contacts:
Pastor Earl Rogers, Senior Pasor
Church Office: 330-852-2632
Cell Phone: 330-401-7153
Email: earl.rogers.12@gmail.com
Pastor Sharman Hartson, Minister of Visitation
Church Office: 330-852-2632
Email: sharman313@aol.com
Robin Werker - Secretary
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Church Office: 330-852-2632
Email: sugarcreekfirstucc@gmail.com
