OUR CHURCH
We are a growing church and feel confident that all will find us to be a friendly congregation that promotes enthusiasm and opportunity in our parish life.
To be Christian is to be a steward. To be the church is to be in mission. The stewarding of the life that comes to us through God's grace is the mission on which we are sent as the church. The abundant life for all is the exciting vision for which the church exists and labors as the stewarding community.
AN ACTIVE CHURCH First Church has been consistently recognized by the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ as a growing congregation. The expansion of our activities and worship services reflects the growing number of people who have become active members of our congregation.
A CARING CHURCH Our ministers regularly visit and conduct service of worship at Rosewood Manor, Cranberry Pointe, Pleasant Bay, and Brewster Manor. Regular visits are also made to Cape Cod Hospital and the homebound. The ministers and Deacons are in regular contact with members of the church. Pastoral counseling is available from our clergy by appointment. Emergency assistance from our Deacons' Fund and Crisis Counseling are also freely available. One of our ministers is available at all times.
A FRIENDLY CHURCH The warm greeting one receives on a Sunday morning is but a reflection of the warm and supportive spirit of our congregation. The many and varied activities of the church are available to all.
A CHURCH IN MISSION In January of 1993, the National Council of Churches presented its Ecumenical Service award to the Harwich Ecumenical Council for the Homeless (HECH) at a service at First Church. In addition to HECH, the church community has been involved in the construction and expansion of Pine Oaks Village (a low income housing development for the elderly); the building of Harwich House (a facility behind the church for the middle class elder); The Children's Center (a model of day care for children of single and working parents who are-unable to afford the usual high cost of child care), and the Harwich Youth Chaplain. The church supports the many local ministries of the Cape Cod Council of Churches, and many members serve as board members and volunteers in such organizations as Albro House, the V.N.A., the Food Pantry, Hospice, and other diverse and helpful groups. The Mission Board of the church uses our mission contributions to reach out both locally and through the wider church through the United Church of Christ and through other specific designations.
AN OPEN CHURCH First Church opens its meeting spaces to community groups and organizations for gatherings and regular meetings. Application is made through our Board of Trustees for use of our buildings. No fee is charged to charitable groups or support groups for use of any of our facilities.
A MODEL CHURCH First Church has been oft quoted and praised in the press for its many caring activities. The ministry of the church is called upon from time to time to conduct training seminars in the areas of pastoral care, pastoral relations, and mission for other churches and church organizations.
AN HISTORIC CHURCH Founded in 1747, the church celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1997. The historic buildings and well maintained grounds are often photographed by amateur and professional alike. The more recent addition of the Memorial Garden has not only enhanced the beauty of our grounds, but has provided a place of dignity and grace for burial of those affiliated with the church.
A CHURCH FOR YOU First Church is a place where you are welcome and encouraged to become a part of mission and ministry. It is a church that seeks to serve you and your need as well as provide opportunities for service to others. All ages are incorporated in the program of the church. A growing number of children and adults participating in our programs brings a sense of vitality and future to our church.
A CHURCH THAT NEEDS MEMBER SUPPORT To keep the mission of our church alive and lively, the church relies on member contributions. We ask members to make a pledge declaring their intention to give financial support to our mission so that the officers of the church might be able to create a dependable budget. About 85% of our income comes from members who give on a regular basis to the work of the church. If a member has never pledged to the church, we ask that they do so. If they are in the habit of pledging, we ask them to increase their giving so that we might be able to keep our church the growing, caring, friendly, mission oriented model that it has become.
