First Church has been an Open & Affirming Congregation since April of 2008. In fact, The Extravagant Welcome Team grew out of the committee that was charged with overseeing our church’s Open & Affirming Process.

Our team has a broader focus now, but we are just as committed to continuing the conversation and work necessary for us to truly be an “Open & Affirming” congregation.

We were inspired by the appearance of Voices Rising at our Open & Affirming celebration this fall, and will be planning more events to continue to celebrate this part of our congregation and to continue the conversation both within our congregation and wherever else God might be calling us to help spread His love, compassion and tolerance.

News!

“We stood with you in saying no to Proposition 8 and we will continue to stand with you, both in disappointment and resolve, until marriage equity is realized.” – Reverend John H. Thomas, general minister and president , United Church of Christ

You can  read more of what Reverend Thomas had to say on this disappointing development for the gay community in California, and also  view the full page ad  they placed in 3 of California’s largest gay publications, after the passage of this state constitutional amendment that halts gay marriages in the state.

If you are troubled by these recent events in the last election cycle, you may wish to visit one of the following organizations’ websites for more information on how you can help.

The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns

PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays)

The Human Rights Campaign

American Civil Liberties Union

Resources in the Church Library - books, pamphlets and videos

Links of Interest - both Christian and Secular in nature

ONA's History -  a timeline of  First Church’s ONA process & a brief history of the ONA movement within the UCC