We are a community of believers dedicated to spreading the love of Christ and serving our community. Join us for worship and fellowship!
Every week our Order for Worship lists the people responsible for making worship happen. For “Minister” we list “all the members of the congregation.” Everyone who shows up ministers in some way to us all.
That said, the following folks are our staff and volunteers who help us stay focused on our Mission. See Ministries and Committees for more information.
Rev. Frances Chester
Pastor
Sharon Sgriccia
Church Secretary
Vivian Wentzel
Treasurer
Karen Miller
Consistory President
Rob Krause
Consistory Vice President
Becky Comer
Youth Faith Formation
Susan Mercer
Youth Faith Formation
Cameron Krause
Livestream Technician
From "Constitution and By-Laws"
November 13, 2022
We are a community organized around our faith in Jesus Christ, our “savior,” one who saves, based on his life, death and resurrection. We understand God as expressed in three persons (the “Trinity”): God, (Father, Creator, Holy One, Almighty); Jesus (savior, redeemer, son, brother, friend), and Holy Spirit (sustainer, comforter, inspiration, ruach or holy breath/wind).
The Bible, church tradition, our reasoning, and our experience of God showing up in our daily living form the basis of how we express our faith. Our worship centers us on the two great commandments Jesus taught: to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-27), as well as the one new commandment Jesus gave those who choose to follow him: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (John 13:34).
We are a church in covenant as part of the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC was formed in 1957 with Jesus’ fervent prayer echoing in the background. Shortly before his death Jesus prayed on behalf of his beloved disciples, that they may all be one (John 17:21).
We believe as our denominational president Karen Georgia Thompson says, in “a big tent.” In a world of deep polarization, we welcome you as you are. Period. That phrase above in the green banner says it all. It’s the motto of the UCC and it’s a guiding principle here at Falkner Swamp.
The Church is a Community
The church calls us out of our “bubbles.” This can be both frightening and freeing. We believe that when we come out of our isolation to join in community, God feeds us at the Communion table hosted by Christ; we are nudged to mission, growth and change by the Spirit; and we are blessed by simple pleasures like sharing conversation over snacks after worship.
We welcome you to join us “with gladness and delight” as Rev. Frances often says each Sunday. Discover for yourself life in Christ at Falkner Swamp. We hope to meet you soon!
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Rev. Frances began serving Falkner Swamp in 2015 and was called as the pastor, three-quarter time, in June 2018. She was ordained in 2005 at her home church, First Community Church, in Columbus, Ohio. As a child and throughout her life, she was nurtured by evangelical Christian mentors while attending mainline Protestant churches. Her prayer, study, and attentiveness to God’s activity in her life and others is informed by these multiple Christian faith lenses.
“My role as pastor is shaped by seeing the truth of my life as held in the arms of a loving Creator; forged by study and scripture, enabled by Christian community, and charged by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. All these elements are present in each of us. The greatest joy in ministry for me is to help others express their God-given gifts and talents to heal and spread love. Through them, I believe God’s beloved community is made manifest on earth as it is in heaven, a central line in the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray.
Falkner Swamp began forming in 1720 and is the oldest, continuous serving German Reformed church in the United States, so I stand on the shoulders of giants. I am privileged and grateful to serve this congregation."
Check out this YouTube video from Keystone Curiosity which features the history of Falkner Swamp UCC.
Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) is a vital contribution to Falkner Swamp's mission as a UCC church. Three-quarters of your offering to "Benevolence" goes to OCWM. Check out Conference Minister Bill Worley's message here.
11/10/2022
Video of the successful removal of the 800 lb. spire today. The 1st step in the process of removing the entire steeple for repair, which will happen at a later time.
Worship is at 10 am on Sunday mornings
Church Office Hours:
Tuesday 9 am - 2 pm
Wednesdays 9 am - 2 pm
email: falknerswamp@comcast.net
Pastor, Rev. Frances Chester pastorfalknerswamp@comcast.net
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