Our Ministries
First Congregational Church is a mission-driven church.
We seek to be good neighbors to those especially who struggle with food insecurity and homelessness. We have undertaken many projects as the needs of the community evolve, and always come back to Service as a core value.
Youth Programs
Save our Children
Save Our Children started 40+ years ago out of the youth ministries program at Asbury United Methodist Church, the oldest African American Church in the city of Elyria. There have been multiple generations of families and children who have come through the doors. SOC received its 501c3 designation in 1996 and has continued to serve children of all ages from kindergarten through high school graduation. SOC currently runs after-school and summer programs for students in grades K-12.
Elyria Teens Achieve Success
Save Our Children collaborated with Nordson Corporation, the Elyria City Schools, Effective Leadership Academy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club and the YWCA to form Elyria Teens Achieve Success (ETAS): a mentoring program for 9th - 12th grade students to assist them in transitioning into high school and preparing them for 21st Century careers. The program cultivates leadership by allowing students an opportunity to encourage their peers to excel and succeed in academics and in life.
Community Support
Food Pantry
First Church is a Partner Charity Distribution site of Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.
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Food Pantry hours are:
Monday | 12:00-2:00pm
Tues & Weds | 9:30-11:30am
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Attendees are asked to please bring a picture ID along with proof of residency in Lorain County (i.e. a utility bill with your name on it).
Meals to Go
Church Women United
Periodic collections of hygiene and health items for donation to local and national organizations.
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Please call the church at (440) 323-5454
for current collection needs.
We believe that consistent access to nutritious food is a lifeline.
Providing a meal to anyone
Mondays | 12:00 - 2:00pm
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Use 2nd Street Pantry Entry
Alcoholics
Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
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Women's Sobriety Group:
Designed for women in recovery
Thursdays | 7:00-9:00pm
Recipe
Collection
We'd love to hear from you about favorite recipes from the past First Church Women cookbooks, or your own specialty creations.
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Our Church's Wider Mission
Our Church’s Wider Mission is the name we use to describe the work we do as the United Church of Christ beyond the local church – through our Conferences, national ministries, and UCC-related institutions. Our Church’s Wider Mission is also the name we give to the financial support given by UCC members and congregations that makes this broader mission possible.
In the United Church of Christ, we affirm that, although the congregation is the fundamental unit of mission, mission is not just local. We are connected to one another, across boundaries of neighborhood, class, race, and national border.
Pastoral Support
For those experiencing illness, hospitalization, or another life event for which you or someone you love may need a visit, Pastor Patrick is available for hospital visits and pastoral calls when the need arises.
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Please call the church office during business hours to leave a message for Pastor Patrick.
