First Church merges with United Church of Christ

OLD SAYBROOK — The First Church of Christ Congregational in Old Saybrook merged with the national United Church of Christ Sept. 12 in what it calls an “historic vote.”

“This is a pivotal moment for the church as it leans into the post-pandemic world,” the Rev. Cornell, senior pastor, said in a news release. “It identifies the congregation with a strong national denomination that seeks racial and economic justice, hope and peace in God’s world.

“Down through history, the congregation always been loosely tied to the UCC. This solidifies that relationship,” Cornell added.

First Church of Christ in Saybrook is 376 years old, and deeply rooted in the Shoreline community, the press release said. From when the congregation first gathered at the fort in 1660 to the pandemic, the church has been a “faithful presence” on the Connecticut Shoreline.

“The post-pandemic church will be challenged like never before. A connection with a strong denomination with a local presence while also having a world view will help the church in its expanding ministries,” Cornell said.

“The pandemic highlighted the great value of the UCC as a larger network of resources,” church member and parish nurse and team leader Deborah Ringen said in the statement.

“The national and conference staff provided guidance, reassurance, and technical support in learning how to go virtual and follow pandemic guidelines in the context of a community of faith,” she said.

“First Church offers an extravagant welcome: Whoever you are or wherever you are on your faith journey you are welcome here,” Cornell said.

For information, visit firstchurchsaybrook.org.