STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.
Amen.
OUR STORY
Rooted in History. Growing with Purpose.
New Covenant United Church of Christ carries a story that stretches back more than two centuries, shaped by faith, language, culture, and a deep commitment to community. Our congregation was formed through moments of change, courage, and unity, reflecting the evolving spirit of Williamsport itself.
FOUNDATIONS IN A GROWING TOWN
In 1806, Williamsport was established as a borough, setting the stage for a thriving and diverse community.
Just over a decade later, in 1817, Emmanuel Church of the German Evangelical and Lutheran tradition was founded, becoming the second oldest congregation in Williamsport. From the beginning, Emmanuel Church reflected the cultural and linguistic diversity of its members, a theme that would shape our story for generations.
FAITH, LANGUAGE, AND NEW BEGINNINGS
As Williamsport grew, so did the desire for worship in different languages.
- In 1853, members who favored services in English formed St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Market Street.
- In 1863, during the upheaval of the Civil War, those wishing to worship in German formed Immanuel German Lutheran Church.
- By 1884, Immanuel German Lutheran Church dedicated a building on the site where New Covenant stands today.
Meanwhile, the original Emmanuel Church continued to evolve. In 1864, it became the Reformed Immanuel Church, and in 1882, another split led English-speaking members to form St. John’s Reformed Church, which built a home at Packer and Ross Streets by 1884.
By 1896, the remaining German-speaking members of the Reformed Immanuel Church disbanded, closing one chapter while others continued to grow.
A NEW COVENANT IS FORMED
In 1853, members who favored services in English formed St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Market Street.
In 1863, during the upheaval of the Civil War, those wishing to worship in German formed Immanuel German Lutheran Church.
In 1976, two historic congregations, Immanuel German Lutheran Church and St. John’s Reformed, came together in a spirit of unity. Their merger formed New Covenant United Church of Christ, honoring the past while embracing a shared future.
GROWTH, OUTREACH, AND JUSTICE
In 1806, Williamsport was established as a borough, setting the stage for a thriving and diverse community.
Just over a decade later, in 1817, Emmanuel Church of the German Evangelical and Lutheran tradition was founded, becoming the second oldest congregation in Williamsport. From the beginning, Emmanuel Church reflected the cultural and linguistic diversity of its members, a theme that would shape our story for generations.
OUR STORY CONTINUES...
From language divides to lasting unity, from historic roots to bold commitments, New Covenant UCC continues to live into its name. Our history is not just a record of the past, it is a foundation for the work we continue today.
OPEN AND AFFIRMING
Rooted in Scripture
Our commitment is grounded in the words of the Apostle Paul, written to the church in Galatia:
“You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:26–28 (CEV)
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!
On Sunday afternoon, November 15, 2015, the members of New Covenant United Church of Christ voted to officially become an Open and Affirming congregation.
This decision affirmed what we believe at our core, that all people are created in the image of God. We celebrate and welcome people of every age, ability, gender (including gender identity and expression), race and ethnicity, social or educational background, and sexual orientation.
While this vote marked an important moment in our history, it did not represent a new direction. New Covenant has long been a place of welcome, where people who have too often been condemned, excluded, or marginalized by other churches have found belonging, leadership, and community. Many already called New Covenant “home” and served faithfully in ministry long before this affirmation was made public.
Becoming Open and Affirming was a way of naming aloud what we had been living out for years.
OUR OPEN & AFFIRMING RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, we believe that all people are created in the image of God, without regard to age, disability, gender (including gender identity and expression), race and ethnicity, social or educational status, or sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge that the Christian church has often condemned, excluded, or marginalized many of God’s beloved children; and
WHEREAS, New Covenant United Church of Christ has a longstanding history of being a welcoming congregation; and
WHEREAS, many who have been marginalized by church and society already call New Covenant United Church of Christ their home;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that as of Sunday, November 15, 2015, New Covenant United Church of Christ is officially designated as an Open and Affirming congregation, joyfully extending an explicit welcome and celebration of ALL.
We are an Open and Affirming congregation and believe that all people are created in the image of God without regard to age, disability, gender (including identity and expression), race/ethnicity, social or educational status or sexual orientation.
It is often said that the time that we are least diverse is the hour we spend at church each week. Here at New Covenant UCC, we strive to be a diverse faith community that shares a common, deep and abiding love for God and each other. And we have committed ourselves to serving and caring for God’s creation and our neighbors, both locally and globally.
New Covenant is a faith community filled with warm and caring people. We are continually looking for new ways to reach out to bring comfort and healing to those in need. Our programs and ministries are designed to integrate everyone into the life of the church. We strive to accept diversity in a way that proves we are truly “One” and break down barriers that prevent us from listening and understanding one another.
One of our UCC promotional phrases is , “God is Still Speaking.” We believe that although the scriptures were written ages ago, that God is continually speaking to us today, offering us new insights, inspiration, comfort and encouragement.