About Us
Who We Are: We are a progressive, open and affirming community of faith welcoming all persons- regardless of race, ethnic background, economic status, gender, age, personal ability, or sexual orientation- into the full life and ministry of the church. We are relevant, dynamic and filled with joy. We see the light of God in you and encourage you to bring your voice into the mix from your place on the journey.
Services: Our regular worship service is held Sunday mornings at 10:00am. This service uniquely blends some traditional aspects of church such as monthly communion and a sermon, with contemporary songs and digital media.
What We Believe: Members of First believe many different things about God. We have no accepted tests of faith, but we share a commitment to stand with the oppressed and put our faith into action for a just world. We believe that "God is Still Speaking." Our vision statement is "Always Open, Open All Ways."
For a statement of broadly held United Church of Christ beliefs see the national UCC website
We are an Open and Affirming congregation, a Still Speaking Church and a 5 for 5 congregation!
What We Wear to Church: Come as you are, with a smile in your heart. To quote a UCC poster from stillspeaking.com "Jesus Wore Sandals after Labor Day, so wear what you want. "
Where We've Been: First Congregational Church of Tucson was founded in 1881, one of the city's earliest churches. In 1957 the Congregational denomination at the national level joined the United Church of Christ. By the 1960s First UCC was a congregation of nearly a thousand in a large church building near the University of Arizona. Over the next decades, following national trends, membership declined so dramatically that in 1999 the church building was sold. The remaining congregation met for several years in a storefront and then an Odd Fellows Lodge, with still-dwindling attendance and a succession of temporary pastors, until in January 2004 the hardy remnant called Rev. Briget Nicholson to be our pastor. Six months later we moved into our beautiful midtown church building. We now have over 70 members and are growing!
Would you Like to Join First?
There are a series of promises that people within the UCC community make. If you are interested in hearing about these promises, how they relate to your life and becoming a voting member of our community please email Rev. Briget Nicholson today at briget@firstucctucson.org and she will make time to meet with you one on one.