(August 18, 2024)
On August 4, 2024, we said goodbye to Pastor Bob Gross. He has served us very faithfully and we are certainly thankful for his leadership! When he joined us last July one of our main goals was to lead us to a new settled pastor, and he has. We are excited to have Pastor Derek Elkins begin his ministry here at First Church on August 18, 2024. In addition to that accomplishment, we now have documented policies and processes, our youth programs are expanding, members with strong leadership in various levels of the church and we are continuing to grow our programing. We send him to his new interim ministry with our love, our gratitude and our prayers for his success with his new congregation.
We are also excited to begin our new chapter. Pastor Derek Elkins will begin his ministry and we have goals and plans to continued growth and success of the ministries of First United Church of Christ. We invite you to join with us and grow our relationship with Jesus Christ and our mission within our community and beyond.

(July 17, 2023)
Join us in welcoming Rev. Bob Gross! He joins us as our interim pastor while we complete the search for a settled minister. Rev. Bob Gross has experience in the interim pastor role and we look forward to having him lead us in worship, in faith, and in service. We are especially grateful, in advance, of his willingness to guide us in the many tasks associated with the search for our next pastor.


(July 16, 2023) The last six months went fast! On Sunday, it was time for the church to bid a fond (and sad!) farewell to Rev. Jim McKenzie and his wife Karen. They will certainly be missed by everyone. Much was accomplished during this time together. We will pray for them both in their next adventure and trust that God has great plans for them as they continue to demonstrate what it means to live your love for Jesus.
The next chapter promises continued excitement. Rev. Bob Gross will lead us through the search for our new settled mininster and our “Reach Higher” capital campaign which will kick off on July 31, 2023.
(June 15, 2023) Carol Rollin was appointed to the Executive Council as the Christian Education liaison to fulfill the term of Sandi Van Sistine who has decided to step away from this role at this time. The Council thanks Sandi for her dedicated service to the church. She has contributed greatly in leading our Christian Education effort and also in a million other ways! Carol Rollin has agreed to step up to head our Christian Education effort and attended her first Council meeting in June.

(February 1, 2023) Interim Pastor Jim McKenzie will begin his interim ministry with us on Wednesday, February 1st. The Council and the Pastor have agreed on a six month convenant during which time he will lead the church and help us transition into a search for a settled pastor. You’ll get a chance to meet him on Sunday, February 5 as he will be leading his first worship service here at First United Church of Christ. Don’t miss it! Watch for his introductory message in the February TowerNews.