Faith United Church of Christ sits along Route 378 in Center Valley, at the southern edge of the Lehigh Valley. The congregation is known for being an Open and Affirming church in the United Church of Christ tradition, welcoming people of every sexual orientation, gender identity, and background into the full life of the church. Sundays center on a single 10:15 AM blended worship service that combines hymns, choir music, scripture, prayer, and preaching, with a livestream on YouTube reaching those who cannot attend in person. Beyond Sunday morning, Faith UCC runs a year-round rhythm of children's and youth programs, pastoral care, fellowship, and an unusually wide-reaching mission effort that spans a local food pantry, regional homeless and family services in the Lehigh Valley, and international child sponsorship in Haiti and beyond.
An Open and Affirming Congregation
On November 17, 2019, the members of Faith UCC voted to become an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, entering into covenant to welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions into full participation in the life and leadership of the church. The congregation's welcoming statement declares that all people are special to God and that a community's strength is rooted in harmonious diversity. Faith UCC affirms everyone "regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or political affiliation," and invites newcomers to come "as you are and without conditions."
The mission of Faith UCC is rooted in Christ's love and seeks to live out faith by welcoming all people, serving neighbors, and working for peace and justice. The vision is a welcoming community where all people belong, grow in faith, and live out God's love through service and justice. Core values of radical welcome, compassion, justice, humility, community, and service are cultivated not only in worship but in how the church lives each day.
Sundays at Faith UCC
The Sunday morning rhythm begins at 9:00 AM with Sunday School for children and Confirmation Class for middle and high school youth. At 10:15 AM the congregation gathers in the sanctuary for the main worship service, which runs about an hour. Each service blends traditional and contemporary elements: scripture readings, choral anthems, beloved hymns alongside newer songs, congregational prayer where joys and concerns are lifted up, and a sermon rooted in the week's lectionary text with inclusive language and active lay participation.
Children are always welcome in worship, and quiet play space is available for younger kids. Communion is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of the month and during holy seasons, and the table is open. Everyone, without exception, is welcome to share the bread and cup. The full service is also livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel so that members and friends near and far can worship together.
For anyone wondering about how to fit in, the dress code is come-as-you-are, and jeans sit comfortably alongside business casual in the pews. The church sits on Route 378 with plenty of parking on site.
Music That Lifts the Spirit
Music is described as the heartbeat of worship at Faith UCC. The Chancel Choir leads worship regularly with a blend of traditional and contemporary anthems, and the ensemble welcomes both experienced and beginner singers with no auditions required. Pianists, organists, and guest musicians round out the sound throughout the year. Children and youth are given opportunities to share their voices through special performances and seasonal offerings, and individual members contribute solos, duets, and small-group pieces that mark holy days and seasons. Anyone who loves to sing or play is invited to share their gifts, with the music director's guidance, as part of this ministry.
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Faith UCC considers children and youth a vital part of the community today, not just the future of the church. Sunday School meets at 9:00 AM with Bible-based lessons, crafts, and activities led by background-checked volunteers trained in safe practices. Special moments throughout the year include the Blessing of the Backpacks, Bible Sunday, holiday pageants, and a summer Vacation Bible School week of faith, music, and games.
Middle and high school students have their own programming. Confirmation Class walks youth through the Bible, church history, the teachings of Jesus, and what it means to take on the responsibilities of church membership, with mentors and the pastor guiding the journey. A youth group gathers for fellowship, service projects, and faith-based conversations, and retreats, trips, and mission service opportunities offer chances for spiritual growth beyond the church walls.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care at Faith UCC is offered through prayer support, hospital and home visits, and confidential listening. The pastor and care team accompany members through life's milestones, including baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and provide practical support such as meals during times of illness or loss. Pastoral care requests are held in confidence. Visitors and members alike are welcome to reach out for prayer, counsel, or simply a listening presence.
Sacraments and Sacred Rites
Faith UCC celebrates the two sacraments recognized in the United Church of Christ: Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptism is offered to people of all ages, from infants to adults, as a visible sign of God's love and belonging in the family of faith. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month and during holy seasons, with an open table that welcomes everyone without exception.
Confirmation gives youth the chance to explore faith in depth and affirm the promises of baptism as full church members. Weddings are hosted at Faith UCC for all couples regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, with the pastor working closely with each couple to craft a meaningful ceremony. Funerals and memorial services provide sacred space for grief, remembrance, and gratitude.
Food, Shelter, and a Helping Hand in Southern Lehigh
Mission is woven into weekly life at Faith UCC, beginning with neighbors in the Southern Lehigh community. The Helping Hands Fund provides short-term financial assistance to members of the congregation experiencing hardship, including help with utility bills, prescriptions, or rent, financed through the Mission Committee and administered by the pastor.
The Southern Lehigh Samaritan Fund, established in 2017, is a coalition of local churches and agencies that provides financial and case management support for neighbors in need. Faith UCC serves on the fund's board and contributes $1,000 annually. Betty Lou's Pantry unites local churches to provide food and hygiene items to families in need, and Faith UCC helps stock shelves, volunteers during distributions, and collects donations throughout the year.
A regular rhythm of fundraisers keeps these efforts humming. Each January the Souper Bowl of Caring collects hundreds of cans of soup for Betty Lou's Pantry. A Soup & Chili Cook-Off in February combines friendly rivalry with fundraising, with votes cast by donation and the winner earning the Golden Ladle. An annual "Be an Angel" program gives individuals a small sum of money to design and carry out their own mission project, with participants sharing their stories with the congregation afterward.
Regional and International Partnerships
Faith UCC extends care across the Lehigh Valley and beyond through trusted partnerships. Regionally, the church supports The Caring Place, which offers mentoring and education programs for youth and families; the Allentown Rescue Mission, which provides shelter and pathways to independence for men experiencing homelessness; the Lehigh Conference of Churches Pathways program for housing, food, and case management; and Phoebe Ministries, which provides senior care and rehabilitation.
Globally, Faith UCC has partnered with Beyond Borders in Haiti since 1999, supporting education, helping reunite children with families, and promoting self-sufficiency. To date, the congregation has sponsored 14 families through this partnership. Child sponsorships connect the church with children around the world through World Vision and Compassion International, supporting children in El Salvador and Uganda. Each February the children collect offerings during worship for Church World Service Blankets, with a goal of $1,000 annually, providing warmth and relief to disaster survivors.
The church participates in the wider UCC's Special Offerings throughout the year: One Great Hour of Sharing in March supports disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development; Neighbors in Need in October supports justice and compassion ministries; the Christmas Fund in December provides for retired UCC clergy and lay workers; Strengthen the Church in May funds leadership development and youth ministry; and Our Church's Wider Mission is sustained through the church's flagpole rental proceeds.
Joyful Noise: Children Leading the Way
On the second Sunday of each month, the children of Faith UCC collect a special offering known as the Joyful Noise Offering. All gifts go directly to ministries that support children in need locally and globally. The church currently supports three ministries through this offering: Bethany Children's Home near Reading, Pennsylvania, whose Brighter Future Fund covers basic needs and special programs for youth in their shelter program; Global Ministries through the sponsorship of a young man at the Family Village Farm in Tamil Nadu, India, a partnership the church has held since 2005; and the Beyond Borders School Not Slavery Movement in Haiti, which works to ensure every child has access to education.
Fellowship and Annual Traditions
Fellowship groups at Faith UCC include book and discussion groups, craft and service groups, family and intergenerational gatherings, coffee hour and meals, and seasonal celebrations. These are spaces where relationships grow, where people support one another through life's ups and downs, and where faith is lived out beyond Sunday morning.
Each year the church holds beloved traditions including Back to Church Sunday in September with Sunday School and worship followed by a food truck, ice cream, and a bounce house on the lawn; the Soup & Chili Cook-Off in February; the Spring Mission Bingo Fundraiser in April; and the Penny Party Fundraiser. Each Lent the sanctuary is decorated with original art from Sanctified Art LLC, a digital gallery of weekly illustrations and reflections that members can use for personal devotion throughout the season.
Leadership and Governance
Faith UCC practices congregational governance, with decisions made prayerfully and collectively by the people of the church. The Consistory serves as the governing body, made up of elected members who oversee finances, worship, mission, building needs, and pastoral support. Standing committees include the Worship Committee, Finance Committee, Christian Education, Outreach & Mission, and the Fellowship Team, all of which are open to members who feel called to serve.
The pastor is the Rev. Dr. Bruce C. Stevenson, who was elected as lead pastor in January 1991 and ordained to Christian ministry in 1985. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Gordon College, a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Renewal of the Church for Mission from Palmer Theological Seminary, and continues ongoing study in congregational leadership. Mrs. Sandy David serves as parish administrator and Becky Hite serves as wedding coordinator, supporting the work of the pastor and congregation behind the scenes.
Plan a Visit
Sunday worship begins at 10:15 AM at 5992 Route 378, Center Valley, PA 18034, and the service is also livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel for those who wish to worship from home. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at (610) 282-3939. Sunday School and Confirmation Class begin at 9:00 AM, and visitors are warmly welcomed to come as they are. Donations can be made online, by mail, or in person during services.