WE OFFER A WARM WELCOME TO YOU AND INVITE YOU TO PARTICIPATE FULLY in the ministry and mission of First Congregational UCC as you feel so led by the Spirit.  We are delighted you are interested in learning more about First Congregational and are committed to finding meaningful ways to connect with you.  Maybe you are new to our church, new to Sarasota, or new to church altogether.  Whatever is stirring your curiosity, we would love to get to know you better.

You may start by joining us for worship in person every Sunday at 9 and 11 am.  The 11am service is also livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube, and here on the website.  We pray that you will experience music, a message, and meaning for your life.  You may want to test the waters of our warm welcome in Bible Study, our Oasis Ministry, a book club, or coming to worship in-person.  We are a church that welcomes questions, exploration, various expressions of faith, and continuing to grow to reflect God’s love.  You won’t find perfect people here.  You won’t find people who will test you or shame you.  We long to be open to each other just as Jesus received each person with a warm embrace.  We pray that we will continue to grow in love, grace, forgiveness, peace, and to be the Beloved Community that is so needed in these days.

Please know Pastor Wes is available to talk with you and help you connect in meaningful ways with our community of faith.  During times such as these, we are well aware that many in our community are facing challenges.  If you are in need of prayer or care, please let us know.  Click here to contact Pastor Wes.

Please browse our site to find out what’s going on in and around the church.

Worship, Service, Community

We see these words as interwoven and intertwined.  Worship is what happens on Sunday mornings as well as when we gather in small groups for Bible Study or book conversations.  Worship happens when we share God’s love at our community meal or through outreach with God’s love.

Service to our local community and world occurs through our central values.  We helped found SURE (Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity) and continue to participate in this justice ministry.  We host a monthly mobile food pantry truck for All Faith’s Food Bank, community meal, and participate in Family Promise Sarasota.  We financially support local groups through our Christmas Love Offering and world-wide organizations through our Easter Love Offering.

Finally, we seek to share God’s love with each other.  In 2020, we launched the Oasis Center for Reflection and Renewal.  This sacred space which was our Little Pilgrim Preschool, now is a holy ground for all people to encounter God’s presence.

We invite you to find a home at First Congregational UCC and let your faith grow here.  Please let us know if there is any way we can extend a warm welcome to you!