Welcome to The Park Church,
Congregational,United Church of Christ

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Dude from Galilee" Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Ephesians 1:15-23 and Luke 24:44-53 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join.

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Paul vs. the Philosophers" Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: John 14:15-21 and Acts 17:22-31 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join.

What: Rainbow Room Game Night When: Tuesday Nights from 6 pm to 9 pm. Where: Beecher Hall at The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira (Enter from the church parking lot on the west side of the building.) Bring Your Own Board Games and Favorite Snacks. Light refreshments, soda, and coffee on us! Donations accepted at the door. A Queer Safe Place and Event The Park Church has been Open and Affirming since 2001 Created for LGBTQIA+ For Adults 18+ No Alcohol or Drugs Confidential

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING WITH US! Join us for one or all sessions | No musical background required What: VESTival Voices - Life's Journey Concert When: 5 Tuesdays in SPRING April 28 - May 26, 2026 (April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19, May 26) 3 - 4:30 PM* Where: The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira * An invigorating session of singing followed by an opportunity for social engagement and interaction. FREE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS Register: Call 800-272-3900 About BraVESTimo! is a

Presented by the Vocal Essence (VEST) of the Souther Tier ONE WEEKEND. MANY VOICES. UNITED IN SONG. No auditions. No experience needed. Just show up and sing. About BloomVEST is an intergenerational community sing (ages 12 and older) centered on themes of peace, hope, and shared humanity. Through accessible and meaningful songs of resilience, unity, and reflection, participants will experience the power of singing as a way to connect, heal, and grow together. Rooted in VEST's

Presented by the Vocal Essence (VEST) of the Souther Tier Concert What: BloomVEST Concert When: May 30, 2026 - 4 PM Where: The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira Free! $10 donation is suggested Order in advance at vest.choirgenius.com/storefront About An intergenerational community event for singing Social and Solidarity Anthems centered on connection, wellness, and shared humanity. Morgan Jolley, Artistic Director Ethel Stroman and Kirsty Ferguson, Song Leaders Emmett Scot

Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier cordially invites you to a What: BloomVEST Benefit Reception When: May 30, 2026 immediately following the BloomVEST concert Where: The Park Church Parlour, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira Featuring performances by the children of VEST Please join us to support our mission of providing barrier-free music access to everyone. Want to Sing in BloomVEST Weekend? If you are interested in singing in the Bloom VEST weekend, please visit vestny.org/events Al

What: Pride Silent Auction 2026 Where to View Items: The Park Church Parlors How to Bid: Go to Silent Auction 93 When the Auction is Open: until the Elmira Pride Festival on June 6, 2026. Purpose: A Silent Auction to support Game Night in the Rainbow Room – a weekly Tuesday evening safe gathering place for LGBTQ+ folks and allies at The Park Church in Elmira. List of Current Items Go to Silent Auction 93 to view photographs and bid on items Item # Description Size Value Start

Wednesday School Wednesday, June, 2026 at 7 PM Taught By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where: Beecher Hall Topic: TBA Snacks welcome! About Our Adult Spiritual Formation Program, Monday School is becoming a monthly Wednesday School (Clever new name pending). We expand on concepts you hear from the pulpit, including sessions that touch on scripture, theology, and history.

What: Fourth Annual Elmira PRIDE Festival Presented By: The Park Church When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 11 am to 4 pm Where: Wisner Park - next to The Park Church Contact: office@theparkchurch.org This event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by The Park Church Elmira, NY.... The Park Church announces the sponsorship of the fourth annual celebration affirming LGBTQ+ arts and culture on Saturday, June 6, 2026 to be held in Wisner Park, downtown Elmira. Event time wil

What: Southern Finger Lakes Pride Festival When: Saturday, June 12 - 13, 2026 from 11 am to 5 pm Where: Centerway Square, Corning, NY Website: soflxpride.org/pride-festival Go to soflxpride.org/pride-festival for the complete schedule and details.

What: Ithaca Pride Festival - "United We Rise" When: Saturday, June 12 - 14, 2026 from 11 am to 5 pm Where: Centerway Square, Corning, NY Website: soflxpride.org/pride-festival Our mission with the Ithaca Pride Alliance is to advance the well-being, connection, and sense of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community across Ithaca and Tompkins County. Go to ithacapridealliance.org/ithaca-pride for the complete schedule and details.

What: Valley Pride Picnic When: June 27, 2026 - 11 AM to 3 PM Who: LGBTQIA+ people, friends, and allies Where: East Waverly Park, Waverly, NY About Food, fun, music, games, drag, and more. Meet with members of the regional UU congregations. Save the date – June 27th - more information will be forthcoming in Wednesday Weeklies about how to make reservations for this free picnic in Waverly, for which The Park Church is a co-sponsor. Visit the Valley Pride Picnic 2026 event page

From the Climate Justice Team What: "The Sixth Extinction" presented by Al Preucil When: May 17, 2026 at 11:30 AM Where: The Park Church - Beecher Hall Overview Please join us in Beecher Hall at 11:30 a.m. this Sunday for a presentation of "The Sixth Extinction" by Al Preucil. Earth has experienced five mass extinctions over the past 500 million years, during each of which most of the planet's life forms were eliminated. Our current extinction is the first to be driven by hum

What: Book Fest 2026 When: Saturday, May 9 from 10 AM to 2 PM Where: Wisner Park - next to The Park Church & The LECOM Events Center The Family Reading Partnership of the Chemung Valley Presents: Book Fest 2026: Go Wild For Books! Book Fest is a family friendly event offering free book-centered fun. This year featuring children's musician, John Simon and magician, juggler and stilt walker, John Wolfson. Visit local authors, character readers, community organizations with game

What: The Creation by Haydn Performed by: The Orchestra of the Southern Tier Finger Lakes, The Chorus of the Southern Tier Finger Lakes, and the Cantata Singers When: May 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM Where: The Park Church Sanctuary, Elmira, NY 14901 Tickets Adults: $29 - $59* Students: $15* (ID required) Under 18: FREE (with adult ticket purchase) How to buy: Call 607-936-2873 or go to osfl.org/the-creation-may-2026 ​Description Experience the awe and majesty of Haydn’s The Creation,

What: VEST Children and Youth Choral Concert When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 Where: Concert held at The Park Church Sanctuary, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira Tickets: Register online to buy tickets Singing: inVESTigators and VESTed Voices Community Partners Corning Area Chamber of Commerce The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes The Park Church Website: vestny.org Facebook: VESTChorus Instagram - vestny_chorus TikTok: @vest_ny Email: info@vestny.org Phone: 607-3012-1719

Wednesday School Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 7 PM Taught By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where: Beecher Hall Topic: Focus on Paul, his texts, and his role in the formation of Christianity. Snacks welcome! About Our Adult Spiritual Formation Program, Monday School is becoming a monthly Wednesday School (Clever new name pending). We expand on concepts you hear from the pulpit, including sessions that touch on scripture, theology, and history.

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Call Me By My Name" Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Scripture: John 14:1-14 and Acts of the Apostles 7:54-60 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join.

What: Walk A Mile In My Shoes When: May 2, 2026 at 11 AM (must first register) Where: Eldridge Park | 96 Eldridge Park Dr Join Team Park Church! Go to the Walk A Mile Website to register Overview and Registration If you register by 4pm on April 24th, you may pick up T-shirts on Thursday, April 30th, at the Elks Club at 300 East Gray St., Elmira during the following hours: 7:30am – 9:00am, 12noon – 1:30pm, or 5:00pm – 6:30pm Walkers may also choose to register at the On-th

Service : Agape Meal Worship for Maundy Thursday When : Thursday, April 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm Where : Beecher Hall (no Zoom service) Led By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Sign-up Required : It is very important to sign up to reserve your place. A sign-up sheet is provided on a table in Beecher Hall. This event has limited seating and requires an accurate head count. On Maundy Thursday we commemorate the day on which Jesus Christ shared a meal,

What : Flamenco Vivo - Carlota Santana - TABLAO: An Intimate Flamenco Experience When : Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 4 PM to 5 PM (Doors open at 3:30 PM) Where : Beecher Hall at The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira Presented by : American Dance Asylum in partnership with The Park Church Tickets $25/general admission - or more for a good cause! $20/student Admission includes a complimentary glass of sangria and nibbles Tickets available at bit.ly/flamenco2026 Proceeds to be

What: Learn, Explore, Create, Connect - Plant Bingo When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 1 PM - 3 PM Where: Community Arts of Elmira - 413 Lake Street, Elmira FREE - RSVP to the Department of Aging - 607-737-5520 Hosted by The Alzheimer's Association - Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter and The Dept. of Aging & LTC, & Community Arts of Elmira This program is supported in part by a grant from the NY State Dept. of Health About LECC is a wellness open house offering access t

Service of the Word: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: “Questions of Canon" (originally It Often Rhymes) Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:3-9 and John 20:19-31 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join.

Service of the Word: Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: “Pan Pan Pan” Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:17-23 and Luke 24:13-35 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join.

What: Building Brain-Healthy Habits - The Bridge Between Brain Health and Music: An Introduction to BraVESTimo! Dementia Chorus When: Sunday, April 19, 2026 - 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM Where: The Park Church - Beecher Hall (enter via parking lot door near Gray St.) Offered by: An education program presented by Alzheimer's Association® -Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter and VEST (Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier) ALL ARE WELCOME - Coffee Hour with Treats and Sweets Descrip

Service of the Word: Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: “Abide in Love” PDF Worship Recap Recording: Scroll to the end of this page Preached By: The Rev. Beth Frigard Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5 Beth's Website: PreachingGreen.com Earth Day is April 22. It's a good time to remember that the UCC recognizes The Park Church as a Climate Justice Congregation. Our Covenant says: "We seek to respect God's creation by focusing on the connection between climate change, plane

Easter Service : Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : “ Helmets Required ” Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scripture : Colossians 3:1-4 and Matthew 28:1-10 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

For 2026, the Pilgrim Press Stillspeaking Writers Group and contributors have produced a daily devotional to guide us through the days of Lent, Maundy Thursday, Palm Sunday, and Easter. Each day includes a scripture reading, reflection and prayer, from the first day of Lent through Easter Sunday. Order the PDF online for $3 . From the first page of the devotional. This Lent, shed what you've outgrown! "There is perhaps nothing more futile than allowing people and circumsta

Volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association Share your time and talent by providing support or raising awareness for this important cause. Getting started is easy! Call: 585-270-1569 Email: smcmaster@alz.org Visit: alz.org/volunteer

Service of the Word : Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Grace (2nd Edition) " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : John 3:1-17 and Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

What : Lear Green Speaks: Unpacking the Underground Trunk When : Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 7 PM Where : The Sanctuary at The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira Created and portrayed by : Vicie Rolling The event is free. A meet the artist reception will follow the performance. For more information go to framingthepaststorytelling.com This project is made possible by a generous grant from the Hilliard Foundation and from the QuickARTS grant program administered by Th ARTS C

Wednesday School Wednesday, April 1, 2025 at 7 PM Taught By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where : Beecher Hall Topic : TBA Wednesday School is cancelled tonight, April 1st. It will resume May 6th at 7pm. About Our Adult Spiritual Formation Program, Monday School is becoming a monthly Wednesday School ( Clever new name pending). We expand on concepts you hear from the pulpit, including sessions that touch on scripture, theology, and histo

What : Cantata Singers - Her Light, Her Voice When : Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 4 pm Where : The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira, NY Free, accessible, and open to all. A celebration of music by and about women Cantata Singers Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Website : cantatasingers.com

Service of the Word : Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " The Lynching Tree " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and John 9:1-41 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

Wednesday School Wednesday, March 4, 2025 at 7 PM Taught By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where : Beecher Hall Topic : Unitarianism, Universalism, and Universalism, but not Unitarian Universalism." Snacks welcome! About Our Adult Spiritual Formation Program, Monday School is becoming a monthly Wednesday School ( Clever new name pending). We expand on concepts you hear from the pulpit, including sessions that touch on scripture, theology,

What : Elmira Pride Ball When : Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 7 PM to 10 PM Where : Beecher Hall at The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira Event Sponsor : Alzheimer's Association of Rochester and the Finger Lakes Tickets - $25 per person Register and buy tickets on Zeffy Proceeds to benefit the Tuesday Rainbow Room Game Nights in Beecher Hall. This event is designed for those over 18. To purchase drinks from the bar, individuals need to be 21+ with legal ID. Those under 18

Service of the Word : Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Miller’s Cornfield " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : John 11:1-45 and Ezekiel 37:1-14 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

There is tremendous variation in how Christian communities celebrate the week that begins with the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and ends with Easter Sunday. Here is how we observe Holy Week at The Park Church: Sunday, March 29 th at 10:00 a.m. – Palm Sunday. We tell the story of the joyous entry into Jerusalem and wave palms in the air as we sing a traditional hymn. Thursday, April 2 nd at 6:00 p.m. – Maundy* Thursday / Agape* Meal. We gather in Beecher Hall at table with

What: " The End I Want" Free Educational Seminar When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 • 12 PM - 2 PM Where: The Radisson Hotel, 125 Denison Pkwy E., Corning Food : Light lunch provided Sponsored by: Alzheimer's Association - Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter, CareFirst NY, Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, and Chemung Canal Trust Company. Registration Registration required : 607-936-4686 Ext. 2 There is no charge for this event. Description Don't wait until difficult dec

What : Service of the Word - Lent-Easter Organ Recital When : Sunday, March 8, 2026 - 10 AM to 11 AM Where : The Park Church Sanctuary - 208 W. Gray St., Elmira, NY What : Community Lent-Easter Organ Recital When : Thursday, March 12, 2026 - 12:10 PM to 1:10 PM Where : The Park Church Sanctuary - 208 W. Gray St., Elmira, NY The program is the same for both dates. Music in the Theme of Love Recalling the many ways we can experience God’s love

Palm Sunday Service : March 29, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : “ Monkey Wrench ” Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scripture : Matthew 21:1-11 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

Service of Word : Friday, April 3, 2025 at 6:00 pm Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : TBA Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

What: African American Faith Breakfast When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 • 9 AM - 11 AM Where: Economic Opportunity Program, 650 Baldwin Street, Elmira Offered by: Alzheimer's Association - Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter Registration Call 800-272-3900 to register There is no charge for this event. Description We invite you to join us as our distinguished guest at this special breakfast event focused on exploring potential collaborations between your faith commun

Monday School Monday, February 2, 2025 at 7 PM Taught By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where : The Park Church Sanctuary Topic : “TBA" Monday School Monday, February 16, 2025 at 7 PM Taught By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where : The Park Church Sanctuary Topic : “TBA" About Our new Adult Spiritual Formation Program, Monday School. We will expand on concepts you hear from the pulpit, including session

Service of the Word : Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " After the Revolution " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 and Matthew 4:1-11 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Pit of Despair " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and Matthew 5:1-12 Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

February 8, 2026 The PHE Annual Meeting originally scheduled for January 25 was canceled and rescheduled for February 8, 2026. What : People for a Healthy Environment Annual Meeting When : Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 2 pm to 4 pm Where : Beecher Hall, The Park Church, 208 W. Gray Street, Elmira, NY 14901 Website : People for a Healthy Environment Film: "The Light Won't Dim" about renewable energy Speaker: Carol English, Cornell Cooperative Extension, about energy efficie

Service of the Word : Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Faith and Science Sunday " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom. The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join .

There is a conservative movement set on purging school libraries of books they don’t like. These book are largely about race or racism, people of color, or LGBTQ characters. This is a nationwide movement, and several New York school districts are facing calls to ban books. TAKE THE PLEDGE: sign the petition to help make sure New York school districts know that unwarranted calls to ban books have no place in our state. Go the NYCLU (New York Civil Liberties Union) page to s