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

Service of Word: Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Multiple Choice" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scripture: Isaiah 45:1-7 and Matthew 22:15-22 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: Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Refugee" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scripture: Exodus 32:1-14 and Isaiah 25:1-9 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: Meaningful Movie "Natchez" When: October 14, 2026 at 7 pm Where: The Park Church - Beecher Hall (enter via parking lot door near Gray St.) 🆓 The movie event is free and open to all. 🍿 ☕ 🫖 🍪 Pop Corn, Coffee, Cookies Natchez Excerpts from The New Yorker (2/2/26) review of Natchez, "Counternarratives" "Natchez, a Missippi River town [where] tourists ... come to see its meticulously restored antebellum houses... From 2022 to 2024 [Director] Herbert filmed several s

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

What: Harvest Sing Intensive When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 9 AM to 6 PM Where: The Park Church Sanctuary, Elmira, NY 14901 Enter the Sanctuary through the Accessible door to the left of the office and kitchen entrance of the church parking lot. Ages: ALL AGES 12 and older (ages 12-18 are encouraged to have an adult participate with them) Register Questions? More info? Website: vestny.org Call 607-301-1719 Email: info@vestny.org All Voices. All Styles. One Community Twice

What: Bravestimo! Community Chorus When: September 16, 2026 - May 12, 2027 • Wednesdays, 1:30 PM to 3 PM Join us for one or all sessions | No musical background required Where: The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira - Beecher Hall In Partnership With The Alzheimer's Association A community chorus for those living with dementia and neurodegenerative conditions, their care partners, and community members. You do not need to have a personal connection to dementia to participat

Wednesday School Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 7 PM Taught By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where: Beecher Hall Topic: TBA Join us in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday School, when we will once again wrestle with the idea of sacrament. We’ll review the seven sacraments of the Roman tradition, the two sacraments of the Protestant tradition, claims about the effect of sacrament, and the idea of grace by proxy. Snacks welcome! About Our

4th Annual Susan M. Cotton Southern Tier Caregiver Conference What: Who's on Your Care Team? When: Thursday, November 6, 2026 - 9 AM – 4 PM Where: Horseheads Elks Lodge – 6 Prospect Hill Road, Horseheads, NHY 14845 Registration: Call 800-272-3900 or register online This conference is FREE! Email smcmaster@alz.org for more information. Sponsored by Alzheimer's Association - Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter Overview We warmly invite caregivers of individuals affected by

What: Gender Affirming Closet Donation Drive When: Donate by October 10, 2026 Drop off items from the list below to: Steele Memorial Library (small donations) The Transformation Center - 409 Williams St., Elmira (large donations) Items should be new or gently used women's tops / blouses (wide shoulder, long cut) dresses / skirts women's plus size / tall clothing women's shoes (210) shapewear bras (AA-B, long straps) mastectomy bras (pocketed) breast forms / inserts NEW under

What: Tree Planting Basics When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 - 10 AM to 12 PM Where: Southeast Steuben County Library 300 Nasser Civic Center Plaza Corning, NY 14830 Register Online (free) Please sign up for this free program About Master Gardener Volunteer Beth Walter Honadle will teach us the fundamentals of planting trees. This will be an expanded version of a talk she gave to the TREE Foundation’s board in 2025 about her own experience planting trees on her farm. She will

What: Coming Out Day - Gender Affirming Closet Pop-Up When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 • 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Where: Steele Memorial Library - Large Meeting Room Offered by: Chemung County Libraries & Transformation Center Registration Call our 24/7 HELPLINE 800.272.3900 to register Description The Gender Affirming Closet is a free popup clothing pantry providing clothes and other gender-affirming items to trans or gender diverse people! Come by and grab whatever items you n

Wednesday School Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 7 PM Taught By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where: Beecher Hall Topic: Council and Creeds Join us in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday School, when we will once again wrestle with the idea of sacrament. We’ll review the seven sacraments of the Roman tradition, the two sacraments of the Protestant tradition, claims about the effect of sacrament, and the idea of grace by proxy. Snacks welc

What: Elmira Mural Clean-up - Volunteers Needed When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 - 9 AM to Noon Where: West Second Street and upper Railroad Avenue Sign-up: Please write sheilareed55@gmail.com with your availability to help (specify hours) or sign up on the clipboard in Beecher Hall. Volunteers Needed For Elmira Mural Clean-Up! The Park Church Climate Justice Team is looking for at least 10 helpers to clean around the Elmira Infinite Canvas “Love" mural at the West Second St

What: Walk to End Alzheimer's When: October 10, 2026 9 AM - Registration/Check-in 10 AM - Opening Ceremony 10:20 AM - Walk Begins Where: Eldridge Park | 96 Eldridge Park Dr Join Team Park Church! Register Online and choose Team Park Church Overview and Registration Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls o

Service of Word & Sacrament: Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Synecdoche" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scripture: Philippians 3:4b-14 and Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Special UCC Offering - Neighbors in Need Please join us in supporting the 2026 Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering this Sunday, October 4th. Worship on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the wor

VESTNY - Vocal Essence Of The Southern Tier -Where every voice matters and every genre belongs Empowering every voice with access to high-quality, inclusive vocal music opportunities that support genre diversit ommunity enrichment, and well-being with excellence and joy in the Southern Tier of New York and beyon What: Adult & Intergenerational Ensembles Launching Weekly in September Date: September 15, 2026 - May 15, 2027 Time: See age group and dates below. Where: Rehearsals

VESTNY - Vocal Essence Of The Southern Tier -Where every voice matters and every genre belongs Empowering every voice with access to high-quality, inclusive vocal music opportunities that support genre diversit ommunity enrichment, and well-being with excellence and joy in the Southern Tier of New York and beyon What: Sing With Us! - Ensembles Launching Weekly in September Date: September 15, 2026 - May 15, 2027 Time: See age group and dates below. Where: Rehearsals held at T

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Tough Love" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Matthew 18:15-20 and Ezekiel 33:7-11 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.

What: PRIDE Health Care & Forum When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 • 11 AM - 2 PM THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED THE FIRST HALF OF 2027. Where: Ill Eagle Taphouse, 200 E. Church Street, Elmira Offered by: Alzheimer's Association - Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter Registration Call our 24/7 HELPLINE 800.272.3900 to register Description This FREE event, open to LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies, will feature educational sessions, a vendor fair show

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Strike Four" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Exodus 16:2-15 and Jonah 3:10-4:11 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.

Anti-Muslim Bigotry from Political Leaders is Dangerous and Should Not Be Tolerated: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD—AND OF OUR NEIGHBOR—IT MUST END NOW Read the Open Letter From U.S. Faith Leaders And Allies

Wednesday School Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 7 PM Taught By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where: Beecher Hall Topic: Sacrament Join us in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday School, when we will once again wrestle with the idea of sacrament. We’ll review the seven sacraments of the Roman tradition, the two sacraments of the Protestant tradition, claims about the effect of sacrament, and the idea of grace by proxy. Snacks welcome! Ab

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Mara Wendigo" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Philippians 2:1-13 and Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 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.

Did you know? The Park Church supports the Wisner Park Zero Waste Project at Wednesday markets in the park. Patrons of participating food vendors can ask for their meals on reusable plates, silverware, and glasses, which are washed and sanitized in The Park Church kitchen. The program is an initiative of Southern Tier Reduces, an organization that advocates for zero-waste communities in our region. In addition to the dish program, visitors to Wisner Market can bring their foo

What: Tree Training When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 9 AM to Noon What: Volunteer Tree Planting When: Friday, October 2, 2026 - 9 AM to Noon Register (free) Register for details and location. About Learn the proper techniques for planting and caring for trees. This hands-on program will cover tree selection, correct planting methods, watering, mulching, and long-term care for successful establishment. Day 2 - Help plant and tube trees. Tree Planting 101 Flyer PDF

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "On the Secret Menu" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Matthew 18:21-35 and Romans 14:1-12 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.

The Park Church Climate Justice Team is looking for new members! Join us in our mission to care for our Earth and one another through Green Church practices, educational forums, and hands-on activism and advocacy in our local and global communities. Indicate your interest on our sign-up sheet in Beecher Hall. Artwork Credit Ricardo Levins Morales, RLMArtStudio.com

Learn more about The Park Church and its history. Daughter of The Park Church Pastors Samuel and Annis Ford Eastman The Reverends Samuel and Annis Ford Eastman were chosen by Rev. Beecher to be associate pastors in 1894 and thought to be the first ordained clergy couple in America. They lived on the top floor of The Park Church with their three children: Anstice, Max, and Crystal. Max and Crystal were key leaders in movements for women’s suffrage, peace, industrial safety and

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "The Pursuit of Happiness" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-5 and Genesis 32:22-31 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.

Service of the Word: Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "You May Say I’m a Dreamer" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: 1 Kings 19:9-14 and Genesis 37:3, 12-28 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, August 16, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "The Measles of (Hu)mankind" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Genesis 45:1-15 and Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 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, August 30, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Lost In Translation" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Romans 12:9-21 and Exodus 3:1-15 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, August 23, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "The Voice God Gave You" Order of Service PDF Guest Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Lise Worthington 📖 Scriptures: Matthew 16:13-20 and Romans 12:1-8 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: Virtual LGBTQIA+ Caregiver Support Groups When: LGBTQIA+ Care Partners Group: 2nd Thursday of the month, 4:30 PM LGBTQIA+ Caregiver Support Group: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 - 8:30 PM LGBTQIA+ Dementia Caregiver Group: 4th Thursday of the month, 1 - 2 PM Online: See below to register and join Offered by: Alzheimer's Association - Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter Registration Call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/CRF

What: Wisner Market When: Wednesdays • June 3 - September 30, 2026 • 10 AM to 2 PM Where: Wisner Market (corner of Church and Main Streets), Elmira For more information about Wisner Market.

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Freely Not Free" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Song of Solomon 2:8-1 and Romans 7:15-25a 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.

The 2026 Park Church Summer Lecture Series is presented by the Center for Mark Twain Studies (CMTS) and The Park Church. The series will feature three lectures. All the lectures will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be located at The Park Church (208 W. Gray Street, Elmira, NY). All of these lectures are open to the public at no cost. The 2026 "Trouble Begins" Lecture Series and Park Church Summer Lecture Series are supported by the generous support of The Mark Twain Foundation. W

Service of the Word: Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Sin-icism" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 and 1 Kings 3:5-12 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.

Service of the Word: Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Joy to the Fishes" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Genesis 25:19-34 and Isaiah 55:10-13 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, July 19, 2026 at 10 AM - St. Ida B. Wells Sermon Title: "Non-Quantum" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Romans 8:12-25 and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 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: June 21, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Fire In My Bones" Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Genesis 21:8-21 and Jeremiah 20:7-13 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: 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.

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Pride Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Right Angry" Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-9 and Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 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: Pride Sunday - June 14, 2026 at 10 AM Order of Service PDF Sermon Title: "The Rest of the Story" Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Romans 5:1-8 and Genesis 18:1-5, 21:1-7 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: Pride Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Hungry Gods" Order of Service PDF Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Matthew 10:40-42 and Genesis 22:1-14 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.

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

What: Rise Up - Sing Out Concert Streamed Live When: June 14 , 2026 at 7:30 PM Where: The Park Church Sanctuary 🆓 This event is free and open to all. There will be snacks and art-making activities in Beecher Hall at 6 PM prior to the concert’s start at 7:30 PM. About A concert for the First Amendment will feature Rufus Wainwright, Bette Midler, Patti Smith, Sasha Allen, Joy Reid and Jane Fonda, among others. It will be streamed Live in The Park Church sanctuary from Town Ha

What: Know Your Rights Educational Forum When: June 26 , 2026 at 3:30 PM Where: Beecher Hall A New York Immigration Coalition Program Presented by INDIVISIBLE Cortland County Know your rights & make preparations for governmental actions involving immigrants in your community. 🆓 This event is free and open to all.

What: Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 from Noon To 4 pm Where: Ernie Davis Park - Lake and Fifth Streets, Elmira, NY (across the street from the old Ernie Davis school building - now Finn Academy) Artists | Exhibitors | Food | Music | Vendors The Park Church will have a booth. Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to announce the end of slavery, freeing the last enslaved people. Lincoln’s Emanc

Service of the Word & Sacrament: Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "Like a Jedi Are You, Hrmmm." Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: Numbers 11:24-30 and Acts 2:1-21 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.