Service of the Word : Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : "Our Barbarous Ancestors" Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures :   Isaiah 58:1-12 and Matthew 5:13-20 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 .

Service of the Word : Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Sword Mouth " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures :   John 1:29-42 and Isaiah 49:1-7 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 .

The Elmira Film Festival 2026 Original Work Featuring Filmmakers, Directors, Producers, Artists and Cast from Elmira, New York. Co-Hosted by The Park Church and Community Arts of Elmira. What : "A Place Called Elmira" (1990) When : Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7 PM Where : The Park Church - Beecher Hall (enter via parking lot door near Gray St.) Admission : Free for people of all ages About : "A Place Called Elmira" (1990) by Director and Producer Margaret Raphael, who creat

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 Confident

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

What : Meaningful Movie " Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart " When : February 11 , 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 Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart "So brilliantly effective — reviving interest in an unjustly under-appreciated American icon! An ambitious and stimulating look at one of the 20th century’s

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

What: " The End I Want" Free Mini Conference When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 • 12 PM - 2 PM Where: The Radisson Hotel, 125 Denison Pkwy E., Corning Food : A light lunch will be provided Offered by: Alzheimer's Association - Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter, CareFirst NY, and Corning Area Chamber of Commerce Registration Registration required : 607-936-4686 Ext. 2 There is no charge for this event. Description This unique mini-conference program is designed to promo

VESTNY - Vocal Essence Of The Southern Tier - Where every voice matters and every genre belongs A statewide auditioned ensemble of experienced adult singers, offering immersive weekends of choral excellence across New York and beyond.—choral conductors, music educators, sacred and church musicians, instrumentalists, jazz artists, cultural tradition bearers, parents of young children, and more—who long for a meaningful musical outlet without the commitment of weekly rehearsa

What : Meaningful Movie " The Prime Minister " When : March 11 , 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 The Prime Minister Prime Minister is a 2025 documentary film about Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand from 2017 to 2023. The film is directed by Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe. It premiered in January 2025 at the Sundan

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

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

What : Drag Show Fundraiser When : Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 7 PM Where : The Park Church - Beecher Hall (enter via parking lot door near Gray St.) All proceeds go directly to the Foodbank of the Southern Tier . Cost : $20 Beer and wine available from Los Ponchos Hosted by Trisha LaMorre and Friends To purchase tickets: Buy at the door OR Venmo @Trisha-Lamorre

January 25, 2026 In-person service at Park Church was canceled. The Congregational Meeting has been postponed to February 1. Worship took place on Zoom at 10 AM. Follow the steps on this page to join . Read the text of Pastor Gary's sermon " Hippo What? " Service of the Word : Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Hippo What? " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures :   1 Corinthians 1:10-18 and Matthew 4:12-2

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 January 2026 When : See age group and dates below. Where : Rehearsals held at The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmi

Service of the Word : Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Unoriginal Sin " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures :   Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17 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 .

January 25, 2026 The PHE Annual Meeting has been canceled until a later date to be announced. Watch for updates on this page. What : People for a Healthy Environment Annual Meeting When : Sunday, January 25, 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 efficienc

What : Meaningful Movie " Sugarcane " When : January 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 Sugarcane An investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school in Canada ignites a reckoning on the nearby Sugarcane Reserve. SUGARCANE premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the Directing Award: U.S

At 3:45 PM - a simfonia performed by Charlotte Cook. What : Contemporary and Traditional Lessons and Carols Celebrating the Nativity of Our Savior with Candlelight Closing Homily : “ Christmas in Khartoum ” Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church   When : Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 4 PM Where : The Park Church Sanctuary What : Contemplative Service of the Nativity with Candlelight Closing Featuring : Local acoustic musicians Homily :

What: Advent-Christmas Organ Recital - Church Service - Advent III (Joy) When: Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 10 AM Where: The Park Church, Elmira, NY Sunday Recital will be available live on Zoom If you are unable to attend service in person, we offer the worship on Zoom and later a recording on theparkchurch.org . The audio and video quality of our online service has significantly improved. Follow the steps on this page to join . What: Advent-Christmas Organ Recital - lunch

Worship : Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 10 am Where : Beecher Hall Sunday morning informal worship with a Christmas Carol sing, followed by fellowship coffee hour with bagels.

What : An Evening of Hanukkah, Solstice & Christmas Music When : Friday, December 19, 2025 • 7 PM to 8:30 PM Where : The Park Church - 208 W. Gray St. Elmira, NY Enter : The Sanctuary Doors on Church Street Overview Please Join Us for an Evening of Hanukkah, Solstice & Christmas Music. Featuring Mark Simon and Mark Rust Donation Not Required But Appreciated A family friendly concert! Donation or giving of a new or gently used children’s book not required but is appreciated.

Service of the Word : Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : Dog is Good (Advent III - Joy) Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Isaiah 7:10-16 and Matthew 1:18-25 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, December 7, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : Good War? (Advent II) Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Matthew 3:1-12 and Isaiah 11:1-10 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 .

Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Daybreak " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Ephesians 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-12 You are invited to wear a crown or any other fun hat for this Sunday as we celebrate “Three Kings Day." 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 sig

For 2025, the Pilgrim Press Stillspeaking Writers Group and contributors have produced a daily devotional to guide us through the days of Advent and Christmastide, to the celebration of Epiphany. Each day includes a scripture reading, reflection and prayer, from the first Sunday in Advent through Celebration of Epiphany

What : Twin Tiers Baby Bank Diapers Pickup at The Park Church When : 3rd Thursday of each month 12 PM to 1:30 PM and 5 PM to 6 PM Where : The Park Church 208 W. Gray St., Beecher Hall (enter via parking lot door near Gray St.) Attention! Diapers must be ordered through the website the Friday before. If you are struggling to provide diapers for your children, the Twin Tiers Baby Bank may be able to help. Register and Order (FREE) Before Pickup First register at Twin TIers Bab

Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Monsters of Love " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Ephesians 1:11-23 and Luke 6:20-31 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 .

Monday School Monday, November 10, 2025 at 7 PM Taught By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where : The Park Church Sanctuary Topic : Monday School will consider the story of King David, royal propaganda, and the use of the Davidic promise in the formation of Christianity Monday School  Monday, November 24, 2025 at 7 PM Topic : “TBA" Taught By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church   Where : The Park Church Sanctuary

Service of the Word : Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Tangled " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Luke 21:5-19 and Isaiah 65:17-25 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, November 9, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Defeat of Bogey " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 and Luke 20:27-38 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, November 23, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Atticus " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Colossians 1:11-20 and Jeremiah 23:1-6 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, November 30, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Another World " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Matthew 24:36-44 and Isaiah 2:1-5 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 .

Monday School Monday, December 8, 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 sessions that touch on scripture, theology, and history. Initial plans are to meet every other week: by Zoom during Winter and Summer and in-person during Spring and Autumn

What : Hanging of the Greens When : Friday, December 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM Where : The Park Church Please bring a chili, a salad, cornbread or a dessert. Following supper, we will decorate the Sanctuary and Beecher Hall (including our lovely artificial trees) for the holidays. To end the festive evening, we will sing Christmas Carols in the decorated sanctuary. Sign-up sheets are in Beecher Hall, the Narthex and in the office. Please let us know how many will be coming and what

What : Meaningful Movie " Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect " When : November 12, 2025 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 Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect Screened in partnership with WSKG Public Television, Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect * traces Marshall's life and career from his birth in Baltimore

What : Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body - Cooking Class for Your Mind When : Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 11 AM to 12:30 PM Where : Jennie Fasset Cottage Kitchen - 459 W. 1st St., Elmira, NY Registration : Call 800-272-3900 to register - only 6 available spaces Sponsored by Alzheimer's Association Overview Join us for a special program on November 13 at Jennie Fasset Cottage Kitchen to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activit

Thanks to the Chemung County Sunrise Rotary Club, we are once again offering Christmas Poinsettias to order. Many of you have someone to honor or remember, or may just want a Christmas plant to celebrate a new beginning. Plants ordered can be taken home following the Christmas Eve service, can be left as a gift for someone unable to attend, or can be delivered to your home. Cost of plants is on the order form - $13.00 a piece. Email office@theparkchurch.org of call the church

The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO has been elected to serve as the next president of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) . The election took place on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at WCRC’s 27th General Council, taking place in Chiang Mai, Thailand through Thursday, Oct. 23. Thompson was officially installed during the Oct. 23 morning worship service. Read the full article

2025 Susan M. Cotton Southern Tier Caregiver Conference What : The Caregiver’s Journey - Supporting Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care When : Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 9 AM – 4 PM Where : Horseheads Elks Lodge – 6 Prospect Hill Road, Horseheads, NHY 14845 Registration : Call 800-272-3900 to register Sponsored by Alzheimer's Association - Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter Overview Navigating the journey of caregiving can often leave individuals feeling uncertain about wher

What : Annual Electronics Recycle Drive-Thru When : November 8, 2025 - 10 AM to Noon Where : The Park Church parking lot Annual November Electronics Recycle Drive-Thru: Fill your car with those electronic devices you're done with and bring them to The Park Church on Saturday, November 8th from 10 AM to noon. REACT E-Cycling, Inc. of Horseheads is bringing their truck back to our parking lot for this free E-cycling event. Please reference this list to make sure your things c

Service of the Word : Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Yakyū Shōnen " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Luke 18:9-14 and 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 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 . In advance of the Oct. 26 service Park Church

Service of the Word : Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Listening to the Holy " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Genesis 32:22-31 and Jeremiah 31:27-34 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 : 150th Anniversary of The Park Church's Landmark Sanctuary - Service of Celebration and Re-dedication When : Sunday, October 12, 2025 @ 2 PM Where : The Park Church Sanctuary With special guests and a reception to follow Homily - “ Verbs ” Scripture: Micah 6:6-8 (Guest clergy may robe/vest. For Christian clergy, the color of the day is red.) Watch the recorded service

Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " What is it good for? " Preached By : The Rev. J....

What : Harvest Sing Intensive When : Friday, October 24, 2025 - 7 PM to 9 PM and When : Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 9 AM to 4 PM Where : 360 Aurora, 360 E. 14th St Elmira Heights, NY 14903 Register for $25 All Voices. All Styles. One Community Twice each year, the VEST Community Sings bring together people of all ages for an intergenerational, open-to-all pop-up chorus. No experience and no auditions are required-just a love of singing. Over the course of two relaxed rehea

Monday School Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7 PM Topic : “ From Moses to Paul A Timeline of Events in Scripture and Regional History" Taught By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church Where : The Park Church Sanctuary Monday School  Monday, October 27, 2025 at 7 PM Topic : “From Paul to the UCC” (Christian History) Taught By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church   Where : The Park Church Sanctuary The following sessions will

Service of the Word : Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Present Moment " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures : Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 and Luke 17:11-19 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 " Where Olive Trees Weep " When : October 15, 2025 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 From the Filmmakers: Where Olive Trees Weep offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. We follow, among