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Continuing a Legacy of Activism in the Southern Tier
a just world for all
Worship
Sunday Morning Worship
All are welcome to join us for Sunday morning worship at 10 AM in our breathtaking sanctuary, illuminated with natural light through skylight and stained glass windows and filled with the melodious sounds of our 2800 pipe organ. Our sanctuary’s 1875 Victorian walnut interior may feel old fashioned, but our thinking about issues of contemporary life is not. We are inspired by our abolitionist roots and continue to care for each other and our community with the same soul fire and action as they did.
Text of sermons preached by The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church unless otherwise specified. Scripture readings reference the Common English Bible.
Unable to attend the in-person worship? You can join live via Zoom (most services).
March 8 & 12, 2026 - Lent-Easter Organ Recital
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
March 1, 2026 - Grace (2nd Edition)
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 .
Outgrow - Lenten 2026 Devotional
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
March 29, 2026 - Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday Service : March 29, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title : "TBA" Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scripture : 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 .
February 22, 2026 - After the Revolution
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 .
February 1, 2026 - Pit of Despair
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 15, 2026 - Faith and Science Sunday
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 .
February 8, 2026 - Our Barbarous Ancestors
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 .
January 25, 2026 - Hippo What?
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
January 18, 2026 - Sword Mouth
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 .
January 11, 2026 - Unoriginal Sin
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 .
December 24, 2025 - Christmas Eve Services
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 :
December 14 & 18, 2025 Advent Organ Recitals
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
December 28, 2025 - Breakfast and Carol Sing
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.
December 21, 2025 - Dog is Good
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 .
December 7, 2025 - Good War?
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 .
January 4, 2026 - Daybreak
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
November 2, 2025 - Monsters of Love
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 .
November 16, 2025 - Tangled
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 .
November 9, 2025 - Defeat of Bogey
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 .
November 23, 2025 - Atticus
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 .
November 30, 2025 - Another World
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 .
October 26, 2025 - Yakyū Shōnen
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
October 19, 2025 - Each and All
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 .
October 12, 2025 - Come Celebrate
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
October 5, 2025 - What is it good for?
Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " What is it good for? " Preached By : The Rev. J....
October 12, 2025 - Present Moment
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 .
September 21, 2025 - Radicalized
Service of the Word : Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Radicalized " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor...
September 14, 2025 - What Is Sin
Service of the Word : Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " What Is Sin? " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor...
September 28, 2025 - After
Service of the Word : Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " After " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and...
September 7, 2025 - Imperfectly Tom
Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Imperfectly Tom " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary...
August 31, 2025 - Solidarity
Service of the Word : Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Solidarity " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and...
August 24, 2025 - Gnadentod
Service of the Word : Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Gnadentod " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and...
August 17, 2025 - Hammer and Fire
Service of the Word : Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Hammer and Fire " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor...
August 10, 2025 - Circling ‘Round
Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : "Circling ‘Round" Preached By : The Rev. Beth Frigard...
August 3, 2025 - Son of a
Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Son of a " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn,...
July 27, 2025 - The Lord’s Prayer
Service of the Word : Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " The Lord’s Prayer " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor...
July 20, 2025 - Rent Seeking
Service of the Word : Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Rent Seeking " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and...
July 13, 2025 - Mrs. Beecher and Mark Twain
Service of the Word : Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 10 AM Message Title : "Mrs. Beecher & Mark Twain" Presented By : Jenny Monroe 📖...
June 29, 2025 - Debauchery and Other Hobbies
Service of the Word : Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Debauchery and Other Hobbies " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary...
June 22, 2025 - Lawless
Service of the Word : Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Lawless: At the Start of Another War " Preached By : The Rev. J....
June 15, 2025 - Wise Ass
Service of the Word : Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Wise Ass " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and...
June 8, 2025 - Holy DEI
Service of the Word : Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Holy DEI " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher...
June 1, 2025 - Body Electric
Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Body Electric " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn,...
May 25, 2025 - Apocalyptic Problems
Service of the Word : Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Apocalyptic Problems " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor...
May 11, 2025 - Daily Bread
Service of the Word : Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Daily Bread " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and...
May 18, 2025 - My God
Service of the Word : Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " My God " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher...
May 4, 2025 - Taking Stock
Service of the Word & Sacrament : Sunday,May 4, 2025 at 10 AM Service Theme : "Taking Stock" by Jenny Monroe 📖 Scriptures : John 21:1-19...
April 27, 2025 - Earth Day Sunday Service
Service of the Word : Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : “ The Deniers and the Denied ” PDF Preached By : The Rev. Beth...
April 20, 2025 - Easter Sunday
Easter Service : Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 10 AM Sermon Title : " Claiming the Lynching Tree " Preached By : The Rev. J. Gary Brinn,...
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