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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).
September 6, 2026 - Tough Love
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.
August 30, 2026 - Lost In Translation
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.
August 23, 2026 - The Voice God Gave You
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.
August 2, 2026 - The Pursuit of Happiness
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.
August 9, 2026 - You May Say I’m a Dreamer
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.
August 16, 2026 - The Measles of (Hu)mankind
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.
July 5, 2026 - Freely Not Free
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.
July 26, 2026 - Sin-icism
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.
July 12, 2026 - Joy to the Fishes
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.
July 19, 2026 - Non-Quantum
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.
June 21, 2026 - Fire In My Bones
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.
June 7, 2026 - Pride Sunday - Right Angry
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.
June 14, 2026 - The Rest of the Story
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.
June 28, 2026 - Hungry Gods
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.
May 24, 2026 - Like a Jedi Are You Hrmmm
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.
May 10, 2026 - Paul vs the Philosophers
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.
May 17, 2026 - Dude from Galilee
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.
May 31, 2026 - I contain multitudes
Service of the Word: Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 10 AM Sermon Title: "I contain multitudes" Preached By: The Rev. J. Gary Brinn, Pastor and Teacher of The Park Church 📖 Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 and Matthew 28:16-20 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.
May 3, 2026 - Call Me By My Name
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.
April 2, 2025 - Maundy Thursday
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,
April 12, 2026 - It Often Rhymes
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.
April 19, 2026 - Pan Pan Pan Pan
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.
April 26, 2026 - Earth Day Sunday Service
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
April 5, 2026 - Easter Sunday
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 .
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 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 .
March 15, 2026 - The Lynching Tree
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 .
March 22, 2026 - Miller’s Cornfield
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 .
About Holy Week
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
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 29, 2026 - Palm Sunday
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 .
April 3, 2026 - Good Friday Service
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 .
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 .
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