About Faith United Church of Christ
A small congregation with a wide-open door — rooted in scripture, shaped by tradition, and convinced that God’s love is for everyone. Gathering in Hazleton for more than 130 years.
A small church with a wide-open door.
Faith United Church of Christ has gathered in Hazleton for more than a century. We are a congregation rooted in scripture, shaped by tradition, and convinced that God’s love is for everyone — no exceptions.
Open Hearts
We practice an extravagant welcome — believing that every person is made in God’s image and deserves to be embraced without condition. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. That means regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, economic circumstance, or faith background — there is a place for you at Faith United Church of Christ.
Open Hands
Faith without works is incomplete. We serve the Hazleton community through food drives, outreach partnerships, clothing giveaways, and acts of kindness that meet real needs. Our hands reach outward — to our neighbors next door and across town — because we believe the gospel is lived out in love, not just spoken from a pulpit.
Open Minds
We take the Bible seriously — but not always literally. Faith United Church of Christ is a place where questions are encouraged, doubt is not a dirty word, and the life of the mind matters just as much as the life of the spirit. We explore scripture through the lens of tradition, reason, and experience, and we believe God is still speaking in ways that challenge and expand our understanding.
“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
Four churches, one faith, one community.
In 1997, four United Church of Christ congregations in Hazleton came together with one dream: to be one church, united in faith, rooted in community, and open to all.
A Dream Takes Shape
The four congregations — St. Paul's and Christ Memorial in West Hazleton, and Grace and Emmanuel's in Hazleton — began talking about coming together. Early conversations failed, but each discussion laid the groundwork for what was to come.
The Inter-Church Board
Representatives from all four congregations formed the Inter-Church Board to plan joint services, shared youth programs, Vacation Bible School, and senior socials. Rev. Jane Hess and Rev. George Bahner were hired as transitional pastors to guide the process.
Four Become One
All four congregations voted to consolidate at a joint worship service on December 4, 1997. The charter for the new church was opened, marking the official beginning of Faith United Church of Christ.
A New Beginning
The charter closed on March 3, 1998. A new consistory was elected, a Constitution and By-Laws were adopted, and the congregation began worshipping together in one location, rotating between the four existing buildings.
A New Home
The congregation sold its four former properties, purchased land, and secured a loan to build a new church home. Faith United Church of Christ moved into its current building at 21 Faith Drive in February 2001.
Still Gathering, Still Serving
More than 25 years after our consolidation, Faith United Church of Christ continues to worship, serve, and grow in Hazleton. We remain rooted in our four traditions and committed to welcoming everyone into a community of faith.
Faith that thinks, loves that acts.
As part of the United Church of Christ, our faith is shaped by centuries of Christian tradition while remaining open to where God is leading us next. Here are the convictions that ground our life together.
God Is Still Speaking
We believe the Holy Spirit did not retire when the last book of the Bible was written. God continues to speak through scripture, tradition, reason, and experience — calling us toward greater love, deeper justice, and wider welcome. The comma, not the period, is our favorite punctuation mark: ‘Never place a period where God has placed a comma.’
Priesthood of All Believers
Every member is a minister. We don’t reserve spiritual authority for clergy alone — each person brings unique gifts to the life of the church, and every voice matters in discerning God’s direction for our congregation.
Justice & Compassion
Faith and justice go hand in hand. We are called to speak up for the marginalized, care for the earth, pursue peace, and work toward a world where all people can flourish. Our faith compels us beyond the sanctuary walls.
Unity in Diversity
The UCC is a united and uniting church — we celebrate theological diversity and refuse to let differences divide us. You don’t have to check your brain at the door, and you don’t have to agree on everything to belong. In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
Extravagant Welcome
Jesus turned no one away — and neither do we. Faith United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation, meaning we publicly welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ people into the full life and leadership of the church. Everyone has a seat at the table.
Covenantal Community
We are bound together not by creeds or doctrinal checklists, but by covenant — a sacred promise to walk together, care for one another, and hold each other accountable in love. Our life together reflects God’s love made visible.
Come as you are. You belong here.
There’s a seat waiting for you every Sunday at 10 AM. No dress code, no expectations — just come and see. We’d love to meet you.