A Legacy of Mission and Ministry
Today, Friedens Church is a member of the United Church of Christ.
The United Church of Christ (UCC) embraces the motto “that we may all be one” (John 17), reflecting Christ’s teaching of unity among all peoples. While UCC churches encompass a variety of traditions, they primarily identify as “one in Christ.”
Friedens German Reformed congregation was organized in 1753 and in the earliest of days met in peoples home. Friedens was founded by German immigrants and “Friedens” means peace in German.
With a shared heritage, German-speaking Lutheran and Reformed neighbors united to build a shared sanctuary in church. These two groups laid the foundation stone for their Union Church, the current building, on Pentecost, May 23, 1858.
Since 1957, Friedens has been a member of the United Church of Christ.
A Shared Heritage
Friedens Union Church was a partnership of St. John's Lutheran and Friedens German Reformed congregations. For almost 100 years, these two congregations shared the same building, alternating Sunday worship, sharing in mission and education.
In 1957, the Lutheran congregation built their own church on Main Street in Sumneytown.
A Brief History of the United Church of Christ
Founded in 1957, the United Church of Christ is the joining and merging of five strands of Protestant history. The Evangelical and Reformed Church, the Congregational Christian Churches and the Afro-Christian Convention united on June 25, 1957 to form the United Church of Christ.
The Evangelical & Reformed Church was formed by a previous 1934 merging of the German Evangelical Church and the German Reformed Church denominations. The Congregational Church was formed by a previous 1931 merging of the Congregational Church and the Christian Church denominations.
The United Church of Christ is an old denomination in the sense that the German Reformed Church began in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s, with the first German Reformed pastor being John Philip Boehm. The Congregational Church began in 1620 as the denomination that formed from the landing of the Pilgrims and the Puritans in Massachusetts. Both of these were of the “Reformed Theological Tradition”, as part of the Protestant Reformation which formally began in 1567.
A Source of Christian Nurturing
For over 270 years, Friedens Sumneytown has served as a source of Christian nurturing, dedicated to preaching, teaching, and living the gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, service, and fellowship.
Outreach & Service
Engaging in Mission Work
Commitment to Service
Our Mission team embarked on a trip to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, in September 2023 for a week of volunteer service. We are already planning a return trip in 2024. Additionally, we have previously assisted in preparing and serving meals for the needy at Trinity UCC in Pottstown and at the First Monday Community Meal in Pennsburg.
Worship & Music
A Cornerstone of Our Community
Worship stands as the cornerstone of our faith community at Friedens United Church of Christ. It serves as the foundation for all other activities, bringing us together before God to offer praise and thanksgiving, share in the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism, and receive all of God’s grace in Christ.
Enriching Worship Through Music
Our worship services are enriched by the contributions of our Adult Choir and intergenerational Bell Choir. These musical ensembles regularly enhance our worship experience, adding depth and beauty to our gatherings.
Faith Formation
- Vacation Bible School Book Group
- Study Group with St. John's
- Worship Series
- PSEC Conference Offerings
Our Leadership
Consistory President, Alec Hoffman
Alec Hoffman serves as our Consistory President, providing leadership and guidance to our congregation.
Organist & Choir Director, Gia Padfield
Gia Padfield enriches our worship experience as our Organist and Choir Director, guiding our musical expressions of faith.
Rev. Stephanie Anne Thompson Pastor
Rev. Stephanie Anne Thompson leads our congregation with compassion and wisdom, guiding our spiritual journey.
Connect With Us
For any questions or to contribute to our mission endeavors at Friedens United Church of Christ, please reach out at (215) 234-4941. Get in touch today!
Our "Missions R Us" Team is actively involved in fundraising and organizing mission trips and activities, both locally and globally. For over 20 years, we have sponsored and participated in several impactful trips, including visits to Haiti, New Orleans, the Back Bay Mission in Mississippi, Heifer Project International, and Re-Member on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.