Old First United Church of Christ

Be The Church With Us

Our church is the people who fill it. Join us, our doors are always open...

Regulars

Already a member? Check out What’s Up to find everything you need to know about the regular goings on at the church.

Volunteers

We have dedicated ourselves to building relationships and standing in solidarity with people in need. All people are welcome to serve with us.

Newbies

Learn a bit about what we’re about, hangout with us for coffee or brunch in the neighborhood. New faces always welcome.

Sundays at Old First UCC

coffee, bagels, worship, Sunday School, meet-ups, What to Expect

Sunday Schedules

Meet Our Community

Come and experience the love at Old First.

Moved to Philadelphia after high school to work for the denomination's national church offices. Have served as Old First's financial secretary.

Gerry

Old Firster since 1974, Lives in Germantown

I'm cradle UCC, but I thought confirmation was a vaccination. Immune to further exposure, I stayed away from church for 30 years. When I moved to Philly, I discovered Old First, though I wasn't especially looking for a church. Maybe I was looking for a community, and that's what I found. We do...
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I'm cradle UCC, but I thought confirmation was a vaccination. Immune to further exposure, I stayed away from church for 30 years. When I moved to Philly, I discovered Old First, though I wasn't especially looking for a church. Maybe I was looking for a community, and that's what I found. We don't ask you to stop thinking here. We value your questions and doubts. My faith has grown in this varied, talented, dedicated, hospitable, funny, caring--and occasionally exasperating--congregation.

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Margaret

Old Firster since 1989, Lives in Germantown

I'm a "lapsed" Baptist, and eternally grateful to God & Old First pastor emerita Geneva Butz who led me to this, my chosen family and especially quixotic, unique congregation.

Rochelle

Old Firster since 1984, Lives in Wynnefield Heights

Cradle Catholic. My wife and I came to Old First with our then 1 yr old daughter. I am the director of a wonderful preschool in center city called Kids on 12th and love it! I also like to write, play guitar and am a movie buff.

Julius

Old Firster since 2006, Lives in Northern Liberties

Lionel Messi is proof of God's greatness. Ya, ok - my lovely wife and kids too. Umm, trees? yes, holy cow (oops!), and the whales. yes, all 'em creatures.

Bula

Old Firster since 2009, Lives in Old City

Between managing a small independent pharmacy in Elkins Park and helping out with my grandkids, I stay pretty busy. My two cats keep me company when I'm home. Old First helps me keep things in proper perspective and stay sane.

Darla

Old Firster since 2012, Lives in Fishtown

We moved to Philly in 2024 to be closer to our two adult daughters. We have always been passionate about putting our faith into action through volunteering at various organizations that focus on food insecurity, clothing, affordable housing, social justice and LGBTQ+ programs. We were fortunat...
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We moved to Philly in 2024 to be closer to our two adult daughters. We have always been passionate about putting our faith into action through volunteering at various organizations that focus on food insecurity, clothing, affordable housing, social justice and LGBTQ+ programs. We were fortunate enough to find Old First UCC, where those with a strong faith and a servant heart can put God’s calling into action.

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Todd and Lisa

Old Firsters since 2024, Live in Queen Village

"I have no family here in Philadelphia so if it wasn’t for this church I would be all alone. Since 2015 this place has been my church family. I’m very blessed."

Toni

Old Firster since 2015, Lives in Francisville

I garden, sing in the shower (occasionally) and have been UCC forever (except for a couple short departures!). Faith means a lot to me. It holds the world together and gives life purpose. It is a huge gift from God.

Bob

Old Firster since 1995, Lives in Newville, PA

I am the school nurse at McCall Elementary - the Philadelphia public school that serves Old First's neighborhood. My father was a UCC pastor, so you could say I was born and bred UCC! I value the welcome, inclusiveness, and hospitality of the UCC and Old First. Love First!

Bobbie

Old Firster Since 1996, Lives in Penn's Landing

Get to Know US

Rev. Michael Caine

Pastor & Teacher

Michael’s gift to Old First is his unwavering conviction that participating in a church can have a powerful impact on your personal life. He helps us envision new ways to be faithful members of Christ’s church, within the context of our numerous roles in our families, communities, nation and world.

Have a coffee with pastor Michael. He’s happy to come to you, no matter where you are on life’s journey.

Meet Michael

What's Going On

Stay up to date with all of the fun things we do at Old First

Be The Church With Us

Regulars

Volunteers

Newbies

Sundays at Old First UCC

coffee, bagels, worship, Sunday School, meet-ups, What to Expect

Meet Our Community

Rev. Michael Caine

Meet Our Community

What's Going On

Upcoming Events

PROGRESS IN THE YARD

PRAYER SHAWL MEETINGS OCT. 12 AND OCT. 19 ON ZOOM

SAYING THANKS TO BILL

Be The Church With Us

Regulars

Volunteers

Newbies

Sundays at Old First UCC

coffee, bagels, worship, Sunday School, meet-ups, What to Expect

Meet Our Community

Rev. Michael Caine

Meet Our Community

Meet the congregation at Old First...

What's Going On

Upcoming Events

PROGRESS IN THE YARD

PRAYER SHAWL MEETINGS OCT. 12 AND OCT. 19 ON ZOOM

SAYING THANKS TO BILL