Know Us

"My family moved five times in nine years, and every time, my parents found the nearest Congregational or UCC church for the five of us kids. I get it now — that was their way of finding community. Eventually I wandered into a Sunday service at Old First and what I found was a community that shared my values, where Love First wasn't just a phrase but an action."

As Socialists who seek to connect our faith with our politics, We believe that churches should have a positive impact on the community. Old First’s commitment to service and justice drew us in. We both come from different church backgrounds, but Old First’s openness and hospitality has made us feel welcome and at home.

I moved to Philly for college in 2005 (go Owls!). Church didn't seem so important while in undergrad, but I wanted a church home after graduation and starting my first job in 2010.   My home church in Massachusetts was also a UCC church, so Old First quickly felt like the right community to join. I’m passionate about higher education, championing women's rights, crossing the finish line in races, discovering delicious new places to eat, and traveling the world with my favorite person—my husband!

A former Catholic, I never changed what I believed, but found in the UCC a church that allowed me the freedom to be me. I enjoy traveling anywhere, especially out of the way places. I am an avid knitter, gardener, and grandma. Being involved in politics of all sorts is a large part of my life.

People are often surprised -- can't believe -- I am a minister. That's a compliment to me (it means I'm not SO stodgy!). Honored to be the pastor at Old First -- the third congregation I have served, but the first one where I can be most easily myself. Thanks for letting me be me, and your pastor.

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.

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.