The Family at First Congregational
The word most used to describe our church is family. As a multi generational church family, our heart is to see everyone, young and old, growing together on this faith journey of following Christ.
Just as Christ made God known, so we exist to make Christ known wherever we go. We are broken people living in a broken world looking to Christ for healing.
Because we have been changed by this good news, we desire to help others to also find their hope in our only hope, the risen Christ. We want to be a place where people can connect in community and find healing in Christ.
“Pull up a pew and make yourself at home.”
Leadership Teams
We are all called to a ministry of service, to be the church as witnesses of Christ wherever we go. Out of this congregation, a few teams have been selected to lead and serve our church family.
Layne A Mershimer, Pastor.
Brendon Thomas, Assistant Pastor.
Deborah Mershimer, Worship Leader
The Deacons are called to model servant leadership in both acts of service and spiritual leadership.
- Bob Hanington
- Joel Beasley
- Russ Goodwin
- Martha Martin
- Tracey Heil
- Balys Vaitiekuniene
The Trustees have been given responsibility to oversee the finances and facilities of our church to ensure that our stewardship honors God.
- Rich Weismer
- Marc Ehle
- Don Amidon
- Larry Martin
Christian Education (CE) is critical to the life and faith of every Christian community. This team serves our children ages pre-K through 5th grade. Including Sunday School and Kids Club.
- Sharon Thomas, Chair
- Nicole Woody
- Jess Wismer
- Deb Johnson
- Mary Alstede
- Sue Rae
Our History
Our story began in 1740 when dedicated Christ-followers, seeking religious freedom, joined to together in community to worship the risen Savior. We see our amazing heritage as a foundation upon which we embrace our responsibility to proclaim Christ so future generations may come to know the life-changing grace of God. We join Christians down through the ages who faithfully teach and fully embrace the Word of God and the God of the Word. As you read about our church, know that our main hope is for you to get connected with Jesus. We are excited about what is happening at FCCC and would love for you to be a part of this community.
Layne A. Mershimer, Senior Pastor
Hello. I would love to chat with you someday over a cup of coffee, but until then, let me tell you a little about myself to get the conversation started.
I grew up in western Pennsylvania in a pastor’s home as the youngest of four children. I accepted God’s invitation to work in full-time pastoral ministry at the age of 22. To train for this calling, I attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and Dallas Theological Seminary.
Throughout the years, I have been blessed to meet some great people while working at different places of ministry from Louisiana to Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, and now New Jersey.
The ministry emphasis God has given me is gospel-centered and grace-focused. I want people to know that God loves them beyond measure and that our only hope in this life and for the next is to place our trust in the resurrected Jesus.
God has blessed me with an amazing family. My wife Deborah and I met when we were 18 and got married at 21. We have four boys – Titus, Garrett, Landon, and Ethan. One of of the most important members of our family is our fearless garbage-lovin’ GoldenDoodle, Winston.
I love any Pittsburgh sports teams and will probably spend way too much time talking with you about them. I enjoy in-depth conversations, playing sports, working with wood, and spending time in God’s creation.
My favorite TV show has always been Seinfeld. My favorite books beside the Bible are Les Miserable by Victor Hugo and anything by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, especially Crime and Punishment. A new convicting favorite is Just Mercy by Bryan Stephenson. My favorite movie has to be The Rookie as it was the last movie I watched with my father before he died.
I’d like to invite you to join us at FCCC in an ongoing conversation we are having with our Creator. We formally meet on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am, but we also meet in Christian community throughout the week. Come live life with us.
Give me a call. I’d love to meet you.
In His Grace,
Rev. Layne A Mershimer
lmershimer@fccofchester.org
908-879-5322
