300th Anniversary Celebrations
of the First Communion of the
German Reformed Church in America
This year we will celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the German Reformed Church in the United States which began with the first communion at Falkner Swamp, October 15, 1725. This celebration of our immigrant heritage is particularly meaningful and instructive given the current conversations about immigration happening around the nation.
A history strong in its roots and its capacity to evolve within God’s unfolding creation leads us into an uncertain future by God’s certain presence. This is something to celebrate!
Flyer for Anniversary Celebrations
Below is information on the different events taking place.
Historic ONLINE Presentations being held at 7:00 pm via zoom:
May 27th – An Immigration Story: How we got to where we are w/ Rev. Rick Taylor
Rev. Rick Taylor will be our presenter for the first of our historic online presentations for the 300th Anniversary Celebrations! Rev. Taylor will speak on how German individuals found their way to European colonies, in America, in the 1700’s.
For the powerpoint on this presentation, click here.
Script – An Immigration Story with Richard H. Taylor
June 24th – A Living Theology: Thinking about God in the Reformed tradition w/ Rev. Dr. Lee Barrett
Dr. Barrett explores the theological heritage of the German Reformed Church—a tradition shaped by deep reverence for God’s sovereignty and a commitment to the ongoing reform of the church. This presentation traces the theological contours of the tradition, highlighting key figures and concepts. Designed for both scholars and laypeople, this presentation invites participants into a deeper appreciation of a tradition where theology is not merely believed but lived—in worship, in community, and in the world.
For recorded version: Regrettably the recording of this event failed.
September 25th – United and Uniting: How the UCC Makes Room for German Reformed and Armenian Evangelical Christians w/ Rev. Dr. Heather Ohaneson
Rev. Dr. Heather Ohaneson examines how the United Church of Christ embodies a bold theological vision: unity that honors diversity. This lecture explores how two distinct communities—the historically rooted German Reformed tradition and the diasporic, resilient Armenian Evangelical tradition—have found belonging within the United Church of Christ.
For free registration, click here.
October 28th- A Lasting Legacy: Gifts of the Reformed Tradition to the emerging church w/ Dr. Randall Zachman
Dr. Zachman examines what are the unique gifts that the Reformed theological tradition can offer to the church going into the future? Two of its most important gifts are the focus on the free self-giving goodness of God, and the central role of gratitude in the lives of the faithful. The Reformed tradition insists that God is not only the giver of every good thing, but is also the one who freely gives Godself to us, so that “God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28). Our lives should therefore express gratitude not only for the abundant gifts God freely gives us, but for the gift of God’s very self to us. This is a powerful message and gift we can share as the church moving forward.
For free registration, click here.
Worship Services:
On Sunday, October 12th all PA Conferences will come together for an event at Falkner Swamp Reformed UCC. Guest preacher for this event will be our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson.
For more information about this event click here.
On Wednesday, October 15th the four PA Conferences will hold individual events within their own boundaries:
PCC will hold their event at Colonial Park UCC. It will be livestreamed. The link to the livestream can be found here . To register for in-person attendance, click here.
PNEC will be holding their event at UCC Greenawalds. It will be a hybrid service. Registration info will be forthcoming.
PSEC will be holding their event at Wentz’s UCC. It will be a hybrid service. Registration for both online and in-person attendance will open soon.
Info for PWC will be holding their event at St. John’s Harrolds UCC, 103 St. John’s Church Rd., Greensburg PA 15601
