Welcome!
This page will tell you everything you need to know about visiting us this Sunday!
Who are we?
We are Inviting, Dynamic, Friendly, Intentional, Interactive, Welcoming, Relevant, Educational, Fun, Uplifting, Proactive, Inclusive, Christ-centered, and more…
We are Forks United Church of Christ! You are welcome here!
What are our services like?
Services at Forks UCC are a perfect blend of both Traditional and Contemporary style worship. We come together every Sunday to watch, listen, respond, pray, and sing. Our services are always filled with music from the pipes of our organ, the pianos and guitars of our Worship Band, and the bells and chimes of our Bell Choir. All of this takes place inside our beautiful church building, a landmark along Sullivan Trail since 1812.
Where are we?
Forks UCC is located at 4500 Sullivan Trail, Stockertown, PA 18083
Too far? Visit us from anywhere online.
When are our services?
Worship services at Forks are every Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Our services typically last 1 - 1.5 hours.
Find times for our special worship services on our Worship Page.
What programs do we have for kids?
We have many ministries available for children and youth! For kids age 3-6th grade, Sunday School is offered for them every Sunday morning during the school year shortly after the start of our 10am Worship service. In our program, they will learn Bible stories, make crafts, play games, participate in various mission work, and, most importantly, have fun!
Forms will be available at our front doors to check your children into Sunday School, or you can fill out our online registration form. Find the form and more information on our Sunday School Page.
We also have a nursery stocked with toys and a changing table for parents to take their young children into during worship if needed.
We have an active Youth Group for all youth in grades 7+ and Confirmation Class offered for youth in grades 7 & 8. We have a Children’s Youth Group for kids up to grade 6, too!
Learn more about our programs on our Youth and Adult ministry pages.
Where to park?
We have several parking spots in front of the church and in the parking lot to the right of the church. When entering the parking lot, please enter from the entrance farthest right, as indicated in the image.
Handicapped parking spots are available near the church’s side entrance with a ramp. We also have an elevator available for accessing our Fellowship Hall downstairs.
Come On In!
When you first walk through our doors, our greeters will greet you (with a smile!) and can answer any questions you may have.
If you have any children with you, our greeters will offer you a form to check them into Sunday School if you would like them to join in on the fun!
When you are ready, come on into the sanctuary and find an open seat!
What to Expect During Worship
This is a list of things that typically occur during our Sunday Worship Service.
Find a copy of this week’s bulletin on our Home Page near the top.
Prayer
Prayer is an important time in our services and a staple of building a relationship with God. Our services begin and end with prayer. Prayers heard during a typical Sunday service include the prayer of invocation, prayer of confession, prayers of the people, the Lord’s Prayer, and prayer of dedication.
At the Prayers of the People portion of our service, we invite you to share aloud the names of people or places in need of prayer, these names may also be submitted online on our Prayer Requests page along with a list of prayers and concerns within our congregation.
Hymns, Songs, and Anthems
The singing of songs and hymns is important to us at Forks UCC. We sing traditional and familiar Christian hymns together at our services, many of which are played on our historic pipe organ. We also sing Contemporary-style songs with our Worship Band in most services.
A typical Sunday service at Forks contains at least one anthem or other type of special music. Anthems at Forks are usually traditional hymns sung by our choir, played by our bell choir, or contemporary-style anthems played on guitar or piano by our Worship Band.
Children’s Message
This is the time of the service when your children can come to the front of the sanctuary and receive a message from Pastor Laura based on the scripture being taught in the service, but in a way that they will relate to and understand. After the Pastor’s message, your children can join the other children in Sunday School. To learn more about Sunday School, click here.
Passing of the Peace
At this part of our service, we share a sign of the peace of Jesus Christ with one another. We then all join in singing “My Peace“.
Offering
At this time in the service, we offer gifts to the church, dedicating them to the work of God. Donations received are greatly appreciated from all who are able.
Giving can be done by cash, check, or online.
Monetary donations are not the only way you can support our mission. Learn more on our Outreach page.
Scripture Readings
A typical Sunday Service will have 2-3 scripture readings. Someone will read these short passages aloud from the Bible at the lectern.
Pastor’s Message
This is the part of the service where Pastor Laura delivers a sermon. Sermons are typically 10-15 minutes long and relate the scripture to our lives today.
Communion and Baptism
The sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month. All are permitted to partake at Forks UCC– we invite all who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of God’s people to join us at Christ’s table.
The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at Forks UCC as they are requested. Please reach out if you desire to have your child or yourself baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ.
After the Service
When our Worship service is over, meet Pastor Laura at the back of the sanctuary as everyone moves into the Social Hall in the next room over for our Coffee Social Hour (coffee hour is only in the fall and winter months).
Join us for coffee, cookies, and fellowship.
We also frequently have Fellowship Events after Worship, check our Events page to see when the next one is!
What else do we have to offer?
We’re not just here on Sunday mornings, there’s always something going on at Forks UCC! Check out our Events page to see what events are coming up that you can attend or volunteer to help at.
We also have many Community Outreach Opportunities that occur throughout the year, so check the Events page for any ways you can help by volunteering to help those in need in our local community.
Also, check out our Children/Youth and Adult programs that you or your children can join and become a part of such as Youth Group, Sunday School, Bible School, and more.
