Trinity Reformed UCC

Our first preacher was Rev. John Philip Boehm, the founder of the Reformed Church in America, who traveled to Pottstown to form a German Reformed Congregation. Our original church lot was a gift by Pottstown founder John Potts in 1769. We joined the United Church of Christ in it’s formation in 1957.

We are a small church of believers who are passionately committed to living out the Bible’s call to care for those in need. Trinity’s Mission Statement is “Listen to God, Live By Faith, Love All People,” and we use that statement to guide all of our endeavors. We strive to be a community of extravagant welcome. We believe that each person we come in contact with is a beloved child of God, and we seek, with the help of God, to see and treat each person as such.

What must I do to become a member?

To be a member of Trinity Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ, you can join in one of the methods listed below. All ways of joining the church include standing before the congregation and stating or re-stating baptismal vows:

Letter of Transfer: Baptized persons active in another UCC church can transfer their membership to Trinity without having to take the full three-week membership class. Baptized persons transferring from other denominations are still encouraged to take the three weeks of membership classes to help them assimilate to the new denomination. Letters of transfer must be received in the church office one week before the service.
Reaffirmation of Faith: Baptized persons who are not actively involved in a church can join by reaffirmation of faith. To join in this manner, you should be an active participant in the life of the church, including worship and education programs, for at least three months before joining. You must also attend a membership class with the Pastor and Elders, with classes being offered on an “as needed” basis.
Baptism: In the United Church of Christ we recognize One Baptism in Christ and do not ask persons who have been baptized in other denominations to be rebaptized. If you have not been baptized, in addition to the three membership classes, you will have one private interview with the pastor to explore the meaning of baptism.

How often do you celebrate Holy Communion?

We celebrate Holy Communion the first Sunday of every month at our morning service. We also celebrate communion on special occasions, such as Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday.

Who may take communion?

We view communion as Christ’s table, not ours. All are welcome.

Do you use wine or grape juice?

Both. Wine is in the outer circles of the tray. Grape juice is in the center ring for those who’d prefer it.

What must I do to have my child baptized?

We believe that baptism is a grace-filled gift from God, not a human good work, and as such it is not our intent to deny baptism to any child. However, we also feel that it is important that parents and our members of our congregation understand the serious nature and commitment of taking baptismal vows and vows of sponsorship. So, generally, to have a child baptized, one or both parents must be an active member in the church. The parent(s) must meet with a pastor to discuss the vows of baptism and their plans for fulfilling their vows with their child.

The questions and vows of baptism are as follows:

Do you desire to have your child baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ?
Will you encourage this child to renounce the powers of evil and to receive the freedom of new life in Christ?
Will you teach this child that s/he may be led to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
Do you promise by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciple, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able?
Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow with this child in the Christian faith, to help this child to be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ, by celebrating Christ’s presence, by furthering Christ’s mission in all the world and by offering the nurture of the Christian church so that s/he may affirm her/his baptism?
Do you believe in God? Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
Except in emergency situations, baptisms in the United Church of Christ occur during worship before the congregation, who take vows along with parents and sponsors to rear the child in the Christian faith.

Do you baptize older children and adults?

Yes. The vows of baptism for older children and adults are very similar to the ones listed above, but directed at the individual rather than at the parents. Meetings similar to what take place for membership and infant baptism are required.

We are interested in having our wedding at Trinity. What do we need to do, and what are the costs associated?

If you are a church member or the child of a church member, you should contact the church office to tell us your wedding details. It is important you get your wedding date on the calendar as soon as it is decided so that other events and weddings aren’t planned for the time you want.

If you are a non-member searching for a church home, you should plan to attend worship or another activity to decide if this is where you want your church membership. Non-member weddings require approval so as not to conflict with church functions. Costs are nominal for church members. The pastor will provide you with a current fee schedule at your first counseling session.