First Congregational Church of Winter Park is a New England style congregational church. Our church is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC). We are an Open and Affirming Church meaning all are welcome. No matter your age, race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic you are welcome here. You can learn more about the United Church of Christ in our FAQ section on the UCC below.

FCCWP is proud to be a home for our LGBT+ community as well as all of those who, for whatever reason, have felt alienated or cast out of Church. The history of Congregationalism is one of many "firsts", not the least of which is the ordination of the first openly gay pastor in 1972 when Rev. William R. Johnson was ordained in the Golden Gate Association in California. Ever since then, the United Church of Christ has stood for equality and affirmation of those within the LGBT community. “Open and Affirming”, as defined by the UCC, is “a designation for congregations, campus ministries, and other bodies in the UCC which make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.” The process of becoming “O and A” is up to the local church, and FCCWP is proud to be part of the family of local UCC churches around the nation that not only welcome, but authentically affirm the lives of our LGBT+ community and welcome their presence in our pews, our lay leadership and our pulpits. ​ FCCWP’s own Open and Affirming statement was adopted on November 21, 2010 and states: “We are a community of Extravagant Welcome. We welcome and embrace with affirmation persons of every age, race, culture, religious background, political affiliation, economic and social status, physical and mental ability, gender, marital status, and family structure. Therefore, in this spirit, we of First Congregational Church of Winter Park, United Church of Christ, declare ourselves an Open and Affirming congregation welcoming and embracing with affirmation persons of every sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression into the full life, membership, leadership, employment and ministry of this church.” For more information on Open and Affirming, visit The UCC Open and Affirming page.

There is a wheelchair accessible ramp at the side entrance adjacent to New England Avenue. We also have an elevator for access to Faith and Fellowship Discussions and other activities held on the 2nd floor. Please let us know if you have other needs and how we can best help make your visit a safe and enjoyable experience.

Absolutely not! We are a church of enthusiastic welcome! All are welcome here regardless of race, creed, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or any other characteristic you may imagine. All are welcome with no caveats or exclusions. Should you choose to join our church you can learn more on the Join Us page.

First Congregational Church of Winter Park holds many events for church members and the general public who wish to attend. We are a church of enthusiastic welcome! You can find more information about church events on our events page. You may also find information about specific schedules of church business on our calendar page.

Yes! We would love to partner with you on your special day. For more information check out our Weddings page.

The United Church of Christ is an inclusive and diverse community of Christians connected by faith that calls us to build a just world for all. Our ministries advocate at a national and global level, but our roots are planted firmly in our local churches in communities like yours. A Church of Extravagant Welcome, Seeking a Just and Peaceful World For over 400 years, the United Church of Christ has been the church of firsts, weaving God’s message of hope and extravagant welcome with action for justice and peace. We are a church where Jesus the healer meets Jesus the revolutionary, and where together, we grow a just and peaceful world. Our history is filled with ways our faith and call for justice have effected change in our communities, and our response to the demands of our faith is woven into the history of our country.

These statements were overwhelmingly affirmed by the UCC Board of Directors at their fall business meeting, October 20-22, 2016. Purpose Statement (from the Gospel of Matthew): To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. Vision Statement: United in Christ’s love, a just world for all. Mission statement: United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.

You can visit the official website of the United Church of Christ by visiting: https://www.ucc.org