Led by the Holy Spirit, we pray that we will exemplify Christian faith in our community as we welcome all into the wholeness of God’s love. We are called to live our vision, “living in God’s love together.” Led by the Holy Spirit and the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves to inclusiveness. We extend our welcome to persons of every race; ethnicity; age; gender; sexual orientation - including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons - every physical and mental ability; economic and marital status; and faith background. We affirm our commitment by extending the rights, privileges, sacraments, duties, and obligations of church membership to all.
We, the United Church of Christ East Goshen, believe in a world that nurtures faith and spirituality. We believe in a world that betters the human spirit thus creating joy, happiness and wellness. We yearn to live in a community that embraces interconnectedness and diversity and that fosters safety, security, and trust. We value our youth, social justice, and the sharing of resources. We sustain our natural environment and it sustains us. All people are called to meaningul work that fulfills our being. This is our dream for the world - the world we believe God intends.
We are the people of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to share in love and compassion the gospel message. We choose to reach out to individuals and families in the West Chester area and beyond who are seeking a caring church community. We choose to witness Christ's love through worship, education, fellowship, mission, and community involvement. Together with God's help, we will grow in faith and service.
We believe in the triune God: Creator, resurrected Christ, who is the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.
We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth's resources. "To believe is to care; to care is to do."
We believe that the UCC is called to be a prophetic church. As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.
We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.
We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations, and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear ... for after all, God is still speaking.
We offer the gift of baptism to anyone who asks.
We share communion monthly - on the first Sunday - at an open table for seeking believers.
We administer the rites of marriage, confirmation, and Christian burial.
Please contact Pastor Jocelyn to discuss any of the above.
Since 1957, 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. Together, we live out our faith in ways that effect change in our communities. The UCC's many "firsts" mean that we have inherited a tradition of acting upon the demands of our faith. When we read in Galatians: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus"—a demand is made upon us. And so we were the first predominantly white denomination to ordain an African-American, the first to ordain a woman, the first to ordain an openly gay man, and the first mainline Protestant church to affirm the right of same-gender couples to marry. We were in the forefront of the anti-slavery movement and the Civil Rights movement. Our response to the demands of our faith is woven into the history of our country.
This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, inviting those who come not because they must, but because they may.
We advocate justice for all. Our congregation extends hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love.
Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
We embrace the words of Gracie Allen as a reminder that God is not done with us - as individuals, as a congregation, as a denomination, as Christians - YET.
Why? Because God is still speaking,
Rev. Homer Royer
Bridge Pastor
Our Bridge Pastor, the Rev Homer E Royer, Jr, (he/him/his) comes to us at an important time in the life of United Church of Christ East Goshen. Recently retired after a career of over 30 years at five United Church of Christ churches, he is graduate of West Chester University (History and Religious Studies), Penn State (Business), and Lancaster Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree. Hailing originally from Chester County, he is also a graduate of the Hill School in Pottstown. His hobbies include history, travel, and spending time with family.
Pastor Homer lives in East Greenville, Montgomery County, with his wife Susan. Susan is the director of Grace Notes Piano Studio, Organist at Shenkel United Church of Christ in North Coventry, and co-founded and co-leads the Make Music Upper Perk music festival every year on June 21st. Homer and Susan have three children and nine grandchildren, eight in Berks county, and one in Germany.
Rev Royer looks forward to engaging the mission and people of God with the Congregation of United Church of Christ East Goshen!
Lindsay Woessner
Music Director
Lindsay Woessner completed her Music Degree in Piano Performance at West Chester University, with minors in music history and organ. Following her studies at West Chester, Lindsay entered the field of arts administration as a coordinator at the New York Summer Music Festival, as an intern in the performing arts department at Longwood Gardens, and as the Program Director for Musicopia. After completing her Master's in Arts Administration at Drexel University, Lindsay began teaching piano at a local music school and opened her own music school called Mosaic Music Lessons in Phoenixville, which just celebrated its 10th year in business.
Over the years Lindsay has broadened her music education, pursuing lessons and coursework in vocal pedagogy, guitar, and ukulele. Lindsay also completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher training in 2020 to help her students bring mindful awareness to their musical studies, and is currently working to complete a 300 hour training, as well as a certificate in Yoga Therapy. Lindsay recently joined Episcopal Academy as the middle school choir director, school accompanist, and chapel organist.
Lindsay's greatest joy is her family. Lindsay lives in Chester Springs with her husband, two children, two dogs, two cats, and a small flock of chickens.
United Church of Christ East Goshen is overseen by a volunteer Church Council elected each year by the members of the church.
Church Council meets the third Monday of each month.
President
Vice President
Corporate Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Financial Co-Secretaries (not a council position)
Building & Grounds Committee
Congregational Life Committee
Worship Committee
Spiritual Life