about the congregational church of east sumner
The Congregational Church of East Sumner was established in 1802, holding its first meetings in the Increase Robinson house when Sumner was a young town. The present building was built in 1883 when the congregation moved from Sumner Hill to the East Sumner village. As a congregational church, the church has been community focused and led while being part of the wider Congregational Movement and, today, the United Church of Christ. For over 200 years this church has sought to proclaim the Gospel and witness to God in our midst. Congregational churches have a rich tradition dating to the Reformation and played a critical role in the development of the New England colonies. While many years have passed since then, the Congregational Church of East Sumner continues to be a place where the community gathers for worship, fellowship and other activities. We seek to worship and glorify God while also lifting up each other and our community.
Today the congregation is comprised not only of long time Congregationalists, but others from many other traditions. While each of us has his or her own relationship with God, corporate worship in church is important as we seek to continue on those individual faith journeys. We join together to continue the former traditions and to start new ones as the church continues in its third century of service to God and the community.
The church offers worship, study, fellowship and service opportunities. Each Sunday following worship we have a period of fellowship in the Vestry. Following Sunday fellowship there is a study from the day’s Scripture readings and sermon. An evening study is conducted on Sundays at 6:30PM.
We hold community suppers on the 1st Saturday evening of each month. During the year the church has an annual pie sale, annual Harvest Day and Spring Sales, summer beanhole campfires and suppers, and many other community and church activities.
The church is centered on Christ and worship. In addition, we take seriously our role as parish church to be the church home for families, and to provide activities and support to the community.
