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. 
 
Worship 
Sunday worship at 9 a.m.
 Children’s Sunday School during the worship
The Sacrament of Holy Communion celebrated on the first Sunday of each month, and other times during the year
Other services on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday 

Study 
 Evening study on Sundays.
 Confirmation Class on Sundays during the school year
 Special educational events from time to time during the year

Fellowship and community activities
Fellowship Hour  each Sunday following worship, with coffee, tea and light refreshments 
Community suppers on the first Saturday evening of each month 
Annual Labor Day pie sale
Annual Spring Sale 
​Annual Harvest Day Sale
Beanhole bean suppers, summer BBQ, and many other community and church activities

Outreach 
Host visiting youth during the summer
UCC’s Pilgrim Lodge youth camps each summer
Youth Hiking Camp for grades 6 - 12 in July
Sumner Food Bank housed in the church




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.