We received the following press release from the First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Lowell, MI – First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), a historic progressive church in Lowell, Michigan, proudly welcomes a new pastoral team, an initiative made possible through a partnership with Park Church, a progressive, urban church in downtown Grand Rapids.
Rev. Todd Petty, senior pastor at Park, will also serve as senior minister at First Congregational Church, overseeing new welcoming initiatives. To assist with this partnership, Pastor Jon Propper, newly-hired Minister of Worship and Community Outreach, brings a fresh, lively approach to worship and ministry, with an approachable, down-to-earth style, and a passion for Christian study.
“It’s an honor to pastor this congregation.” said Propper. “First Congregational is a church where fitting in is easy - you come as you are. In a time when church attendance is on decline across the country, they have the courage to say, ‘You are welcome here!’ It’s a message we all need to hear.”
Propper’s ministry background is eclectic, reflecting the inclusive nature of First Congregational Church. A former student rabbi, Propper’s faith journey includes Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism. As a Christian minister, Propper brings that range of experiences to bear, offering a vision of faith that welcomes and affirms all people, regardless of doubts or questions.
First Congregational Church will formally welcome Pastor Jon Propper and his wife, Lindsay, with a Weekend of Welcome, Saturday and Sunday, October 21st and 22nd. On Saturday, at 5:30pm, the church will host a bonfire and grill-out at no cost to the community, as an opportunity to meet the Propper family and learn more about the church. On Sunday, at 9:30am, a worship service of welcome will formally introduce Pastor Jon. All are invited!
“Our connection to Park Church, and the hiring of Pastor Jon, will help us remain a vibrant and open community for all,” said Gretchen Ballema, board member at First Congregational Church. “It’s a home run, and we invite the community to celebrate with us!”
About First Congregational United Church of Christ
First Congregational UCC is a historic progressive church in scenic Lowell, MI. We have fed the mind, body, and spirit for more than 160 years. We are Open & Affirming, a place of welcome for people of all races, cultures, gender identities and sexual orientations!
Those interested in learning more about the church or the pastoral team, can visit the Lowell UCC website.
(Featured image courtesy of Lowell UCC)
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