The First Congregational Church in Stoneham Is Designated an Open and Affirming by the United Church of Christ

The members of the First Congregational Church in Stoneham recently voted by an overwhelming majority to become a designated Open and Affirming  (ONA) Church by the United Church of Christ.

ONA is the designation for congregations in the United Church of Christ that have made a formal and public declaration that they welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people fully into the church’s life, leadership and ministry. Churches become ONA to send a clear message that God’s extravagant welcome is for all people and that this particular church is a safe place for the LGBT community.

“While our official welcoming statement has always joyously communicated that everyone is welcome at First Church, we wanted to strengthen that message to let the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community know that we are a safe, inviting and accepting place to worship,” explained Meredith Allen, pastor at First Church in Stoneham. 

Services at the First Congregational Church in Stoneham are at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday, One Church Street, in Stoneham.  For more information about First Church please call (781) 438-0097 or visit, www.firstchurchstoneham.org.

About the First Congregational Church in Stoneham

The First Congregational Church in Stoneham was chartered in 1725. At that time, the town and the church were one entity, leading the political, social and religious life of its 300 citizens.  Today, the Church continues its active role in the Stoneham community and surrounding towns serving countless families through all life events. The Church also offers a well-regarded nursery school for pre-school children and a host of other services for individuals and families in need, including its food pantry and weekly community dinners through an interfaith program.