OUR CHURCH

The First Congregational Church of Verona was founded in 1896 and has sought to bring the love of God to Verona and the surrounding communities since that time.  We believe that everyone is welcome in God's eyes, and we seek to welcome and include everyone in our fellowship.  In 2014, we became an Open and Affirming Congregation, welcoming all persons of every race, culture, age, gender, socio-economic status, physical or mental ability, marital status, faith, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression. We practice open communion.  We believe that whoever you are, or where ever you are in life's journey, you're welcome here.

The First Congregational Church of Verona is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ.  We participate actively in New Jersey Association, Central Atlantic Conference and national events and programs. 

From its start, the congregation has been community-minded.  In 1920,  the Troop 2 Boy Scouts of America charter was issued with church sponsorship.  That same troop is with us today – its membership grown from that first group of Scouts to include Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and a Venture Crew.  In 1966, we started the first nursery school in Verona, and the church still houses a nursery school, Robin's Nest II, which is separately owned.  Additionally, an after care program began in 2001 and expanded in 2006 to become BASES, the Verona Before and After School Enrichment for Students program that is now our comprehensive childcare program for children from kindergarten through sixth grade. One hallmark of the program is its flexibility and personal attention, accommodating parents’ work schedules, school early dismissal days and other needs.

Our congregation's reach goes beyond the community, however.  We regularly hold food collections as well as collections for Church World Service disaster and other kits.  Recently, we helped a Liberian seeking asylum be reunited with his family.  We are a founding member of Bridge of Faith, a project that aids schoold, orphanages, and other social service groups in Awka, Nigeria, and collect goods and hold African craft sales to raise funds.

We care for the environment, as well.  Bridge of Faith is a frequent vendor of items made from recycled materials at Green events, such as the Highlands Festival at Waterloo and other environmental fairs, selling crafts made from recycled materials.