Scarsdale Congregational Church

Introduction (continued)

Our name more than hints at our identity. We are Congregationalists--that is to say, as a congregation we govern ourselves. We call our clergy, set our own budget and determine all major issues affecting our corporate life. In essence, we bear the responsibility for ourselves as a Church.

What is true for us as a congregation is also true for us as individuals. Each of us is free to bear the responsibility for our own faith. We are united by covenant rather than creed. We agree to join in a journey of faith. This journey does not require that we all be at the same place, nor that we all think the same things, but rather that we desire to find our way before God, individually and collectively. We covenant with each other to be neighbors to our neighbors, and to be a community of grace to each other and to the world.

Though as Congregationalists we are committed to self-governance and the autonomy of each congregation, we are also active members in The United Church of Christ. The United Church of Christ is a young, Protestant denomination resulting from the 1957 merger of the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical & Reformed Churches. Thus, we are part of a denomination committed to ecumenical exchange, cooperation and union.

How We Got Here

As Congregationalists, we go back to the English dissenters who would become the Pilgrims of New England. The independent spirit of our congregational ancestors is still a vital part of who we are today. Some of our historical landmarks include:

Ordaining the first woman minister in 1853;
Leading the pre-Civil War abolitionist movement and establishing the "Underground Railroad";
Founding Harvard, Yale, Smith and Oberlin (the first co-ed college in the United States).

Our own congregation was founded in 1895 as the Arthur Manor Union Sunday School Association, subsequently organized as a branch of the White Plains Congregational Church. Our first church, known as The Little Stone Church, was built in 1904 where the Parish House currently stands. In 1924, the congregation voted to form the Scarsdale Congregational Church as an independent church. Our present sanctuary was completed in 1951. In 1961, we became a member of The United Church of Christ.

Worship

Sunday morning worship begins at 10:30 AM, (July and August at 10:00 AM). Communion is offered six times a year. Childcare for children three and under is available in the lower Parish House for the entire service September through June. Additionally, closed circuit broadcast of the service is offered in a room below the sanctuary for parents who prefer to tend to young children during services. After worship, Coffee Hour offers fellowship for all.

Church School

We offer formal religious education for children ages four through eighth grade. Children begin worship with their families. During the school year, children four years old through seventh grade leave for classes in the Parish House after "The Time with Children". The Church School curriculum is Bible-based and is designed to creatively present stories of our faith. Special music opportunities are included. Our Confirmation Class is for 8th graders and is taught by the Senior Minister. Through discussions, Bible study and special events, students have the opportunity to focus their religious beliefs while gaining a wider view of the role of religion in our culture.

Adult Education

Throughout the year, series and individual events on various topics, including Bible study, are offered for adults to learn and enhance their faith. These small group settings are open to all without sign-up.

Ministry of Music

Our Chancel Choir provides outstanding sacred choral music for Sunday services from September through May. Rehearsals are on Thursdays evenings. Interested adults should call the Minister of Music, John Schuder, to schedule an interview/ audition.

Weekday Nursery School

Non-sectarian morning classes are offered for 2, 3 and 4-year olds, in addition to an afternoon Music & Arts program for 3 and 4-year olds. The school's curriculum, which stresses the development of the whole child, draws a multi-national student body. For more information, call the Director at (914) 723-2440.

Community Outreach, Pastoral Assistance and Parish Life

Three committees, staffed by Church members, help us to connect with each other & our community. The Community Outreach committee seeks to demonstrate our faith in the community and the world by contributing to charitable causes and responding to social inequity with financial support and volunteer service. The Pastoral Assistance committee works with the clergy to provide support in the form of visits, notes, and calls to individuals within the Church community who are sick or in need of company. The Parish Life committee sponsors intergenerational fellowship opportunities such as Sunday Coffee Hour, picnics, special events and holiday activities.

The Guild

The Guild is a women's group which offers fellowship, education, and an opportunity for service to the Church and the wider community. Luncheon programs are offered on second Tuesdays. Members also organize and run quarterly clothing sales, participate in the Scarsdale- Hartsdale Interfaith Council, and in the November all-Church FAIR.

Women's Retreats

Once in winter, once in summer, women of the fellowship gather for an intergenerational "get-away" weekend retreat. All are welcome. Announcements with details of time, program, cost and location appear in several Bulletin Newsletters before each retreat.

Youth Action Committee

The Youth Action Committee (YAC) is made up of high school students who are interested in volunteering their time for community service projects. The group is advised and facilitated by SCC Associate Minister Fran Grenley. Organized in the fall of 2004, the YAC has participated in the salvation Army's "Wish Upon a Star" program, which provides toys at christmas for needy children. They also took part in the "Souper Bowl Service Blitz" on the Saturday before Souper Bowl Sunday. The "Blitz" is a day on which youth groups nation-wide donate their time to projects that address the problem of hunger among the needy. The YAC held a "Bake-a-thon" in the kitchen of the Parish House, turning out dozens of chocalate chip cookies which will be served at Open Arms food program. The YAC also coordinated and participated in a Midnight Run to distribute clothing and food to the homeless of New York City.

Senior Youth Fellowship "SYF"

The SYF is an interfaith peer support and enrichment group for all ninth to twelfth graders that meets Sunday nights throughout the school year. Weekend retreats, outings, and community service makes SYF one of the most beneficial groups for teens in the community.

Chancel Players

The Chancel Players is an informal community theatre group that, on occasion, provides opportunity for people to participate in various theatrical entertainments. Scenes and readings are also used as part of our worship. The group is open to anyone with an interest in theatre.