First Congregational Church

First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rapid City, South Dakota, is a welcoming and inclusive congregation rooted in the United Church of Christ tradition. We gather for Sunday services at 9:30 AM, offering a space for people of all beliefs and backgrounds to explore faith together. Our mission emphasizes community service, outreach, and spiritual growth through programs like Bible studies, youth ministries, and interfaith dialogue. Learn more about our beliefs.

First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Rapid City, South Dakota, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1878. We are part of the United Church of Christ and are proud to be an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming people of all faiths, identities, and life experiences. Our mission is to seek, practice, and share Christ’s ministry of inclusive love, justice, and compassion.

Who We Are

We are a diverse community of believers, including those with no religious background, Catholics, Protestant, and spiritual seekers. Our Sunday services are held at 9:30 AM and are live-streamed on our website and Facebook page. After each service, we host a Coffee and Connection hour to foster fellowship and community.

Our Beliefs

We believe in the power of God's love to transform lives and communities. Our beliefs are rooted in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, but we embrace a wide range of interpretations and theological perspectives. We are committed to social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. Read more about our beliefs.

Worship and Community

Our worship style is welcoming and participatory, with a focus on meaningful liturgy, music, and community. We offer a variety of programs for spiritual growth and engagement, including:

• Bible Studies: Weekly sessions like the Kerygma Bible Study on Wednesdays at 11:30 AM.
• Children and Youth Ministry: Age-specific and intergenerational programs to nurture young people in their faith journey.
• Engaging Sacred Texts: A Thursday morning study led by Pastor Erin that explores sacred texts from various traditions.
• Choir and Music: Opportunities to participate in our choir and other music ministries.

Outreach and Mission

We are deeply committed to community service and outreach. Our mission work includes:

• Supporting local and global initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, Church Response, and the Christmas Fund.
• Hosting events like the annual rummage sale and bake sale, which are well-attended and community-focused.
• Partnering with other congregations and organizations to address social justice issues and support marginalized communities.

How to Connect

We welcome visitors and encourage you to join us for a Sunday service or any of our weekly programs. If you have questions or need more information, feel free to contact us or visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming activities.

First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rapid City, SD, offers a welcoming, inclusive environment where visitors can explore faith through participatory worship and community-focused programs. Sunday services at 9:30 AM blend meaningful liturgy with music, followed by a Coffee and Connection hour to foster fellowship. The congregation’s emphasis on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and youth ministries reflects a vibrant, engaged spiritual community rooted in UCC traditions.

Pros

• Welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all backgrounds and beliefs
• Clear Sunday service times at 9:30 AM with live-streaming options
• Robust community outreach through initiatives like Habitat for Humanity and interfaith dialogue
• Children and youth programs to nurture spiritual growth
• Participatory worship style with choir and music ministries
• Accessible facilities including a sanctuary for ~200 and fellowship spaces