People of Extravagant Welcome in the Old Southwest
On a quiet stretch of Sunnyside Drive in Reno, Nevada, First Congregational Church of Reno has built its identity around an unmistakable conviction: that the doors of the church should be wide open. Members describe themselves as "people of God's extravagant welcome," an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ that affirms the full participation of every person "regardless of race, ethnic background, economic status, gender, gender identity, age, personal ability, or sexual orientation." The motto could not be clearer: "Jesus didn't turn people away. Neither do we."
Sunday Morning Worship at Ten
Sunday worship gathers at 10:00 a.m., with music woven throughout the service. The Rev. Dr. Kate Lambertson, who has served as pastor since these most recent seasons, preaches and leads a worship that pairs traditional UCC liturgy with contemporary expression. The congregation holds to the conviction that each generation must take responsibility for making the faith its own "in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in the purity of heart before God." Worship is livestreamed each Sunday on the church's YouTube channel, and the recordings remain available for those who cannot attend in person.
A Choir Program Under Ted Owens
Music is a defining feature of life at First Congregational. Dr. Ted Owens directs the choir and brings a deep academic and stage background: Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Oklahoma, and a Doctor of Musical Arts (ABD) with a doctoral minor in ethnomusicology from the University of Arizona. He is also a professor of music at Truckee Meadows Community College and serves as Artistic Director for the Nevada Gay Men's Chorus. Choir rehearsals take place at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings and at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings throughout the program year, which runs from September through Choir Sunday in June. Over the summer, a rotating slate of guest ensembles, instrumentalists, and soloists fills the music slot, and new singers are welcome to join at any point in the year.
A Pastor with Deep UCC Roots
Rev. Dr. Kate Lambertson began her professional ministry in 1988 after earning a B.A. in Sociology and Religious Studies, an M.Div., and a D.Min. focused on intergenerational preaching. Her prior pastorates in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana shaped a ministry that emphasizes outreach, education, and worship that engages every generation. Under her leadership, congregations have launched household goods pantries serving unemployed and underemployed neighbors as well as university students, introduced alternative worship experiences alongside the traditional one, and reshaped confirmation work in ways now adopted by other UCC churches.
Christian Education for Every Age
Saralinda Kiser has served as Director of Christian Education since 2013, working with children, youth, and adults across the church's formation programs. She teaches communication at the University of Nevada, Reno, and brings a background in live theatre to the church's educational and programming life. Children and youth ministries sit at the heart of the week's rhythm, and the Director of Christian Education coordinates the church school and youth group offerings that anchor family life at First Congregational.
Missions and the Household Goods Pantry
Community outreach is a long-standing pillar of the congregation. Most visibly, the church operates a household goods pantry serving unemployed and underemployed residents of the neighborhood as well as university students who often need help setting up a first apartment or maintaining one in a difficult stretch. The Missions and Ministries team coordinates this work alongside other service efforts throughout the year.
A Monthly Newsletter and an Active Calendar
The congregation keeps in step with one another through "News from the Pews," a monthly newsletter, and through a regular calendar of fellowship and growth opportunities that goes beyond Sunday morning. The What's Happening page gathers youth group gatherings, fellowship events, photo galleries from congregational life, and special musical events like the Artown Variety Show. The weekly bulletin and online news keep members informed of what is coming up.
Visiting First Congregational
The church stands at 627 Sunnyside Drive in Reno's 89503 zip code, with the office reachable at (775) 747-1414 and by email at Office@renofirstcongregational.org. Worship is in English. Those who wish to support the congregation's ministries can do so online through the church's Realm giving page. Visitors who arrive on a Sunday morning will find a warm, musically rich, theologically progressive community grounded in the UCC tradition and committed to making room for everyone.