With a robust thrift shop, preschool and food pantry, this deep-rooted United Church of Christ (UCC) parish is heavily focused on the community -- both here and abroad. First Congregational's pastor, The Reverend Dr. John Clarke describes his UCC brethren as "Evangelical Liberals" and with that frame of mind he and his parish work to mend social ills. The church sponsors an orphanage in Zambia, and on the homefront has a youth ministry and music programs.