It is a landmark. If you’ve ever driven through the Colonial Park area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, you’ve seen it—that distinct architecture of Colonial Park United Church of Christ sitting right there at the corner of Devonshire and Wertzville Roads. It’s one of those buildings that feels like it’s always been there, a steady fixture in a neighborhood that has changed quite a bit over the decades. But churches are weird, right? From the outside, they can look like private clubs or museum pieces. You wonder if you have to dress a certain way or believe a specific set of complex theological checklists just to walk through the door.
Honestly, that’s not really the vibe here.
Colonial Park UCC is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC) denomination, which is famous—or infamous, depending on who you ask—for the slogan, "No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here." It sounds like a marketing tagline. It’s on the banners and the coffee mugs. But at this specific local church in Harrisburg, that progressive identity has to square up with a long history of traditional Pennsylvanian roots. It makes for an interesting mix. You have people who have been members for fifty years sitting next to young families who just moved into a nearby development and are looking for a place that doesn't judge them for their doubts.
The Reality of an "Open and Affirming" Space
Let's talk about the big label: Open and Affirming (ONA). In the UCC world, this isn't just a friendly suggestion. It's a formal designation. Colonial Park United Church of Christ officially voted to become an ONA congregation years ago. This means they are explicitly welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals in the full life of the church—leadership, marriage, everything.
For some people, this is a dealbreaker. For others, it’s the only reason they’d ever set foot in a church again.
What’s interesting is how this plays out in a suburb like Colonial Park. It’s not a radical activist hub; it’s a neighborhood church. You see this reflected in the Sunday morning atmosphere. It’s less about shouting political slogans and more about a quiet, steady commitment to inclusion. They actually mean it. If you show up with a messy background or a family structure that doesn't look like a 1950s sitcom, nobody is going to pull you aside for a "correction."
The theology is "Covenantal." This is a nerdy church word. Basically, it means they aren't bound by a strict, unchanging creed that you have to sign in blood. Instead, they agree to walk together in a relationship with God and each other. It’s flexible. It allows for evolution. It’s perfect for people who have "deconstructed" their faith but still feel a pull toward the teachings of Jesus.
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What Actually Happens on Sunday Morning?
Sunday morning is the heartbeat, obviously. But it’s not a rock concert.
If you are looking for strobe lights, a smoke machine, and a seven-piece band playing radio-style pop songs, you are going to be disappointed. Colonial Park United Church of Christ leans into a more traditional liturgical style, but with a relaxed edge. There is an organ. There are hymns. There is a choir.
However, the "traditional" label can be misleading.
The sermons tend to be intellectually stimulating. You won't get a "fire and brimstone" lecture. Instead, the preaching usually connects ancient biblical texts to contemporary social issues—poverty, justice, mental health, and community building. It’s "Thinking Man’s Christianity." They take the Bible seriously, but not literally. There’s a huge difference there. They look at the historical context, the metaphors, and what the text is actually trying to say to us in 2026.
The Logistics of Visiting
- Parking: There’s a decent-sized lot. You won’t have to fight for a spot like you’re at a downtown stadium.
- Dress Code: It’s "Central PA Casual." You’ll see some older folks in suits and dresses, sure. But you’ll also see plenty of people in jeans and sweaters. Wear what makes you feel like a human being.
- Children: They have a dedicated space for kids. The "Christian Education" wing is a big part of their identity. They try to teach kids about a God who loves them, rather than a God who is constantly watching for them to mess up.
Beyond the Sunday Pew: Community Impact
A church that only exists for an hour on Sunday is basically just a social club with high ceilings. Colonial Park UCC tries to be more than that. They have a long-standing relationship with local food banks and social services in the Harrisburg area.
One of the things people don't realize about this specific congregation is their commitment to the Ecumenical Food Pantry. They don't just write checks; they show up. They handle thousands of pounds of food. It’s gritty work. It’s not glamorous. But it’s where the "social justice" talk actually meets the pavement.
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They also host various community groups. If you walk through the halls on a Tuesday night, you might find a Scout troop, a support group, or a community committee meeting. The building is treated as a community resource. This is a very UCC way of doing things—the idea that the "sacred" isn't just found in the sanctuary, but in the basement where people are helping each other get sober or learn a new skill.
The Struggle is Real: Navigating Change
We have to be honest here. Like almost every "mainline" Protestant church in America, Colonial Park UCC faces challenges. The world is changing. People are less likely to join institutions. The "nones" (people with no religious affiliation) are the fastest-growing group in the country.
So, how does a church like this stay relevant?
They do it by leaning into the "UCC identity" of being a "United and Uniting" church. They aren't trying to be a megachurch. They aren't trying to entertain you. They are trying to provide a space for "radical hospitality." In an era where everything is polarized—where you’re either on one team or the other—a place that says "let's sit down and talk about the hard stuff together" is actually pretty revolutionary.
They deal with the same stuff every family deals with. Aging members, roof leaks, disagreements over the budget. But there is a resilience there. They’ve survived cultural shifts and economic downturns because they have a core group of people who truly believe that the church’s job is to be the "hands and feet" of a compassionate God in the middle of Dauphin County.
The "Green" Church Movement
Something you might not expect: the environmental focus.
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The UCC as a whole has a strong "Creation Justice" mandate. Colonial Park UCC has taken steps to look at their own footprint. Whether it’s upgrading to more efficient lighting or discussing the ethics of climate change from the pulpit, they treat the environment as a moral issue. It’s not just about "saving the planet" in a vague sense; it’s about the belief that if you claim to love the Creator, you probably shouldn't trash the creation.
This attracts a lot of folks who are tired of the "science vs. religion" debate. Here, science is respected. Evolution isn't a dirty word. Climate change is acknowledged as a reality. It’s a place where you don't have to check your brain at the door.
How to Get Involved if You’re "Church-Shy"
If you’ve been burned by religion before, the idea of walking into Colonial Park United Church of Christ might feel a little daunting. That’s fair. Religion has a lot to answer for.
The best way to "test the waters" is usually through their community events rather than a formal service.
- Check out their seasonal festivals or community dinners. It’s low-pressure. You can eat some potato salad and see if the people seem like folks you’d actually want to talk to.
- Watch a service online. Most churches now stream their services. It’s the ultimate "lurker" move, and it’s totally encouraged. You can see the style, hear the music, and listen to the message without any fear of being cornered by a "new member" committee.
- Volunteer at the food pantry. If you want to see the "real" church, go to where they are serving. You’ll learn more about their values in an hour of sorting canned goods than you will in a month of reading their bylaws.
Final Thoughts on the Colonial Park Experience
At the end of the day, Colonial Park United Church of Christ is a community of people trying to figure it out. They aren't perfect. They don't have all the answers. But in a world that feels increasingly lonely and fragmented, they offer a place to belong that doesn't require you to pretend to be someone you're not.
Whether you are a lifelong UCC member moving into the area or someone who hasn't been in a church since your cousin's wedding in 2012, there is a seat for you. It’s a place of quiet contemplation, active service, and a surprisingly loud commitment to making sure everyone—and they really mean everyone—knows they are loved.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Start Time: Services typically start at 10:00 AM, but summer hours or special holidays can shift things. Always check their official website or social media first.
- Find the Entrance: Use the main doors facing the parking lot; that’s where the "Greeters" usually hang out to give you a bulletin and point you toward the restrooms or the sanctuary.
- Sign the Guest Book (Or Don't): They’ll have a way for you to leave your info if you want a follow-up, but there’s no pressure. You can stay anonymous as long as you like.
- Participate in Communion: In the UCC, the communion table is "open." You don't have to be a member of that church, or any church, to participate. If you feel moved to take part, you are welcome. If you want to sit it out, that’s fine too.
- Stay for Coffee: If they are doing a "fellowship hour" after the service, go. That’s where the real networking and storytelling happen. Plus, there are usually cookies.
Ultimately, the best way to understand this community is to experience the "still-speaking God" they talk about so much. It’s the idea that God didn't stop talking 2,000 years ago, but is still revealing truth through art, science, nature, and the person sitting in the pew next to you. It’s a big, messy, beautiful way to look at the world.
Next Steps:
If you're in the Harrisburg area, consider driving by the campus this week just to get your bearings. You can also visit the United Church of Christ national website to read more about the denomination's stances on social justice and theology to see if their broader mission aligns with your personal values. If you're ready to attend, prepare a few questions for the pastor—they generally welcome the dialogue.