ABOUT US
Linfield Church can be traced as far back as 1862 with the gift of land from Jefferson March. This was the seed of our growth. The actual building of the chapel took place during the summer of 1878 under the name Limerick Station Union Chapel. Then, on July 6, 1891, the church was incorporated as the Linfield Reformed Church, reflecting the change in name of the town. We remained the Reformed Church until June 1934, when the Reformed and Evangelical churches merged. This union remained in effect for 23 years until, in June of 1957, the Evangelical and Reformed Church merged with the Congregational Christian Church to become what is now known as the United Church of Christ. The church building has grown to accommodate an expanding congregation. These changes included a church school extension in 1940 to house a growing Sunday School. In 1958 the sanctuary was expanded, and Christian Education rooms were added. The illuminated steeple and large stained-glass window were part of this expansion project. In 1969 a two-story addition was completed to provide additional educational space, replacing the "church house" which was torn down. We take pride in maintaining the church property with improvement projects on a yearly basis.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR
OUR FAITH
Drawn together by the Holy Spirit, we are a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church, joining faith and action. In covenant with the church in all its settings, we serve God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world as made manifest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"That they may all be one."
John 17:21
OUR COMMUNITY
We are a small faith community with BIG hearts. Our welcoming and faithful congregation has embarked on a journey to minister within the community and ourselves. The members of Linfield UCC are a community of followers of Jesus Christ. We seek growth in our faith through worship, mission, education, fellowship, and loving service to others.
February is a month that often calls us to reflect on love. Valentine’s Day, with its hearts, cards, and chocolates, reminds us to express our affection for those we hold dear. But did you know that the history of St. Valentine points to a love far greater than romance? Tradition tells us St. Valentine showed selfless love through acts of kindness, healing, and sacrifice—serving others even at great personal cost.
This connection brings to mind the concept of the "Five Love Languages," introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman. These love languages—words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch—are ways we give and receive love. As a church, we express love in many ways, but in February, I want to highlight acts of service, which aligns beautifully with Random Acts of Kindness Month.
Jesus himself taught us that love is active. He said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another" (John 13:35). Love in action is at the heart of who we are as followers of Christ. Acts of service, no matter how small, have a unique way of spreading God’s love—whether it’s offering a helping hand, brightening someone’s day with a kind gesture, or simply being present for those who need support.
Thinking of love as service reminds me of the beloved children’s book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. In the story, the tree continually gives of itself—its fruit, branches, and trunk—to support the boy it loves. It’s a profound illustration of selfless love and service, though it also challenges us to reflect on how we love in return. Are we showing gratitude? Are we learning to give as freely as we receive?
As we move through February, let’s take a lesson from The Giving Tree. What does it look like to serve one another with joy? Maybe it’s reaching out to someone who’s lonely, sharing a meal, or simply listening with an open heart. Like the tree, we are called to give—but unlike the story, our giving isn’t meant to deplete us. When we serve out of love, we find our spirits renewed, our relationships deepened, and God’s presence more fully known.
May our acts of kindness and service reflect the abundant love God has shown us.
Wishing you a February filled with love,
Pastor Caroline