On Sunday, October 4th, 2026, New Covenant United Church of Christ will celebrate 50 years of faith, welcome, and service in Williamsport. The anniversary worship service will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the church, located at 202 E. Third St. The celebration will honor the congregation’s history while affirming the mission that has guided it for five decades; “To reach out in service to this community and the world.”

New Covenant was formed on October 3, 1976, when two historic Williamsport congregations, St. John’s United Church of Christ and Immanuel United Church of Christ, came together. The uniting service began at St. John’s, at the corner of Packer and Ross streets. Worshipers then transitioned to Immanuel at 202 E. Third St., the home of the new combined congregation. There, the service continued as the two churches entered into a “New Covenant” with one another.

Both predecessor churches brought long traditions of ministry and community involvement to the new church. One notable expression of that commitment began in 1958, when a member of Immanuel established the Harry Plankenhorn Foundation. Since then, the foundation has donated millions of dollars to support people who are visually impaired, young people, neighbors in need, and nonprofit capital improvement projects throughout Lycoming County.

That history helped shape the covenant adopted in 1976 and remains central to the congregation today. Over the years, New Covenant has responded to community needs during emergencies, participated annually in mission and service projects, opened its doors to nonprofit organizations and community groups, and hosted public programs and worship services. Its members have sought to make the church not only a place of worship, but also a dependable partner for neighbors across the region.

In 2007, New Covenant expanded that work by opening the Journey House Transitional Housing Program. For nearly 20 years, Journey House has helped Lycoming County families experiencing homelessness move toward stability and self-sufficiency. The program reflects the congregation’s belief that faith is expressed through practical help, sustained relationships, and respect for the dignity of every person.

New Covenant has also taken public steps to define its welcome and values. In 2015, members voted to become an Open and Affirming congregation. In doing so, the church declared, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” The congregation further affirmed that all people are welcomed for who they are and who God made them to be.

Two years later, in 2017, the congregation voted to become a Creation Justice church, promising to do all it can to be a good steward of God’s creation. Together, these commitments to inclusion, environmental responsibility, service, and spiritual life illustrate how New Covenant has continued to interpret its founding mission in response to changing community needs.

The 50th anniversary offers members and friends an opportunity to remember the people who built the congregation, celebrate the ministries that have grown from their vision, and look ahead to the work still to come. The story of New Covenant is rooted in a literal walk from one church building to another, but its deeper meaning lies in the decision to move forward together. That spirit of shared purpose has sustained the congregation through five decades of worship, outreach, and change.

In addition to the October 4th anniversary service, New Covenant has scheduled events and mission projects throughout the anniversary year. Through these activities, the congregation hopes to recognize its past while inviting the wider community to participate in its continuing ministries.

Community members, former members, and friends of the church are invited to attend the 50th anniversary worship service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, October 4th, 2026, at New Covenant United Church of Christ, 202 E. Third St., Williamsport. For more information about the anniversary, programs or ministries, contact the church office or the Rev. Brad Walmer, or visit the congregation’s website, Facebook page, or YouTube channel.