First United

Church of Arvada

We Are an Open and Affirming Church

Who We Are

First United Church of Arvada (FUCA) is a United Church of Chirst (UCC) congregation that was founded in 1961. FUCA members are bound together by a Covenant of Intention modeled after the 1929 Salem Church Covenant. It reads:

"Seeking unity in the fellowship of Christ’s church and confessing our need for the continuing guidance of the Holy Spirit, we covenant with God and with one another to walk together in God’s ways, known or to be made known, whatever this shall demand of us."

What We Believe

The UCC, and FUCA, acknowledges Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior, as its sole head. There is unity in our fellowship and diversity in our beliefs, adding to the richness and strength of our life together.

We uphold strongly the worth and dignity of all individuals, whether or not they are members of FUCA.

In January, 2007, the congregation voted to emphasize this by becoming an Open and Affirming Congregation of the UCC. We are a group of God’s people empowered by the Holy Spirit in our worship, work, and witness in the community and the world.

Our Mission

First United Church of Arvada teaches and lives the Word of God in the community and in the world, reaching out with friendly hospitality to members, friends and visitors, welcoming all persons to worship and ministry.

A Belief in the Strength of Community

Life in today’s world has become so isolated for so many. Until we know true community, we don't always realize what we have been missing. First United Church of Arvada is such a community — a community of faith, where all fit in and feel welcome. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, we invite you to come and worship with us.

Our Pastor, Karin Kilpatric

Karin Kilpatric has been serving in ministry at First United Church of Arvada since 1999. She is a 1985 graduate of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She also has a Master of Arts Degree in Speech Communications from Webster University. Karin has had an "ecumenical" church history. She was raised in the Presbyterian Church, educated in a Methodist seminary, ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and now serves in the United Church of Christ. Prior to parish ministry, she worked as a hospital chaplain, campus minister, youth minister, and college instructor.

She is married to Dr. Steven Bennett, a professor at Regis University. They live in Boulder, Colorado, with their two daughters, Eliza and Sophia.

Here are a few representative sermons given by Karin:

United Church of Christ

The United Church of Christ (UCC) is the result of the 1957 merger of the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

In the UCC, the local church is the basic unit. Each congregation is autonomous, meaning it decides for itself how it will minister to its people, the community, and the world. A person becomes a member of the UCC by joining a local UCC congregation, like First United Church of Arvada.

To learn more about the tenets and origins of the United Church of Christ denomination, click here. To learn more about the United Church of Christ in the Rocky Mountains, click here.

Our History

In August 1961, a small group of worshippers met in the Grange Hall at the corner of 72nd Street and Simms in Arvada. Thirty-two adults and eighteen children met for services in September of that year. The organizing group contracted with Robinson Lapp (that courageous minister on the frontlines in Selma, Alabama) to become its first minister in December 1961. A church Covenant was adopted and then seventy-two members were received into the United Church of Christ in 1963.

From that time the Church has actively participated in community and social issues. Several dedicated pastors have shared and guided this focus, including: Robinson Lapp (1962-1967), Robert Kinsey (1967-1971), James Koob (1971-2000), Jack Wieczorek (2000-2006) and Karin Kilpatric (2000-Present). Pastor Karin has served as Director of Family Ministry, Co-Minister and now as sole Minister.

The Church continues to be a welcoming congregation of varied ages. Our membership now exceeds 150 people.

Our Staff

Please click here for information about our church staff.