ABOUT
OUR PASTOR
Rev. Kerstin Weidmann, Pastor
Pastor Kerstin Weidmann, a native of Delmenhorst, Northern Germany, has been living in the U.S. since 1997. She received most of her theological and pastoral education in Germany, finishing her studies with a double degree equivalent to a M.Div. and S.T.M. She served several congregations in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to New York in early 2022.
Pr. Kerstin has been pastor at Old Steeple since October 2024. She brings a passion for worship, preaching, and inter-generational ministry. She a special heart for faith formation for all ages. She loves stories, whether it be the stories of the Bible, or life stories that are shared with her – and she looks forward to hearing your story.
In her spare time, Pastor Kerstin likes to travel, hike, read, sing, and take advantage of the cultural offerings in New York City. Her husband, Rev. Dr. Fred Weidmann, is a pastor himself and serves at the Church in the Gardens (UCC) in Forest Hills, Queens. Between them, Kerstin and Fred have 4 adult children. They also are ‘adoptive parents’ to two cats, Johnny and Aiofe.
OUR VISION
Our vision in the UCC is "United in Christ’s love, a just world for all." We celebrate that vision and honor our covenant to belong to one another in our denomination each time we speak together our UCC Statement of Faith. To learn more about our denomination, United Church of Christ, please go to ucc.org.
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith in the form of a doxology:
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.
Amen.
WHAT WE DO
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
“Our goal is to create a beloved community…”
God's love is made real and God's compassion is shared as we support each other through life's joys, sorrows, celebrations, and challenges. We care for each other through phone calls and visits from our minister and lay visitors. Come join us for worship, special services, or other programs where we share community and care for one another. We are a community where ALL are welcome and celebrated as beautiful reflections of God—all genders, all races, all faiths, all orientations, all backgrounds, all abilities, all ages, all struggles, and all hopes. If you are in need of pastoral care, we please contact the church office, 631-722-3070.
SUNDAY SCHOOL & CONFIRMATION
At Old Steeple, we believe children and youth are foundational to our life as a faith community. Squirmy, giggly, wiggly and all! Cries, laughter, and all other children sounds bring light and love into our congregation. Every Sunday during our morning service, kids pre-k through 5th grade are invited to join our teachers for their Sunday School time after a brief time together in the sanctuary worship space. Together, we explore and wonder about our faith through imagination, play, community service, and prayer. We follow a "safe conduct policy" at Old Steeple. Please call our church office for more information about our offerings for Sunday School and Confirmation for youth.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We feel equally called to reach out locally, nationally, and globally, to those who are not members or friends of Old Steeple Church.
Every year we decide which 12 projects we will support. We also gather non-perishable food for our local food Banks year-round.
Read more about our outreach below.
OUTREACH
Our goal is to share God's kindness and generosity with all whom we encounter. We feel it is an essential part of who we wish to be. We reach out so serve the larger community and beyond. Here are some of our ministries:
-
Maureen’s Haven (feeding the homeless)
-
CWS (Blankets and hygiene kit collections)
-
Habitat for Humanity
-
Yearly Scholarship Programs (for local High School graduates)
-
AA
-
NA
-
Heifer Project International
-
Local and Global Disaster Funding (UCC)
-
Prayer shawls and baby-caps for newborns (Local Hospital)
-
Crop Walk
-
Veteran’s of the Cross
-
Back to School Supplies
-
Local Food Bank support
HISTORY
