Discover Your Place to Grow, Serve, and Belong.
At First United Refuge Church, we believe every person has a purpose and every gift can be used to make a difference. Our ministries exist to help individuals grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, serve others, and participate in God's work of transforming lives and communities.
Whether you are looking for worship opportunities, family support, community service, wellness programs, or leadership development, there is a place for you here. We invite you to explore our ministries and find where God is calling you to connect, serve, and grow.
The Worship Ministry helps create meaningful worship experiences that inspire faith, encourage spiritual growth, and glorify God.
Our goal is to help people encounter God through worship, prayer, and Scripture.
Prayer is the foundation of our ministry. The Prayer Ministry supports individuals and families through:
We believe prayer changes lives and strengthens communities.
Healthy families create healthy communities. Our Family Ministry provides opportunities for:
We are committed to helping families thrive spiritually, emotionally, and socially.
The Youth Ministry equips young people with faith, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. Programs focus on:
Our goal is to help young people become confident leaders and compassionate servants.
Faith becomes meaningful when it is put into action. The Outreach Ministry focuses on:
We are committed to meeting practical needs while sharing hope and compassion.
We believe God cares about every aspect of life. The Community Wellness Ministry supports:
Through education, outreach, and partnerships, we seek to improve quality of life throughout our community.
Behavioral health challenges affect individuals, families, and entire communities. This ministry focuses on:
We seek to reduce stigma and promote healing, hope, and resilience.
Volunteers are essential to our mission. Volunteer opportunities include:
Everyone has gifts that can be used to serve others.
Administered through the Translational Population Health Research Center, this ministry connects faith, research, and community improvement. Areas of focus include:
Our mission is to transform knowledge into action and action into impact.
We are committed to helping older adults remain healthy, connected, and engaged. Programs focus on:
Every stage of life has value and purpose.
Health is influenced by more than healthcare. Social prescribing connects individuals to resources and activities that improve well being, including:
We believe connection is a powerful pathway to healing.
Strong communities require strong leaders. This ministry provides opportunities for:
We seek to equip individuals to lead with integrity, compassion, and vision.
First United Refuge Church is committed to helping build a stronger future for Elmira and the Southern Tier. This initiative focuses on:
We believe communities can thrive when people work together toward a shared vision.
Whether you are called to worship, prayer, outreach, mentoring, research, wellness, or community service, there is a place for you at First United Refuge Church.
Join us as we build healthier people, stronger families, and thriving communities through faith, hope, and service.
We would love to help you discover where your gifts can make the greatest difference in our community.