First Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ

What First Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ does

First Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ is a private, nonprofit religious organization founded approximately 1865 in Englewood, Colorado (Cherry Hills Village mailing address), operating from a single campus at 3501 S. Colorado Blvd. The congregation operates within the United Church of Christ denomination, which traces a historical record of progressive 'firsts' in American mainline Protestantism. First Plymouth describes itself as Open and Affirming (LGBTQIA+), a Racial Equity Congregation (designation since 2019), and a Creation Justice Church.

The organization's core offering is weekly worship plus a portfolio of pastoral, educational, social-justice, and community-outreach programs. Functional offerings include in-person and YouTube-livestreamed Sunday worship, life ceremonies (baptisms, weddings, memorials), Christian education across age cohorts, mental health support via the FPWISE ministry, and fellowship groups (book clubs, men's/women's fellowships, KnitWits, travel club). Outreach infrastructure includes co-founding the Denver Inner City Parish (DICP) in 1960, which serves approximately 25,000 people annually, alongside partnerships with Family Promise, Habitat for Humanity, Ready to Work, Metro Caring, Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, La Foret Conference and Retreat Center, and others. An advocacy track via the Reduce Gun Violence Committee is credited with helping pass 17 major Colorado gun safety bills and overturn 12 opposing bills.

The revenue model is voluntary contributions: tithes and offerings (weekly/monthly checks, ACH, credit card, text-to-give), annual pledge commitments, and special-event fundraising (e.g., Women's Retreat at $220, DICP Quesadillas for Good fundraiser at $45/ticket, Women's Luncheon at $16). Credit card pledge payments incur a 2.7% processing fee. Technology infrastructure is composed of commodity, non-proprietary tools: ShelbyNext for online donations and member management, YouTube for livestream, Zoom for virtual meetings, and MailChimp for the newsletter. The staff team of 11-50 employees includes Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith (Iliff School of Theology faculty), Associate Minister Rev. Amy Grace Marie, a Director of Music and Technology in Worship, and administrative/communications/facilities roles. Sanctuary capacity is 500 guests; the chapel seats 85-90.

Name

First Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ

Legal name

First Plymouth Congregational Church

Website

https://firstplymouthchurch.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1865

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

First Plymouth Congregational Church UCC is a progressive Christian congregation in Englewood, Colorado offering worship, pastoral care, education, social-justice advocacy, and community outreach programs funded by voluntary tithes, pledges, and donations from members and the Denver community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Services and Community Ministries

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG), Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

Keywords

• Religious worship services
• Pastoral care ministries
• Community outreach programs
• Social justice advocacy
• Christian education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Englewood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tithes and Offerings: Voluntary financial contributions from congregation members made weekly or monthly through check, ACH bank transfer, credit card, or text-to-give. These donations support church operations, community programs, and social justice initiatives.
2. Pledge Payments: Annual pledge commitments from members fulfilled through one-time or recurring ACH or credit card payments. Pledges are made to support the church's annual budget and specific fund designations.
3. Special Event Fundraising: Specific fundraising events such as the Quesadillas for Good DICP fundraiser at $45 per ticket, Women's Retreat at $220 for weekend lodging/programming, and various community event collections.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

First Plymouth Congregational Church provides weekly worship services in-person and via YouTube livestream, pastoral care through the Web of Care ministry, Christian education for all ages, life-cycle ceremonies (baptisms, weddings, memorials), and a broad portfolio of social justice and community outreach programs including gun violence prevention, racial equity work, creation justice/environmental stewardship, immigration advocacy, and mental health support through FP WISE. Worship and most programs are free; the church is funded by voluntary tithes, annual pledges, and event fees.

Product overview

First Plymouth Congregational Church is a religious organization offering worship services, pastoral care, Christian education, community ministries, music and arts programs, and outreach services. The church provides in-person and online (livestream) worship experiences, religious ceremonies (baptisms, weddings, memorials), adult education programs, youth and children's ministries, mental health support (FPWISE), social justice initiatives, fellowship groups, and camp/retreat programs at La Foret Conference and Retreat Center. The church also offers online giving options including general donations, text-to-give, and pledge payments via ACH or credit card.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sunday Worship Services Weekly Sunday worship services at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary with choir, organ, communion, childcare, and Sunday School. Open and free to the public, in-person and via YouTube livestream, for congregants and visitors seeking spiritual community.
• Online Worship Livestream YouTube-based livestream and on-demand recordings of Sunday worship services for individuals unable to attend in person.
• Ceremonies and Sacraments Baptisms, weddings, and memorial services held in the sanctuary (capacity 500) and chapel (capacity 85-90), with pastoral support for members and the broader community.
• Web of Care Pastoral Care Ministry Proactive pastoral outreach ministry connecting congregation members during illness, bereavement, and life transitions.
• FP WISE Mental Health Ministry Mental health awareness and support ministry for congregation members and the broader community, including LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
• Children's Programs and Sunday School Sunday School and faith education programming for children from nursery age through elementary grades, available during worship services and at other scheduled times.
• Youth Group and Youth Camps Youth Group fellowship, faith exploration, service projects, and summer camps (MADD Camp and Youth Camps) for middle and high school youth.
• Adult Education Programs Adult faith formation offerings including Progressive Christianity Class and Bible Basics and Beyond, supporting continuing spiritual education for adult congregants.
• Choirs and Music Ensembles First Plymouth Chancel Choir, Kantorei choral ensemble, and Visual Arts program providing music and arts participation for congregants and the broader community.
• Concerts at First Plymouth Community concert series hosted at the church venue, open to the public as part of the music and arts ministry.
• Reduce Gun Violence Committee Advocacy committee working with Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence to advance gun safety legislation.
• Racial Equity Team Racial equity education, anti-racism resources, and Black History Month observances supporting the church's Racial Equity Congregation designation.
• Creation Justice Ministry Environmental stewardship ministry including LED lighting ($3,800/year savings, 36 tons CO2 reduction), e-waste recycling, composting, and co-hosted Helping Hands Repair Cafe workshops.
• Open and Affirming LGBTQIA+ Ministry LGBTQIA+ affirming ministry supporting individuals and families through pride participation, community events, and dedicated pastoral care.
• Immigration Task Force Immigration justice advocacy and education supporting immigrant community members in the Denver area.
• Outreach Ministry and Community Partnerships Community outreach ministry coordinating Denver Inner City Parish (co-founded 1960), Family Promise hosting, Metro Caring food drives, Ready to Work support, Habitat for Humanity builds, and Angel Tree/Share-the-Plate giving programs.
• La Foret Camps and Retreats Multi-generational camp and retreat programs held at La Foret Conference and Retreat Center near Colorado Springs, including Community Camp, Women's Retreat ($220), Youth Camps, and MADD Camp.
• Fellowship Groups and Clubs Adult fellowship offerings including book clubs (FP Bookies, Between the Lines), Poetry and Prayers, Women's Luncheon ($16/person), Women's Cancer Support, Men's Fellowship, KnitWit Society, The Group, and Travel Memories Club.
• New Member Program Welcome and onboarding program for individuals and families joining the congregation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25,000 people served annually through Denver Inner City Parish partnership
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Denver Inner City Parish (DICP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1960Co-founded by First Plymouth in 1960, DICP is a hands-on location for inner city ministry serving approximately 25,000 people annually. DICP focuses on hunger, education, health and wellness, and community support. Church volunteers teach in schools, provide community resources, staff the food bank, and host over 500 guests at the annual Thanksgiving Dinner.
• The Blue BenchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMetro Denver's only comprehensive sexual assault resource center (non-profit since 1983). Selected as July 2026 Share-the-Plate recipient, receiving congregational donations during worship services. Provides 24-hour hotline, individual and group therapy, medical/legal advocacy, and community education.
• Ready to WorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing employment, housing, and support breaking cycles of homelessness, incarceration, and chronic unemployment with 74% success rate. First Plymouth's Creation Justice team helps feed trainees and provides recycling/composting training.
• Metro CaringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood bank serving Denver for over 50 years. First Plymouth collects canned items at monthly Can Do Sunday food drives and provides monetary donations to support food security programs.
• Family PromisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides rotating weekly homes for unhoused families at 26 churches in Denver and Lakewood. First Plymouth partners with Living Hope Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church to support families five weeks yearly, providing dinners, children's activities, transportation, overnight stays, and breakfast support.
• Habitat for HumanityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Plymouth funds and builds affordable housing for working families through partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
• Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun ViolencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterfaith coalition of more than 50 faith communities working together for gun safety. First Plymouth's Reduce Gun Violence Committee was a founding member and has helped pass 17 major gun safety bills and overturn 12 opposing bills in Colorado.
• La Foret Conference and Retreat CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeloved church retreat center on 400+ wooded acres north of Colorado Springs. Hosts First Plymouth Community Camp, Women's Retreat, Youth Camps, and MADD Camp. Provides space for spiritual growth, community building, and connection with nature.
• Most Precious Blood Catholic ParishminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatholic parish co-hosting the Helping Hands Repair Cafe with First Plymouth and Kirk of Bonnie Brae, UCC to reduce landfill waste and carbon footprint through repair workshops.
• Kirk of Bonnie Brae, UCCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCC congregation co-hosting the Helping Hands Repair Cafe with First Plymouth and Most Precious Blood Catholic Parish for community repair workshops.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church: Progressive mainline Protestant congregation in the Denver metro area offering worship, social justice programming, and community outreach. Directly comparable to First Plymouth as a same-denomination-style progressive church serving a similar Denver-area congregant base.
• Kirk of Bonnie Brae UCC: UCC congregation in Denver that co-hosts the Helping Hands Repair Cafe with First Plymouth. Directly comparable as a same-denomination UCC peer in the same metro collaborating on community programming.
• Park Hill Congregational United Church of Christ: UCC-affiliated congregation in Denver sharing denomination, progressive theological stance, and Open and Affirming designation with First Plymouth. Most directly comparable as a same-denomination peer in the same metro.
• Bethany United Methodist Church: Mainline Protestant church in Denver offering progressive worship and community programs. Comparable as another established, socially engaged mainline congregation serving the Denver area.
• Central Presbyterian Church (Denver): Historic downtown Denver progressive Presbyterian congregation with extensive outreach and social justice programming. Directly comparable as a long-established, progressive mainline church in the same metro.

Broad incumbents

• St. John's Cathedral (Denver): Large Episcopal cathedral in Denver with a long progressive tradition, extensive community outreach, and historic downtown presence. Comparable as another established progressive mainline cathedral-style congregation serving Denver, though Episcopal rather than UCC.
• Temple Emanuel (Denver): Large Reform Jewish congregation in Denver known for progressive social action and community education. Comparable as another established, progressive faith community in the same metro with strong social-justice programming, though different denomination.

Others

• La Foret Conference and Retreat Center: UCC retreat center in Black Forest, CO where First Plymouth hosts camps and retreats. Relevant as an ecosystem/operational partner rather than a competitor; comparable for understanding UCC retreat ministry economics.
• Denver Inner City Parish (DICP): Nonprofit co-founded by First Plymouth in 1960 serving 25,000 people annually across hunger, education, and housing programs. Operational partner/spinoff rather than competitor, but a relevant comparison for nonprofit social-services scale.
• Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence: Interfaith coalition of 50+ faith communities that First Plymouth co-founded for gun-violence prevention advocacy. Ecosystem partner rather than peer, but illustrative of the policy advocacy space the church operates in.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xfacebook.com/firstplymouth
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/firstplymouthdenver
• Facebookfacebook.com/firstplymouth
• Instagraminstagram.com/firstplymouthdenver
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/first-plymouth-congregational-church-united-church-of-christ

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about First Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ