Company Profile
JupiterFIRST Church
Company Overview
JupiterFIRST Church is committed to fostering a community that is welcoming in the love of God and neighbor while bursting at the seams with joy and grace. We care about one thing more than anything else, Jesus Christ. As a family of individuals who have found hope in Jesus, we are on a journey to help others walk in step with Him.
As an inter-generational church, we are growing in spirit and numbers. JupiterFIRST serves as the most theologically and socially progressive church in the community and is an open and accepting congregation embracing every expression of the faith journey.
JupiterFIRST Church’s DNA is the United Church of Christ. As a member of this larger Body of Christ, we stand strong in our faith and our convictions that ALL are unique, unrepeatable, miracles of God. Wherever you are, whoever you are, however you are, you’ll always be accepted as part of our family. Period.
Our Mission: To be a community called to: Embrace all as beloved images of God, Love and serve in all the ways of Jesus, Joyfully participate in God’s dream for all creation, All through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
Company History
JupiterFIRST Church was started in 1983 by Rev. Ned and Lynn Barnes as a plant of the United Church of Christ. They imagined a church that welcomed individuals and families of all types. A church that didn’t just use the word “welcoming” but actually was welcoming—where everyone had a seat at the table regardless of personal history, sexual identity, family status, or ethnic background.
Rev. Dr. Barry Johnson served as Senior Pastor for 25 years until his retirement. Alongside him was David Cowen, Minister of Music and Worship leading the congregation each Sunday in meaningful and joyful worship. His unique way of weaving traditional and contemporary, old hymns and rock & roll has given our church a broad and blended experience reaching across all generations.