ABOUT US
Coral Isles Church is a dynamic, vibrant community of faith where every Sunday we welcome everyone by saying, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
We are an open and affirming congregation to all no matter age, ability, gender or sexual orientation, or faith perspective to be part of our life and leadership in any capacity those who worship with us choose.
​
We hold worship at 10 am on Sundays and strive to be faithful and spiritual but informal and welcoming of all ages and even of pets!
​
We believe that God is still speaking, revealing truth and love in fresh ways to each generation and we are committed to a serious and informed approach to understanding Scripture. We believe in the unconditional love shown us in Jesus Christ and we seek to model our church and our everyday lives on him.
​
We are a mission-driven church working for justice and peace for all God’s people. Join us as we feed the hungry, care for those in need, strive for environmental justice, and work for peace.
OUR WORSHIP
Our worship is informal and a celebration of God’s love. Casual keys dress is welcome and so are pets!
All are invited to stay for lunch and fellowship.
OUR LIFE TOGETHER
While worship is at the center of our church life, we are always developing our Christian faith and creating community by having fun along the way.
OUR MISSIONS
We are committed to ministries of love, compassion and social justice.
Rev. Dr. Bruce Havens
Pastor
Email:
Our Pastor, Bruce Havens is a graduate of Furman University, and has his Master of Divinity from Harvard University, and a Doctorate from Eden Theological Seminary. Bruce and his wife Tammy came to Coral Isles after he had served as Pastor at Arlington Congregational Church in Jacksonville, Florida for the past 22 years. Tammy retired as a public school 6th grade Language Arts teacher in January 2021. Bruce had previously served churches in North Carolina, Virginia and in Florida. Bruce and Tammy are proud parents of three grown children, Allen, Caroline and John. Bruce and Tammy always dreamed of living in the Keys and are excited that God’s calling has led them to Coral Isles Church.
OUR HISTORY
Our first worship service was held in the Cinemorada movie theater Sept. 30, 1962 with supply pastors serving the church.
Our first regular pastor, Rev. William V. North, former pastor at 1st Congregational Church of Guilford, Ct, began his ministry on March 10, 1963.
Our main building dedicated in 1966 with wings in 1974 and the cultural center in 1979.
MISSIONS
We are committed to ministries of love, compassion and justice. These are just some of the ongoing missions and programs we offer. ​
Open & Affirming
We welcome everyone to participate fully in the life of the church – regardless of race, age, ethnicity, marital status, family structure, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, education, physical or mental ability, addictions, socio-economic status, or faith background.
​
WISE
We are Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in the Mental Health of the community and the wider world. We host suicide prevention training for the community and encouraged Monroe County to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month.
Hunger Relief
We feed the hungry in our community by supporting the Burton Memorial and Coral Shores High School Food Pantries. We also prepare and serve a free, community dinner monthly at God’s Kitchen.
Environmental Justice
We care for creation by participating in beach clean-ups and educational events such as Plastic Free July. We advocate for environmental justice issues on the federal, state and local level.
​
Wider Missions
We support national and international missions through participation in United Church of Christ programs such as Neighbors in Need and One Great Hour of Sharing.
​
Community Outreach
We use our building to support community organizations including Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys, MARC, Healthy Start, and Florida Keys Outreach Coalition.
​
OUR LIFE TOGETHER
Children’s Education
​
We welcome children of all ages to be part of Coral Isles Church and our worship service. We are prepared each Sunday for a safe, age-appropriate and meaningful time for children to experience and learn about God's love.
Adult Education
​
We hold frequent study groups to introduce, explore, develop and nurture Christian knowledge and faith as well as its incorporation of such into our daily lives.
Fellowship
Lunch is freely offered to all after Church on Sunday. We also have frequent events to celebrate being a community that likes and cares for each other.
Music
Our worship music team practices on Thursday evenings. Let Pastor Bruce know if you would like to join. Make a joyful noise with Coral Isles Church!