WHO WE ARE
AT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
OUR FAITH IS 2,000 YEARS OLD. OUR THINKING IS NOT.
We believe in God's continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE ON LIFE'S JOURNEY, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
NEVER PLACE A PERIOD WHERE GOD HAS PLACED A COMMA.
We believe the church's mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
The Bible
The Bible is God’s inspired Word to all people. It was written by human authors who experienced God in their culture and circumstances at the time, and selected by others later to be placed and shared accordingly in the Bible.
WHAT IS OUR RESPONSE TO GOOD NEWS?
We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth's resources. 'To believe is to care; to care is to do.'
As head of the church, Jesus reminds us that we are his partners in ministry to bring about God's realm here on earth "as it is in heaven."
- - We believe that each person is unique and valuable.It is the will of God thatevery person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.
We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.
We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God, engendering love, strengthening faith, dissolving guilt, and giving life purpose and direction.
We believe that all of the baptized 'belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.' No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life's journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith.
We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ's table for the sacrament of Communion.
We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. "That they may all be one." (John 17:21) The UCC has no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures. Its overarching creed is love. UCC pastors and teachers are known for their commitment to excellence in theological preparation, interpretation of the scripture and justice advocacy. Even so, love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest assets.
We believe that the UCC is called to be a prophetic church. As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.
We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.
We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear ... for after all, God is still speaking, ...
Taken from the UCC website(ucc.org/ "about-us__what-we-believe.")
United
The United Church of Christ was once several church bodies, now joined together. In freedom, congregations support each other in the work of Christ through denominational structures.
Uniting
Our goal as a United Church of Christ is to be joined together in one church on earth with all who share allegiance to Christ.
We take an active role in:
-promoting cooperation between churches and denominations
-bringing people everywhere together in the name of Christ
-building sacramental and missional partnerships with other denonminations and churches.