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,
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith in the form of a doxology
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil,to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.
Amen.
What We Believe
We believe in the triune God: Creator resurrected Christ, the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.
We believe that each person is unique and valuable. It is the will of God that every person belongs 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.’ Regardless of who you are, where you are in life, or your race, gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, class, or beliefs, we are all part of a global community connected to God. Through the sacrament of baptism, all individuals past, present, and future are united to each other and to God. Baptisms are conducted during worship with the community present, symbolizing the community’s commitment of ‘love, support, and care’ to the baptized, a promise that stands unconditionally no matter where life takes them.
We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ’s table for the sacrament of Communion.Just as numerous grains of wheat are harvested to create a loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to produce a cup of wine, we, the diverse community of God, unite as one in the body of Christ, which is the church. The act of breaking bread and pouring wine serves as a poignant reminder of the profound sacrifice of Christ and the call to discipleship that encompasses us all. Through breaking bread, we honor and rejoice in the presence of Christ among us, alongside a ‘cloud of witnesses’ – our predecessors, family, and friends who have passed on. This is a profound mystery that we embrace through faith.
We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. “That they may all be one.” (John 17:21) The UCC upholds the motto: “In essentials – unity, in nonessentials – diversity, in all things – charity,” which resonates with fundamental values. This denomination does not adhere to rigid doctrines or strict creeds. Love is its central creed. UCC clergy and educators are recognized for their dedication to theological knowledge, scriptural interpretation, and social justice. Nonetheless, our diversity is embraced, and love and unity remain our most valuable strengths.
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.’
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, …
