What We Believe
What We Believe
We believe all are welcome and united by God’s love. For The United Church of Christ, Justice and Jesus are inseparable. Our daily worship is anchored by the belief that God is still speaking.
Our Beliefs
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.’ 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. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community’s promise of ‘love, support and care’ for the baptized – and we promise that we won’t take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.
We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ’s table for the sacrament of Communion. Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ’s sacrifice and the discipleship to which we are all called. In the breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ’s presence among us along with a ‘cloud of witnesses’ – our ancestors, family and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery; we claim it by faith.
We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. “That they may all be one.” (John 17:21) “In essentials–unity, in nonessentials–diversity, in all things–charity,” These UCC mottos survive because they touch core values deep within us. 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 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,…
Local Churches Are At the Center
As stated in our constitution, the basic unit of the life and organization of the United Church of Christ is the Local Church. A Local Church is composed of persons who believe in the triune God, accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit; Local churches are organized for Christian worship, the furtherance of Christian fellowship and for the ongoing work of Christian witness.
Covenants to Build a Just World for All
Eight UCC Just World Covenant programs – like disability ministries, immigrant welcoming and open and affirming (LGBTQ) – are made available for local churches to strengthen their commitment to building a just world for all through their ministry, mission, and witness. The UCC’s covenant programs are a unique opportunity to grow in spirit and vitality for the transformation of the world.
Become an Affiliated Church
We welcome your inquiry into the process of your congregation affiliating with the United Church of Christ. Please contact us to learn more about the process and next steps. Please contact Rev. Dr. Chris Davies and Rev. Dr. Aaron B. Wade to learn more about the process and next steps.
Daily Devotional
Created by the Still Speaking Writer’s Group by The Pilgrim Press, the Daily Devotional grounds our daily faith.
Daily Devotional for Small Group Discussion: By Any Other Name
Discussion Questions Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans and have prevailed.” – Genesis 32:28 (NRSV) There are over a dozen instances in the Bible…
Liturgical Calendar
A Church of Extravagant Welcome, Seeking a Just and Peaceful World
The twelve days of the Christmas season celebrating the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us. The stories tell of the God of all born into a poor family, travelers in need of shelter. We ponder the mystery of how this can be; we celebrate as we seek the presence of God in our world, surprising us with possibility. Traditional liturgical colors have suggested light—white or gold—but expanding the festive color palette is appropriate for the celebration.
Find a welcoming church near you.
You’ll find a broad range of cultures and styles in our united and uniting church, and there is a place for you. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
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