What We Believe
At the heart of our faith is the belief that God is still speaking—calling us to live with compassion, courage, and love in an ever-changing world. As a progressive Christian community, we are rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit, and committed to justice, peace, and radical welcome.
Our beliefs reflect the core values of the United Church of Christ: the sacred worth of every person, the unity of all God’s people, and the call to be faithful stewards of creation. We honor the wisdom of Scripture, the richness of tradition, and the ongoing revelation of God’s presence in our lives today.
Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
God: Creator, Christ and Spirit
We believe in the Triune God—Creator, resurrected Christ (the sole Head of the church), and the Holy Spirit—who together bring about God’s creative and redemptive work in the world.
We believe in one God who is still speaking—active, creative, and full of love. God is the source of all life and is known through Jesus Christ, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and our lived experience.
2 Corinthians 13:14
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Ephesians 4:6
“One God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
John 14:26
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Human Dignity and Belonging
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 are loved, supported, and seen.
We affirm that no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you belong to God and to the body of Christ.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 12:5
“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
Spiritual Journey
We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.
The ongoing search for God creates a deepening relationship that transforms guilt into grace and gives life purpose and direction.
Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another.”
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Baptism
We believe that all of the baptized belong—body and soul—to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Baptism connects us to one another and to God through grace. It is celebrated in the community as a lasting covenant of love, support, and care.
Romans 6:4
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Galatians 3:27
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Colossians 2:12
“You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Communion
We believe that all people of faith are invited to Christ’s table.
In the breaking of bread and the sharing of the cup, we remember Christ’s presence and are made one body—the Church.
1 Corinthians 10:16–17
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Unity and Diversity
We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church.
We cherish unity in essentials, diversity in expression, and love in all things. We believe that love is greater than doctrine.
Ephesians 4:1–3
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Romans 15:7
“Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 12:4–6
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… the same Lord… the same God who inspir“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one.”es them all in every one.”
Service and Stewardship
We believe God calls us to serve others and to care for the Earth.
“To believe is to care; to care is to do.” We respond to God’s grace through acts of love, service, and environmental stewardship.
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another.”
Matthew 25:40
“As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”
1 Peter 4:10
“As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Prophetic Witness
We believe the church is called to speak truth to power and liberate the oppressed.
We follow in the footsteps of the prophets and apostles to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Luke 4:18–19
“The Spirit “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim release to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.”
James 1:27
“Religion that is pure and undefiled bef“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”ore God… is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction…”
Peace and Justice
We believe in the power of peace and the pursuit of nonviolence.
As followers of Christ, we work toward peace in our hearts, our communities, and the world.
Romans 12:18
“If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.”
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Open to God’s Voice
We are a people of possibility, believing that God is still speaking.
In every generation, the Spirit invites us into deeper truth, broader welcome, and faithful action.
John 16:13
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Romans 8:14
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”