Our Beliefs

FCCWS VALUE STATEMENT

We, The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, look toward the future with hope and anticipation, valuing these commitments to guide us on the way:

By God’s grace, we commit ourselves anew… to remember Whose we are, that we might be faithful in worship, study, prayer, care of one another and of the world; To proclaim in word and deed Jesus as the living Christ, God’s love and justice made flesh; To seek God’s way for us by listening for God’s Word in Holy Scriptures, in our rich heritage, in faithful witness, in our evolving human experience, and in the fresh winds of the Holy Spirit.  To act in the freedom of conscience and right of individual discernment, while living out the call to covenantal relationship with one another;   To be a welcoming community where all might know they are accepted and belong, sharing Christ’s open table with open heart;  To spiritually nourish, inspire and keep safe our children and youth in the unfolding journey of their Christian faith;  To lift up our tradition of theological education shared learning and the free exchange of ideas;  To respond with energy, intelligence, imagination and love to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of our congregation in every season and passage of life;  To connect the truth of the Scriptures with our daily lives, highlighting the relevance of faith to all aspects of life and society;  To make real the “priesthood of all believers,” where members of all ages and stages are freed in the Spirit to share their gifts and unique calling in the ministries of Christ;  To partner with others who share a common vision of God’s shalom for this world through ecumenical commitment, witness and ministries;  To risk the reach beyond our own walls in sharing the message of Christ’s love, justice and grace, that lives may be renewed, spirits revived, and the world transformed.

* Endorsed by Church Council 12/18/06 and approved at the Annual Meeting, 1/28/07

FCCWS MISSION STATEMENT

Joined as a congregation through the grace of Jesus Christ, we are called:

to worship God together in wonder and in faith,

to increase our love of God by increasing our love of neighbor,

to connect the stories and truths of Scripture with our daily lives

to open our lives to the transforming power of God’s love,

to follow Christ to the side of those who suffer and despair, and

to welcome all people as children of God.

We invite any who wish to join us, to share in the joys and challenges of this calling.

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 images,
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 you, 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.

For more information on the United Church of Christ, please visit their website at www.ucc.org.