OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
First Congregational United Church of Christ
An Open and Affirming Congregation in an Open and Affirming Denomination
Our Story
The Church is a young, independent, growing church. We started with a small group of people who came together out of a shared desire to create a different kind of church—a church that was not defined by a specific place or a specific gathering time, but by a group of people living out the truth of God’s Word by modeling grace, and by loving and serving others.. Part of our journey has included meeting in other church buildings, a hotel and a school building. This is one reason we call ourselves a “Church Without Walls.” Also, we believe that WE are the church. We believe we are to represent Christ to everyone we meet, wherever and whenever we are provided the opportunity.
It is our desire to intentionally and directly work alongside other churches in our community to take the message of Jesus out to meet people where they are. We are uniquely equipped and have the flexibility to support this effort as we do not have to support the financial obligations and time to care for a facility. These resources allow us to have gatherings out in the community.
Our Purpose
We believe that the Holy Spirit regenerates and forever indwells all Christians. Either subsequently or at the same moment, Jesus Christ baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit to empower believers for ministry and witness. We also believe that signs and wonders, as well as all the gifts of the Spirit described in the New Testament, are operative today and are designed to testify to the presence of the kingdom and to empower and edify the church to fulfill its calling and mission. These gifts are subject to judging and are to confirm, and never supersede, what has been revealed in the Bible. Joel 2:28; Matthew 3:11; John 1:12-13; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:14-16; John 7:37-39; Romans 8:9; 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 14:29; Eph 1:13-14; 5:18.
Our Mission Statement
As a welcoming, intergenerational church, we seek to honor God by loving and serving others in his name,
exemplify and promote the life and teachings of Jesus Christ; accept and respect all;
and provide a safe and dynamic environment of spiritual growth.