Note from Rev. Jeanne: Belief is an inevitable focal point in Christianity in the US. That being said, at UCH, we are also interested in values, spiritual transformation, connection with the Divine, community transformation and justice seeking, and pragmatism (ie: what works for the community we are in and what doesn’t). Each of these could have their own pages here. Belief, we have found, is not really enough. But since you are here and interested in what we believe and The Council has asked me to take on the task: here is a summary in the words of the Minister & Teacher.
We believe in a diverse God: Creator, Mother, and resurrected Light of Christ. The best pronoun for God is “They.” The Resurrected Light of Christ guides us in bringing about creative and redemptive life, death, and resurrection work in the world.
We believe that each person is unique and valuable. It is the heart's desire of God that every person feel a sense of belonging. We intentionally enter into covenant and belong to a Beloved Community of faith where we 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 support and care for each other- no matter where we are. We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God, our neighbors, and ourselves. We embrace this journey of deeper relationship intentionally- embodying love, strengthening faith, dissolving shame, and giving life purpose and direction.
We believe that everyone 'belongs body and soul to the Light of Christ.' No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life's journey – notwithstanding race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class, age, ability, or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. Past, present and future – we are connected to each other and to God-especially through the sacrament of baptism. At UCH we are an intentionally "Open and Affirming" Community- we choose to lavishly welcome LGBTQIA+ people. (For more about what it means to be "Open and Affirming" http://openandaffirming.org/ona/why/ ) We are a welcoming congregation. But we are not without healthy boundaries. Don’t come to UCH spouting about your “Freedom of Speech” if it is damaging to the souls of other children of God. We love differences of opinion. But the safety of those who have been traumatized is our priority. (Don’t confuse the discomfort of confronting privilege with real trauma. They are quite different.) As Jesus put it “what you have done for the least of these you do for me.”
We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism is not just an individual commitment. It also 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 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 (that was Paul at his best). The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us that God loves us and calls us out the church doors and into our communities. When we share this spiritual food, we remember and celebrate the presence of God among us along with a 'cloud of witnesses' – our ancestors, family and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery; and we claim it by faith!
UCH is part of the United Church of Christ. We are proud of that. 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. Our overarching creed is "to love." UCC pastors and teachers are known for their commitment to excellence in theological preparation, interpretation of the scripture and justice advocacy. Even so, I believe that love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest assets.
We believe that God calls us to be invested in our communities. We are called to be servants and advocates in the service of others and to be good stewards of our and 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 biblical traditions of the prophets and apostles, God calls the us to speak truth to power, to liberate the oppressed, to care for the poor and to comfort the afflicted.
We believe in the power of peace, and work actively for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international conflicts and disagreements. We also honor the rage at sins of systemic injustice that arise sometimes in protest. (Have you read the Prophets of the Hebrew Bible?) To be abundantly clear- we are a community where Women have agency over our own bodies, and Black Lives Matter. And we are deeply aware of and moving against systemic sins of white privilege, colonialism, corporate greed, victim-victimizer programing, misogyny, lack of integrity, and cisheteropatriarchy of all kinds. We are also engaged in politics while being rooted in our progressive values. And we vote.
We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and church structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear- which is what we are doing now- discerning our place in the 21st Century. For after all, God is still speaking! And as “ Seekers Embracing the Journey” we are working very hard at UCH to listen and act accordingly.
