WHAT WE BELIEVE

WE BELIEVE

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. “Love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest assets.”

 

Along with the United Church of Christ, the Church of the Good Shepherd, UCC, has a long history of working for justice for all. One of our strongest justice endeavors has been standing with our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers and advocating their full inclusion in church and society through our Open and Affirming policies.

 

We are invested in caring for our neighbors from different backgrounds and cultures, including immigrants and asylum seekers. We are continuously finding ways to engage in the immigrant justice movement. Along the way, we’re experiencing how amazing it is to see how walls and barriers are broken down when people meet face to face and when we become more educated and begin looking for solutions.

God is still speaking! “When an immigrant resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the immigrant. The immigrant who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the immigrant as yourself, for you were an immigrant in the land of Egypt.” (Jewish and Christian Tradition, Leviticus 19:33-34)

PLAN A VISIT

OUR MISSION

We welcome into the full life and ministry of our church all those who seek Truth through Christ’s teachings. We recognize the diversity of human nature as a part of God’s universal plan and affirm all families and relationships founded on love, respect, responsibility, and trust.

OUR VISION

"We believe there is still more light and truth  to break forth from God's holy word." We don’t all believe the same things – and we celebrate that! Each of us is on our own journey of faith, seeking to serve God, and walk in the ways of Jesus Christ through word and deed, as best we can. 

OUR VALUES

We believe in a united and uniting church. “In essentials–unity, in nonessentials–diversity, in all things–charity,” These mottos touch core values deep within us. Our creed is an overarching creed of love. To quote our good friend, Shawn Drumgoole, "If it ain't love, it ain't God."

Progressive & Diverse 

We are a progressive, diverse community of faith, friendship, and service. We are a member-led congregation. The Church Council oversees the life and ministry of the church on behalf of the congregation. Comprised of Officers, Ministry Team Leaders, and Members at Large, the Church Council is elected by the congregation during our annual June meeting, 

Open and Affirming

We recognize the diversity of human nature as a part of God’s universal plan and affirm all families and relationships founded on love, respect, responsibility, and trust. We don’t all believe the same things – and we celebrate that! Each of us is on a journey of faith, seeking to serve God and walk in the ways of Jesus Christ as best we can. Our lives lead us down different paths.

Justice and Equality 

As part of the United Church of Christ, we claim our place as a church of firsts; weaving God’s message of hope and extravagant welcome with action for justice and peace. We are a church where Jesus the healer meets Jesus the revolutionary and where we grow a just and peaceful world together. Our history and endeavors for justice and equality continue to effect change in our communities. 

SIGN UP FOR OUR MID-WEEK MESSAGE

Stay up to date with everything that is happening at Church of the Good Shepherd, UCC