Core Beliefs
Grace United Church of Christ Welcoming Covenant
Grace United Church of Christ strives to be an Open and Affirming Christian community that welcomes and affirms all people in all ways. It is a place where love binds us together in the tapestry of life. We affirm our Still-Speaking God ministering to and with all of God’s children, including all ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and differing abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we believe in the triune God?
A: Yes – Creator God, three-in-one; resurrected Christ, the Head of the Church; and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.
For an excerpt about God as “Father,” click here.
Q: Do we believe that each person is unique and valuable?
A: Yes – God created each individual as they are, to belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved. We live out our motto which says: “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” To that end we answered God’s call to make a public covenant which is as follows:
Grace United Church of Christ Welcoming Covenant
Grace United Church of Christ strives to be an Open and Affirming Christian community that welcomes and affirms all people in all ways. It is a place where love binds us together in the tapestry of life. We affirm our Still-Speaking God ministering to and with all of God’s children, including all ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and differing abilities.
Q: Do we believe that each person is on a spiritual journey?
A: Yes – Each person is on this journey, at their own pace, and, as people of God, we supportively encourage each other along the journey.
Q: Do we believe that a persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God?
A: Yes – The relationship produces love, strengthens faith, dissolves guilt, and gives life purpose and direction.
Q: Do we believe that “all who are baptized belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?”
A: Yes – No matter who… No matter what… No matter where we are on life’s journey, notwithstanding race, gender, sexual orientation, class or creed, we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community’s promise of love, supportive prayers, and care for the baptized.
Q: Do we believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ’s table for the sacrament of Communion?
A: Yes – 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, likewise we, the many people of God are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ’s sacrifice and the discipleship to which we all are called. In Communion, we remember and celebrate Christ’s presence among us along with a “cloud of witnesses” – our ancestors, family, and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery that we claim it by faith.
Q: Do we believe that the United Church of Christ is called to be a united and uniting church?
A: Yes – “That they all may be one.” (John 17:21) “In essentials unity, in nonessentials diversity, in all things charity.” These UCC mottos are timeless because they touch a core value deep within us. The UCC has no rigid doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures, Its overarching creed is love. UCC pastors and teachers are well-known for their commitment to excellence in theological preparation, interpretation of the scripture and justice advocacy. Even so, the supremacy of love and unity in the midst of our diversity are among our greatest assets.
Q: Do we believe that God calls us to be servants in the service to others?
A: Yes – God wants us to be good stewards of one another and the earth’s resources. ‘To believe is to care, to care is to do.’
Q: Do we believe that the UCC is called upon to be a prophetic church?
A: Yes – As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, to liberate the oppressed, to care for the poor, and to comfort the afflicted.
Q: Do we believe in the power of peace?
A: Yes – The UCC works for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.
Q: Do we believe that we are a people of possibility?
A: Yes – In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear … after all, we do believe that God is still speaking.