About Us

	*Sanctuary* 540-246-4099 United Church of Christ

Member of the United Church of Christ

HISTORY — We are a relatively young congregation, formed in 1993, with this founding Vision Statement:

“We are a community of faith called and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in the way of Jesus, by including all peoples, in all walks and ways of life in our life of worship and celebration, nurture and growth, love and service.”

FREEDOM — This congregation grants to each member the right to her/his individual interpretation of the principles of the Christian faith, and respects each person’s honest convictions. Our Sanctuary Statement of Faith is set forth, not as a test of membership, but rather, as an indication of the values and viewpoint of this community of faith.

UNIQUE TRADITIONS — We are not afraid of change and welcome new ways of being God/de*’s People. (*This spelling of God/de reflects our understanding of the Divine as including both male and female aspects.

Founding Scripture — Ezekiel 17:22-23

"I, the Lord, will take a tender shoot from the top of a tall cedar and plant it... and it shall bring forth boughs and bear fruit, and birds of every feather will find sanctuary in its branches."

Worship Commitment - We are committed to building an intentional community where we extend love and acceptance to each other as well as challenges for growth. We intend to do that to the best of our ability and to accept that gift from each other. If at any time you would prefer not to participate in any part of our worship service, feel free to indicate that and we will do our best to respect your wishes.

Communion — We celebrate 3 cups of communion: The Cup of Baptism which reminds us that we are “beloved children of God/de. The Cup of Milk and Honey and Sweet Bread which is a reminder of the sweetness of God/de’s healing and the traditional Cup of Suffering and Bread of Freedom, which is a gratitude for Jesus’ commitment to showing us the Way of Love.

Offerings — As the offering bowl is passed we place our hand in it as a symbol of offering our whole self to God/de, whether we give money or not.

Circle—We intentionally incorporate the circle into our worship as a symbol of equality and inclusion. All are welcome to be a part of it.

Annual Membership — We don’t have automatic “Lifetime Memberships"! Each person decides each year at the Recommitment Service, whether they want to commit to being a member for the next year.

Inclusion—We are an “open and affirming” congregation that does not exclude on the basis of sexual orientation. We also welcome well-behaved animals to come to worship with their human companions!

Our Af-fur-mation Statement

Informality — We come to worship with respect and reverence, but can do that in either dress or casual clothing.

Interaction — Being together is important to us. We have a potluck meal together on the 3^rd Sunday of the month, quarterly social events, and a biannual Weekend Retreat Sunday where we enjoy inspiration and recreation.

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This site was last updated April, 2008.