Old South Church’s Welcome Statement              

We here at Old South Church, UCC experience a sense of homecoming and love within our community. Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Although we may hold differing opinions, we feel called to invite all people to join us in seeking God. Therefore we welcome, respect, support, and lovingly encourage all people of every race, ethnicity, creed, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, personal past, and physical and mental ability to join us on our journey of faith. God loves us, thus we covenant together not to be silent in the face of prejudice, injustice, and exclusion, but to express our faith, in word and deed, working for justice for all humanity. We are open and affirming of everyone.

 

We are the United Church of Christ, where God is still speaking,

Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not.

We believe in God's continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. We are an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,

Never place a period where God has placed a comma. We believe the church's mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Isn't it time for religion with relevance? You're invited. Join us in the United Church of Christ. For more information visit the national 
United Church of Christ Website.

United Church of Christ Statement of FaithWe believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:

He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.

He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.

He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.

He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him.

Amen.

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