Who Are We?

Our church is a curious and wonderful anomaly: about 100 adult worshipers each Sunday, 175 members, and almost two-thirds of our membership committed and active in a weekly Bible Study. Close to 100 children and youth are valued, participating members of our church family. 

We emphasize the spiritual disciplines of our Christian tradition; in keeping with our Congregationalist heritage we experience the Holy Spirit directing our individual lives and our life together in marvelous ways as we commit to a life of earnest prayer and obedience. The authentic Christian Way is far more demanding than for our members to be told how or what to believe, and we strive to accept the challenges of mind and spirit which wholehearted trust in God keeps requiring of us. We know that Jesus saves, but in ways and to depths which no bumper sticker can begin to express. We are not Bible inerrantists or literalists, yet witness with gratitude the ongoing life-change which daily Bible study and committed small group participation keep bringing. We understand that we are the church and we are the missionaries. We suspect equally the theological fundamentalisms of the Right and the socio-political fundamentalisms of the Left. We strive to be no more or less inclusive than our Savior was and is. We are a member of the United Church of Christ (U.C.C.), though we understand the riches of the gospel very differently from how our denominational leadership does.

The teaching ministry is foundational to us. In addition to our weekly small groups, our church each year offers 6-8 weekend retreats: Men’s Retreat, Women’s Retreat, Prayer 101 and 202 Retreats, separate Bible Study retreats, etc. Our Pastors actively minister to our members through teaching, small groups, mentoring our many extraordinary lay ministers, administration, visitation, to share in and perhaps help further develop the unique opportunities presented by our wedding ministry. New mission opportunities beckon for increased involvement with the Marshallese Island UCC church which worships here each Sunday, as well as in our ongoing hands-on relationship with an orphanage in La Mision, Mexico. Our pastoral staff now consists of a Senior Pastor, (full-time) Youth Ministry Team Leader, Minister of Music, and Pastor of Senior Ministries.

This church enjoys an abundance of extraordinary lay leadership and energy. Our people are generous with their time and treasure. We are blessedly free of church politics and hidden agendas --- and not by accident. Our pastoral staff enjoys and cultivates an uncommon mutual respect and affection. Our worship style is traditional (so far) but intense. Our church membership is activated and annually renewed by our “covenant system” so that our membership roster accurately reflects those who have prayerfully and intentionally committed to this faith family.