FAITH

This church acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of Humanity. It acknowledges as brothers and sisters in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two Sacraments: Baptism, and the Lord's Supper of Holy Communion.

In expressing this faith, this church acknowledges the right of each individual to interpret the Word of God according to the dictates of his/her own conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

One expression of this faith is:

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST - STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit,
God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God,
and to your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being,
created persons in your own image,
and set before each one the ways of life and death.

You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,
you have come to us
and shared our common lot,
conquering sin and death
and reconciling the world to yourself.

You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,
binding in covenant faithful people of all ages,
tongues, and races.

You call us into your church
to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be your servants in the service of others,
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.

You promise to all who trust you
forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
your presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.
Amen.*

*Approved by the Second General Synod of the United Church of Christ held in Oberlin, Ohio, July 5-9, 1959.

PILGRIM COVENANT STATEMENT
Article IV, section 2

We covenant with the Lord
and with one another --
to walk together as a community
of Christ inspired people,
and through word,
sacrament,
service,
and fellowship
to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ,
in our church,
our community
and our world. Amen.