United Church of Christ Statement of Faith

[In the form of a doxology, or statement of praise]

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, create 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.

Our Open & Affirming (ONA) Statement

Adopted 2018

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. - John 13:34


"We the members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ value and welcome a diverse congregation. We believe all persons are created in God’s image and are loved, valued and blessed equally by God. We celebrate everyone including people of all ages, races, cultures, sexual orientation, gender identities and expressions, family configuration, economic circumstances, physical, cognitive or emotional abilities, education, or spiritual and religious traditions. We hereby declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, that all persons are invited to fully share and participate in leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family."


We strive to demonstrate in all ways that “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” We commit to the ongoing work of an Open and Affirming congregation, trusting in God’s grace and guidance from the Holy Spirit to fulfill this affirmation.


We encourage each other to bring questions, experience joy, feel included, and be part of something greater than ourselves. Learn more about the United Church of Christ.


Visit our ONA page.