What Matters to Us

UCC churches express God’s extravagant welcome in a variety of ways. Our welcome embraces both those we invite to participate in our congregations, as well as those outside the church, with whom we work for God’s justice and compassion. That is our prayer, our hope.

Who is welcome? Our churches are among those whose doors are open to God’s children of different cultures, races, genders, ages, sexual orientations, abilities, economic situations, and theological traditions. It isn’t always easy to be so open. Each UCC congregation prayerfully discerns and expresses how wide their doors and arms are open. Some state it this way, “We are a multicultural and multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, and just peace church.” Wow, that’s a mouthful, but check out the links to those words to discover the meaning, heart, and history behind the terms.

Once one enters the door, it’s not a matter of “sit back, be quiet, speak only as we do.” You, your heart’s questions and your gifts, are vital to the congregation. Both we and you grow together in faith and witness. Your distinct story of faith joins with centuries of stories that make up the Church, and specifically the United Church of Christ. In God’s grace, you change: we change. We make a holy difference in each other’s lives, and, together, in the world.

In gratitude, because God welcomes us, we are called to make bold stands. In behalf of and along with those who remain oppressed, suffering, alienated, and poor in God’s world, we speak and act . “It’s not an extravagant welcome to an ‘anything-goes’ religion, a comfortable form of Christianity, but to a costly form of discipleship,” says John Thomas, current president and general minister of the UCC. Thomas calls this kind of discipleship “evangelical courage.” It’s the other side of the “extravagant welcome” coin. You see this risky faith expressed throughout our history that at times has been hidden. Inspired by God’s gift of hospitality, we work for God’s welcoming world of love and justice.