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First Congregational UCC

Huntington, West Virginia

What We Believe

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All are Welcome!

Because we believe what The United Church of Christ believes…

We believe everybody is welcome and we are united through God's love.

Justice and Jesus are inseparable.

Our worship is inspired by the belief that God is Still Speaking.

We believe in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

God, the Creator of all that is;

Jesus, the Christ, who bodily rose from the dead and is the only Head of the church;

And the Spirit, who brings forth and sustains God’s creative and redeeming work in the world and in each of us.

We believe every person is created abundantly, unique and valuable.

God intends for each of us to have a family of faith, a spiritual home where we know beyond a shadow of a doubt we are loved and appreciated.

All of us are on a journey, growing closer to God.

As we journey towards God, each of us is on a different leg of the journey.

We believe when we keep seeking God, God can be found. As we experience God, we grow closer to God. Our love grows stronger. Our faith is strengthened. Our guilt is dissolved. Our lives are given meaning and direction.

We believe that every person who has been baptized ‘belongs body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, all are welcome here.

Notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong.

ALL OF US.

Baptized into Christ’s family past, present and future. We are connected to each other through the sacrament of baptism. At Generations, we baptize during worship when the whole community can be present because baptism not only symbolizes God’ welcoming you into the family – it also includes the community’ promise to you of ‘love, support and care’ for the life of the church. We promise we won’ let you down. No matter where life takes you…you always belong.

We believe everyone is invited to Christ’ table to partake of the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Through the breaking of bread and the sharing of wine, we remember the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. And we are called to share that sacrifice through discipleship.

Three famous UCC mottos that continue to persevere because they speak about some very important foundational principles that we cannot live without. The UCC doesn’t insist that everyone thinks or believes exactly the same about everything. There is no rigid doctrinal stance or covenant to a creed or set structure. The UCC’ only creed is love.

Pastors and teachers in the UCC are known for their rigorous and excellent theological preparation, interpretation of scripture and advocacy for justice. Despite our imperfections, our love for each other in the midst of our diversity is our greatest strength.

We believe God calls us to servant leadership and responsible stewardship of the world God has given us.

“To believe is to care; to care is to do.”

We believe in spreading the LOVE of Christ by working towards PEACE on Earth.

Last but definitely not least…

We believe in POSSIBILITY.

We are a place where YOU have the freedom to ask questions and discover what you believe.

Where congregations can be theological dreamers AND doers.

Where church structures give us room to explore AND hear…

because God IS still speaking.

Come and see for yourself! 
UCC Website
Soundbowls2

We use Singing Bowls

Legend has it that singing bowls or Himalayan/Tibetan bowls were created over 2,500 years ago in Nepal, Tibet, and India. They may have been created as food bowls but artisans quickly realized they were particularly useful tools when it came to sound quality and spirituality.

Sound Bowls in Christianity
Singing bowls have never been known to have any religious or spiritual connection to Western Christianity. However, the physics of singing bowls produce virtually the same exact sounds as church bells. Church bells have historically been tolled in order to bring people together to worship.

Today singing bowls are often used by churches and Christian organizations to center during times of prayer.

Christian Church Bells
Church bells have been used for hundreds of years to gather people together to worship. Church bells produce a very low sound that you can hear from miles away.

Bowls and Bells in Christianity
Much like church bells, sound bowls produce a clear and harmonic sound when used. When used in a Christian setting, many of the benefits are the same.

Uses
Creation of a Meditation or Silence: Bells and bowls can create a serene environment that is perfect for meditation or silent prayer.

Helps with Prayer: The sound of bells help some people focus when praying.

Centering: Bowls and bells produce similar sounds that allow users to feel more centered.

Join Our Family of Faith Today

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
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