At First Church we are bound together by covenants not doctrines.  We consider “faith” a verb rather than a noun, a journey rather than a destination.  And we have decided not to travel alone.  There are no tests for membership.  Rather we invite everyone to give testimony to their  convictions. Those who join First Church make a commitment to our local church Covenant, promising to walk together led by the Holy Spirit.  And members give Testimony to God’s deeds and promises using the Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ. We do not have it all figured out, but we share the journey and support each other on the way.

People interested in learning more about the church gather for an INQUIRER’S BREAKFASTS from time to time.  Soon thereafter those who wish to join the church are formally received into membership during Sunday worship.

Sunday, May 20  Reception of Members

Our Covenant

In grateful response to the call of Jesus Christ, we covenant with God and with each other to be a Church of Christ. We bind ourselves, in God’s redeeming Presence, to walk together in ways revealed to us by the Holy Spirit in sacrament and Word, study and prayer, fellowship and mission.

Our Testimony

We give testimony using the “Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ:”

We believe in You, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Lord Jesus Christ and our God, and to Your deeds we testify.

You call the world into being,
create us in Your own image,
and set before us the ways of life and death.

You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge us by Your righteous will
declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,
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 nations.

You call us into Your church
to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be Your servants in the service of humanity,
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 kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto You! Amen.

Membership

Each February we hold a three Sunday nurture series to help all members (especially those considering membership) grow in their knowledge about Christianity, the United Church of Christ and First Church. Prospective and new members are encouraged to attend these Adult nurture sessions.  At any time during the year people interested in becoming a member are encouraged to speak to the pastor.

Member’s File Drawer