|
Our Church :
About Our Church
What Makes New Hope Unique
We are a church that defines its growth by giving generously to a
variety of ministries and missions. People are attracted to our sense of
Christian commitment and friendly worship environment. In addition to our
focus on mission is also a strong emphasis on meaningful preaching and spirit–centered worship. Children are active in worship and we have a
“cutting edge” Christian education program.
Begin by worshipping with us and see if the spirit “calls” you to
membership. If you feel “called”, contact the Pastor and express a desire
to join our “Family of Faith.” What We Believe
We believe in the triune God: Creator, resurrected
Christ, the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and
brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.
We believe that each person is unique and valuable: It is the
will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they
have a strong sense of being valued and loved. We believe that each
person is on a spiritual journey and that each of us is at a
different stage of that journey. We believe that the persistent
search for God produces an authentic relationship with God,
engendering love, strengthening faith, dissolving guilt, and giving life
purpose and direction. We believe that all of the baptized 'belong
body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.' No matter
who - no matter what - no matter where we are on life's journey -
notwithstanding race, gender, sexual orientation, class or creed - we
all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All
persons baptized - past, present and future - are connected to each
other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize
during worship when the community is present because baptism includes
the community's promise of' love, support and care' for the baptized -
and we promise that we won't take it back - no matter where your journey
leads you. W believe that all people of faith are invited to join
Christ at Christ's table for the sacrament of Communion. Just
as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many
grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God,
are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of
bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ's
sacrifice and the discipleship to which we are all called. In the
breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ's presence among us
along with a 'cloud of witnesses' - our ancestors, family, and friends
who have gone before us. It is a great mystery; we claim it by
faith. We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting
church. "That they may all be one." (John 17:21) "In
essentials - unity, in nonessentials-diversity, in all things - charity,
"These UCC mottos survive because they touch core values deep within us.
The UCC has no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or
structures. Its overarching creed is love. UCC pastors and
teachers are known for their commitment to excellence in theological
preparation, interpretation of the scripture and justice advocacy.
Even so, love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest
assets. We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service
of others and to be good stewards of the earth's resources.
'To believe is to care, to care is to do.' We believe that the UCC
is called to be a prophetic church. As in the tradition of the
prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power,
liberate the oppressed, care for the poor, and comfort the afflicted.
We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent
solutions to local, national, and international problems. We are a
people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and
structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear ... for after
all, God is still speaking, ... United Church of Christ Statement
of Faith
Adapted by Robert V. Moss We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit,
who is made known to us in Jesus, our brother, and to whose deeds we
testify. God calls the worlds into being; creates humankind in the
divine image; and sets before us the ways of life and death. God
seeks in holy love to save all people form aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness
declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man
of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared
our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole
creation to its Creator. God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant
faithful people of all ages, tongues and races. God calls us into the
church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship; to be servants in the
service of the whole human family; to proclaim the gospel to all the
world and resist the powers of evil; to share Christ's baptism and eat
at his table; and to join him in his passion and victory. God
promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness
of grace; courage in the struggle for justice and peace; the presence of
the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing; and eternal life in that kingdom
which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God
Reverend James Hill
262.677.3371 |
