New Ark United Church of Christ An "Open and Affirming" and "JustPeace" Congregation
	Beliefs of the United Church of Christ
	The United Church of Christ believes in: Authority of the Scriptures The Bible is the ultimate rule of faith and practice. Doctrinal Freedom Different covenants and confessions of faith are accepted in different congregations. Christian Unity All Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ, and must help each other. The Trinity Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit are one God. God Acting in love, God is ever active in the world. Jesus Christ In Christ, the only head of the church, God has come, conquering sin and reconciling the world to Divine Love. The Holy Spirit God sent the Holy Spirit as the Eternal One's continuing presence and activity in the world. The Church The church consists of a group of people united in Christ through worship, work and witness. Salvation Forgiveness, grace and eternal life are promised to all who have faith. Bearing Witness We must each be disciples, in word and in deed -- the strength of our faith. Redefining Faith Each generation is responsible for re-thinking its beliefs, as God's word unfolds and conditions change. Serving Others The mission of the church is to work for justice for all and to establish God's rule in the world. These beliefs are summed up in the Statement of Faith: 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 the 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. The United Church of Christ recognizes 2 sacraments instituted by Christ: Baptism - Through baptism, persons are joined in faith with Jesus and accepted into the fellowship of the church. The Lord's Supper (or Communion) - The breaking of bread and pouring of "wine" or juice are done in remembrance of Christ's death on the cross and resurrection. At New Ark United Church of Christ, communion is offered on the first Sunday of every month and at religious holidays such as Easter, Christmas, etc. Other special ceremonies include confirmation, marriage, ordination, and burial. Worship Each congregation may practice its own form of worship. Worship may include a statement of faith, scripture reading, anthems, prayers, sermons, and thanksgiving. An example of a typical New Ark United Church of Christ worship service is provided. What it means to belong to the United Church of Christ: Individually Growing in Faith - Members of the UCC try to accept more and more the responsibility of being Christ's disciples. This includes: committing themselves totally to God through Christ and responding in faith and gratitude. Growing in Faith with Others - Members of the UCC try to share their faith more and more with each other. They do this by: gathering together in worship, church activities, and service; supporting each other on the Christian path; and belonging to each other, in the church. Serving the World by Helping Others - The UCC's mission is to bring the Gospel to bear on all situations, both personal and social, by: - helping people in need - building - reconciling - working for justice and peace - healing - teaching Serving in the world by working for Christian Unity - The UCC recognizes that all Christians share the same basic faith; they are one in the body of Christ. The UCC seeks to unite all Christians in effective ministry and mission in Christ's name, while reconciling diversity of work and worship.
Copyright 2002